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Lyfe Dispensary in Rockford marks grand opening of one of the state's largest ca...

November 15, 2023 @ 4:36 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Lyfe Dispensary, a new recreational marijuana business that boasts one of the...

Spencer's opens second Rockford-area store, this one in Forest Plaza

November 15, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Spencer’s has opened its second location in the Rockford area with a...

Spencer's opens second Rockford-area store, this one in Forest Plaza

November 15, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Spencer’s has opened its second location in the Rockford area with a...

$1M winning Powerball ticket sold at Love's Travel Stop in Rochelle

November 14, 2023 @ 4:39 pm

Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCHELLE — A Powerball ticket purchased at Love’s Travel Stop, 400 Steward Road, is now worth $1...

Community Foundation announces finalists for 2023 Excalibur & Excelsior Awards

November 14, 2023 @ 4:11 pm

Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois on Tuesday announced the finalists for the Excalibur and...

'Our biggest and bluest blue spruce': Rockford's official Christmas tree arrives...

November 14, 2023 @ 10:46 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A colossal blue spruce that will serve as the city’s official Christmas...

Iconic Building in downtown Rockford is without its 'Lantern of Liberty' for the...

November 13, 2023 @ 1:22 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — An iconic element of the city’s skyline was removed Monday as part...

Rockford Art Museum to close until summer to replace climate control system

November 13, 2023 @ 10:55 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Rockford Art Museum will be closed until next summer as it works...

Burlington to reopen in new storefront on East State Street this week in Rockfor...

November 13, 2023 @ 6:00 am

Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Burlington will open its new storefront this week inside part of the former Dick’s Sporting...

Midway Village Museum opens new mini history exhibit at downtown Rockford Riverf...

November 10, 2023 @ 11:56 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — You can now get your meal with a slice of history at...

Photos: President Joe Biden speaks to local UAW members in Belvidere

November 9, 2023 @ 7:31 pm

Rock River Current Get our mobile app BELVIDERE — President Joe Biden visited the city on Thursday to speak to local United Auto Workers...

15 things to do around the Rockford region on Veterans Day weekend

November 9, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — There are plenty of options for things to do this week in...

The last Sonic Drive-In in the Rockford area has closed

November 9, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — The last remaining Sonic Drive-In in the Rockford area has closed. The...

A new Rockford fire station may be built on the former Magna grocery lot on East...

November 8, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The city may build a new fire station on the vacant lot next...

Biden's stop here is rare for a sitting U.S. president. Here are others who have...

November 7, 2023 @ 6:00 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app Below: A breakdown of past presidential visits to the Rockford area since 1960 BELVIDERE...

Roosevelt Community Education Center unveils new modern manufacturing space in R...

November 7, 2023 @ 11:04 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Roosevelt Community Education Center on Tuesday unveiled a brighter new manufacturing classroom space...

Rockford holiday tradition to return for special one-night only show

November 7, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A Rockford holiday tradition that ended its 25-year run in 2019 is returning...

Rockford IceHogs promo features original hat designs from 3 local artists

November 6, 2023 @ 3:02 pm

Via news release Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Fans first in line at three Rockford IceHogs games this season have...

Locally owned Lyfe Cannabis Dispensary to open this week in Rockford

November 6, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A new recreational cannabis dispensary run by local entrepreneurs is set to...

Inkwell Books & Threads gives downtown Rockton a new place to shop, relax an...

November 4, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKTON — The local bookshop is a must-visit destination for Tierra Polfiet any time...

Rockford University to give tuition consistency, allowing students enrolling nex...

November 3, 2023 @ 3:28 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Students who enroll at Rockford University next fall will lock in their...

Retired Rockford teacher opens new gift, decor and clothing shop in downtown Roc...

November 3, 2023 @ 1:28 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKTON — Retired history teacher Lisa Abbas has always found a thrill in discovering...

Outdoor retailer Sierra opens first Rockford location on Saturday

November 3, 2023 @ 6:00 am

Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Sierra opens its first location in Rockford and fifth in Illinois on Saturday. The retailer...

Carlyle Brewing's new owners keep the classics, add their own flavors to 'a real...

November 3, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Joe D’Astice spent five months under the tutelage of Don Carlyle to...

Podcast: Mayor Tom McNamara talks Stellantis, homebuilding incentives and more

November 3, 2023 @ 5:35 am

Mayor Tom McNamara joins Steve Summers on This Week in the Stateline to talk about the deal to reopen the Belvidere Assembly Plant and...

Podcast: Mayor Tom McNamara talks Stellantis,...

Rock River Current Podcasts

Podcast: What you need to know know about this year's Stroll on State

November 3, 2023 @ 5:00 am

Stroll on State, Rockford’s official kickoff to the holiday season, is about three weeks away. John Groh, president and CEO of the Rockford Area...

Podcast: What you need to know know about thi...

Rock River Current Podcasts

Jody Deery named NASCAR Home Track Hero as Rockford Speedway wraps up its final ...

November 2, 2023 @ 1:55 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The late Jody Deery, who ran the Rockford Speedway into her mid-90s, will...

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Winnebago County Mental Health Board seeks proposals for $70M in funding

November 2, 2023 @ 12:24 pm

Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board is accepting proposals to provide $70 million in...

Crumbl sets grand opening date for first Rockford location

November 2, 2023 @ 5:30 am

Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Crumbl has set an opening date for its first cookie shop in the city. The...

Winnebago County names retired Rockford firefighter as new emergency services co...

November 1, 2023 @ 3:11 pm

Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A 23-year veteran of the Rockford Fire Department has been appointed as the new coordinator...

Drewelow's House of Books opens new location designed to be a cozy second home f...

November 1, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — There are small touches throughout Patricia Drewelow’s new bookshop space designed to make...

SwedishAmerican's credit union merges with MembersAlliance Credit Union

November 1, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A 50-year-old credit union serving employees of UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital has merged...

Rockford couple's home glows with 90 jack-o'-lanterns for Halloween

October 31, 2023 @ 5:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Megan Pease is bringing a bit of magic to her neighborhood this year...

Rockford Public Schools show progress in literacy, graduation rates. Still lag t...

October 30, 2023 @ 7:00 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Rockford Public Schools students made progress in literacy and math scores last year,...

Rockford to create new division centered on preventing deadly domestic violence

October 30, 2023 @ 4:45 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The city is creating a new division of the Mayor’s Office of Domestic...

What are the best places to capture fall photos? Here's what Rockford-area photo...

October 28, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The Rockford region is filled with photogenic forests that are perfect for anyone...

Photos: 9 paintings cover 8 storefronts for Smash Art in downtown Rockford

October 27, 2023 @ 3:55 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A stretch of East State Street in downtown became an outdoor art gallery...

New management aims to reinvigorate banquet operations at former Cliffbreakers i...

October 27, 2023 @ 6:05 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A Chicago-based hospitality company has taken over management of Riverview Inn & Suites...

New Loves Park business with diecast cars, toys and other collectibles readies f...

October 27, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK— Ray Smith spent two decades in the auto industry, doing everything from selling...

SALT strives to deliver Rockford an upscale dining experience with 'wow'

October 26, 2023 @ 6:05 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The owners of Rockford’s newest fine-dining establishment have set out to create an...

Sierra sets opening date for new location at Forest Plaza in Rockford

October 26, 2023 @ 6:01 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Sierra plans to open its first location in Rockford on Saturday, Nov....

Rockford-area gum factory officially has new ownership

October 26, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — The 67-year-old factory where some of the nation’s most recognizable gum brands...

Rockford-area gum factory officially has new ownership

October 26, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — The 67-year-old factory where some of the nation’s most recognizable gum brands...

Stroll on State is going to get a lot snowier this year. 'You can walk inside a ...

October 25, 2023 @ 4:16 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A day after the city felt a record high temperature for that calendar...

NIU names its next play-by-play voice for men's basketball and football

October 25, 2023 @ 11:52 am

Rock River Current Get our mobile app DeKALB — Northern Illinois University has named Andy Garcia as its next play-by-play voice for men’s basketball...

Trick-or-treat in downtown Rockford this Saturday during Spook the Blocks

October 25, 2023 @ 11:11 am

Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The city’s downtown fills with Halloween spirit on Saturday as about 35 businesses open for...

Smash Art turns vandalism into mini murals in downtown Rockford

October 24, 2023 @ 2:08 pm

A complete list of businesses and participating artists is at the bottom of this story By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app...

New poke bowl restaurant offering Hawaiian and Asian fusion cuisine to open in R...

October 24, 2023 @ 6:30 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A new restaurant focused on Hawaiian and Asian fusion cuisine centered around poke...

Five Guys opens new location along North Second Street in Machesney Park

October 23, 2023 @ 12:44 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app MACHESNEY PARK — A chain restaurant known for its hand-formed burger patties, hand-cut fries...

Family-owned RBK Bakery expands with third Rockford-area location

October 23, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app CHERRY VALLEY — A family-owned bakery that specializes in traditional Mexican breads, pastries, cakes,...

Spencer's is renovating space at Forest Plaza for second Rockford-area location

October 20, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Spencer’s is adding a second location to the Rockford area with a...

New owners take over Ritchie's Smokin' BBQ in Machesney Park, add new menu optio...

October 19, 2023 @ 5:03 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app MACHESNEY PARK — New ownership has taken over Ritchie’s Smokin’ BBQ, 7828 N. Second...

Rosecrance hosts event focused on providing veterans access to mental health car...

October 19, 2023 @ 11:01 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Rosecrance gathered experts and advocates at its Harrison Avenue campus on Thursday...

New soup shop inside Dairy Depot in Loves Park aims to spread love through food

October 19, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — There’s an addictive quality to the hearty, made-from-scratch soups that Julie...

From a movie premiere to a masquerade, block party and more. Here's what's happe...

October 19, 2023 @ 5:59 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — This weekend in the Rockford area there is a punk Celtic concert,...

Popeyes Chicken planned for new 3-business building on East State Street in Rock...

October 18, 2023 @ 8:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A new Popeyes Louisiana Chicken is planned for a three-tenant building on...

New street taco and tequila restaurant to fill former Vintage 501 space in downt...

October 18, 2023 @ 7:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A new restaurant specializing in street tacos and tequila is coming to...

'More than your average barber': New Rockford barbershop owner helps former stud...

October 17, 2023 @ 3:52 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Midtown’s newest barbershop is more than a place to get a shave...

Charles Street Shoe Repair is back in business in new location in Rockford

October 17, 2023 @ 11:25 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Charles Street Shoe Repair, a family-owned shop that has fixed and shined...

Luna Datura's Curious Gifts finds new home in Rockford's historic Midtown Distri...

October 16, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Luna Datura’s Curious Gifts, a local stopping point for anyone exploring their...

Local 'underground guerrilla theater' company named Rockford Public Library's ar...

October 13, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Moon Dog Theatre‘s first production inside the RPL Nordlof Center’s black box...

Inzombia is spreading! Locally-owned coffee shop opens second location at Rock V...

October 12, 2023 @ 3:00 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Patient zero was in downtown. Now, Inzombia is spreading. This isn’t the...

BMO Center unveils box office renovations, new Rockford-themed mural

October 12, 2023 @ 12:19 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The BMO Center on Thursday unveiled renovations to its box office and...

From sneakers and streetwear to Fred VanVleet gear, here's downtown Rockford's n...

October 12, 2023 @ 6:01 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — You don’t need to save your best fit for the weekends. You...

West Side Show Room's new thought-provoking comedy has literal and figurative sh...

October 11, 2023 @ 12:30 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The less you know about The West Side Show Room‘s new play...

Chief Judge John Lowry unanimously chosen to serve additional two-year term

October 10, 2023 @ 11:17 am

Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Judge John Lowry has been reappointed to serve as chief judge of the 17th Judicial...

Prioritizing Mental Health: A Guide for Rockford Residents on World Mental Healt...

October 10, 2023 @ 5:45 am

By Chelsea Meyer b103 Rockford Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — On World Mental Health Day, we are reminded of the crucial importance of...

Workers rally to show solidarity and demand a product at the Belvidere Assembly ...

October 6, 2023 @ 5:37 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app BELVIDERE — Local autoworkers rallied inside and out of the Belvidere Assembly Plant on...

Maze Books 'grew up.' The independent bookstore has opened in a new space in dow...

October 6, 2023 @ 11:19 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — There’s a phrase David Pederson occasionally hears from people who wander into...

Rockford barber provides safe space to help people open up and overcome trauma

October 5, 2023 @ 3:11 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Jermane Robinson recognizes when someone sitting in his barbershop chair needs more...

Winnebago Buy Local to cease operations, hopes to see others carry on its missio...

October 5, 2023 @ 11:59 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A grassroots coalition that has worked for 13 years to encourage shoppers...

Bing Liu to return to Rockford this winter for 815HORTS film festival

October 5, 2023 @ 9:28 am

Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Academy Award nominated filmmaker and Rockford native Bing Liu will return to the city in...

The gloves come off to shake hands and celebrate Riverview Ice House's reopening...

October 4, 2023 @ 6:42 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Jay Sandine on Wednesday equated the fight to save Riverview Ice House...

Collins Aerospace unveils new $50M lab that will help create a new generation of...

October 4, 2023 @ 12:30 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Collins Aerospace has unveiled a new advanced power electric systems lab designed...

From nationally touring performers to local artists, Rockford is packed with thi...

October 4, 2023 @ 6:00 am

Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — This week is packed with things to do around the city. There are performances from...