Daily
Rockford
Thursday, November 20th, 2025
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 20th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Hard Rock Casino Rockford donated $10,000 to the VanVleet Family Foundation to support its annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway for 1,000 local families. The event will take place this Sunday at Auburn High School Fieldhouse from 2 to 4 PM—families should arrive early as it is first-come, first-served. WTVO
- ➤ Rockford’s Unitarian Universalist Church now offers a 24-hour food pantry to give everyone free access to food, as part of its ongoing eco justice efforts. The pantry uses funds from a Neighborhood Grant and local donations (including support from Schmeling Building Supply) to operate a climate-controlled shed with a full-size refrigerator and freezer. Northern Public Radio
- ➤ Rockford’s annual Stroll on State holiday celebration will take place on Saturday, November 29 in downtown Rockford—volunteers will decorate streets ahead of a parade featuring a drone show, fireworks, and a new 40-foot balloon that embodies a cherished local tradition. The event is fully sponsor funded and volunteer led, marking its 13th year as a community favorite. Northern Public Radio
- ➤ Menards is hosting a toy drive until Dec.15 and inviting families to visit its Enchanted Forest holiday display+ donations of new, unwrapped presents can be dropped off at a box near the exit to support community giving this season. Rockford Register Star
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ A building that operated as a shoe repair shop on N. Main St. in downtown Rockford is being transformed into Palace Wine Bar by owners Mark Podemski and Lucretia Ristin, with extensive renovations underway and a planned opening by spring 2026. A City Council vote on the liquor license is expected Dec.1 — the project features local architectural design and aims to add a new venue for downtown gatherings. Rock River Current
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ The Rockford BBB warned residents of reported pet scams with a Glencoe woman losing $1,000 and a Chicago man losing $750—residents are advised to adopt from local shelters to avoid fake websites offering premium breeds at low prices. WTVO
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ The Illinois Commerce Commission cut NICOR Gas's proposed rate increase by nearly 47% to $168 million, which will raise gas bills by about $4 instead of the $7 increase NICOR had requested. Rockford officials noted that over 15,000 calls for LIHEAP assistance and an early winter moratorium on shutoffs show residents face tougher choices for heating costs plus other essentials. WTVO
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Scott Jensen, the Director of Design and Construction for Rockford Public Schools, donated his family's 2005 Buick LeSabre to The Quad automotive program so students can gain hands-on auto skills next academic year. He received the car from his siblings after his mom died in 2005 and said his family legacy of generosity inspired the gift—students will work directly on the vehicle when the program starts. WTVO
- ➤ The Hononegah Board of Education approved Club America — a Turning Point USA-backed student club started by senior Kennlee Rayann to boost civic engagement and constitutional education — during a Wednesday night meeting. Some opponents worry the club may increase political polarization even as lawmakers urged the board to ensure equal access for all student organizations. WTVO
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Rockford earned a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign's Municipal Equality Index released November 19, marking the fourth year it has achieved this rating—after improving by 41 points since joining in 2018, the city maintained inclusive policies such as a Non-Discrimination Ordinance for contractors. City of Rockford
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Rockford Ravens rugby team, celebrating their 50th anniversary, left Collins Aerospace for a tour in New Zealand where 91 players will play three games each. The milestone trip follows their 2022 tour to Scotland and marks the team’s biggest journey—fueling local pride in their love for rugby. WTVO
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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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A Christmas Carol Performance
7:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Cheek Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magical story of Ebenezer Scrooge brought to life through a one-man play by Greg Oliver Bodine.
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