Author | Lightnews

Rockford Connected @rockfordconnected.bsky.social · 4h

Pritzker asks Trump administration to give families 'a break' over Halloween weekend

Gov. Pritzker is asking the federal government to give Illinois children and families "a break" and pause federal operations over Halloween weekend.

www.rrstar.com

Rockford Connected @rockfordconnected.bsky.social · 6h

Rockford Public Schools sees better graduation, literacy rates in latest state report card

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our free e-newsletter ROCKFORD — Rockford Public Schools improved its graduation rate, exceeding

www.rockrivercurrent.com

Rockford Connected @rockfordconnected.bsky.social · 7h

Illinois student growth tops pre-pandemic benchmarks

Student growth in English and math exceeds pre-pandemic levels, while chronic absenteeism continues to decline.

www.rrstar.com

Rockford Connected @rockfordconnected.bsky.social · 8h

Skechers Wide Fit shoes are made for optimal comfort while on-the-go

Shop Skechers Wide Fit styles for men and women: Hands Free Slip-ins, Arch Fit insoles and cozy styles designed for all-day comfort and extra room.

www.usatoday.com

Rockford Connected @rockfordconnected.bsky.social · 8h

Down goes Boylan, Byron, as Rockford-area boys soccer season comes to an end in sectionals

The final 2 Rockford-area boys soccer teams, and the 2 conference champs, Boylan and Byron, are eliminated from playoffs

www.rrstar.com

Rockford Connected @rockfordconnected.bsky.social · 8h

Shop the AJ Madison Black Friday appliance sale with up to 50% off

The AJ Madison Black Friday sale began on Oct. 29 and features up to 50% off appliances like washers and refrigerators.

www.usatoday.com

Rockford Connected @rockfordconnected.bsky.social · 9h

What time does Apple report earnings Thursday? Here's how to tune in.

Wall Street expects the company to report $102.1 billion in revenue, Yahoo Finance reported.

www.usatoday.com

Rockford Connected @rockfordconnected.bsky.social · 10h

It's National Candy Corn Day! Here's everything to know about the divisive treat.

The Midwest proves to love candy corn the most. Here's what else to know about the popular Halloween treat.

www.usatoday.com

Rockford Connected @rockfordconnected.bsky.social · 10h

I-39 expansion begins near Cherry Valley with lane closures

IDOT begins a $125.9M I-39 rebuild near Cherry Valley with lane closures and bridge upgrades through 2028.

www.rrstar.com

Rockford Connected @rockfordconnected.bsky.social · 10h

Mayor's Hunger Luncheon raises funds to feed Rockford residents as SNAP benefits disappear

Rockford area food pantry operators say they're seeing barren shelves even before SNAP benefits officially stop arriving amid a government shutdown.

www.rrstar.com

Rockford Connected @rockfordconnected.bsky.social · 11h

Halloween parties, hockey games and Hero Rumble among 43 things to do in Rockford

Looking for something to do this weekend in the Rockford area? Here are 43 upcoming events.

www.rrstar.com

Rockford Connected @rockfordconnected.bsky.social · 11h

When do you get your Social Security payment for November? See schedule

Social Security payments for the month of November follow a normal schedule. A 2.8% cost-of-living increase (COLA) takes affect in January 2026.

www.usatoday.com

Rockford Connected @rockfordconnected.bsky.social · 19h

Winning Powerball numbers in Oct. 29 lottery drawing last night: Anyone win Powerball jackpot?

Did anyone win the Powerball last night, Oct. 29, 2025? Winning Powerball numbers and drawing results for Wednesday's $376 million lottery jackpot.

www.indystar.com

Rockford Connected @rockfordconnected.bsky.social · 20h

Powerball winning numbers for $376 million jackpot drawing on Wednesday, Oct. 29

The Powerball jackpot for Wednesday, Oct. 29 is an estimated $376 million after no one took home the top prize on Monday, Oct. 27.

www.usatoday.com

Rockford Connected @rockfordconnected.bsky.social · 22h

If Carrie Bradshaw had kids, she’d buy these trackable Skechers sneakers

Machine-washable, AirTag-compatible, and built for all-day play—this new Skechers sneaker is a must-have for active kids and busy parents.

www.usatoday.com

Rockford Connected @rockfordconnected.bsky.social · 23h

The best Skechers shoes for every athlete on your shopping list

This holiday season, give the gift of performance. From runners to pickleball pros, discover the best Skechers shoes to elevate every athlete’s game.

www.usatoday.com

Rockford Connected @rockfordconnected.bsky.social · 23h

Back to Toronto! How to buy Toronto Blue Jays vs. LA Dodgers Game 6 tickets

Currently tied at 2-2, the 2025 World Series will head back to Toronto! Here's how to get tickets for Game 6:

www.usatoday.com

Rockford Connected @rockfordconnected.bsky.social · 1d

Sean Grayson convicted of second-degree murder in fatal Sonya Massey shooting

The second-degree conviction carries a sentence of 4 to 20 years. Grayson will serve it at 50%

www.rrstar.com

Rockford Connected @rockfordconnected.bsky.social · 1d

The Trtl travel pillow helped me sleep on a 12-hour flight. Get it for under $45

My favorite travel pillow for redeye flights is on sale at Trtl's Black Friday sale—live now, with deals up to 70% off. Shop it here:

www.usatoday.com

Rockford Connected @rockfordconnected.bsky.social · 1d

Looking for a chic holiday gift? Shop the best Rebecca Minkoff handbags on sale

Shop the best Rebecca Minkoff handbags on sale ahead of Black Friday 2025. Save up to 65% on stylish crossbody bags and totes for holiday gifting.

www.usatoday.com

Rockford Connected @rockfordconnected.bsky.social · 1d

Pritzker says Illinois will not be able to fill in gap if SNAP benefits expire in November

More than 40 million Americans and 1.9 million people in Illinois, could lose SNAP benefits on Nov. 1.

www.pjstar.com

Rockford Connected @rockfordconnected.bsky.social · 1d

Should you inspect your kids' Halloween candy? What to know before trick-or-treating.

Razor blades in Halloween candy are a bit of an urban legend. Here are some more realistic safety tips to keep in mind this spooky season.

www.usatoday.com

Rockford Connected @rockfordconnected.bsky.social · 1d

Dictionary.com names '6-7' as 2025 Word of the Year. Here's what it really means.

Meaning "so-so" to some, "6-7" is also a commonly used exclamation among Gen Alpha.

www.usatoday.com

Rockford Connected @rockfordconnected.bsky.social · 1d

Playoff power rankings: How do all 14 Rockford-area playoff teams stack up headed in Rd. 1

Find out who's on the top, and who's not, in this year's playoff power rankings of all 14 Rockford-area teams that made it to the postseason

www.rrstar.com

Rockford Connected @rockfordconnected.bsky.social · 1d

Time After Time resale shop opens on Rockford’s east side

Time After Time resale shop opens on Rockford’s east side with a ribbon cutting set for Oct. 31 at 1 p.m.

www.rrstar.com