FHN Memorial Hospital Announcement Rattles Community
More than 100 residents and healthcare workers rallied at the Carroll County Courthouse in Mt. Carroll Wednesday night, voicing opposition to FHN Memorial Hospital’s upcoming closure of its Family Birthing Center. The hospital has announced plans to shutter the maternity unit by April 1st, prompting fears that local...
Man admits to robbing Rockford post office
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - A man faces up to a decade in federal prison after admitting to stealing money from a Rockford post office. Anthony Johnson, 59, of Rockford, pleaded guilty in federal court Monday to one count of robbing money from the United States. On May 27, 2025, Johnson...
New Illinois Bill Could Freeze Property Tax Increases
An Illinois lawmaker has filed legislation that could prevent property taxes from climbing year after year. Here’s what it means for Rockford families.
Reconstruction permits approved for former Beloit gentlemen’s club turned non-profit space
Plans are to turn the building into a multi-purpose venue for different non-profit and youth organizations centered around the arts.
Chipotle opens second Rockford location with new perks
Chipotle Mexican Grill opened its second Rockford location on March 4. The new restaurant, located at 5521 E. State St., features a Chipotlane, a drive-thru pick-up lane that allows customers to pick up digital orders without leaving their cars, according to a community announcement. Restaurant hours and menu...
Missing Ogle County woman found dead
OGLE COUNTY, Ill. (WIFR) - The Ogle County Sheriff’s Office says the missing woman was found dead Wednesday afternoon. Dana McKinney, 68, was found dead around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday in a body of water, according to the Ogle County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies say she was last seen at...
Illinois State Police SWAT vehicles spotted in Rockford neighborhood
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Details are limited about a situation Wednesday involving Illinois State Police in the 4700 block of Highcrest Road in Rockford. Around 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, a large police presence, including ISP SWAT vehicles, were seen in the area. An ambulance and Cherry Valley Fire truck were also...
A History of Rockford Movie Theaters
Between 1870 and 1930, vaudeville grew to become the most popular form of entertainment in America. More than 25,000 performers took the stage during those years; it employed nearly 12,000 people at its peak. Performers came from concert saloons, variety halls, burlesque, Wild West and minstrel shows. Playbills...
Town, City of Beloit sharing some fire, EMS services
BELOIT, Wis. — Officials said on Tuesday that the City and Town of Beloit will begin to share some fire and emergency medical services on an interim basis while the two communities explore consolidating fire and EMS operations.
City of Rockford addresses questions about proposed Monarch Energy data center
Rockford city officials released new information Wednesday in response to growing questions about a large-scale data center proposed by Monarch Energy.
