Judge hands down 57-year prison term for Beloit child molester
A Beloit child molester has been sentenced to 57 years in prison after abusing two underage girls.
Rockford-area filmmaker Gary Hill makes feature debut with ‘The Others: Doom from the Stars’
The sci‑fi horror project was partially filmed in the Rockford region and has been officially selected for the 2026 Illinois Horror Film Festival.
Rockford native places 6th in debut Olympic Ski Mountaineering event
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - A Rockford native represented Team USA in the the debut Olympic Ski Mountaineering events. Cam Smith, 30, placed 6th in the men’s sprint semi-finals, giving him another opportunity to earn a medal in the mixed team event on Saturday. He will compete alongside his teammate...
Murder trial in Town of Beloit shooting to start Monday
JANESVILLE — The murder trial of a 32-year-old Town of Beloit man is scheduled to start Monday. Dennis Banks Jr. had a final pre-trial conference on Wednesday in Rock County Circuit Court. Jury selection is scheduled for Monday morning with the trial to begin in the afternoon. Banks is facing three felony charges -...
Six Rockford-area teachers win 2026 Golden Apple Award
On Thursday morning, the Golden Apple Foundation, along with Eyewitness News, surprised five Rockford-area teachers in their classrooms as winners of the 2026 Golden Apple Award.
Bargain Lovers Will Go Crazy For This Giant Oregon Thrift Store
Some people collect stamps, some people collect coins, and some people collect incredible deals on quality secondhand items. If you fall into that last category, the Red White & Blue Thrift Store in Gladstone is about to become your new obsession. This place isn’t messing around when it comes to...
10 Illinois Breakfast Buffets Worth Waking Up Early For
Morning people and night owls can finally agree on something: a spectacular breakfast buffet makes any early alarm clock worthwhile. I’ve never considered myself eager to rise at dawn, yet the promise of a well-stocked buffet has changed my mind more than once. In Illinois, the first meal of...
Domestic battery conviction for former Rockford officer
An off‑duty Rockford Police officer has been convicted of domestic battery following a one‑day jury trial in Winnebago County.
DeKalb woman arrested after road-rage incidents and high-speed chase
DEKALB, Ill. (WIFR) - A DeKalb woman is charged on Tuesday after multiple road-rage incidents and a chase with deputies, according to reports. Kara L Hale, 38, is charged with aggravated fleeing to elude, reckless driving and numerous other traffic violations. Feb. 17, DeKalb County Sheriff’s deputies went out to...
This Hidden 48-Foot-Tall Native American Sculpture In Illinois Will Take Your Breath Away
Perched high above the Rock River on a peaceful bluff in Oregon, Illinois, a majestic figure gazes out over the valley with quiet, unblinking grace. The Black Hawk Statue, also known as The Eternal Indian, stands 48 feet tall, yet, when you stand beneath it and look up, it feels even more imposing, like it’s part of...
