Daily
Rockford
Saturday, March 21st, 2026
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 21st of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Rockford radio host Steve Shannon, after 31 years on 97ZOK, is stepping away from the mic with his final two shows scheduled to air from 6 to 10 a.m. Monday, March 23 and Tuesday, March 24. He announced his retirement on Facebook. WIFR
- ➤ GoRockford and Rockford Park District are hosting the second annual Animal Rescue Expo today (UW Health Sports Factory, 305 South Madison St.) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; the event features 90 vendor booths offering pet supplies, adoptions, and interactive wildlife encounters to benefit local rescue organizations. Go Rockford
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A teen was airlifted for emergency brain and spleen surgery after a car crash on March 18 at 11:30 a.m. at Palmyra Road + Carriage Hill Drive, and his family is asking for community help with his medical expenses. WIFR
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Zekelman Industries has set up a manufacturing facility off I-39 in Rochelle—this site, active since 2022, launched an apprenticeship program in January to address a skilled trades gap and support family careers. Its steel products are used in landmark structures like Willis Tower and The Sphere. WIFR
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Fifty medical students celebrated Match Day Friday at the UIC Rockford Partners’ Pavilion as they learned their residency placements across 18 states, with 20 staying in Illinois. Stateliner Andy Vaewhongs and his peers now look forward to three to seven years of training as the ceremony marks a pivotal milestone. WIFR
- ➤ Marking her death anniversary on March 20, Rockford remembers Joyce Mina Lundeen Holmberg for her long career as an educator and community leader. Born (1930) and passing (2017), her work supported students and residents and left a lasting legacy. Rockford Sun
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Illinois officials advise tax filers to mail returns early to avoid delays from USPS postmark changes that may affect the 2026 deadline. Taxpayers can file electronically or request manual postmarks to secure timely processing before April 15. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ Illinois Secretary of State office is accepting applications today for its fourth annual summer job program, offering over 120 paid positions for students at its departments + DMV offices statewide. Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and completed application online for roles paying $17 to $25 per hour. Rockford Register Star
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ White Sox games will air free over-the-air on WIFR and WSLN during the 2026 season, as part of a partnership between Weigel + Gray Media. The schedule begins Friday, May 8 versus Seattle and includes select matchups through Aug. 17. WIFR
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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
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Rockford
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