Good morning, Rockford.

The Rockford Hero Rumble will take place Nov.

7 at Hard Rock Casino Rockford's Hard Rock Live, featuring seven bouts where firefighters - law enforcement officers face off. Proceeds will benefit the Carrie Lynn Children's Center as doors open at 6 p.m. and the first bout starts at 7 p.m.

Northern Illinois Food Bank and First United Methodist Church held a food giveaway in Belvidere on Wednesday afternoon, serving 200 families (ending early due to high turnout).

The event is held four times a year to address growing food demand.

Beef-a-Roo’s Lexus Drive restaurant in Rockford will reopen Oct.

29 as new owners Robert Grottke and Alex Edwards work to restore its classic menu with cheese fries and mint ambassadors — part of a broader effort to return local control to area locations.

The National Parks Service designated Rockford and Winnebago County as an American World War II Heritage City — a recognition of the community’s role in the war effort and ongoing preservation work by local museums, veterans groups and schools.

RPS 205 psychologists said a key support role was eliminated this spring, forcing them to take on extra clerical tasks amid rising mental health needs.

They will speak at Tuesday's board meeting and urge families to share concerns with the district.

Illinois honored 24 schools with its 2026 Governor's Blue Ribbon award to recognize academic success and closing gaps; one Rockford school was recognized during the ceremony at John Mills Elementary (Elmwood Park).

Sustain Rockford will host Earthrise 815 at the Embassy Suites on Nov.

6 in Rockford. The all-day event will feature climate expert Bill McKibben's keynote speech, breakout sessions, and a low-waste lunch + discussions on the regional Climate Action Plan.

City leaders are improving Rockford's separated bike paths by renovating Madison, 11th & Auburn streets & installing speed tables to slow traffic.

Officials will launch plans next spring for a multi-use path along Highcrest Road, while new e-bike regulations from Senate Bill 3484 will take effect Jan. 1.

Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary in Rockford announced that its kennel at 111 N.

First Street is closed for a week after dogs developed kennel cough. The shelter notified families of recently adopted dogs and is treating the animals while following health guidelines.