Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 23rd of October.
Good morning, Rockford.
🏘️ Community
The YMCA of Rock River Valley merged with Harlem Community Center in Machesney Park on Oct.
22 with $3.5 million from community partners and will add a climbing wall, group fitness, and pickleball starting Jan. 4 at the renamed Field House YMCA.
The Region 1 Planning Council hosted Walktober from Oct.
5-9, where 52 participants logged 300 miles by switching car trips with walking, biking, or transit. Organizers collected feedback on transportation and announced prize winners for full participation.
💼 Business
Ho-Chunk Gaming Beloit, a 240,478 sqft casino featuring 1,500 slot machines and 44 table games, opens today at 2 p.m. at 777 Willowbrook Road in Beloit — 17 miles north of Rockford.
Ho-Chunk Nation is opening a new $705 million casino resort in Beloit today.
The facility features 1,300 slot machines, table games and a steakhouse, and will add a hotel + convention center in fall to create about 1,500 jobs.
🎭 Culture
Darklord and the Goons performed their new album 'Send in the Goons' live at Studio A at WNIJ on Oct.
22 — the recorded session includes a conversation with Darklord about themes from love to worms for local viewers.
Haunted attractions return with Northern Illinois Fear Fest this Halloween season at South Beloit's 6512 Manchester Road.
The event features The Haunted Barn, The Haunted Hayride, The Creepy Carnival and a new Stadium of Screams at ABC Supply Stadium, running on select dates until Nov. 1 with weekend hours.
Boylan High School hosts the Rockford Rocks art exhibition that will display work from over 100 current and former students at Boylan Library on Oct.
29 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.—it is free and offers refreshments, local mascots, and live DJ music, and runs until Nov. 16.
Kevin Haas, the managing editor at Rock River Current, will perform standup comedy tonight at the Music Box & open for Rockford native Oscar Aydin.
A Bee Gees tribute band will perform a themed show at the Coronado Theatre on Saturday, Nov.
21, featuring songs like Night Fever, How Deep Is Your Love and Stayin' Alive. Tickets cost from $34.30 to $107.35.
Sugarland and special guest Payton Sullivan will perform at BMO Center today at 7 a.m. as part of the Ride or Die Tour (marking the 20th anniversary of their Enjoy the Ride album).
Payton, who grew up singing Sugarland songs, may share a surprise for fans.
🌲 Environment
Residents gathered last Thursday at Freeport Public Library to learn how expanding data centers may affect water supplies, electricity rates and the environment.
Officials noted that lawmakers will review proposals including a POWER Act starting Nov. 17.
🏥 Health
Dr. Dennis Cunningham at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center urges patients to boost health literacy by using trusted sources like the CDC and WebMD for plain-language guidance on issues such as cholesterol and exercise.
He explained that this active patient approach can help guide informed care decisions for a healthier future.
📰 Real Estate
Rockford's tax break has built 300 homes since 2024, with local firm Three Hammer completing 19 homes and working on 32 more & stimulating affordable options.
The program will end at year-end but may be extended by city council.
🎉 Rockford Events
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