Community Corner
š± Patch AM: How Rockfordās library is quietly changing hundreds of adultsā futures
Make time for Iliza Shlesinger Live on the Rockford Patch calendar
Hello Rockford! Stay connected with the latest updates from around town. Let's dive in! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
- How Rockford's library is quietly changing hundreds of adults' futures
- How Rockford's Family Peace Center just reshaped Illinois law.
- Could Rockford manufacturers land a long-term parts deal with Airbus?
Also on today's calendar: Woodsong Summer Concert - Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute and 6 more events.
Today's riddle: What is the difference between a jeweler and a jailer? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
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Find a T-Mobile store near Rockford. 
- Thursday: Sunny to partly cloudy, with a high of 82 and low of 56 degrees.
- Friday: Mostly sunny, temps: high: 83, low: 60.
- Saturday: Nice with clouds and sun, with a high of 78 and low of 65 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. The Rockford Public Library is helping some adults achieve something that helps them excel further (northernpublicradio.org) — Rockford adults without a high school diploma can now earn an accredited credential for free through the Rockford Public Library's donor-funded Adult Online High School, which has already graduated more than 300 people. Led by educator Leon Smith, the self-paced program pairs coursework with intensive coaching and local career partnerships, helping parents boost both their own prospects and their children's success. 
2. New Illinois law expands Rockford's domestic violence resource model statewide (wifr.com) — Rockford's Family Peace Center model just became the blueprint for a new Illinois law, meaning similar one-stop support hubs for domestic violence survivors can now open statewide. Local leaders say the unanimously passed Family Justice Centers Act recognizes Rockford's survivor-led approach and could expand coordinated services like legal help and rape crisis support far beyond the city.
3. Airbus looks for new manufacturing partners in Rockford (wifr.com) — Airbus just brought its Supplier Day to Rockford, courting local manufacturers for long-term partnerships to build aircraft parts and potentially add high-quality jobs. With Rockford touted as a top U.S. aerospace cluster, local companies met one-on-one with Airbus leaders to explore joining the company's massive production pipeline for planes, helicopters, and defense projects.
4. Rockford holds send-off for Mayor Tom McNamara as he transitions to a new role (mystateline.com) — Rockford residents are preparing for a leadership change as Mayor Tom McNamara steps down after nine years to take a nonprofit role, with Alderwoman Janessa Neal serving as interim mayor until spring elections. Hundreds turned out to thank McNamara for work on community development, Rockford Promise, and the Family Peace Center, which supporters say strengthened support for students and survivors.
5. Enjoy A Fun Event with The Whole Family and Help Children in Need! (mystateline.com) — Rockford-area families are invited to the 4th annual 2026 Bikers Day on September 19 at 100 Heart Blvd in Loves Park, running from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Organized by Rockford Area Riders and the Wolf Pack Social Club, the fundraiser packs in bike and car shows, games, kids' activities, and live music to support Lurie Children's Hospital and local families.
📸 Around Rockford
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Rockford
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Iliza Shlesinger Live →
Hard Rock Casino Rockford, 7801 E State St, Rockford
7:00 pm
Friday August 28
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- National League Soccer Event
Atwood Center Mercyhealth Sportscore Two - Boys Football (F/S & Var) vs Jefferson HS @ Wyrth Stadium - Auburn
Rockford East High School 5110 Auburn St, Rockford, IL 61101, USA
5:15 pm - Boys Football vs Jefferson HS @ Wyeth Stadium - Auburn HS
Rockford East High School 5110 Auburn St, Rockford, IL 61101, USA
5:15 pm - RPD Men & Coed Soccer Leagues
Atwood Center Indoor Sports Center
5:30 pm - National League Soccer Event
Atwood Center Mercyhealth Sportscore Two - International Soccer League
Atwood Center Mercyhealth Sportscore One
9:00 am - Crossroads Blues Festival →
Lyran Park, 4781 S Bend Rd, Rockford
12:00 pm - Woodsong Summer Concert - Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute →
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S Main St, Rockford
6:00 pm
Friday August 28
Saturday August 29
Sunday September 6
📣 Rockford Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
🗓 Events Nearby
- Muffins & Medicare
Cherry Valley Public Library District 755 East State Street, Cherry Valley, IL, 61016, US
10:00 am - RYSL Fall Outdoor
Atwood Center Mercyhealth Sportscore Two
5:00 pm - Bull Bar Bingo at Baseball Tap →
Baseball Tap Bar & Grill, 202 Walnut St, Cherry Valley
7:00 pm - National League Soccer Event
Atwood Center Mercyhealth Sportscore Two
Thursday August 27
Friday August 28
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Thank you 👏👏👏 to these businesses for making Rockford PatchAM possible:
- Mike's Mowing & More Inc — (815) 721-4464
- Beegoshop — 8154468485
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💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Beautiful update on Oliver.
He is home and eating non stop. This site was what led me to him. A wonderful cat loving woman in a neighborhood one mile away is totally responsible… (Nextdoor Mulford Crest, Spring Lake) - Please share & repost to help reunite this stray cat!
Found on August 25, 2026 in Rockford, IL 61103 near Rockton Ave and Auburn St Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the… (Nextdoor North End Square)
- University of Wisconsin Health posted a job opening for NI-Physician, Orthopedic Surgery: Trauma in Rockford. Apply here.
- Chuck E. Cheese posted a job opening for Game Room Attendant – Cast Member in Rockford. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Rockford here.
Ok Rockford! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A jeweler sells watches and a jailer watches cells. (Thank you Jean D. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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