Good morning, Rockford.

Rockford City Market, at the corner of East State and Water, is hosting its final 'make up' event 'One Last Run' indoors today at 4 p.m. in partnership with the Verus Run Club—offering 1-, 2- and 3-mile runs, local vendors and live music.

More than 100 community members gathered at Loves Park City Hall Friday night for the 31st annual POW/MIA Candlelight Remembrance Ceremony - retired Air Force Major General John Borling spoke about honoring service members missing in action and their families seeking closure.

Rockford volunteers are invited to help at Santa’s Workshop for Stroll on State where crews repair & create holiday decorations.

The workshop at 310 South Winnebago St. operates on Tuesdays from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, with additional volunteer tasks planned for Nov. 21 and 22.

The Family Peace Center will host its sixth annual Race to End Domestic Violence this weekend at Sugar River Raceway, where go-kart races reaching speeds up to 40 mph will raise funds to support survivors (limited seating is available).

A memorial golf outing at Mauh-Nah-Tee-See Club honored local musician Daniel McMahon, who passed from esophageal cancer in 2024, and raised awareness for the disease with live music, a pig roast, and supporters arriving from across the country.

Winnebago County Animal Services launched its 'Empty the Shelter' event Friday in Rockford to ease a high cat population & offer adoption fees of $5 for adult cats and $30 for kittens.

All cats are spayed or neutered and come with required vaccines and microchipping.

Rockford Public Library hosts Corrido (A Narrative of Traditional Mexican Ballads) free event on Sept.

24 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the JR Sullivan Theater at its Nordlof Center, featuring 10 local accordionists and bilingual explanations in partnership with digital artist Vic Rivera and nonprofit La Onda.

Highland Community College dedicated the Switzer Family Research Farm on Thursday — honoring a multi-generational farming legacy in Freeport — to give students hands-on experience with modern irrigation and equipment on its 13-acre facility.

Utility work is set to begin Monday on East State Street between 9th + Summit and will lead to lane closures that may delay commuters.

City officials expect the project to finish by Oct. 9.

Winnebago County recorded 140 accidental overdose deaths from 2019-2024, the highest rate according to CDC data, but local officials say current deaths have declined due to expanded education and improved naloxone availability; health officials will monitor emerging synthetic drugs like fentanyl and nitazenes to protect residents.

Rockford chapter of TOPS, a nonprofit weight-loss group, welcomes locals to free weekly meetings that focus on balanced eating and exercise for lasting healthy habits.

The group offers practical guidance such as learning proper portion sizes during its supportive sessions.

Urban Equity Properties is redeveloping downtown properties to add 142 units, retail and restaurants.

The News Tower (99 E. State St.) will break ground later this year with residents arriving by late fall, while construction on Rever’s Marina (220 N. Water St.) is set to begin late 2027.