Daily
Rockford
Friday, May 8th, 2026
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Friends of Veterans Memorial Circle will host its annual planting day on Saturday, May 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery on Auburn and Main streets, as volunteers plant red and blue petunias and vinca to beautify the roundabout in tribute to veterans. Rock River Current
- ➤ Rockford’s Midtown district entered the second round of its Livable Communities Initiative as residents met Thursday at Patriots Gateway, 615 S 5th St to vote on design ideas — a step toward future improvements. The planning council will hold a collaborative meeting in summer and refine proposals in fall. WIFR
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Hard Rock Casino Rockford announced a multi-phase expansion that will add a 200-room hotel, spa, and fitness facility — along with a 15,000 sqft convention center and new dining options. Construction is set to begin later this year, highlighting the casino’s growing role in the community. Rockford Register Star
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Preservation Rockford submitted the 150-year-old Otis Eddy House at 2520 N. Main St. for potential landmark status on Tuesday, April 14 — the nomination will be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission later this summer to help protect the historic home from demolition. Rock River Current
- ➤ Abby Lee Miller, known from Dance Moms, will lead a dance technique class at Miss Andre’s Dance Factory at Willowbrook Middle School (6605 Prairie Hill Road) in South Beloit at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 30 for dancers aged 7 to 24. WIFR
- ➤ Former Rockford Symphony Orchestra member Jeff Midkiff shared his love of music with students at Roosevelt School and All Saints Academy on Thursday and will perform his mandolin concerto piece From the Blue Ridge tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. at Coronado Theatre. WIFR
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ South Beloit high school students were shown the dangers of impaired driving during a mock prom crash event on campus today, led by the fire department & emergency responders who simulated a realistic crash scene as a training tool. WIFR
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Rockford Medicaid providers reported $1,021,153 in claims for Temporary National Codes (Non-Medicare) during 2024, a 113.8% increase from 2023, with spending concentrated in ZIP codes 61103 and 61108. Rockford Sun
- ➤ A new study finds that one in five working adults report tinnitus has caused them to cut work hours or quit their job. Local experts at Beltone Hearing Care Center say 85% of patients see improvement with hearing aids + use additional therapies if symptoms persist. WIFR
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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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Love Song Live in Vietnamese
6-9 p.m. — Hard Rock Casino Rockford — 21+ only — Experience captivating live music in a vibrant setting.
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Nike Flag Football Camp in Rockford, IL
June 3-5 — Clarence Hicks Sports Complex — Pricing available upon inquiry — Enhance your flag football skills with experienced coaches and fun competitions.
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Mushroom Identification Hike
10 AM - 12 PM — Funderburg Forest Preserve — $7 per person — Explore the wonders of fungi hidden in the forest during this nature adventure suitable for all ages.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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