Thursday, January 2nd, 2025

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Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Rockford area offers 17 diverse events this weekend, including an Epiphany Party, a memorial blood drive, a Winter Market, fundraisers, live music performances, and educational activities. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ Rockford's Fresh for Learning Laundry Program collaborates with local partners to offer RPS students and their families free laundry services, with required registration for designated times. WIFR
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A Rockford man faces charges of animal torture and aggravated animal cruelty for allegedly running over his dog, sparking a community petition for trial and raising concerns over animal violence. WIFR
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A single gas station in Winnebago County offered the lowest premium gas price at $3.52 per gallon as of the week ending Dec. 28, among 141 stations. Rockford Sun
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rockford high school seniors can now apply for the Rockford Promise scholarship, offering tuition-free college education at specified institutions. WIFR
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ January in the Stateline area is expected to be cold with increased chances of snow, especially during the first week. WIFR
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Rockford area hospitals implement mask mandates and visitor restrictions in response to a rise in seasonal respiratory illnesses. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ OSF HealthCare shifts from requiring to recommending masks for patients and visitors amid an increase in respiratory illnesses, while also limiting hospital visits to two adults per patient. WIFR
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Rockford.
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Several Rockford Sun area high school alumni are scheduled to play in various basketball games on Saturday, Jan. 4. Rockford Sun
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Cole Brandt Live at Rock River Bar & Grill
Cole Brandt will be performing live at the Rock River Bar & Grill located in Rockford Casino.
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Rockford IceHogs vs. Texas Stars Hockey Match
Watch the Rockford IceHogs take on the Texas Stars at the BMO Center in Rockford, IL.
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The Princess Bride: Behind the Scenes with Cary Elwes
Cary Elwes shares insights from his experience on the set of the beloved film 'The Princess Bride' following a screening of the movie.
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Mozart Meets Mahler: An Evening of Classical Masterpieces
This concert features the works of Mozart and Mahler at the Coronado Performing Arts Center in Rockford, IL.
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Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Coldplay & Imagine Dragons
Experience a unique live musical performance featuring the music of Coldplay and Imagine Dragons, performed by the Listeso String Quartet in a candlelit setting.
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Chicago Wolves Face Off Against Rockford IceHogs
The Rockford IceHogs will compete against the Chicago Wolves in an exciting hockey match at the BMO Center.
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PRAIRIE SMOKE Concert Featuring Ryan Borens Band
Prairie Smoke, a psychedelic rock band from Rockford, Illinois, will perform an engaging concert at The Music Box, showcasing cosmic riffs and evocative lyrics.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.
~ Seneca
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