Daily
Rockford
Wednesday, November 19th, 2025
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 19th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Northern Illinois Hospice Foundation will host its 24-hour virtual Day of Giving event on November 20 to raise $25,000 for local hospice services—supporting patient care that goes beyond insurance. A generous donor will match donations up to $10,000 and add $5,000 once 46 new donations are received. WIFR
- ➤ Rockford mourns the loss of Mustafa Abdall, a prominent businessman and Arab Chamber president renowned for his support of cultural and humanitarian projects in the city — memorial events have not been announced. WTVO
- ➤ Tomorrow, crews from Tree Care Enterprises Inc., Howe Freightways Inc., Creative Crane, and Stenstrom will start the 13th annual Rockford Tree Harvest Day at 7 a.m. at 545 Sandra Lane by cutting down a 40-foot tree, moving it downtown with a police escort at 7:50 a.m., and beginning trimming and installation by 9 a.m. The tree will be set up at Main & Elm Streets for the Stroll on State festival on November 29 — a key part of the holiday celebration. Go Rockford
- ➤ City First Church in Rockford expanded its monthly food distribution event yesterday to serve 750 families instead of 250 as holiday need rose—semi-trucks delivered fresh dairy, proteins and produce. State Senator Dave Syverson attended and handed out turkeys, and the next giveaway is set for December 9. WTVO
- ➤ Hard Rock Casino Rockford presented a $10,000 check to the VanVleet Family Foundation to support its turkey giveaway, which will run Sunday, Nov. 23 from 2 to 4 p.m.—the donation includes tote bags and volunteers to provide Thanksgiving meals for local families. WIFR
- ➤ Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden is launching Thankful Path, a calm holiday walk featuring gently lit evergreens, fire pits, and seasonal treats from Nov. 28 to Dec. 20 on Friday and Saturday evenings. Tickets include a seasonal drink and require timed entry (limited group sizes) to keep the experience peaceful. Rockford Register Star
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Rockford International Airport will offer nonstop flights to Fort Lauderdale as Allegiant launches its new route on Feb. 12, 2026 — discounted one-way fares as low as $69 will be available for travel from Nov. 19 through Aug. 18, and tickets are on sale now. This service is part of a broader expansion that includes 29 other routes connecting 35 cities. WIFR
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Teachers in Harlem, through the Harlem Federation of Teachers, said plans to close Maple Elementary in Loves Park and Olson Park Elementary in Machesney Park are troubling because they will cut early learning and disrupt routines — union president Elana Schelling-Tufte urged lawmakers to increase funding. The school board will review the plan in coming weeks and hold public meetings on Dec. 1, Dec. 2, and Dec. 3. Rockford Register Star
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Rockford City Council is considering a ban on 7-OH — a powerful synthetic opioid made from kratom — after the Code and Regulation Committee recommended the measure last week amid growing safety concerns, and the proposal will come before the full council in two weeks. WTVO
- ➤ Illinois residents can now add their driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet on their iPhone today—providing a secure way to verify identity at airports, restaurants, and TSA checkpoints. The digital ID will roll out to Android devices next year to offer a similar convenient option. WTVO
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday, the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board approved Mercyhealth’s sale of the former Javon Bea Hospital-Rockton to Kingdom Authority International Ministries for $1 so the church could transform the site at 2400 N. Rockton Ave into a community development center offering affordable apartments, accessible health care—multiple business tenants, and community resources. Mercyhealth also received board approval on its merger with FHN to support the local health care network while the church has begun seeking tenants and fundraising for first-year administrative costs. Rock River Current
- ➤ On Tuesday, the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board approved a Mercyhealth partnership with FHN—Mercyhealth will commit $100 million over five years to expand services into four counties with the deal set to close on December 31. The board also approved a 7—1 sale of the former hospital on Rockton Avenue to Kingdom Authority Pastors Melvin and Shelia Brown—who plan to turn the 708,749-square-foot building into a hub for health, affordable housing and community resources. WIFR
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An Evening with The Cold Stares
7:30-10:00 p.m. — The Music Box — Starting at $15.08 — Experience the fierce, blistering live show of The Cold Stares, a duo with nearly a decade of world touring.
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Babyface Concert
7-10 p.m. — Rockford Casino — Tickets available — Experience a night of soulful music with the legendary Babyface.
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2025 NorthPointe Wellness Turkey Trot
2:30-4:00 p.m. — 5605 E Rockton Rd, Roscoe, IL — Registration fee may apply — Participate in a fun-filled annual Turkey Trot event promoting health and community spirit.
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Dasher Dash 5K Run/Walk
12 – 4 PM — Beattie Park — Entry fee applies — Celebrate the holiday season with a festive run in downtown Rockford.
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An Intimate Evening with David Foster & Katharine McPhee
7-10 p.m. — Rockford Casino — Ticket information unavailable — Enjoy a night of musical brilliance with renowned composer David Foster and soprano Katharine McPhee.
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The Nutcracker by Rockford Dance Company
6-7:30 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — $35-67 — Experience the magic of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince in this beloved holiday ballet featuring local talent.
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Riverview Inn & Suites Winter Wonderland
11 AM - 5 PM — Riverview Inn & Suites — $10/person at the door — Experience holiday cheer with Santa photos, crafts, and live music.
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NLI’s Holiday Open House
4-7 p.m. — Natural Land Institute — Free entry — Celebrate the holidays with cider, snacks, and mingling at NLI's festive headquarters.
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2025 Excalibur & Excelsior Awards Celebration
6-8 p.m. — Prairie Street Brewing Co. — Free entry — Celebrate community service excellence at the Annual Excalibur & Excelsior Award Ceremony.
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An Evening with Kevin Gordon
8-10 p.m. — The Music Box — From $15.08 — Enjoy the soulful sounds of Louisiana's own Kevin Gordon as he shares stories through his songs.
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