Good morning, Rockford.

Crust & Crumbles, a downtown bakery known for its French pastries and sourdough bread that has served the community for 17 years, will close on Christmas Eve at its location on 116 N.

Madison St. Owner JoJo Gendenbaatar said the bakeshop will operate as usual until then to honor her team and loyal customers.

More than 40 vendors and live entertainment including drum circles and dancing witches will energize downtown Rockford on Saturday, Oct.

24 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at (the 100 block of N. First Street in front of Bennie’s Cleaners), creating a festive, free event for all ages.

Midway Village Museum celebrated its 30th WWII Days with a record turnout — including a public reenactor wedding — on Tuesday, Oct.

13 and is set to host fall events such as an All Hallows' Eve festival on Saturday, Oct. 24 and a History's Dark Side presentation on Friday, Oct. 30 in Rockford.

Local firms can access free government-contract counseling from a new APEX Accelerator program in downtown Rockford.

Run by Region 1 Planning Council, the initiative guides companies through registrations and certifications across six regional counties.

Illinois officials urge Medicare beneficiaries to review their coverage before Oct.

15 Open Enrollment as some Part D premiums rose from $0 to up to $23 for 2027. They advise checking plan benefits (including potential non-renewals) and exploring options via the Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program.

Bishop David Malloy from the Diocese said local Catholics prayed after Tuesday's Vatican confirmation that Pope Leo XIV was diagnosed with lung cancer and had a successful 90-minute surgery on his right lung (the 71-year-old experienced no complications).

Rock County Public Health is investigating five probable measles cases in one family reported on Tuesday and notes the cases are isolated from the larger outbreak in southwestern Wisconsin while urging residents to check vaccination records and practice good hygiene.

UW Health nurse practitioner Jacquelyn Saengmany advises that as World Menopause Day approaches on Oct.

18 women may experience symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, or irregular periods and should adopt a healthy lifestyle and consult a provider if changes arise.