Daily
Rockford
Thursday, March 5th, 2026
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 5th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire will run from Friday, Mar. 6 to Sunday, Mar. 8 at the BMO Center downtown, where monster trucks perform stunts and crush cars to entertain families (hearing protection is recommended for children). Northern Public Radio
- ➤ Jersey Mike’s has launched its Month of Giving campaign to support Team Illinois and the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, inviting customers at 106 locations to round up their purchases and donate, with 100% of sales being donated on March 25. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ Residents near Edson and Friday Roads fear a proposed hyperscale data center by Monarch Energy may raise utility bills and harm the local environment, with power use starting January 2028 prompting warnings from a federal commissioner. Local voices remain uncertain as details continue to emerge. WIFR
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Chipotle opened its second Rockford restaurant on March 4 at 5521 E. State St with a Chipotlane that lets customers pick up digital orders by car & introduced a high-protein menu and Chipotle U Rewards for students, creating 30 job openings. Rockford Register Star
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ South Beloit received a $600K OSLAD grant for a new neighborhood park at Nature at the Confluence near the Rock River, and construction will begin following final design and land acquisition with an anticipated opening by spring 2028. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ In February, Ogle County leaders discussed plans to phase out longtime warning sirens near the Byron Nuclear Generating Station in Oregon with Constellation Energy, which will switch to smartphone alerts — officials hope to run both systems during a transition and must secure state and FEMA approval. WIFR
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Rockford residents can enjoy fish fry season as nearly 30 local venues serve a variety of fried, baked and broiled fish dishes. Options include regular Friday events and select dates (such as March 6), so check local listings for the latest hours. Rockford Register Star
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The historic Briggs Mansion (built in 1863) at 1244 E. State St. sold Friday for $295,000 to UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital, which plans to use the property for future growth. The mansion had been on the market for over a decade and remains a local landmark. Rock River Current
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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
The only real test of intelligence is if you get what you want out of life.
~ Naval Ravikant
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