Daily
Rockford
Friday, May 29th, 2026
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 29th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Rockford veteran Dwight Goodin celebrated his 104th birthday yesterday at Grand Victorian assisted living facility with family and friends + he shared memories of his military service and life lessons. WIFR
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Rockford restaurateur Adel Thabet will debut Jimmy’s Authentic Chicago Style Food at 3511 E. State St. in mid to late June (serving classic Chicago street food like Maxwell Street Polish sausage and Chicago-style hot dogs) with daily hours from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. Rock River Current
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A documentary titled 'Sum Function' about a national wheelchair rugby team made up of disabled veterans will show tomorrow at Hard Rock Casino Rockford, with doors opening at 6 p.m. for a red-carpet event. Northern Public Radio
- ➤ Six Freedom Trucks will visit Rockford from May 31 to June 2 at Veterans Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., where visitors can explore interactive exhibits and take quizzes on America’s journey to independence as part of a national celebration. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ Dogcatcher will record live sessions at Studio A this week as they perform new songs and discuss their Prairie Rock sound and upcoming EP. Northern Public Radio
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ FLYT 2290, a community robotics team composed of local high school students, qualified for the Illinois State Championship and will showcase its season today at Rockford City Market (from 4 to 8:30 p.m. at 116 N Madison Street) after overcoming technical challenges. WIFR
- ➤ Today on Teachers’ Lounge, NIU’s Joseph Flynn—an associate professor and executive director of equity and inclusion—revisits his 2024 conversation on how teaching promotes growth or oppression. The hour-long radio program airs live on 89-5 FM on the last Friday of each month. Northern Public Radio
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Winnebago County board approved nearly $1 million in funding to extend the Perryville Path from Willowbrook Lane to Prairie Flower and McDonald Road in Roscoe; construction will begin in spring 2027. The extension will connect to Roscoe’s inner bike trails (providing families a safer travel option). WIFR
- ➤ Rockford Fire Chief Rebecca Tyo said rising ambulance costs, now about $3,000 per run, and lower insurance coverage have strained the budget. The city tapped its rainy day fund on May 26, and council will vote on the proposal on June 1. WIFR
- ➤ Illinois State Police warn that the 100 Deadly Days of Summer have begun — a period from Memorial Day to Labor Day with increased risks from distracted and inexperienced drivers — and Rock River Valley Blood Center is urging residents to schedule blood donations to help save lives. WIFR
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Hurricane Harbor Rockford is set to open May 30 with a variety of attractions including water slides and Illinois' largest wave pool plus new dining options such as hard scoop ice cream and Bavarian pretzels, while a Memorial Day sale offers up to 50% off tickets through June 7. Rockford Register Star
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Rock Valley College allocated $143,002 to its women’s basketball teams in 2024, falling $399,659 short of the state average of $542,661. The spending made up 7.9% of total athletic costs and came after overall sports expenses rose 213.1% since 2010. Rockford Sun
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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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Guest Bartender Night
RPS205 administration, staff and Teacher Academy members will be behind the bar from 4-7 p.m. June 25 at Ernie’s Midtown Pub, 1025 Fifth Ave., Rockford. Fill the tip jar, get some great food and drinks and chat with your friends! A percentage will come back to Golden Apple to support local teachers. Your server may even turn out to be Dr. Jarrett! It’s a FUNdraiser — join us!
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Rockford
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