Thursday, May 22nd, 2025

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Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 22nd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Today, NAMI Northern Illinois hosted Building Bridges to Hope in Rockford from 4 to 8 p.m. where residents met with mental health providers and heard New York Times bestselling author Jamie Tworkowski’s keynote speech—his talk focused on compassion and building local support for mental health care. WIFR
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Hennig Incorporated invited community leaders to tour its new manufacturing campus in Machesney Park on May 20th at its facility (4950 Marlin Drive) where 30-ton cranes, multiple assembly bays, laser cutting machines, bending machines and a power coat facility are in operation. The company is working with local learning institutions to train the skilled workforce needed to meet customer demand. WIFR
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ An 18-year-old from Rockton was arrested after police found a shotgun and a 12-gauge round in a parked vehicle near Stephen Mack Middle School last night—he faces charges for aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of ammunition without a FOID card while saying he took the family heirloom for protection amid work threats. WIFR
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Rockford was named a state-designated cultural district when its area officially became the Heritage District as part of a state program that supports cultural preservation and economic development — a status shared by four other communities. WIFR
- ➤ Discovery Center Museum in Rockford announced it received a $2.5M grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to overhaul its exhibit galleries and develop new early childhood programs—major changes include replacing the Ag-Zibit wing with a three-story climbing structure set to open in summer. Rock River Current
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rockford Public Schools began using Magic School AI + a tool to help students use AI responsibly and support teachers with lesson planning in the 2024-2025 school year. The district will continue with the tool in 2025-2026 so students can build essential skills for an AI-influenced world. WTVO
- ➤ On May 21, Rockford residents graduated from ComEd’s Market Development Initiative at the NIU Conference Center, where nearly a dozen local individuals and small businesses completed a free five-week course—earning certifications in energy efficiency, HVAC and weatherization. The program, launched last year, has produced 80 graduates across northern Illinois. 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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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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