Daily
Rockford
Thursday, May 14th, 2026
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 14th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Rockford will hold three Memorial Day events with a parade at 9 a.m. on May 25 from 7th St. to Beattie Park, a program at Veterans Memorial Hall, and a Sinking of the Ship Ceremony behind the Public Library — all honoring veterans. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ Rockford City Market opens for its 2026 season on Friday, May 15. The market will feature daily themes, local business support, and special activities including a golf simulator + flash tattoos and kids’ events + trolley rides. Northern Public Radio
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Hennig Inc. in Machesney Park announced today that it is using Slytek software to help CNC manufacturers boost efficiency without adding labor. The machine-agnostic system consolidates data from all devices — including air compressors and mist collectors — to improve process control and enable lights-out manufacturing. Rockford Register Star
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Rockford Public Library named filmmaker Neil Bloom as its new artist in residence. He will screen five community-made short films and lead film workshops at the Nordlof Center on Saturday, May 30 — aiming to build Rockford’s local filmmaking scene. Rock River Current
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Guilford High School repeated as Rockford’s High School Voter Registration Challenge champion after nearly 300 students registered to vote in 22 classrooms — the school reached its thousandth award milestone and bolstered its civic engagement. WIFR
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Officials in Winnebago County say the landfill is expected to reach capacity by 2036, prompting a review of waste solutions. Waste Connections and county officials are considering incineration or waste-to-energy projects — a measure to keep trash management local if sorting does not improve. WIFR
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Winnebago County Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously voted down a proposed Pivot Energy solar farm that would have been placed next to Curran’s Orchard after community members and local leaders raised concerns about the location. WIFR
- ➤ On Wednesday night, First Covenant church hosted the 46th annual Northern Illinois Police Memorial Service where Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd honored fallen officers by reading their names, lighting candles, and placing roses. Later this week, memorial events including interactive exhibits and K-9 demonstrations will take place at Cherryvale Mall. WIFR
- ➤ The Better Business Bureau warns Rockford homeowners to stay alert for lawn, garden, and driveway scams this spring—contractors may request full payment upfront without proper service delivery. Homeowners are advised to research companies and secure written contracts before making payments. WIFR
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ River Bluff Health & Rehabilitation will host a free educational seminar on staying independent and safe as we age on May 15 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. in its finch room, where older adults, caregivers and family can learn fall prevention, balance tips and local support options. WIFR
- ➤ Illinois consumers are warned by the FSIS about headcheese from Crawford Sausage Co. produced Jan. 20 (with a 'use by' date of Mar. 26) that may carry Listeria after three illnesses were reported statewide. Consumers should discard any remaining product and clean refrigerators to prevent cross-contamination. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ Oak Street Health urges local residents to manage high blood pressure today. Senior Medical Director Dr. Ahmed Mohiuddin recommends eating fresh fruits and vegetables, taking it easy on strenuous activities, and getting sufficient sleep — steps that help lower risks to the kidneys, brain, and heart. WIFR
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Chicago Bears and Rockford Park District will host a free girls flag football clinic Saturday, May 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Mercyhealth Sportscore Two in Loves Park, where Kyle Monangai and Laneah Bryan will coach about 250 middle and high school girls. WIFR
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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.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The more complete the despair, the more complete the awakening.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Rockford
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