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Rise and shine, Rockford!
Before we get into today’s email… I’m excited to share that we quietly launched BaseLocal Business last week, and 400+ businesses have already signed up 🥹 If you own or manage a local business and want to see what the platform’s all about, you can sign up for free in less than five minutes (if you haven’t already).
We launched the platform to make it easier for the community to connect with local businesses in a meaningful way that benefits everyone… and so far it’s going great.
So I just wanted to say THANK YOU to each and every one of you for being here and helping us make this newsletter better every day.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
New casino’s standout debut: Hard Rock Casino Rockford drew over 1.4 million admissions in 2025, third most in Illinois, and generated $146.1 million in gambling revenue. Most gambling tax revenue goes to Rockford — see the gambling tax breakdown.
Mobile eateries eye regulatory change: Rockford-area food trucks are pushing for lower permit fees under the Food Truck Freedom Act. The bill would recognize one permit statewide, cutting duplicate local costs and helping operators grow — see what’s in the bill.
A long-awaited homecoming: A stray found at Winnebago County Animal Services in Rockford was reunited with her Houston family after five years, thanks to a microchip earlier this month — read the full story.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had its best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Big thrills on the horizon: A new indoor adventure park is planned for Rockford, with construction underway in a long-vacant retail space. Plans call for a family-focused spot packed with year-round attractions when it opens. This should bring fresh energy and an all-ages option for winter and rainy days. Get all the details.
Hat upgrade, anyone? Swap the tired ball cap for something with character at Diamond G Ranch & Western Store, a family-run spot with a deep lineup of cowboy hats, caps, and western extras. Friendly folks, lots of sizes, and plenty to try on…an easy reset for your winter look.
Fresh lashes, zero fuss: When mascara mutinies, Lashes & Co. delivers classic to mega-volume extensions, precise fills, and lift-and-tint, plus makeup and waxing. Results last through commutes and late nights, so you can wake up, sip coffee, and already look bright-eyed.
A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.
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📆 Around town this week
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🍚 Risotto Cooking Class @ Hidden Creek Estates | Wednesday (1/21) at 5:00 PM – Trade weeknight guesswork for a risotto class where the rice listens, with seasonal add-ins, a welcome drink, curated wine, and an antipasto station that keeps your hands busy between stirs. Hands-on, intimate, and useful, perfect for home cooks and food lovers. Seats are limited, $100.
📖 Story Sprouts: Bundle Up @ Cherry Valley Public Library District | Thursday (1/22) at 9:30 AM – Bundle up for a cozy 30 minutes where the littles burn wiggles and accidentally learn. Expect rhymes, finger plays, short stories, and dance breaks for ages 1 to 6, building reading mojo while you exhale. Registration is required, and it fills fast.
🍺 Revolution Deep Woods Preview Party @ The Olympic Tavern | Thursday (1/22) at 11:00 AM – Revolution hits The Olympic to tap the last round of 2025 Deep Woods heavies, with the crew swinging by to toast it. Flights and snifters of Mineshaft Gap, Dethurana, Sur Lie, and friends, plus Cold Time pints for five bucks. Consider it dessert for grown-ups.
🏆 Rockford Legacy of Service Award Luncheon @ Radisson Hotel & Conference Center | Thursday (1/22) at 12:00 PM – This luncheon benefits Blackhawk Area Council and honors Rockford folks who actually show up for service to country, community, and veterans. Applaud William Chatman, Comprehensive Community Solutions, Fred Muehlfelder, and Fitzgerald Funeral Home, with Eric Wilson as MC, and Joseph Chiarelli delivering the keynote.
🎤 Artist Lecture: Michael x. Ryan and Cody Norman @ Rockford Art Museum | Thursday (1/22) at 5:30 PM – Join a free artist talk at Rockford Art Museum with Michael x. Ryan and collaborator Cody Norman, who make poetry from sidewalk stains, river bends, and shower puddles. It’s brainy without being precious, and yes, you can ask questions without sounding like a freshman.
🏺 Clay Your Stress Away @ The Pottery Lounge, Ceramics | Thursday (1/22) at 6:00 PM – Trade doomscrolling for clay time, local edition. Paint your own pottery, slow your pulse, and let someone else handle the kiln while you handle the vibes. No experience needed, just steady curiosity, a willingness to get a little messy, and a much-needed mental health break.
🏒 Rockford IceHogs vs. Texas Stars @ BMO Center | Friday (1/23) at 7:00 PM – Break out your lucky sweater and cheer on the hometown IceHogs as they face the Texas Stars, where cowboys meet Zambonis. It’s cool temps, hot coffee, and louder-than-you-remember goal horns, perfect for date night, the crew, or escaping chores.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Rockford report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 5°F – Low: -1°F – Precip: 13%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 5. Wind chill values as low as -26. West northwest wind 15 to 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around -1. Wind chill values as low as -13. West wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 19°F – Low: 11°F – Precip: 3%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 19. Wind chill values as low as -12. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph. Later: Snow likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 11. South wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.
This house is wild
Three-condo package featuring units 3540-3, 3540-2, and 3524-4. Townhouse-style layouts deliver space and storage, with second-floor laundry and walk-in closets in every bedroom. Interiors lean modern with neutral palettes. Each residence shares the same footprint, with upper levels configured for 2, 3, or 4 bedrooms. The 2-bedroom plan swaps extra bedrooms for a large open living space upstairs. Appliances stay, including washer and dryer. A recent roof update adds peace of mind.
HOA dues cover exterior maintenance, trash service, lawn care, and snow removal, keeping upkeep simple. Equal sizing across the trio makes planning straightforward.
Take a peek inside →
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Thanks for reading! If you know someone who’d love BaseLocal, send ’em here so they can sign up too 🙂
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