Daily
Rockford
Wednesday, January 28th, 2026
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 28th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Today, GoRockford announced a three-year partnership with UMB Bank to support Stroll on State through 2026, 2027 and 2028, ensuring the cherished festival continues to bring community cheer downtown. Go Rockford
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Trevonne Thompson, a medical toxicologist, will become regional dean at UI College of Medicine Rockford on March 16 pending board approval. She succeeds Dr. Alex Stagnaro-Green after 12 years of leading the campus. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ The Harlem School Board voted to close Maple and Olson Park elementary schools in May after approving consolidation Option 1 during a Jan. 27 special meeting, citing declining enrollment and a $3.1 million deficit. The decision follows extensive debate and plan revisions. WIFR
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Illinois Department on Aging is accepting nominations for the 2026 Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame until June 2. Nominees must be 65 or older and residents; inductees will be honored for achievements in arts, sports, community service, education, or labor — nomination forms are available online. Rockford Register Star
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Pharmacy staffing remains a challenge nearly six years after the Covid pandemic, and rural areas continue to feel the strain. UIC Rockford’s Retzky College of Pharmacy is stepping in + working to help meet local prescription needs. 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.
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AHL All Star Classic
1-9 p.m. — BMO Center — Ticket prices vary — Cheer on top hockey players as they showcase their skills at this all-star event.
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Galentine's Pop-Up
4-8 p.m. — Rockford City Market — Free entry — Celebrate friendship with themed drinks and local vendors for a fun Galentine's get-together.
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Valentine's Day Ski-Plane Fly-In
5 PM — Midtown District — Free entry — Enjoy a winter cookout with lots of fun and ski planes at Cottonwood Airport.
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Dexter Patterson Meet & Greet and Book Signing
3-7 p.m. — RPL Nordlof Center — Free for general admission; VIP tickets available — Celebrate Black History Month with author Dexter Patterson sharing his passion for birding and signing his new book.
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An Evening with Laid Back Country Picker
7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Music Box — Cost not specified — A unique concert blending country rock with a powerful duo performance.
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An Evening with Freedy Johnston
8:00 – 10:00 p.m. — The Music Box — From $18.85 — Enjoy the poignant storytelling of acclaimed songwriter Freedy Johnston as he performs live.
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
You cannot find yourself by going into the past. You can find yourself by coming into the present.
~ Eckhart Tolle
About Daily Rockford
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