Daily
Rockford
Friday, April 24th, 2026
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 24th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Homeowners along the Rock River will see relief as water levels drop following a Sunday crest, with the river now at 11 feet. A Multi-Agency Resource Center is held today from 2 to 7 p.m. at Life Church (5910 Elevator Rd., Roscoe) for affected residents. WIFR
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Christy Rose Stewart has taken over Mulligan’s Pub & Grill on Rockford’s North End. The pub will reopen on Saturday, May 2, with community events, a refreshed menu, live music, and a $1,000 drawing for the Family Peace Center at 2212 N. Main St. Rock River Current
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Sophie Coyote and multi-instrumentalist Scott Clements performed at WNIJ’s Studio A After Hours concert a few weeks ago, playing new songs and tracks from her EP Indigo Child. Listeners can stream her music + check upcoming show dates on her website. Northern Public Radio
- ➤ Friends of the Coronado got $400,000 in state funding to repair decorative plaster at the historic performance center, part of a $1.5 million upgrade — work will occur in phases from mid-July to mid-January next year with theater closures from July 15 to Aug. 15 and Dec. 28 to Jan. 13. Rockford Register Star
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Constance Lane Elementary unveiled its first Strong Schools mural today (featuring a student-inspired rocket ship design in peach and purple) as part of Alignment Rockford’s program; internationally recognized artist Eddaviel Montero led the project, and four more murals will soon be installed at local schools. WIFR
- ➤ Rockford DayCare & Academy held its ribbon-cutting on Thursday, Apr. 23 at its new 12 classroom facility on 2323 S. Sixth St where it began enrollment for children ages 2 to 5 & added a waitlist for infant care expansion as it revives the former Rockford Day Nursery. Rock River Current
- ➤ Rockford University’s Day of Giving event raised over $51,000 for the Clark Arts Center after the community surpassed the $40,000 goal in a 24-hour fundraiser — with donations, matching gifts, and student efforts contributing to the success. Rockford University
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Winnebago County leaders approved $616,000 from Public Safety sales tax funds to renovate Carrie Lynn Children’s Center as it will co-locate with Family Peace Center (214 N. Church St.) in Rockford. Renovation work will begin immediately with a planned move in 2027. WIFR
- ➤ IDOT announced crews will begin work next Friday, May 1, to improve the U.S. 20 and Mill Road intersection in Cherry Valley. The project widens U.S. 20 from four to six lanes, replaces bridges+realigns the service road, with all lanes reopening this winter and completion by June 2028. WIFR
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Los Huracanes Del Norte Live Concert
7-10 p.m. — Hard Rock Casino Rockford — Ticket prices vary — Experience the lively sounds of Los Huracanes Del Norte in a vibrant setting.
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Rockford Handmade Market - Spring 2026
11 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Prairie Street Brewing Co. — Free entry — Experience a vibrant showcase of local creativity and craftsmanship in the spring market.
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Lonely Teenage Cassette Release Show
8-10 p.m. — The Music Box — $15.08 — Experience an ambient/drone night with the local duo Lonely Teenage and special guests.
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Mother's Day Garden Celebration
12-3 p.m. — Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden — General admission required — Celebrate Mother's Day with floral arrangements, live music, and delicious food in a beautiful garden setting.
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The Wizard of Oz
6 PM — Rockford Woman's Club — Cost not specified — Experience a captivating retelling of the beloved classic as you journey down the yellow brick road.
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Heart Vs Hustle: Dej Loaf and Rob49 Concert
7-10 p.m. — Hard Rock Live - Rockford — Ticket availability varies — Enjoy an electrifying night with Dej Loaf and Rob49 at the Hard Rock Casino.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Vision without execution is hallucination.
~ Thomas Edison
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