Daily
Rockford
Tuesday, November 18th, 2025
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 18th of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ City First Church is giving away fresh groceries including dairy, meat, and produce in a drive-thru event on Spring Creek Road today from 10 a.m. to noon to serve about 750 families in need. The event is partnered by Christian Life Schools and state Senator Dave Syverson — who will help distribute turkeys while supplies last. WIFR
- ➤ Rockford’s Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week begins soon as local partners plan food drives, volunteer shifts at shelters, and community forums to address food insecurity and housing instability. The Health & Human Services Department joins the effort—supporting service providers across Winnebago, Boone and DeKalb counties. Rockford Register Star
- ➤ Davis Park at Founders Landing is closed for major upgrades that began September 30 and will add a skatepark, playground, new stage and related buildings—state grants and city funds are funding the work, which will finish in spring 2026. Rockford Register Star
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The Rubi family, experienced in the restaurant business, bought the former Ellida Lounge at 1111 Fifth Ave from Miss Carly’s on Nov. 5 and now plans to convert it into Spider on Quinta, a creative event space hosting movie nights, workshops and community events. Their plan will move forward pending City Council approval with a zoning board and liquor commission review scheduled for Dec. 16 — they aim to update the venue while keeping its original charm. Rock River Current
- ➤ Several Rockford dessert shops including Mary’s Market — Sugarjones, By The Dozen Bakery, Pinnon Meats, Mac Brothers Cheesecakes, Nothing Bundt Cakes and Bezzy’s Home Bakery offer a range of Thanksgiving treats for pre-orders with varying flavors, deadlines and pick-up times; customers should call early to secure their orders. Rockford Register Star
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Benny Salamone, owner of Benny’s Dariette in Rockford, reported illegal dumping caught on security cameras when a black GMC (seen unloading trash bags) was filmed behind his business before he left for a trip and he filed a police report. WTVO
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Facing a $3.1M deficit, the Harlem School Board has proposed closing Maple and Olson elementary schools and reducing early childhood seats from 360 to 80 to address low enrollment and unused buildings — the district will hold public hearings Dec 1, 2 and 3 before a board decision on Dec 15. WIFR
- ➤ Three Rockford Public Schools students won a culinary competition for their creative chicken patty sandwich ideas—second grader Connor from Conklin Academy made a breakfast sandwich with pancakes, bacon, and syrup while seventh grader Iker from Flinn entered an Ultimate Super Spicy sandwich and junior Jordan from Auburn designed one with grilled pineapple and coleslaw on Texas toast. Each winner will receive a Nintendo Switch OLED and have their winning creation featured on the district’s spring menu. WTVO
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Illinois State Sen. Dave Syverson urged residents to follow cooking safety rules as Thanksgiving nears, warning that an average of 158,400 home fires relate to cooking. He advised staying in the kitchen when frying, using timers to turn off appliances, and keeping kids and pets away + checking smoke alarms to lower the risk of fire during holiday gatherings. Rockford Sun
- ➤ City of Rockford Health and Human Services will hold two LIHEAP outreach sessions—one tomorrow at Loves Park City Hall with registration beginning at 8:45 a.m. and one on November 20 at the Brooke Road United Methodist Church Community Center. Each event will offer only 50 appointment slots due to high demand and residents must bring all required documents. Rockford Sun
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Illinois Hospital Board will vote later this week on two major health moves — Mercyhealth will sell its Rockton Campus Hospital for $1 to Kingdom Authority International Ministries, which intends to turn the property into a community center, and FHN may merge with Mercyhealth as part of a plan to invest $100 million over five years. Mercyhealth had stopped services at the Rockton campus in July, and the merger is expected to be finalized by the end of the year. WTVO
- ➤ New Medicare rates will raise healthcare costs for seniors starting in 2026 as the CMS sets Part B premiums at $202.90 monthly—an increase of $17.90—and raises deductibles for Part B and hospital stays. Local Lifescape Community Services is helping seniors review plans during open enrollment. WIFR
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Rockford Regents have released a 25-player roster and will open the season away against the Illinois State Redbirds on November 20 at CEFCU Arena as they try to improve on last season’s 15-13 record. The team includes local players like Adrian Agee and Logan Curington and will look to build a strong start. Rockford Sun
-
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.
-
Babyface Concert
7-10 p.m. — Rockford Casino — Tickets available — Experience a night of soulful music with the legendary Babyface.
-
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.
-
Dasher Dash 5K Run/Walk
12 – 4 PM — Beattie Park — Entry fee applies — Celebrate the holiday season with a festive run in downtown Rockford.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
2025 Excalibur & Excelsior Awards Celebration
6-8 p.m. — Prairie Street Brewing Co. — Free entry — Celebrate community service excellence at the Annual Excalibur & Excelsior Award Ceremony.
-
An Evening with Kevin Gordon
8-10 p.m. — The Music Box — From $15.08 — Enjoy the soulful sounds of Louisiana's own Kevin Gordon as he shares stories through his songs.
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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Any fool can make something complicated. It takes a genius to make it simple.
~ Cornelius Vanderbilt
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