Daily
Rockford
Thursday, May 7th, 2026
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 7th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Rockford foster parents shared personal stories at the Nordlof Center on Wednesday, May 6 as part of National Foster Care Month, highlighting both the challenges and rewards of fostering — a message aimed at encouraging more homes to welcome children in need. WIFR
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Nettle Curbside Compost turns food waste into soil at a site near 700 Lincoln Park Boulevard in Rockford. The worker-owned cooperative, led by Kate Whitacre, secured a special use permit on May 4 for plans to add a community center, farm, and educational facility. WIFR
- ➤ The parent company of WIFR closed a $171 million deal for 10 TV stations including NBC affiliate WREX and plans to consolidate operations at 2523 Meridian Road—staff will eventually work together as details are pending. Rock River Current
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Womanspace is hosting its fourth annual art and wellness festival BloomFest (for Mother's Day) on Saturday, May 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its seven-acre campus in Rockford, where vendors, live music, kids' activities, and free yoga sessions will be available. Northern Public Radio
- ➤ Midway Village Museum (6799 Guilford Rd) is hosting interactive Civil War living history events for school groups through May 8. An all-ages public event with reenactors and scheduled cannon fire is planned for May 9. WIFR
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Registration has opened for the new 5HORT Film Camp, where teens aged 13-17 will learn filmmaking at Keith Country Day School from July 6-10. They will receive hands-on lessons from industry experts and complimentary passes for the upcoming film festival. Rockford Register Star
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Senator Dick Durbin met with local leaders to discuss the mobile integrated healthcare program that helps over 3,500 patients with mental health and chronic disease management. Operated by the Rockford Fire Department and funded through a half-cent sales tax, the program aims to reduce costly hospital visits. WIFR
- ➤ UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital received the Silver Award of Hope today in a ceremony held in Madison for its work in organ and tissue donation. The award honors success on performance measures including conversion rate, organs transplanted per donor, and referral rate. Rockford Register Star
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Hillwood — a Perot company — plans to build a nearly 335,000 sqft industrial facility near U.S. 20 and Love’s Travel Stop in south Rockford; city officials said the redevelopment agreement will be reviewed on Monday and work is expected to start this summer if approved. Rock River Current
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Lonely Teenage Cassette Release Show
8-10 p.m. — The Music Box — $15.08 — Experience an ambient/drone night with the local duo Lonely Teenage and special guests.
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Mother's Day Garden Celebration
12-3 p.m. — Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden — General admission required — Celebrate Mother's Day with floral arrangements, live music, and delicious food in a beautiful garden setting.
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The Wizard of Oz
6 PM — Rockford Woman's Club — Cost not specified — Experience a captivating retelling of the beloved classic as you journey down the yellow brick road.
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Heart Vs Hustle: Dej Loaf and Rob49 Concert
7-10 p.m. — Hard Rock Live - Rockford — Ticket availability varies — Enjoy an electrifying night with Dej Loaf and Rob49 at the Hard Rock Casino.
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Love Song Live in Vietnamese
6-9 p.m. — Hard Rock Casino Rockford — 21+ only — Experience captivating live music in a vibrant setting.
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Nike Flag Football Camp in Rockford, IL
June 3-5 — Clarence Hicks Sports Complex — Pricing available upon inquiry — Enhance your flag football skills with experienced coaches and fun competitions.
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Mushroom Identification Hike
10 AM - 12 PM — Funderburg Forest Preserve — $7 per person — Explore the wonders of fungi hidden in the forest during this nature adventure suitable for all ages.
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
Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.
~ Carl Jung
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