City opens 2026 façade grant applications ahead of April 10 deadline
Applications are open for Freeport’s Façade Improvement Grant. Applications are due by 5 p.m. April 10, 2026, according to a community announcement. The city will hold a town hall meeting about the grant at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 10, at City Hall. The program is designed to provide building owners with financial...
Alleged car thieves caught in Rockford after fleeing police pursuit
Rockford Police arrested two alleged car thieves Sunday morning after a short pursuit on the city's east side.
Deal reached: Rockford Teachers’ Union approves new contract
The Rockford Education Association (REA) has voted to ratify its tentative contract agreement with Rockford Public Schools District 205
Organ fire causes significant damage at Rockford Church
A fire originating in a church organ Monday night at Christ United Methodist Church caused significant damage within the sanctuary.
Possessions moves into new era with takeover of Nihan & Martin space in Rockford
ROCKFORD — Possessions is moving into a larger home at the Highcrest Centre, marking a new era in shopping at the upscale resale and consignment company. The locally owned boutique, which fills the longtime Nihan & Martin pharmacy, will come with new shopping options when it opens early next month. That includes a...
$1.15 Million Winning Lottery Ticket Sold At Country Store In Small Illinois Town
The big winning lottery tickets won't always be in the big cities.
VetsRoll debuts 2 short films at Harlem High School
MACHESNEY PARK, Ill. (WIFR) - A locally-founded charity for veterans holds the first ever doubleheader showing of two documentaries on Sunday. From 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., Feb. 22, VetsRoll will show the short films for free in the Harlem High School auditorium, 1 Huskie Cir. in Machesney Park. Normandy:...
Rockford church launches diversity initiative, focuses on immigrant support in first program
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Christ United Methodist Church in Rockford hosts the first program of 2026 through its diversity team, called “Loving Our Neighbors in Minneapolis: How Everyone Can Be Part of the Movement to Support Immigrants.”. The event featured Rev. Violet Johnicker, who shared her firsthand experiences...
Oregon woman creates “teen-focused” after-school lounge for area students
Paula Porter is opening the After Teen Lounge, a space dedicated to being fun and relaxing for area teens looking for a place to hang out after school.
2 arrested in Rockford, accused of possession of guns and oxycodone
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Two people were arrested on Saturday after police say they found two loaded handguns and oxycodone pills during a traffic stop in Rockford. Terrence Keys, 33, of Rockford, is charged with unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, no valid FOID, possession of a firearm without a serial number,...
