Drop in Illinois domestic violence deaths inspires support for Rockford survivors
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - For the first time this decade, deaths tied to domestic violence could be dropping. The Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence released its 2025 Homicide Report Wednesday. Its research found a 26% decline in fatalities between 2024 and 2025. Two years ago saw 137 total reported deaths...
Loves Park hit-and-run crash leaves pedestrian seriously injured, police say
Loves Park Police are investigating a hit-and-run crash that left a pedestrian seriously injured Wednesday, June 17.
Exhibit features rare 45-star flag believed to have once flown over Rockford
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - The Rockford Public Library invites the community to visit a rare piece of American history that has a special connection to the building. A 45-star American flag, believed to have flown over RPL’s Carnegie building sometime between 1903 and 1908, will be on display on the second floor of the Ma
List of Juneteenth celebrations in the Rockford area
(WIFR) - Multiple celebrations are planned to mark Juneteenth in the stateline. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, the day when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally learned of their freedom, a full two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. On June 17, 2021, Juneteenth, also kno
A closed-off nature preserve in Rockford is opening to the public this weekend
The Silver Creek Woods Preserve in Rockford is home to luminous fungi, wildflowers and — allegedly — the elusive star-nosed mole. But it’s normally not open to the public. This weekend, the Natural Land Institute is opening the preserve for what it calls a bioblitz. A bioblitz...
Rockford Police arrest man for domestic battery, strangulation; says he fought a tree
A man was arrested after Rockford Police responded to a domestic battery incident Tuesday, June 16.
Hononegah Names New Head Cheer Coach as Open Gym Dates Approach
Hononegah is turning the page to a new era in its cheer program, officially naming Kelsey Johnson as the next head cheer coach. The Hononegah Board of Education approved the hire Wednesday evening, and Johnson steps into the role with energy, experience, and a clear vision for the athletes she’ll be leading.
VFW Post 11019 Strengthens Veteran Support With Information Session
VFW Post 11019 in South Beloit hosted a successful Veterans Information Session, bringing together veterans, families, service organizations, and community partners for an evening focused on education, assistance, and connection. The event provided veterans and their families with direct access to organizations that se
Club Car Wash Approved for New Site Near CherryVale Mall
A car wash company has chosen a new location to offer a quick clean for locals. From Rock River Current, a new Club Car Wash location is opening at the former Sweet Basil Cafe space that was recently demolished at 2408 S Perryville Road. This is near CherryVale Mall and the Interstate 39-90 interchange. As demolition o
State’s longest-running Juneteenth celebration returns to Sinnissippi Park in Rockford
ROCKFORD — The longest-running Juneteenth celebration in the state will return on Friday for its 37th year. This year, festivities will start at 1 p.m. at Sinnissippi Park, 1401 N. Second St., before culminating with a headline performance by funk band Cameo at 7:30 p.m. at Hard Rock Casino Rockford, 7801 E. State St.
