Monday, May 19th, 2025

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Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 19th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ New Census data shows that Rockford’s population increased by 687 residents between 2023 and 2024—potentially ending a 16-year decline. Local officials and longtime residents expect that ongoing investments in housing, infrastructure, and downtown improvements will bring more people to the city. WIFR
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ A 42-year-old man died in a motorcycle crash on Sunday evening in Rockford when police responded at around 8:15 p.m. to the 700 block of Madison St. WIFR
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ According to the Illinois State Board of Education, 48.5% of students at Shirland Community Consolidated School District 134 failed the math portion of the IAR test during the 2023-24 school year — a 7% decrease from the previous year. The district, serving schools in Winnebago County, used the test to measure progress in grades 3-8 — reflecting broader statewide declines in K-12 enrollment. Rockford Sun
- ➤ Illinois lawmakers are considering a proposal to form a State Instructional Technology Advisory Board to guide AI use in schools — Rockford teachers are already using the Magic School platform for lesson planning, interactive chatbots, and custom assignments. The board will issue its first guidance on July 1 to help educators use AI safely and effectively. Northern Public Radio
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Protesters gathered at the E. State Street and Mulford Road intersection on Sunday to support immigrants and oppose the president’s immigration policies, with activist David Shurley saying the event showed immigrants are not alone & that every immigrant deserves a fair legal process. WIFR
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Citied Foundation held its second annual karaoke night on Sunday afternoon at District Bar and Grill to raise money for its Early Bird’s Social Development program—an event that promoted mental health awareness and support for Auburn high school students. 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.
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Info Session on the Impact of Property Tax Sales
Join us for an important community event focused on property tax sales and how they impact Rockford residents. This is a FREE event open to the public—everyone is welcome! 📍 Location: Crusader Community Health Clinic | 📅 Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 | ⏰ Time: 5:30 PM | 📍 Address: 1200 W State St, Rockford, IL 61102
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8th Annual Miracle Mile Car Show
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Don Carter Lanes — Entry fee $20, spectators free — Celebrate automotive passion with a showcase of cool rides and live music.
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On-Site Tour at Grand Victorian
9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Grand Victorian of Rockford — Free entry — Explore award-winning senior living activities and dining options in a welcoming environment.
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Timber Pointe Party Band Performance
6:30-9:30 p.m. — Timber Pointe Golf Club — Check event page for ticket info — High energy party band covering a wide variety of music from the 70’s to today’s hits.
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Portillo's Golden Apple Give Back Day
Golden Apple Foundation will receive 20% of the receipts for purchases from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, at 6090 E. State St., Rockford. Join us for some great food and drinks! Order online or in-app for pickup using code PORTILLOS36 before checkout in the “Coupon Code” field or let the cashier know when ordering at the restaurant. Valid on drive-thru, pickup, kiosk and in-restaurant orders!
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Rockford.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The beauty of a living thing is not the atoms that go into it, but the way those atoms are put together.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Rockford
Welcome to the Daily Rockford, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Rockford, Illinois community. If you like the Daily Rockford, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Rockford.
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