Good morning, Rockford.

Rockford University is presenting plays written by teenagers as part of the nationwide Enough Plays to End Gun Violence project, tonight at 7 p.m. in the Cheek Theater.

The free event is supported by local groups—League of Women Voters and Moms Demand Action and aims to give youth a voice in addressing gun violence.

Rockford teens will train in sound, lighting and stagecraft at a winter camp hosted by Hard Rock Casino and Rock & Roll Institute on Jan 2nd, 2026—held on the Rockford LIVE stage where they will gain real-world skills in music production and creative arts.

In the 2023-24 school year, 43% of 43,057 students in Winnebago County schools identified as white, with 18,522 white students — including 6,897 in Rockford School District 205.

The state budgeted $8.6 billion for K-12 education, a $350 million increase over FY 2024.

State Rep. John M. Cabello urged calm after reports of clashes occurred outside a federal immigration facility in Broadview—he said law enforcement should let trained agents do their job.

He asked ICE supporters to stay home so officials can work safely to calm the situation.

Illinois’ 35th Senate District will receive over $300 million for road and bridge upgrades in 2026—this funding from IDOT’s Multi-Year Road Program aims to improve travel safety and strengthen local infrastructure through 2031.

Illinois has launched a $50.6 billion, six-year plan to improve roads, bridges, aviation, transit and waterways across the state — Gov. JB Pritzker said the program will include $400 million for 223 local projects and upgrade thousands of lane miles and millions of square feet of bridge deck to help disadvantaged communities. The plan is the largest infrastructure effort in state history and is set to support updates in communities from Chicago to Rockford.

Rockford Fire will take over 911 dispatching for Durand, Pecatonica and Shirland starting November 1—state law changes and a phased-out system forced local fire districts to switch providers as approved by Rockford City Council.

Renovation work began at Beyer Stadium at Maybelle Blair Park in south Rockford after a ceremonial groundbreaking on Oct.

6, 2025—attended by sports leaders and 98-year-old icon Maybelle Blair—marking the start of a $30 million, three-part project that will add modern facilities and finish in 2026. Local construction crews have already removed old fencing and turf and installed new restrooms as they upgrade the historic field for the future of women’s baseball.

Shovels hit the ground Monday morning at Beyer Stadium as the IWBC launched the first phase of a three-phase, $31 million project to renovate the historic ballpark and create Maybelle Blair Park—an outdoor museum and green space honoring women’s baseball—in time for the 2026 Women’s Baseball World Cup.

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.

Herbie Hancock Performance

7-10 p.m. — Rockford Casino — Ticket prices vary — Experience jazz legend Herbie Hancock in an evening of musical mastery.

Rockford Poké Fest

10 a.m.-6 p.m. — Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront — $5 Adult Admission — Celebrate Pokémon with family-friendly activities and fun for all ages.

Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Tribute

7-10 p.m. — Rockford Casino — Tickets required — Experience the powerful tribute to Led Zeppelin with Jason Bonham at the Rockford Casino.

Halloween Night with Taboo Blah Blah

8-11 p.m. — The Music Box — Check website for tickets — Enjoy an evening of rhythmic sounds and heartfelt songwriting with local band Taboo Blah Blah.

An Evening with Long-Shot

8-10:30 p.m. — The Music Box — Ticket information not provided — Enjoy an evening of music with Rockford's own twin brothers and their band Long-Shot.

X Bar Bingo Night at Chewy’s

7-9 p.m. — Chewy’s Sports Bar & Grill — Bring your own markers — Enjoy a fun-filled evening of bingo with prizes and delightful dinner specials.