Daily
Rockford
Tuesday, August 19th, 2025
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Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 19th of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday, Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden unveiled Rockford’s first natural playground—built with logs, stumps, ropes, and trapeze-style handles on a bouncy FallZone surface—adding a new outdoor attraction for families next to the Kid’s Creek splash pad. The project received a $389,900 Illinois Department of Natural Resources grant and was designed by Arc Design Resources while built by Stenstrom Excavation and Blacktop Group. Rock River Current
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Rusty Taco opened Monday at 6905 E. State St. in Rockford and is run by local owners Nick Rufenacht, Tyler Bauscher and Wes Banks—serving tacos, burritos and bowls from breakfast to dinner and offering free chips and queso to the first 20 customers. The restaurant operates daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and features grand opening specials like $2 breakfast tacos and $4 in-store margaritas this week. Rock River Current
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Rockford gang member Nazeaire Henderson, 21, was sentenced to 12 years for his role in two 2024 shootings that left a home with 17 and 8 bullet holes—he will serve his sentences concurrently at 50% credit for 541 days served and complete 18 months of supervised release after prison. WIFR
- ➤ Rockford police arrested 22-year-old Jason Wilson, a repeat felon, on Saturday after officers spotted his stolen vehicle on 11th Street linked to a shooting in the 900 block of Cunningham — they recovered a loaded handgun and charged him with several crimes. WTVO
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Federal agencies cancelled research grants for colleges in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, affecting millions of dollars in awards. More updates will come as legal challenges and terminations progress—highlighting shifts in politically sensitive topics. Northern Public Radio
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Rockford City Council approved a $15.5 million plan on Aug. 18 to revamp Davis Park into a downtown destination featuring a playground, skatepark, stage, great lawn, and concession area — the project is funded by state grants and city sources. Officials said the redesign aims to create a unique, year-round space even as the Park District has withdrawn its maintenance support and talks continue for future participation. Rockford Register Star
SHOP NEWS
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Dinner on the Dock with Random AF
5-10 p.m. — Prairie Street Brewing Co. — Varied food and drink costs — Enjoy high-energy covers from the vibrant band Random AF while dining on the riverfront.
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Ginuwine Concert
7-10 PM — Hard Rock Live - Rockford — Tickets from $316 — Experience a night of R&B hits with Ginuwine live in concert.
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Dockside Live featuring Honey Cellar
6-9 p.m. — Prairie Street Brewing Co. — Free entry — Unwind with live folk rock sounds and scenic riverfront views.
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Dinner on the Dock featuring Flannel Daze
5-10 p.m. — Prairie Street Brewing Co. — Food and drinks available — Enjoy live 90s rock and grunge hits while dining riverside in a lively atmosphere.
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Cruise Night 2025
5-8 p.m. — Historic Attractions — Free entry — Experience cool cars and groovy music along with delicious food at this fun-filled community event.
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Greenwich Village Art Fair
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Rockford Art Museum — Free entry — Explore local art, enjoy live music, and engage in children's activities at this vibrant outdoor fair.
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.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Rockford.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout 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.
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