Daily
Rockford
Saturday, June 28th, 2025
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 Saturday, the 28th of June.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Communities around the stateline are planning Independence Day celebrations with fireworks, parades, and festivals scheduled. In Rockford, the Fourth of July/Fireworks Spectacular includes a parade at 5 p.m.—fireworks from 9:30 to 10 p.m. launched from the Jefferson Street bridge. WIFR
- ➤ Local couple Stacey and Kevin Knight renovated an old ice cream shop at 1710 Rural St. into Cooper’s Corner, serving 12 flavors of ice cream, soft serve, malts and shakes — they will add acai bowls today and plan to offer seasonal items using their diner’s kitchen for extra support. Rock River Current
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Better Business Bureau said business scams have grown since 2022, with 3,647 scam reports and 74,489 FBI cases causing companies to lose large sums. The bureau noted that data breaches costing an average of $4.9 million per company and fake messages fueled by AI may push losses higher — experts urge better employee training and secure payment methods. WIFR
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Rockford police are searching for Mary Cordell—a 70-year-old woman last seen on June 19 at the RMTD Transfer Station on Lyford Road wearing a floral shirt and light brown pants—and anyone with information is urged to call 815-966-2900. WIFR
- ➤ On June 26, deputies arrested James Braswell, 32, after he allegedly threatened a semi driver with his pistol on Charles Street during a road rage incident and later found a loaded handgun in his Nissan Rogue, leading to charges for weapon possession by a felon and aggravated unlawful possession of a loaded firearm without a FOID. WTVO
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Rockford University is staging Finding Nemo Jr.—featuring young performer Alexis Stone as Dory who learns choreography, scene blocking, and acting with a custom-made puppet—and the production brings together hundreds of young performers to build their skills and friendships. The show runs this weekend and next at the Maddox Theatre. WTVO
- ➤ Rockford Reader’s Theatre launches a summer series at West Side Show Room & brings African American literature to life with performances that honor icons like August Wilson, Maya Angelou, and Rockford founder Lewis Lemon. The series begins with two shows paying tribute to August Wilson at 7:30 p.m. today & 4:30 p.m. Sunday, June 29, and will add a July performance called 'She Speaks' plus an August event for Founders Day. Northern Public Radio
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Rockford’s Severson Dells Nature Center celebrated the opening of the Basics Toddler Garden yesterday at The Grove Nature Playscape, where early learning is promoted through outdoor play. The garden uses five key principles — count, connect, explore, talk, and read — to boost young children’s brain development and social skills. Rock River Current
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Rockford.
-
Lifescape 4th of July Classic Run/Walk
7:00–11:00 a.m. — Riverview Ice House — Registration required — Celebrate Independence Day with a classic run/walk through downtown Rockford.
-
Screw City Duathlon and Multi-Sports Event
8 AM — Peak Sports Club — Register by July 8, 2024 — Participate in a thrilling duathlon, team duathlon, or 2-mile run/walk in a community-focused event.
-
Japanese Summer Festival
Experience Japanese culture — July 26-27 — Anderson Japanese Gardens — Admission details not specified — Enjoy live performances, martial arts, crafts, and delicious cuisine in a serene garden setting.
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.
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.
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Rockford.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
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.
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
Sitemap: https://dailyrockford.com/sitemap