Rockford IL

Costco Testing 8-Second Checkout System in Select Stores. Costco is trying to turn its checkout lanes into something as quick and easy as a pit stop. Wouldn’t that be amazing? Well, it might actually be happening because Costco has a little something in the works. How Costco’s Automated Pay...

PEARL CITY, Ill. (WIFR) - A chorus of chainsaws sang on Summit Street the morning after a severe storm. Neighbors debated whether a tornado touched down or straight-line winds ripped through their block in Pearl City. “It was just a sheet of rain and a sheet of everything,” said Charles...

FREEPORT, Ill. (WIFR) - The old Holiday Inn in Freeport is torn down years after it was initially abandoned. The City of Freeport posted that crews have been working on tearing the building down for some time. All that is left of the building now is some walls, which will...

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - The Rock County Medical Examiner has identified a person who died in an explosion at Naturpak Facility in Janesville. The explosion occurred around 4:15 p.m. on Feb. 11. Gerardo Vargas Soto, 30, of Beloit, was pronounced dead at the hospital on April 11, two months after...

Rock County’s trades scene is buzzing this month, with solid openings for folks who like hands-on work and steady paychecks. Whether you’re a seasoned safety pro or just starting out in the shop, there’s something here for you.

(WIFR) - Severe storms are expected to move through the region Tuesday afternoon and evening. The Storm Prediction Center has put the area at a Level 3 (Enhanced) risk, which means there could be damaging winds, lighting and periods of heavy rain. The primary threats will be large hail and strong tornadoes.

PEARL CITY, Ill. (WIFR) - Stephenson County Sheriff Steve Stovall reports high winds Tuesday night caused a barn to cross Route 73 near Pearl City. Sheriff Stovall also mentioned several trees were uprooted or damaged in the storms, leading to widespread power outages in the area. Stovall says no injuries have been reported to authorities.

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Several Ogle County community members gathered at the old Ogle County Courthouse to share their concerns about data centers. Illinois has more than 100 data centers, according to an industry map. Lauren Blondell is a single mother who lives in Ogle County. She hopes the growing...

Manufacturing is staying strong in Winnebago County, with several local employers hiring for hands-on roles that keep production moving. If you like working with machines or staying active on the job, these openings are worth a look.

Chicago Avenue between Exchange Street and Stephenson Street will be closed to all traffic starting April 14, as crews work to repair the roof of a downtown building. The work is expected to last all week, according to a community announcement. Road closed signs will be in place to give crews the space and safety they need to work. Ignoring these signs could result...