🌱 Patch AM: What Rockford’s Community Action leaders decided about housing, utilities and safety

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In today's newsletter:

• What Rockford’s Community Action leaders decided about housing, utilities and safety
• How many Black students now attend Rockford schools—and what’s changing?
• Why Rockford police suddenly towed 150 abandoned cars in one day

Today's riddle: What did one magnet say to the other magnet? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Areas of morning fog, with a high of 45 and low of 28 degrees.
• Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, afternoon mist, temps: high: 43, low: 34.
• Thursday: Low clouds, with a high of 41 and low of 37 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. City of Rockford Community Action Agency Executive Committee met Nov. 18 (rockfordsun.com) — Rockford’s Community Action Agency Executive Committee recently approved its 2026 meeting schedule and reviewed how federal budget uncertainty, HUD changes, and LIHEAP are affecting local residents. Members discussed an October incident at the Community Services office, upcoming security upgrades, and ongoing programs like Getting Ahead classes, utility shutoff moratoriums, and expanded weatherization efforts through Rockford Housing Authority.
   

2. 9,377 Black students enrolled in Winnebago County districts in 2024-25 school year (rockfordsun.com) — New state data show 9,377 Black students are enrolled in Winnebago County schools this year, with Rockford School District 205 accounting for 8,723 of them. Black students now make up 31% of Rockford’s district enrollment and 21.5% of all county students, as Illinois boosts overall K‑12 funding in its 2025 budget.
   

3. Police sweep 150 abandoned cars from Rockford streets in one day. What's behind the blight? (mystateline.com) — Rockford Police recently tagged or towed nearly 150 abandoned vehicles in a single day to keep streets clear and safe, especially during snowy weather. Officers say most complaints come from frustrated neighbors, and they’re urging residents to report suspected abandoned cars online or by text so problem vehicles can be removed more quickly.
   

4. Advocates hold memorial service for homeless around Rockford region who died in 2025 (wifr.com) — A Rockford memorial service honored 24 homeless neighbors from northern Illinois who died in 2025, with names displayed on a Christmas tree now at the Rockford Park District’s Webbs Norman Center. City staff, faith leaders, and advocates urged residents to remember those lost and consider volunteering or donating to Second First Church’s Overnight Cafe to help prevent future homelessness.
   

5. Microsoft's Cherry Valley data center in a 'holding pattern' (rrstar.com) — Microsoft’s planned data center just east of Rockford in Cherry Valley is on pause, leaving hundreds of promised future tech and construction jobs for the Rockford area uncertain. Village officials say Microsoft still owns and farms the land but may be waiting for construction material costs to stabilize before seeking building permits and restarting the project.
   

📸 Around Rockford

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Rockford

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Wednesday December 24

• City Offices Closed - Christmas Eve
  Rockford, IL Calendar Rockford, IL 61104

Thursday December 25

• City Offices Closed - Christmas
  Rockford, IL Calendar Rockford, IL 61104

Friday December 26

• Stateline Fastpitch Softball Tournament
  Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
• Rockford Thunder MLIS Game
  Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
  6:30 pm

Saturday December 27

• Stateline Fastpitch Softball Tournament
  Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park

Sunday December 28

• Hispanic Soccer League
  Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
  8:00 am

Monday December 29

• Raptors 3v3 Tournament
  Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
  8:00 am
• Golf Driving Range
  Indoor Sports Center , 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. , Loves Park
  10:00 am

📣 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

Tuesday December 23

• PMP Certification 4 Days Classroom Training in Rockford, IL
  Rockford Business Center , 2990 N Perryville Rd , Rockford
  9:00 am
• Golf Driving Range
  Atwood Center Indoor Sports Center
  10:00 am

Wednesday December 24

• Closed - Christmas Holiday
  Cherry Valley Public Library District , 755 E State Street , Cherry Valley
• FACILITY CLOSED
  Atwood Center Indoor Sports Center

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Update: Pet Reunited
  Laney, a dog who went missing in Rockford, IL, has been safely reunited with their family after 5 hours, 51 minutes. Message from Owner: "Please… (Nextdoor Marshall Street)
• Loose pit bull.
  Was just on Vernon east of Grant but couldn't see where it went. Brownish. Seemed sweet. My dogs were having a fit so I couldn't try to catch it. (Nextdoor North End Square)

• Planet Fitness, Inc. posted a job opening for Future Opening: Overnight Custodian in Rockford. Apply here.
• PCI Pharma Services posted a job opening for Process Reliability Expeditor 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: I find you very attractive!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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