Good morning, Rockford.

The Veteran’s Drop-In Center hosted a prime rib dinner (1539 S.

4th Street) on Monday, Jan. 26 at 4 p.m. to thank local veterans, and the center remains fully open after renovations to meet health standards.

UAW Local 1268 President Matt Frantzen announced a possible seven-month delay in reopening the Belvidere Assembly plant, noting production might start in June 2028 (retooling could begin in June 2026 or January 2027).

Stellantis has not provided further details, and updates will come from UAW 1268.

Candy Cloud broke ground on its first standalone storefront in Machesney Park — the new site at 173 West Lane Road will add a drive thru and dirty sodas to its menu and is expected to open in May.

A report by the Union of Concerned Scientists finds data centers will drive 72% of increased electricity demand by 2030 and add $37 billion in costs over 25 years.

State lawmakers will consider legislation requiring data centers to secure their own carbon free power & ease rising prices.

RAMM will host its 45th Annual Scholarship Celebration on Feb.

27 from 6-9 p.m. at the Tebala Event Center in Rockford, where founders will be honored + 36 students will receive scholarships.

Teachers at West Middle School reported severe staffing shortages as 469 students lacked certified math instruction and classes were combined due to departures, and district officials plan to offer a $6,000 hiring bonus as well as training programs to help improve retention (teachers say burnout is worsening their workload).

Local school districts are taking extra steps by using winter fuel additives & engine warming techniques on buses to prevent fuel gel-up amid extreme cold.

Transportation officials have also adjusted pickup times to ensure students wait for the bus for a shorter time when temperatures drop below 15 degrees.

City of Rockford is conducting the federal Annual Point in Time Count for homelessness from 3 p.m. Jan.

26 until 3 p.m. Jan. 27, surveying both sheltered and unsheltered individuals across Boone, Winnebago, and DeKalb counties.

Rock River Valley Blood Center hosts the 'Save a Life, Rockford' blood drive on Wednesday, Jan.

28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 727 1st Avenue & supported by local police and fire departments, asking community members to donate to ease the critical blood shortage.

Machesney Park's planning and zoning commission approved Next Generation’s proposal for 63 apartments at 7755 N.

Perryville Rd pending final board approval on Feb. 2 (construction may begin in the first half of 2026).

The median home price in Winnebago County for December was $230,000 (a 4.2% drop from November) with properties averaging 1,604 sqft at $133 per sqft.

New listings increased by 7.1% to 182, and homes spent 48 days on the market compared to 73 nationally.

Susan Nelson – Soprano Performance

7:30-10:00 p.m. — Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the powerful and sensitive performances of soprano Susan Nelson as she celebrates women composers.

Ernie Hendrickson Band Tribute to The Grateful Dead

8-10 p.m. — The Music Box — Ticket info available — Join Ernie Hendrickson Band for a nostalgic tribute to The Grateful Dead.

AHL All Star Classic

1-9 p.m. — BMO Center — Ticket prices vary — Cheer on top hockey players as they showcase their skills at this all-star event.

Galentine's Pop-Up

4-8 p.m. — Rockford City Market — Free entry — Celebrate friendship with themed drinks and local vendors for a fun Galentine's get-together.

Valentine's Day Ski-Plane Fly-In

5 PM — Midtown District — Free entry — Enjoy a winter cookout with lots of fun and ski planes at Cottonwood Airport.

Dexter Patterson Meet & Greet and Book Signing

3-7 p.m. — RPL Nordlof Center — Free for general admission; VIP tickets available — Celebrate Black History Month with author Dexter Patterson sharing his passion for birding and signing his new book.

An Evening with Laid Back Country Picker

7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Music Box — Cost not specified — A unique concert blending country rock with a powerful duo performance.