Good morning, Rockford.

Volunteers will collect Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts from November 17th to 24th at drop-off sites nationwide including several in northern Illinois.

In Rockford, local locations such as Deliverance Crusaders Center and Crosspoint Church will accept gifts for children in need.

Federal talks over SNAP benefits continue and Rockford food pantries are struggling to keep up with demand—many boxes disappear before noon—and they depend on donor support as funding remains uncertain.

First Community Credit Union is hosting a Thanksgiving food drive to help local families facing food insecurity and issues from the government shutdown.

Donation bins are available at all branches nine a.m. to five p.m.+ the drive ends on Nov. 30 and will also include a monetary gift to local food pantries.

Parents in Roscoe launched a GoFundMe to help Gymnastic Academy North stay open amid health and money challenges— the campaign aims to reach a goal of $1,800 and has raised over $1,500 so far.

McDonald’s is seeking a special use permit to build a drive-thru restaurant at North Perryville Road — next to a busy grocery store — in Rockford.

The city’s Zoning Board of Appeals will review the application on November 18th.

Rockford native Michelle Williams is nominated for Best Musical Theater Album with the team behind Death Becomes Her — a nod to her return after a 20-year hiatus from Grammy contention; the award ceremony will be broadcast Feb.

1 on CBS.

City officials proposed fee hikes for business licenses, construction permits and water utilities in the 2026 budget to help offset inflation and fund infrastructure improvements.

The changes, expected to generate an extra $1,147,850, will raise costs for local companies (2026).

The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board will vote next Tuesday, November 18, at Bolingbrook Golf Club on whether to let Mercyhealth donate the former Javon Bea Hospital-Rockton for $1 to Kingdom Authority International Ministries, a plan to convert the site into affordable apartments, health care, business space and community services. Mercyhealth halted services in July due to flooding risks and the sale is expected to finalize by year’s end if approved — the board must also decide on ending west-side hospital services by July 1.

Rock River Valley Blood Center reinstated its Spin 6 and Four Seasons donor programs to thank frequent donors — those who complete six platelet or four blood donations within a 12-month period may choose a limited-edition Yeti mug or premium hoodie — and community members can enroll at any of its donation centers.

State Rep. Cabello said Governor Pritzker’s mandate-heavy approach is causing rising health insurance premiums and a doctor shortage as Illinois shifts to a state-run marketplace.

Data show that premiums could jump nearly 29%—and many counties already face shortages of physicians.

At the cross country state championships in Peoria over the weekend, the Winnebago girls claimed the 1A title and Dixon boys earned the 2A title—Rockford Christian finished third in the girls’ race, and local athletes posted strong times.

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.

NLI’s Holiday Open House

4-7 p.m. — Natural Land Institute — Free entry — Celebrate the holidays with cider, snacks, and mingling at NLI's festive headquarters.