Good morning, Rockford.

Sydni Stoffregen and Alyssa Kelly of Rockford News First visited the Big Hoop downtown on Monday.

The hoop, bought for $450 at a surplus store, is at the UW Health Sports Factory (305 S. Madison) and stands 30 feet tall with a 10-foot rim and 21-foot board.

Rick and Miles Nielsen will serve as celebrity waiters at Hard Rock Casino Rockford's Pinktober celebrity lunches on Thursday, Oct.

22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 7801 E State Street; funds raised will help the American Cancer Society and local breast cancer support.

Ho-Chunk Nation Casino in Beloit is set to open on Friday, Oct.

23 at 2 p.m. as city officials urge travelers to use the South Beloit exit and alternate routes — to avoid traffic on Willowbrook Road.

The National Park Service designated Rockford and Winnebago County as an American World War II Heritage City, the only area in the state honored after local partners documented the region’s wartime contributions (including Camp Grant) for the title.

Trick-or-treating is set for Saturday, Oct.

31 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Rockford, while nearby communities offer Halloween opportunities with hours ranging from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., according to Rockford News First.

Rockford Public Library invites residents to honor loved ones and pets by submitting photos for Day of the Dead memorials at the Main Library and Montague Branch.

Photos will be accepted through Nov. 1 (displays remain available through Nov. 6).

Monday, Oct. 19, Aaron Wilson celebrated 29 years as a morning anchor at Rockford News First - he recounted his career and dedication to the community.

Chicago Rockford International Airport will launch a ticketless parking system on Oct.

26 that lets registered travelers park without a ticket by using a recognition-based platform from Metropolis. The new system will speed travel + simplify the parking process while maintaining current rates.

Local safety advocates and firefighters are urging safe driving during National Teen Driver Safety Week, which runs through Oct.

24. They stress that new drivers must build safe habits to lower risks (research shows speeding played a major role in teen crashes).

Rockford will host the nation's largest girls baseball tournament for a second consecutive year from July 20-24, 2027 when Baseball For All Nationals returns with the WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup.

The event will draw youth teams from the US and abroad to boost local sports tourism.