Daily
Rockford
Friday, October 31st, 2025
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 31st of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Hundreds of families attended the Rockford Police trunk or treat event on October 30 where children and adults dressed in costumes to help build trust with local officers. Police said they will plan more free events — steps meant to strengthen local ties and ensure safety. WIFR
- ➤ An Illinois nonprofit, AAIM, is partnering with Lyft — the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Governors Highway Safety Association — to offer a $20 rideshare credit for safe transportation after Halloween festivities. The credit is available from 4 p.m. today until 11:59 p.m. November 2 on a first-come, first-served basis. WIFR
- ➤ SNAP benefits will end on Nov. 1 and Rockford food pantries report more SNAP recipients and pet owners facing hard choices between feeding children and pets. My Three Pups Food Pantry is moving to a new location in Capron and will reopen on Nov. 10 with extra pet food bags for SNAP recipients—while Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary sees more visitors and calls for volunteers and donations. WTVO
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Rockford's Phelps Pet Products is celebrating 60 years in business as it produces jerky treats from meat and plants—its production has tripled in the past eight years with up to 50 800-pound batches made daily using 23 ovens. President Rick Ruffolo said the company maintains quality and innovation throughout its process. WTVO
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Rockford-area shoppers are spending record money on Halloween by buying costumes+ candy+ decorations and cards as the average spending reached $114.45, nearly $11 more than last year. Local buyers noted that even with higher prices, they still value the holiday for its fun and memorable celebrations. WTVO
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The latest data from the Illinois State Board of Education shows that Rockford’s middle schools ranked at the bottom of an 82-school index while overall graduation rates in the district improved from 64 to 77 percent since 2021—two local schools earned Exemplary status. Superintendent Dr. Ehren Jarrett said the district is making progress despite low ELA proficiency (32%) and a high discipline rate of 1.1 incidents per student. WTVO
- ➤ Rockford Public Schools and Belvidere District 100 reported improvements in graduation rates and academic performance as RPS 205 increased its rate by 11% since 2022 despite high absenteeism, while Belvidere District 100 nearly matches the state average with rising graduation numbers and a slight increase in chronic absences. Both districts are set to address these challenges further—RPS will invest in student engagement and Belvidere is introducing a new curriculum. WIFR
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Ducks Solar, a new community solar project inaugurated on October 30 in Oregon, Illinois, covers 32 acres and stores power with battery systems that help lower monthly electric bills—this project is expected to supply energy to over 1,300 homes year-round. WTVO
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Governor Pritzker signed an Executive Order on October 30th that allocated $20 million to support seven Illinois food banks as SNAP benefits will be paused this weekend amid a federal government shutdown—state agencies are set to study food insecurity and help SNAP recipients understand new work requirements. WTVO
- ➤ Crews began preserving the brick road on Melrose Street in Edgewater on Thursday by cleaning original bricks laid in 1915—restoring a piece of our community's history. The project, funded by the city’s Capital Improvement Program, will continue next year for any unfinished sections—keeping Rockford’s few remaining original brick roads in good shape. WIFR
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ More homeowners are choosing to renovate instead of selling after locking in low mortgage rates during the pandemic. Experts say that upgrades like kitchen and bathroom remodels boost home value—garage improvements offer the best return on investment. WIFR
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An Evening with Long-Shot
8-10:30 p.m. — The Music Box — Ticket information not provided — Enjoy an evening of music with Rockford's own twin brothers and their band Long-Shot.
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X Bar Bingo Night at Chewy’s
7-9 p.m. — Chewy’s Sports Bar & Grill — Bring your own markers — Enjoy a fun-filled evening of bingo with prizes and delightful dinner specials.
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Ninja Kidz Live
6-7:30 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the excitement of the Ninja Kidz Live show in Rockford's historic theatre.
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2025 Annual Diwali Night Celebration
5-9 p.m. — Harlem High School — $15-$35 — Celebrate Diwali with dinner, dancing, performances, and cultural festivities.
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Beyond the Scoreboard: A Night of Champions
6-9 p.m. — Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront — $12 individual, $50 family of five — Celebrate mental health awareness in sports with MLB champion Ben Zobrist and local leaders.
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An Evening with Nathan Graham & Noah Guthrie
7-10:30 p.m. — The Music Box — $20.11 — Experience soulful melodies blending South Side Blues with Nashville Americana.
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An Evening with The Cold Stares
7:30-10:00 p.m. — The Music Box — Starting at $15.08 — Experience the fierce, blistering live show of The Cold Stares, a duo with nearly a decade of world touring.
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Babyface Concert
7-10 p.m. — Rockford Casino — Tickets available — Experience a night of soulful music with the legendary Babyface.
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2025 NorthPointe Wellness Turkey Trot
2:30-4:00 p.m. — 5605 E Rockton Rd, Roscoe, IL — Registration fee may apply — Participate in a fun-filled annual Turkey Trot event promoting health and community spirit.
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Dasher Dash 5K Run/Walk
12 – 4 PM — Beattie Park — Entry fee applies — Celebrate the holiday season with a festive run in downtown Rockford.
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