Daily
Rockford
Wednesday, May 13th, 2026
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 13th of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Family-owned Gustafson’s Furniture & Mattress is closing after 98 years in Rockford; its final liquidation sale begins tomorrow at 6651 E. State St. (the building is listed at $5 million). Rock River Current
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ RockYard Music Fest will take place Friday and Saturday, Aug. 14-15 at Davis Park along the Rock River with live tribute acts, art, food, games, fireworks & a drone show during America 250 celebrations. Volunteers and local groups are invited to join the new summer tradition. Go Rockford
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Local organizations are helping students find summer jobs amid high youth unemployment. The YMCA’s Camp Winnebago will begin hiring counselors soon while the Rockford Park District seeks lifeguards and camp counselors for positions starting in weeks. WIFR
- ➤ Pecatonica High School earned top honors on Tuesday — raising its voter registration rate from 87% to 92% in the Stateline High School Voter Registration Challenge — when the League of Women Voters of Greater Rockford presented the award, recognizing the school’s civic commitment. WIFR
- ➤ Rockford high school artists will sell their creative works at a pop-up shop on Friday, May 15, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Rockford Art Deli as part of the Auburn Business Academy Studio Art program that combines art and entrepreneurship. Northern Public Radio
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Illinois Department of Public Health is investigating a potential hantavirus case in Winnebago County today after a local resident developed mild symptoms following exposure to rodent droppings at home; officials stress the North American strain is not spread from person to person and is not linked to international travel. WIFR
- ➤ Illinois Department of Public Health is investigating a suspected hantavirus case in a Winnebago County resident—who was cleaning a home with rodent droppings. Officials say the virus is not spread from person to person and that the risk to the community remains low. Rock River Current
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Scarce home listings and near-record prices are reducing the cost gap between building and buying — prompting Rockford buyers to choose new construction. A three-year tax abatement and faster sales have spurred interest in custom designs amid a tightening market. Rock River Current
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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.
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
Art is the lie that enables us to realize the truth.
~ Pablo Picasso
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