Good morning, Rockford.

Local restaurants in Rockford are organizing food drives—encouraging donations and volunteer work to boost food banks as federal funding delays strain community budgets.

Mayor Tom McNamara and owner Zak Rotello urge neighbors to help as demand for support grows during the holiday season.

Mac Brothers Cheesecake, a family-owned shop that offers more than 80 cheesecake flavors including popular cinnamon, opened in Machesney Park in February 2022 & is open Tuesday-Friday from 10-2pm & 5-8pm and Saturday-Sunday from 10am-2pm.

Stellantis announced that a new Jeep Compass will roll off the Belvidere Assembly Plant line in December 2027—production is set to begin in December 2026 with plans to hire 3,300 workers and add a possible third shift by late 2029 to boost staffing to 4,100.

The company reversed its earlier timeline after the plant closed in 2023 due to market conditions.

The Festival of Lights will return at Sinnissippi Park for its 36th year—starting Friday November 28 and running with varied hours until the New Year.

Local organizers will hand out ornaments on the first three Thursdays in December and expect thousands to visit and view over 85 displays.

Comedian Lewis Black, known for his acclaimed Back in Black segments on The Daily Show, will perform a fiery, rant-filled show at Hard Rock Live in Rockford on January 30th at 7 p.m.—tickets go on sale on November 7th at 10 a.m.—.

A new study published in Nature has reclassified Rockford’s famed dinosaur fossil Jane as a new species called Nanotyrannus lethaeus after paleontologists from North Carolina and Stony Brook analyzed its skeletal details against a juvenile T-rex.

The fossil, on display for nearly two dozen years at Burpee Museum at 737 N. Main St., will spark special programming that highlights its unique role in our understanding of Late Cretaceous predators — a discovery that makes Jane a once-in-a-lifetime find for our city.

Rockford's Coronado Theater will host rock band 38 Special on February 7th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets will go on sale Friday, November 7th at 10 a.m. on Ticketmaster and at the theater box office.

Stand-up comedian Lewis Black will perform at Hard Rock Live in Rockford on Jan.

30—doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale on Nov. 7 with a local presale on Nov. 6 using code LIVE and only people 21 and older may attend.

Kennedy Middle School students learned journalism skills yesterday when the Story Telling Trailer — a mobile studio from WNIJ — visited their school to let them record their own stories.

Teacher Renee Perone said the lesson showed how important face-to-face talking is in a world of texts and social media.

Rockford leaders approved $100,000 for food pantries to support residents as government benefits are reduced, and they will soon launch a mobile grocery store to boost access to fresh food — local businesses like Olympic Tavern hosted donation drives to back the effort.

This initiative aims to address rising food insecurity in the community.

X Bar Bingo Night at Chewy’s

7-9 p.m. — Chewy’s Sports Bar & Grill — Bring your own markers — Enjoy a fun-filled evening of bingo with prizes and delightful dinner specials.

Ninja Kidz Live

6-7:30 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the excitement of the Ninja Kidz Live show in Rockford's historic theatre.

2025 Annual Diwali Night Celebration

5-9 p.m. — Harlem High School — $15-$35 — Celebrate Diwali with dinner, dancing, performances, and cultural festivities.

Beyond the Scoreboard: A Night of Champions

6-9 p.m. — Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront — $12 individual, $50 family of five — Celebrate mental health awareness in sports with MLB champion Ben Zobrist and local leaders.

An Evening with Nathan Graham & Noah Guthrie

7-10:30 p.m. — The Music Box — $20.11 — Experience soulful melodies blending South Side Blues with Nashville Americana.

An Evening with The Cold Stares

7:30-10:00 p.m. — The Music Box — Starting at $15.08 — Experience the fierce, blistering live show of The Cold Stares, a duo with nearly a decade of world touring.

Babyface Concert

7-10 p.m. — Rockford Casino — Tickets available — Experience a night of soulful music with the legendary Babyface.

2025 NorthPointe Wellness Turkey Trot

2:30-4:00 p.m. — 5605 E Rockton Rd, Roscoe, IL — Registration fee may apply — Participate in a fun-filled annual Turkey Trot event promoting health and community spirit.

Dasher Dash 5K Run/Walk

12 – 4 PM — Beattie Park — Entry fee applies — Celebrate the holiday season with a festive run in downtown Rockford.