Daily
Rockford
Thursday, May 28th, 2026
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 28th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Hurricane Harbor in Rockford will open on May 30 with large water slides, a wave pool & dining options. The park offers 50% off tickets until daily hours resume on June 7. WIFR
- ➤ Winnebago County Animal Services in Rockford needs kitten food donations after nearly 80 cats and kittens have been taken in over the last four days. Donations can be dropped off at the facility at 4517 N. Main Street — visit the shelter’s website for the full wish list. WIFR
- ➤ Meteorologist Mark Henderson, now the Community Development Director, reflects on nearly a year running his independent Weather Hub — started after his departure from WIFR-TV exactly one year ago. He will celebrate the venture's anniversary on June 9 and says it has helped him connect better with local residents. Northern Public Radio
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Renovations are underway at the former Baked Wings site on E. Riverside Blvd. in Loves Park, where NYC Halal Eats (its first in the region) will serve New York City-style halal street food. Business partners Kasim Ahmed and Yahia Salih plan to open the restaurant by late July or August. Rock River Current
- ➤ Rockford will sell $103M in bonds to finance a Hard Rock Hotel and conference center expansion that will become the largest hotel in the city. Rockford Register Star
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A veteran photographer captured moments from VetsRoll Day #3 at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial yesterday. The event honored local veterans & brought community spirit through inspiring images. WIFR
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Winnebago County schools saw enrollment rise to 41,553 for the 2024-25 school year, a 1.1% increase over last year, according to the Illinois State Board of Education. Guilford High School in Rockford recorded the county’s highest enrollment with 2,026 students. Rockford Sun
- ➤ Rockford Public Schools is holding five graduation ceremonies at the BMO Center downtown on May 29 and May 30. The free events require tickets (picked up at each school office) and offer livestreams, parking, and shuttle services as Elm Street is closed for graduates and photos. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ Rockford University allocated $213,133 to its men's basketball team in 2024, which is $764,770 below the state average of $977,903 according to data from the U.S. Department of Education. Rockford Sun
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ UW Health dermatologist Dr. Lisa Arkin urges locals to skip tanning beds that significantly raise melanoma risk and recommends using broad-spectrum SPF 30-50 sunscreen, protective clothing, and hats for safe sun exposure this summer. Avoiding midday sun can help lower skin damage over time. WIFR
- ➤ The Illinois Alzheimer’s Association chapter advises aerobic exercise, strength training, balance work and a MIND diet — a combination that promotes brain health. Health professionals say these daily practices may help reduce Alzheimer’s risk for residents. WIFR
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ IRONMAN 70.3 Rockford will be held at an alternate venue this year as Davis Park remains closed for a $15.5 million reconstruction. The event will bring endurance racing excitement to local participants. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ IRONMAN 70.3 Rockford will take place soon. Participants can review race schedules, course maps, and traffic changes while volunteers are needed and athletes should consult the 60-page Athlete Guide to prepare. WIFR
- ➤ Congressman LaHood toured the restored Beyer Peaches Stadium today as local officials prepare for the Women’s Baseball World Cup group stage from July 22-26 and finals next July. He said the venue is expected to boost local economic growth (through increased community engagement). WIFR
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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.
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Guest Bartender Night
RPS205 administration, staff and Teacher Academy members will be behind the bar from 4-7 p.m. June 25 at Ernie’s Midtown Pub, 1025 Fifth Ave., Rockford. Fill the tip jar, get some great food and drinks and chat with your friends! A percentage will come back to Golden Apple to support local teachers. Your server may even turn out to be Dr. Jarrett! It’s a FUNdraiser — join us!
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
Success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.
~ Winston Churchill
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