Rockford IL

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — City First Church held a food distribution event this week, providing free meals to 250 families ahead of the Christmas holiday. The event, which took place at the church on Spring Creek, reflects an increasing community need for food assistance. The food distribution was facilitated...

Whether you need a bite while traveling or don't feel like cooking a Christmas dinner, a few restaurants will be ready to serve you on Christmas Day.

BELOIT — The School District of Beloit will pay former superintendent Willie Garrison II about $125,000 in 2026 as part of his separation agreement with the district. According to the document obtained in an open records request, Garrison’s final day as an official district employee is Dec. 31. The district agreed to...

A recent survey found more people would rather spend holidays with their dog. WIFR's Maggie Polsean takes a look at the reasons why.

BELVIDERE, Ill. (WTVO) — The Summerfield Zoo celebrated the final day of its festive “Christmas Town” event on Tuesday, featuring special activities for families and children, such as feeding Santa’s reindeer and participating in reindeer flight school. “Christmas Town” has become a beloved tradition at Summerfield...

"Thriftmas" is a popular trend that has people buying from gift stores rather than online or big-box stores.

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Becky Erbe recognized names on a list of deceased homeless people. The associate pastor for outreach at Second First Church covered her heart with a hand when discussing the familiarity. “We don’t want their names to disappear. We want to remember who they were and what...

A Rockford house fire Saturday night displaced nine individuals. Fire crews were called to 2012 Hulin St. at 11 p.m. Saturday to find heavy smoke coming from the residence. An attack line was deployed and crews located the fire in the basement. All tenants of the residence had safely evacuates...

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - The littlest miracles at Mercyhealth Javon Bea Hospital-Riverside get into the Christmas spirit. NICU nurse JoAnn Gorsline makes handmade costumes for the babies and wanted to spread some joy. She says celebrating holidays often helps families feel a sense of normalcy during their NICU stay.

ROCKFORD, IL — Microsoft has purchased nearly 340 acres on the Boone County side of Cherry Valley for a data center that appears to be temporarily on standby. Microsoft invested at least $32.3 million to purchase the land, according to Boone County records. And the technology giant based in Redmond, Washington...