Good morning, Rockford.

Rock River Valley Pantry CEO Tabatha Endres-Cruz said the community is helping meet rising food demand as more people seek assistance due to uncertainty around SNAP benefits.

The pantry remains open Monday through Friday to serve both regular and new visitors.

For 17 years, the Cremation Society of Illinois and Heartland Hospice hosted a Veterans Ceremony and Luncheon at Grace United Methodist (3555 McFarland Road) where veterans were honored with prayer, a Presentation of Colors by the Northern Illinois Multi-Jurisdictional Honor Guard, and remarks from Pastor Sejoon Jang and representatives of the Veterans Assistance Commission. Organizers said the event showed appreciation and support for veterans, including those not receiving service-connected benefits.

Nonprofits in Rockford are pushing for donations as the holiday season nears to support families entering the new year.

Rock River Food Pantry saw a 73% rise in visitors over the past five days and groups like Rockford Barbell depend on community support to keep free youth programs running — a trend expected to continue across the city.

The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, with the Rockford Register Star and the Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence, announced finalists for the 2025 Excalibur Award for individuals—Dr. Cyrus Oates, Karen Tilly, and Penny Wirtjes—and the Excelsior Award for organizations including Rockford Promise, The Superhero Center for Autism, and VetsRoll, Inc. The awards ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. Dec. 11 at Prairie Street Brewing Company and will also honor four Community Champions.

425 Manufacturing in Rockford started 10 years ago to make mining and drill rig parts and trains a young workforce with 60% under 35 — one employee turned 18 this year.

Nine of the 19 workers earned local certificates, and the company will donate over $10,000 by the end of the year while shipping products to six continents, including Canada, Mexico and New Guinea.

Nationwide retailers are launching cheap Thanksgiving meal deals to help families save on grocery bills.

Schnucks offers a frozen turkey for 37 cents per pound and Aldi has a meal kit for 10 people at $40 while Target, Walmart, Meijer, Amazon starting Nov 12, Sam's Club and Costco offer other budget-friendly options.

On Friday, author Ron Keres visited Poplar Grove and Capron Elementary Schools in North Boone School District #200 to talk about his children’s books and share his background as a former gym teacher—he read from his titles 'This Book is Perfect' and 'This Book is a Mistake' to inspire young readers.

VC United—a local volleyball club—established the ‘Let’s Go Scholarship’ in memory of Bill Messenger, who passed away last year after his battle with cancer.

Messenger’s family said his legacy—marked by his catchphrase 'let’s go'—will help open doors for young athletes to join club volleyball.

Chicago Rockford International Airport is running normally amid a government shutdown that has forced flight cuts at hubs like O'Hare and Midway—thanks to dedicated unpaid TSA and FAA staff—and airlines will notify passengers of any schedule changes while flights to destinations such as Las Vegas, Arizona and Florida continue as planned.

Illinois SNAP customers began receiving partial November benefits on November 7 and will continue to receive payments up to November 20 as a federal judge ordered full payments to be sent by Friday — those scheduled for earlier dates had their payments delayed.

Gov. Pritzker signed an order to allocate $20 million for food banks to support the state’s food pantries during this funding gap.

City leaders gathered to celebrate the opening of Nu-State Apartments at the corner of Church and West State Streets in downtown Rockford.

The renovated building, purchased by Urban Equity Properties in 2018, has 35 luxury apartments and four retail spaces including a grocery store—its modern design aims to revitalize the area.

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.

An Intimate Evening with David Foster & Katharine McPhee

7-10 p.m. — Rockford Casino — Ticket information unavailable — Enjoy a night of musical brilliance with renowned composer David Foster and soprano Katharine McPhee.

The Nutcracker by Rockford Dance Company

6-7:30 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — $35-67 — Experience the magic of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince in this beloved holiday ballet featuring local talent.

Riverview Inn & Suites Winter Wonderland

11 AM - 5 PM — Riverview Inn & Suites — $10/person at the door — Experience holiday cheer with Santa photos, crafts, and live music.