Good morning, Rockford.

Rockford will host its annual Veterans Dinner on Nov.

7 at Embassy Suites (416 S. Main St.) where Vietnam veteran John E. Thiel will share his war stories and offer signed copies of his book. Guests will enjoy a turkey dinner and should purchase tickets in advance.

Illinois Road Scholar Tiffany Lee will screen her social justice film I Bear Witness: The Untold Stories of American Race Riots at 6 p.m. Friday at Baha'i Center, with a discussion hosted by Eliminate Racism 815 that offers local audiences firsthand accounts of historic race riots.

Rockford eighth graders will join Rotary Academy at YMCA Camp Winnebago (5804 N.

Main St.) this year to build leadership skills through team-building exercises, etiquette training and a high ropes course. The program, organized by the Rotary Club of Rockford and school counselors, will prepare students for high school challenges.

Rockford Public Schools increased support for roughly 200 Swahili-speaking students by inviting them to join the Soka Umoja (Unity Through Soccer) club and the Yellowjacket soccer team after meeting academic standards.

The program offers translation help, equipment, transportation, and meals to boost academic success and school spirit.

Google and Constellation announced a 20-year power purchase agreement to upgrade Byron Clean Energy Center, adding 890 megawatts to the grid and preserving 4,400 jobs while creating 7,200 construction jobs.

The deal is part of a $4.3B investment (across 11 plants) aimed at boosting regional energy capacity.

Psychotherapist Connie Jones draws on her early-life loss to help others break harmful patterns and heal from trauma.

In her book Green Glitter Girl, she explains techniques including vagal exercises to help Rockford readers reclaim joy + healthier relationships.

Rockford News First anchors Sydni Stoffregen and Alyssa Kelly visit SALT (6860 Spring Creek Rd.) to learn professional kitchen skills from Chef Nick Risseeuw, who demonstrates fall menu recipes including roasted carrots and peanut butter-and-jelly ice cream.

City Council approved a special-use permit for Nathan and Lauren Erb to restore a 150-year-old landmark into a short-term rental option for traveling professionals — the couple may adjust the plan to 15 bedrooms with shared facilities at 2520 N.

Main St.

Machesney Town Center is now fully occupied after a mall revitalization — featuring fresh paint, new signage, and returning local businesses.

Located on N. 2nd St. and Roosevelt Rd, the center marks a new chapter for the community.