Daily
Rockford
Saturday, December 13th, 2025
Good morning, Rockford. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 13th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Norwegian restaurant in Rockford holds its 7th annual Snømarket from today until Dec. 14, turning its space into a Nordic-style fishing village with 14 handcrafted huts, authentic food and drink, and local vendors. WIFR
- ➤ After months overseas, 250 soldiers returned to Chicago Rockford International Airport on Friday, Dec. 12 — families welcomed them with hugs and tears as they reconnected. WIFR
- ➤ Rockford residents are advised by North Park Water to protect homes from extreme cold this weekend by insulating exposed pipes and disconnecting garden hoses + letting faucets drip to prevent frozen pipes and costly repairs. WIFR
- ➤ Country superstars Lady A and Cornerstone Building Brands donated $50K in siding and windows to Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity—materials that will be used in 2026 home builds as construction restarts in late April or early May. Rock River Current
- ➤ Volunteers will ring The Salvation Army’s red kettles (Give with Joy campaign) until Dec. 24 to raise $220,000 (less than half the goal met) for locals facing rising food, energy, and housing costs. Donations remain in the community through participating retailers or online. WIFR
- ➤ Carpenter’s Place—a local nonprofit that supports homeless guests and families in crisis—is matching every donation dollar until December, doubling each donation up to $50,000 through matching funds. The program helps make every contribution twice as effective in supporting essential services. WIFR
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Starbucks opened on Friday at 2570 Charles Street as it aims to be a community meeting spot and serves coffee daily (4:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.). WIFR
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Rockford community leaders and residents gathered for the 2025 Excalibur & Excelsior Awards at Prairie Street Brewing Co. on Dec. 11, where honorees like Dr. Cyrus Oates were celebrated. Rockford Register Star
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Winnebago County residents paid just over $6.9 million in sales taxes in October 2025, ranking fifth among Prairie State counties, with the Special County Retailers Occupation Tax accounting for over 80% of the revenue—supporting local government funds. Rockford Sun
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Rockford officials partially demolished the deteriorated rear of the Capitol Theater (1122 S. Main Street) to allow safe stabilization and future marketing while preserving historic mosaics and medallions; after asbestos abatement, four storefronts and five apartments will be offered to investors. WIFR
- ➤ The Diocese of Rockford and other local Catholic groups criticized Gov. JB Pritzker's new law that allows medically assisted suicide, saying it undermines traditional care options. The legislation will take effect in September when the state establishes safeguards for eligible patients with terminal illnesses. WIFR
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Urban Equity Properties will invest $45.6 million to renovate the former news tower into loft apartments, retail spaces and a restaurant along State Street — a project that may close in January with construction starting late 2026 or early 2027. The plan preserves art deco details while adding modern amenities. WIFR
-
A Christmas Carol Performance
7:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Cheek Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magical story of Ebenezer Scrooge brought to life through a one-man play by Greg Oliver Bodine.
-
Holiday Pops - Rockford Symphony Orchestra
3:00 – 4:30 PM — Coronado Theatre — $35-85 — A festive performance featuring nearly 200 community performers, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.
-
Sleigh Bar: A Holiday Pop-Up Experience
4-11 p.m. — Rockford City Market — Cost info not provided — Sip on festive cocktails and soak in the Christmas decor for a fun holiday season celebration.
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
You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.
~ Jim Rohn
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