Daily
Rockford
Thursday, November 13th, 2025
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 13th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The inaugural Rockford Hero Rumble raised $14K for Carrie Lynn Children's Center as police and firefighters boxed in six bouts at Hard Rock Live on November 1 with more than 1,000 people watching—money that will help support children recovering from abuse. Organizers presented the oversized check at a reception on November 12 at the Lombardi Club and plan to expand the event next year. Rock River Current
- ➤ Peterson Meadows held a Veterans Day ceremony Tuesday afternoon to honor veteran residents with a lunch and speeches sharing their service experiences—attendees coming together to celebrate both veterans and non-veterans—. The annual event fostered familyhood and unity at the senior living center. WTVO
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Rockford’s Liquor and Tobacco Advisory Board is reviewing a proposal for Palace Wine Bar at 202 North Main Street—applicants Mark Podemski and Lucretia Ristin seek liquor licenses to offer a curated selection of wines and beers. The board will meet at 6:00 p.m. on November 18 at City Hall to decide on the proposal. WTVO
- ➤ First Midwest Group announced that Hotworx — a 24-hour infrared fitness studio — will soon open at 6830 Spring Creek Road in Rockford. The studio offers private infrared sauna workouts and an FX Zone for cross-training. WTVO
- ➤ Mosaic workers in Rockford rallied on Wednesday afternoon on South Alpine Road to demand a fair union contract and wage increase—after six months of negotiations amid state legislation that provided only a partial pay raise. The union announced that workers will receive the remaining 25 cents and will continue discussions on work conditions—such as more notice for schedule changes and mental health days. WIFR
- ➤ Little Caesars on 11th Street in Rockford has transformed its store into a fully self-service location with no counter staff & closed briefly in October before reopening on the 24th. The chain will host a grand opening on November 15th at 11 a.m. when the first 100 customers can get a free Classic Pizza & a promo offer runs through December 14 for online orders. WTVO
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Fourth Annual 815HORTS Film Festival will take place in Rockford this Friday and Saturday, November 14th and 15th at City Stage Studios, where screenings, panel discussions + networking events will be held. One-day tickets cost $20 and weekend passes cost $30. WTVO
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Nov. 11, Tuesday night, the Rockford sky lit up with the Northern Lights that showed red and green hues—vivid photos captured the natural display for local residents. WIFR
- ➤ On Nov. 12, the northern lights lit up the Rockford sky for the second night in a row due to a coronal mass ejection — viewers shared photos through WIFR’s Weather Watchers gallery as red, pink, and green hues spread across the night. WIFR
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City officials are in final talks with owner Mark McInnis about the future of the historic Elks Lodge after a tied council vote on Nov. 3 led to plans for demolition if no deal is reached. McInnis has offered to transfer the 113-year-old building to the city—pending a future developer covering $335,000 in costs—while officials weigh the risk of additional taxpayer expenses. Rock River Current
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Former Rockford Peaches player Helen ‘Sis Waddell’ Wyatt died Tuesday, November 11 at age 95—she had been honored with a key to the city four days earlier and was known for her long career in baseball and coaching women. Rock River Current
- ➤ Former high school stars from the Rockford Metro area will compete on November 15 in multiple college matchups, with games scheduled from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.—players include athletes from teams such as the UW La Crosse Eagles and Carroll Pioneers. Rockford Sun
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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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An Intimate Evening with David Foster & Katharine McPhee
7-10 p.m. — Rockford Casino — Ticket information unavailable — Enjoy a night of musical brilliance with renowned composer David Foster and soprano Katharine McPhee.
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The Nutcracker by Rockford Dance Company
6-7:30 p.m. — Coronado Theatre — $35-67 — Experience the magic of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince in this beloved holiday ballet featuring local talent.
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Riverview Inn & Suites Winter Wonderland
11 AM - 5 PM — Riverview Inn & Suites — $10/person at the door — Experience holiday cheer with Santa photos, crafts, and live music.
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NLI’s Holiday Open House
4-7 p.m. — Natural Land Institute — Free entry — Celebrate the holidays with cider, snacks, and mingling at NLI's festive headquarters.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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