Daily
Rockford
Thursday, February 26th, 2026
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Winnebago County Animal Services is hosting Unleash the Love, a $50 dog adoption event running today through Saturday, Feb. 28 at its shelter (4517 N. Main Street) in Rockford, with adopters required to have a pre-approved application. WIFR
- ➤ Neighborhood groups in Boone, Ogle, Stephenson, or Winnebago counties can apply for CFNIL’s 2026 Neighborhood Grants Program, which offers up to $2,500 per grant on a first-come-first-served basis until June 15; an info session is set for March 7. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ Loves Park Police and Fire Departments hosted an emergency preparedness workshop Wednesday morning at City Hall to help residents plan for spring storms and medical emergencies. Sgt. Eric Jacobson led the session by demonstrating CPR and AED use and advising everyone to prepare a household emergency plan. WIFR
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Velocity One (a Hoboken-based aerospace and defense company) completed acquiring Rockford's Kaney Aerospace on Tuesday, Feb. 24. The move adds resources and technical strength while details on job changes were not provided. WIFR
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Polo Historical Society researchers uncovered a paper trail that records local Underground Railroad ties using a 1890s map and oral histories, and they plan to submit Fairmount Cemetery to the National Park Service’s Network to Freedom program to fill gaps in local abolition history (linking the community with its past). WIFR
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The District 205 Board of Education approved a new teacher contract agreement by a 7-0 vote on Wednesday, and Rockford Education Association teachers backed the deal over the weekend (the deal includes salary increases, retroactive pay and parental leave). WIFR
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ North Park Deputy Chief Brian Kunce will be sworn in as South Beloit's fire chief on March 2 — his selection approved by the city council through Metro Paramedic Services — after more than 40 years of firefighting and a stage 4 cancer battle. WIFR
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Aging Untold debuts Monday, March 2 at 3 p.m. on WIFR and offers a 30-minute talk show for aging adults and their families. The program features four experts (including Sam Cradduck and Amy Cameron O’Rourke) who provide practical guidance on the aging journey. WIFR
- ➤ A 62-year-old Rockford man underwent the area's first robotic heart surgery at UW Health, performed by Dr. Ghulam Murtaza, after experiencing worsening heart issues. The minimally invasive procedure helped him recover quickly + offers local patients a new option in heart care. WIFR
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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.
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Melodies at the Museum
4:00 – 5:30 PM — Rockford Art Museum — $45 — Experience a blend of chamber music and art with insights from RSO musicians and a community reception.
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A Night of Cheap Trick Songs
7:30-9:30 p.m. — The Music Box — From $22.17 — Celebrate the sounds of Rockford's Hall of Fame band with MILES NIELSEN & KELLY covering their classics.
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Jesse & Joy Concert
7-10 p.m. — Hard Rock Casino Rockford — Ticket prices vary — Experience the beautiful melodies of Jesse & Joy during their El Despecho Tour.
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Rockford IceHogs vs. Iowa Wild Hockey Game
6:30-10:30 p.m. — BMO Center — Free food included — Enjoy an exciting AHL matchup and learn about sports chiropractic while cheering for the IceHogs.
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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Desire is a contract you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.
~ Naval Ravikant
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