Daily
Rockford
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Owner Donald Czyzyk of Sassy Mac Boys in Machesney Park plans to triple his mac and cheese business with two to three new locations in 2026. The eatery, serving 400 bowls daily from its brick and mortar and food truck, is launching a franchise model — seeking owner-operators. WIFR
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Margie O’Connor, one of Winnebago County’s longest-serving attorneys, cleared out her office and retired as Assistant Public Defender this week—after decades serving the local community. WIFR
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Freeport-based FHN becomes Mercyhealth FHN effective today after the Illinois Attorney General approved an affiliation agreement — the change follows a leadership transition and addresses financial challenges at the 100-bed hospital with eight outpatient centers serving northwest Illinois. WIFR
- ➤ Rockford-area organizations warn that cutting alcohol during dry January may lead to emergency room visits for withdrawal symptoms, and they urge those with alcohol dependence to seek proper help. Rosecrance and Remedies Renewing Lives offer support (24/7) to guide safe detox efforts. WIFR
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What you seek is seeking you.
~ Rumi
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