Daily
Rockford
Wednesday, January 14th, 2026
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 14th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Senator Dave Syverson invites local churches, schools, and community groups to join the annual Valentines for Seniors Card Drive by collecting and dropping off Valentine’s cards for assisted living residents. Drop-off points are set in DeKalb, Kane, McHenry, and Winnebago counties (including Rockford), with cards delivered by the Senator’s staff. Rockford Sun
- ➤ The Courtyard at Loves Park will host a Soup & Learn Series on Jan. 16, 23 and 30, offering free lunch and senior care tips, a Soup-Off on Jan. 21 for local soup samples, and community presentations on Tuesdays and Thursdays to discuss planned senior living options. Rockford Register Star
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Shareholders from Pearl City Elevator and Stephenson Service Company will vote Jan. 30 on a merger plan approved by both boards that will combine their services to better serve local farmers in northern Illinois. The merger is expected to finalize by Sept. 1. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ Hard Rock Casino Rockford had over 1.4M admissions in its first full year in 2025 and recorded $146.1M in gross gambling revenue at 7801 E. State St. Its local tax contribution of about $8.7M — with the host agreement set to deliver $7M annually — supports city initiatives. Rock River Current
- ➤ Rockford-area jewelers observed a 26% decline in one-carat natural diamond prices from 2022 to 2025 while lab-grown diamonds surged in sales. Gold reached over $4,600 per ounce & silver jumped to $86, prompting experts to advise shoppers to visit stores for quality pieces. WIFR
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Illinois art leaders say state and federal policy decisions are affecting local arts education. During a virtual briefing, Arts Alliance Illinois noted that funding cuts may force schools to reduce arts programs — a follow-up advocacy meeting is planned for spring in Springfield. WIFR
- ➤ The film series about trauma began on Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Rockford Public Library Nordlof Center with a screening of 'Minding the Gap' and will continue every second Tuesday through June — panel discussions will follow after each film. Northern Public Radio
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Winnebago County’s Soil and Water Conservation District has launched its annual tree sale, offering bare-root shade trees, evergreens and shrub seedlings to conserve energy and support wildlife habitats; orders are accepted until Feb. 25 with pickup details set for mid-April. Rockford Register Star
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Prairie Hill Road between IL Route 2 Blackhawk Boulevard and South Bluff Road near Rockton will be closed starting Monday, Feb. 2 when bridge replacement work begins over the Rock River. The work, which weather may delay, is expected to finish by the end of November. Winnebago County
- ➤ City Council approved a deal with Rockford Brake Manufacturing to restart the former Gunite plant at 302 Peoples Ave — which will create 150 jobs and resume local Gunite brake drum production. Additional approvals covered grants for community events, environmental programs, workforce training, housing repairs and infrastructure updates. Rockford Register Star
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Illinois has extended its health insurance enrollment until Jan. 31 — giving residents extra time to apply for coverage starting Feb. 1. Get Covered Illinois offers free navigator support to help compare and choose affordable plans. Rockford Register Star
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Hard Rock Casino is set to host Jim McMahon and Friends Chalk Talk on Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. at Hard Rock Live. Chicago Bears legends will share memories and auction memorabilia to support the Rockford Park District Foundation while Chicago 6 performs (tickets available via Ticketmaster). WIFR
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Susan Nelson – Soprano Performance
7:30-10:00 p.m. — Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the powerful and sensitive performances of soprano Susan Nelson as she celebrates women composers.
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Ernie Hendrickson Band Tribute to The Grateful Dead
8-10 p.m. — The Music Box — Ticket info available — Join Ernie Hendrickson Band for a nostalgic tribute to The Grateful Dead.
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AHL All Star Classic
1-9 p.m. — BMO Center — Ticket prices vary — Cheer on top hockey players as they showcase their skills at this all-star event.
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Galentine's Pop-Up
4-8 p.m. — Rockford City Market — Free entry — Celebrate friendship with themed drinks and local vendors for a fun Galentine's get-together.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Most people overestimate what they can do in a day, and underestimate what they can do in a decade.
~ Alex Hormozi
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