Good morning, Rockford.

RAMP Disability Resources & Services held its 36th annual luncheon on Thursday at Hard Rock Casino Rockford.

The event brought together business leaders, advocates and community members who enjoyed a free lunch and keynote remarks from James Emmett as part of efforts to promote community inclusion.

Court Street United Methodist Church in downtown Rockford will offer free Thanksgiving meals and winter gear to over 1,000 residents on Nov.

26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Local grocery chains announced Thanksgiving meal deals (for budget-conscious families) to save money.

Aldi’s 10-person meal is priced under $39 and available from Oct. 14 to Nov. 25, Schnucks will deliver a meal for 10 under $4 per serving from Nov. 18 to 25, and Sam’s Club plans an 11-item meal for 16.

Rockford hosted the Midwest Aerospace Conference at Embassy Suites on Thursday morning (featuring a rebrand to the Midwest Aerospace and Defense Alliance) as local firms were praised for topping supply chain job concentrations in the aerospace and defense market.

Celebrity food presenter Alton Brown will bring his new stage show 'An Evening of Alton Brown' to Coronado Theatre at 314 N.

Main St on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m., with tickets available online.

Rockford Wind Ensemble launches its 2026-27 season with guest conductors leading shows starting Oct.

25 at the Nordlof Center. The series features Vinnie Inendino, Michael Kasper, Bryan Miller, and Stephen Squires with free student tickets for the October and April concerts.

Witches Faire is coming to downtown Rockford on Oct.

24 from 4 to 9 p.m. along N. First Street; it will feature folk dancing, music, a Witches Dance at 6 and 8 p.m., a drum circle at 6:45 p.m., and a potion-making scavenger hunt for all ages. Admission is free.

Midway Village Museum welcomes a 2,600-pound stone lintel from Rockford’s first synagogue (Congregation Ohave Sholom), which opened at 728 First Ave in 1917, as part of its Many Faces, One Community exhibit.

Urban Equity Properties donated the artifact (saved from demolition in 2019) to honor the city’s Jewish heritage.

The City of Rockford launched its Spaces to Places Program to reduce commercial vacancies by offering temporary rent assistance for qualifying small businesses in vacant storefronts until Oct.15, 2027.

An informational webinar on eligibility for retail, restaurants & cafes is scheduled for Oct.21 at 10 a.m.

Seneca science teacher Mary Covert recalls a Colonial Williamsburg field trip that sparked her passion to teach middle school & now inspires her 7th & 8th graders as they explore hands-on science projects.

In fall 2024, Winnebago County colleges enrolled 9,227 undergraduates, with Rock Valley College registering 5,978, according to the National Center for Education Statistics; white students (4,042) made up the largest group.

HUD reported that 5,028 people in 2,061 Housing Choice Voucher households lived in Winnebago County in 2025, with 2,983 vouchers available and 70% in use — a decrease of 210 residents from 2024 as average monthly payments climbed to $393.