Daily
Rockford
Thursday, February 19th, 2026
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of February.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Keanu Concepcion (29), a Rock Valley College alum, was named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 for Games for his work as a young entrepreneur in gaming. He will soon leave Netflix Games to start a venture that fuses aviation maintenance with his gaming roots. WIFR
- ➤ Forest City Gear invested in a new DMG MORI CTX Beta 450 TC machine to streamline gear production at its Roscoe facility today. The equipment performs turning, milling, and gear operations in a single setup, improving efficiency for its customers. Rockford Register Star
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local Muslims began Ramadan on Feb. 18 at the Muslim Association of Greater Rockford as they observed fasting from sunrise to sunset for spiritual reflection. The Islamic Weekend School will display students' artwork on Feb. 20 to highlight the community's celebration. WIFR
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rockford DayCare and Academy has reopened in the former Rockford Day Nursery at 2323 S. Sixth St. and is accepting enrollment for 2-5 year olds — local educators Bryan and Amanda Amezquita plan to expand services to include infants and toddlers while offering a Montessori- and nature-inspired approach. Rock River Current
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County opened the Paula Swanson Forest Preserve on an 88-acre parcel along the Sugar River in Shirland, purchased with a donation and tax bond. The preserve is open for walk-in visits — no trails exist yet — and will have a dedication this summer. Rockford Register Star
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The IHSA Girls Bowling State Finals return to Rockford as 24 teams compete at The Cherry Bowl (7171 Cherryvale N Blvd) on Friday, Feb. 20 and Saturday, Feb. 21 at 9 a.m.; the event expects over 800 spectators and significant local economic activity. Go Rockford
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An Evening with Freedy Johnston
8:00 – 10:00 p.m. — The Music Box — From $18.85 — Enjoy the poignant storytelling of acclaimed songwriter Freedy Johnston as he performs live.
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La Fe Norteña Concert
8 PM — Apollo Activity Center — $40.00 + Fees — Enjoy a night of vibrant Norteno music featuring La Fe Norteña and more.
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Charlie Berens Comedy Show
5-8 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughter with Emmy-winning comedian and author Charlie Berens.
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Fireside Music with Rockford Symphony Orchestra
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM — Anderson Japanese Gardens — Free entry — Enjoy a cozy atmosphere with live music from Rockford’s premier youth choir while savoring light lunches and pastries.
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52nd Annual Rockford RV, Camping, & Travel Show
2-4 p.m. — Indoor Sports Center — $8 adults, children free — Explore RVs, camping gear, and enjoy live entertainment with unique contests.
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Rock River Valley Model Train Show
10 AM – 5 PM — Harlem High School — $5 admission, kids 12 and under free — Explore vast displays of model trains and supplies while enjoying hourly door prizes.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Rockford
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