Rockford IL

ROCKFORD — City Council members have approved a six-month moratorium on data centers, although it doesn’t apply to a key piece of land where Monarch Energy is considering a data center development. Aldermen voted 14-0 on Monday to approve the moratorium and direct city staff to conduct a...

Forget the usual chains. These three locally owned ice cream shops near Rockford are serving unforgettable scoops, shakes, sundaes, and sweet summer memories.

Rockford has quietly become one of northern Illinois’ most rewarding food destinations. Across the city, you’ll find everything from long-running local institutions and creative chef-driven kitchens to standout steakhouses, cozy cafés, authentic international restaurants, and unforgettable burger joints. The variety me

A Rockford artist set a goal for himself exactly a month ago. He conquered it this morning, Monday, Aug. 3. “I want to paint art for 72 hours straight. No sleep. Live.” is what Jesse Leach Jr. wrote on his July 3 Facebook post. Some people who left comments were against the idea while others showed their full support.

Visitors can now explore the story behind Freeport’s distinctive Pretzels nickname through a new exhibit at the Stephenson County Historical Museum. The exhibit traces how the nickname developed from early newspaper references into an official part of Freeport’s identity, according to a community announcement. Museum v

PECATONICA – Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 1 Commander, Captain Ken Benson, has announced the results of three special patrols in Whiteside, Lee, and Winnebago counties during July. Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) patrols in Whiteside and Winnebago counties allowed the ISP to focus on preventing, detecting

(Editor’s note: Some individuals in this story are identified only by first name and last initial at their request to allow them to speak openly about their addiction without fear of reprisal for actions taken when gambling.) At his worst, Jimmy M. was a rough-and-tumble bar fighter. But he can also be a major mama’s b

Freeport's new fixed-route bus pilot has been postponed as state transportation officials complete additional review requirements. The Fixed Route Pilot Program had been scheduled to begin Aug. 3 and would have introduced scheduled bus service with designated stops and planned arrival times throughout the city. Pretzel

ROCKFORD — City Council members on Monday approved a pair of items that clear the way for developers to tear down the vacant Morris Kennedy School to build a new Culver’s restaurant. Aldermen voted 14-0 to approve a zoning map amendment and 13-1 to OK a sign variance...

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - A six-year-old kitty is ready to trade his ‘tomcat’ street life for a cozy couch to call his own. For this week’s Adopt 815, we introduce you to ‘Teddy Bear,’ a domestic shorthair cat up for adoption at Winnebago County Animal Services.