Daily
Rockford
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ St. Mary’s Oratory, built in 1865, is raising funds for urgent repairs after damage from weather and a 1962 fire; it has raised $40,192 of its $100,000 goal and will host a choral performance (The Hopeful Bells featuring children) at 6 p.m. Jan. 10 at 517 Elm St. WIFR
- ➤ Sustain Rockford will celebrate its tenth anniversary on Wednesday, Jan. 14 at The Standard downtown. The grassroots group, which protects local air, land, and water, will use the event to share its plans for waste reduction and youth outreach. Northern Public Radio
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The first Kung Fu Tea location closed in December after the Nguyen family announced on Tuesday, Jan. 6 that they plan to rebrand with new boba and food offerings; they will share the reopening date soon. Rock River Current
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local former Poet Laureate Jenna Goldsmith appears on the Poetically Yours Extended Podcast as she discusses her upcoming book (The Worse for Wear), set for release this month. The podcast airs every Friday on 89.5 FM WNIJ and 90.5 WNIU. Northern Public Radio
- ➤ Rockford Area Arts Council will host the Arts Awards on March 6 at Maddox Theatre — the evening starts with a social hour at 6 p.m., an awards program at 7:15 p.m., and an after party at 9, while nominations remain open until 5 p.m. Jan. 9. Rockford Register Star
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois started their cookie season on Jan. 6 with a new cookie, Exploremores— a rocky road-inspired treat with chocolate, marshmallow and toasted almond-flavored crème. The season also features fan favorites like Thin Mints and Samoas, with cookies priced at $6 per package. Rockford Register Star
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Rockford food trucks may pay less if the Food Truck Freedom Act passes. The proposed law would let trucks use one health inspection across all counties, possibly lowering permit fees and opening more event opportunities for vendors like Susan Hendron. WIFR
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Due to rising respiratory illnesses, UW Health in northern Illinois updated its visitor and mask policies. Effective Jan. 7, patients may have only two adult visitors and must wear masks in inpatient areas + common spaces, with masks available onsite. WIFR
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Susan Nelson – Soprano Performance
7:30-10:00 p.m. — Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the powerful and sensitive performances of soprano Susan Nelson as she celebrates women composers.
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Ernie Hendrickson Band Tribute to The Grateful Dead
8-10 p.m. — The Music Box — Ticket info available — Join Ernie Hendrickson Band for a nostalgic tribute to The Grateful Dead.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
~ Rumi
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