Daily Rockford Logo Daily Rockford

Friday, May 23rd, 2025

SHARE
SPONSORED BY
Advertiser Logo

Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Rockford.

Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 23rd of May.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Multiple communities around Rockford will hold Memorial Day parades and ceremonies on May 26, with a Rockford parade starting at 9 a.m. and events planned in Pecatonica, Belvidere, Cedarville, Freeport, Oregon, DeKalb, and other towns—organizers note that road closures and precise details vary—residents should check local updates for the latest information.  WIFR

BUSINESS NEWS

  • Hard Rock Casino Rockford unveiled its new $1 Million Dragon Link Slot Game in the High Limit Room on May 22. Frequent guests Dianne Parvin & Tom Tendall made the first official spins as the venue boosts its gaming options.  WIFR

CRIME NEWS

  • A Rockford man (58-year-old Anthony Laudicina) was convicted on May 21 on two counts of aggravated arson and one count of residential arson for intentionally setting an apartment fire at North Main Manor Apartments on Nov. 30 that caused roughly $20,000 in damage and now faces decades in prison with a court appearance on July 1.  WIFR

CULTURE NEWS

  • Governor JB Pritzker named Rockford’s Southwest corridor a state cultural district, making it one of five areas eligible to apply for $3 million to boost economic growth and protect its historical roots — local leaders say the designation will help preserve the neighborhood’s unique identity.  WTVO

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Rock Valley College and local universities launched a new program named Social Worker Opportunity Tracks & it gives financial and educational support to Winnebago County residents who want to become social workers. The $2 million grant from the Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board will pay for free tuition and extra help as the program works to fill local mental health staffing gaps.  Rock River Current

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 8th Annual Miracle Mile Car Show

    9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Don Carter Lanes — Entry fee $20, spectators free — Celebrate automotive passion with a showcase of cool rides and live music.

    Sat, 5/24/25

    View event
  • On-Site Tour at Grand Victorian

    9 a.m. - 7 p.m. — Grand Victorian of Rockford — Free entry — Explore award-winning senior living activities and dining options in a welcoming environment.

    Sun, 5/25/25

    View event
  • Timber Pointe Party Band Performance

    6:30-9:30 p.m. — Timber Pointe Golf Club — Check event page for ticket info — High energy party band covering a wide variety of music from the 70’s to today’s hits.

    Thu, 6/5/25

    View event
  • Portillo's Golden Apple Give Back Day

    Golden Apple Foundation will receive 20% of the receipts for purchases from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, at 6090 E. State St., Rockford. Join us for some great food and drinks! Order online or in-app for pickup using code PORTILLOS36 before checkout in the “Coupon Code” field or let the cashier know when ordering at the restaurant. Valid on drive-thru, pickup, kiosk and in-restaurant orders!

    Wed, 6/18/25

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

Stay Connected Anywhere with This Powerful Portable Charger

Never worry about dead batteries or missed calls again. This high-capacity, portable power bank is a game-changer for anyone who relies on their devices throughout the day. With the ability to charge up to five devices at once, it’s perfect for families, professionals, and travelers alike.

Its compact design makes it easy to carry, while its powerful output ensures your phone, tablet, earbuds, and more stay fully charged no matter where you are. Say goodbye to low-battery anxiety and hello to uninterrupted productivity.

Whether you’re commuting, on vacation, or working remotely, this charger is your ultimate power solution. Stay connected, stay powered, and never miss a moment.

Get started with The Buy today

Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Rockford.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Adventure may hurt you, but monotony will kill you.

Know who said this? Send us an email!

Reveal the author
About Daily Rockford

Welcome to the Daily Rockford, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Rockford, Illinois community. If you like the Daily Rockford, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Rockford.

Advertising Opportunities

Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Rockford and across Illinois. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.

Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.

Community, delivered

Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.

You can unsubscribe at any time.

Subscribe to Daily Rockford

A free Rockford community newsletter.

Daily local news
We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
6AM City
A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.

© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here