Good morning, Rockford.

Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois celebrates 90 years of service and will open its newest store in Woodstock later this month - a milestone that highlights its mission to help local residents secure jobs and education.

Curran’s Orchard invites locals to enjoy fall fun with apple cider and changing leaves.

It is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday at 6385 Kilburn Ave (Rockford).

The popular Ogle County Farm Stroll returns on Sunday, Oct.

11, giving families a free, self-guided tour of 10 farms (from apple picking to syrup making) that runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. rain or shine.

ComEd built a new substation that will supply 44 megawatts to Walmart’s 1.2 million sqft perishable distribution center in Belvidere, set to open in 2027.

Local officials say the extra power can support future projects (bringing more jobs and economic growth).

The Rockford Housing Authority moved its free Career Launch series to the Human Services building at 223 S.

Winnebago St. in Rockford; sessions start on Oct. 7, Oct. 14, and Oct. 21—offering resume assistance, interview tips, and job connections for local job seekers.

Rockford City Council approved a tourism agreement among Rockford, Loves Park, South Beloit and Cherry Valley that adds a hotel fee, extended GoRockford’s operations to 2032, and backed a new North Main Street apartment complex featuring shared living and commercial space at a council meeting.

Four Rockford TV stations and the local mass-transit agency collected $38,302.44 in ad dollars for Fiscal Year 2026 under a new state transparency law, with WTVO-TV receiving the largest share; filings from Monday, Oct.

5 show payments made by state agencies.

Kim White, a Rockford caregiver, found relief by using Road Scholar’s Caregiver Grant, which gives up to $2,000 toward immersive learning adventures for caregivers 50 and older.

She took her well-deserved break in Arizona + felt recharged and ready to care for her family.