Good morning, Rockford.

Rockford's Tour de North End will be held Sept.

27 and will feature live music, local stops, and prizes to promote bicycle safety in North End. Participants will register at the Olympic Tavern from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — then ride to over 15 stops while enjoying the block party rain or shine.

Residents can nominate a community leader or group for the Excalibur and Excelsior Awards by Oct.

1 so that outstanding service is recognized. Award winners will be celebrated on Dec. 11 — an event that honors those who help build Rockford.

Farmer Holly Wiltfang said her dad John Wakeley was hit by a driver coming head-on while he drove his tractor-pulling chopper during National Farm Safety and Health Week — his tire tractor came off the shoulder and both were okay as local officials urge drivers to slow down near farm equipment.

Midway Village Museum will host World War II Days on Sept.

27+28 at 6799 Guilford Road with reenactments, battles, lectures and vintage military vehicles from nine nations. The event will feature narrated battles, pyrotechnics and live music while tickets range from $20 for adults to free for children under 5 and discounted rates for veterans+ active duty military.

Poetically Yours showcased northern Illinois poems and featured Gary Brussé from Boise, Idaho.

The Applications Programmer, who lives with his partner Rebecca and two Pembroke Welsh Corgis—Scooter and Olive, shared his poem 'Where, My Friend, Has The Time Gone?' published on September 22nd, reflecting on the passage of time and deep connections with his dogs.

A Rockford investor from Main Street Financial said that the upcoming Federal Reserve interest rate cut will lower borrowing costs to help homebuyers, businesses, and investors—although it may reduce CD returns for savers.

Rockford City Council passed an agreement on Monday with Winnebago County to transfer a nearly 300-foot tower on North Main Street—this move will give emergency services direct control over its public safety communications.

The county will keep ownership of the land while the city makes necessary modifications to improve emergency response.

ABC announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live will resume today after a suspension and Turning Point USA urged affiliates to consider not airing it—Andrew Kolvet said Nexstar and Sinclair can opt out of carrying the show.

Nexstar has not yet determined whether it will bring the program back.

The new ramp at Interstate 39 and U.S. 20 is set to open today and into Wednesday morning as part of a $44.2 million project in Cherry Valley — drivers are warned to expect delays while IDOT shifts traffic during ongoing improvements.

In 2024, the U.S. suicide rate hit a 70 year high with nearly 15 deaths per 100,000 people as data showed a steady rise in these struggles.

Loni Nolte from Mindful Matters and Matthew Buckley of No Fallen Heroes noted that veterans were hit hard—over 160,000 have died by suicide since 9/11—and urged people to use the 988 hotline for immediate help.

The Harlem Globetrotters will dazzle fans at 7 p.m. on December 29 at the BMO Center located at 300 Elm Street in Rockford as part of their 100 Year Tour with a game against the Washington Generals, new pre-game events, and surprises like the Golden Basketball by Spalding—tickets are available starting at $50.

Rockford police and firefighters will box each other for charity at Hard Rock Live on Nov.

1. The event — known as the Rockford Hero Rumble — will feature six bouts among local teams and raise money for the Carrie Lynn Children’s Center.

Trail Mix Off-Road Duathlon and Mountain Bike Race

2-8 p.m. — Atwood Park Trail System — Registration required — Compete in duathlon and mountain bike races while enjoying food and drinks from local vendors.

Lola Blu & the Boys Live Performance

8 PM – 12 AM — Grand Avenue Pub — Check local listings for ticket details — Experience Lola Blu's captivating blend of country and southern rock at this lively pub venue.

Rock River Valley Video Game Convention

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Riverview Inn & Suites — Ticket prices vary — Experience a day of gaming fun at the Rockford area's premier video game convention.

Broadway And Beyond

7:30-9 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — $35-85 — Experience Broadway hits with star Ben Crawford in an unforgettable evening.

An Evening with Miles & Kelly

7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Music Box — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of music, stories, and improvisation from Miles Nielsen & Kelly Steward.