Featured

What will happen with Hard Rock's temporary Rockford casino? Here's the 'leading...

February 2, 2023 @ 11:14 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Geno Iafrate said when he came to Rockford to open Hard Rock‘s...

815 Yoga Collective to expand with more holistic services at Edgebrook in Rockfo...

February 1, 2023 @ 6:15 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Ally Ubiparipovic and Jaime Fagan are ready for Rockford to see yoga...

Rockford's new poet laureate plans to bring poetry to new, unexpected places

January 23, 2023 @ 8:14 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The city’s new poet laureate wants to show Rockford how poetry can...

A downtown Rockford retail shop's closure will allow another business to grow

January 18, 2023 @ 6:59 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The closure of one downtown business is giving another room to grow....

It's showtime: New event space opens near former Schnucks on Rockton Avenue in R...

January 18, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A new venture inside the Rockton Avenue Shopping Center on the city’s...

It's showtime: New event space opens near former Schnucks on Rockton Avenue in R...

January 18, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A new venture inside the Rockton Avenue Shopping Center on the city’s...

Visitors bureau: Stroll on State attracted more than 70K people to downtown Rock...

January 13, 2023 @ 10:19 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — This year’s Stroll on State attracted more than 70,000 people to downtown,...

Developers target spring to open building that will house Five Guys, Tropical Sm...

January 9, 2023 @ 7:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app MACHESNEY PARK — Developers say they’re targeting spring to complete a three-tenant building near...

Mondelez agrees to sell gum business, including Loves Park plant, to maker of Me...

December 19, 2022 @ 12:33 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — Mondelēz International has agreed to sell its developed-market gum business, including...

'Fair food on steroids': TNT Funnel Cakes in Rockford offers breakfast menu and ...

December 13, 2022 @ 6:05 am

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Ashley and Tony Washington knew they needed something to set them apart...

'A little bit of everything': Rooted marks 1 year of bringing big-city boutique ...

December 6, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — When Elizabeth Schaer opened her shop in the North End neighborhood, she...

Artist aims to inspire with exhibit that showcases the faces of Rockford's past,...

December 2, 2022 @ 8:30 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — When Rachel Bonacquisti returned to the city roughly six years ago she...

Artist aims to inspire with exhibit that showcases the faces of Rockford's past,...

December 2, 2022 @ 8:30 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — When Rachel Bonacquisti returned to the city roughly six years ago she...

Cucina di Rosa in Rockford announces plans to close at year's end

November 29, 2022 @ 4:00 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — An Italian restaurant known for its sweet desserts is set to close...

Downtown Rockford turns 'magical' for 10th annual Stroll on State

November 27, 2022 @ 6:18 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Parade grand marshals Carol and Gerry Davies could tell Stroll on State would...

Downtown Rockford turns 'magical' for 10th annual Stroll on State

November 27, 2022 @ 6:18 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Parade grand marshals Carol and Gerry Davies could tell Stroll on State would...

'Supporting someone's dream': Rockford-area businesses tout importance of shoppi...

November 25, 2022 @ 6:15 am

By Chelsea Meyer Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The busiest spending day of the year is here, and holiday shoppers have...

The Last Call: Rockford official retires after nearly 4 decades in stripes

November 23, 2022 @ 10:30 am

By Paul Anthony Arco Special to the Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — It’s been a different kind of fall season...

Lino's expands into Loves Park with unique curbside restaurant

November 21, 2022 @ 5:26 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — The look of Lino’s second location is a departure from the...

What does it take to setup the Festival of Lights? Here's a look at the small bu...

November 14, 2022 @ 7:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Volunteers are busy with the nearly monthlong process of setting Sinnissippi Park...

Freeport man's traveling plant shop is literally the cat's meow

November 10, 2022 @ 6:30 am

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app FREEPORT — John Miller didn’t set out to be Freeport’s catnip dealer when he...

What is there to do in the Rockford area? Here are 12 ideas for this weekend

November 10, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The weekend is nearly here and we don’t want you sitting at...

Tad More Tailoring in Rockford wants you to look stylish and 'save the world at ...

November 9, 2022 @ 3:44 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Sarene Alsharif wants you to take a second look at second-hand clothing. Alsharif...

New downtown Rockford store focuses on more sustainable shopping habits

November 8, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Ade Villatoro is ready to revolutionize the way Rockford thinks about shopping. She...

New restaurant planned for former Baking Grounds North in Machesney Park

November 4, 2022 @ 8:30 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter MACHESNEY PARK — A former cafe and bakery outside the Machesney Park Town Center has...

New restaurant in Rockford offers fried chicken and Arabic cuisine

November 4, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A new restaurant offering traditional fried chicken and an Arabic menu opened...

Winnebago County conducts public ballot test to show 'elections are safe and sec...

November 2, 2022 @ 12:27 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — The Winnebago County Clerk’s Office conducted a public test of its vote-tabulating machines...

Fozzy's Skybox offers food, drink and interactive games at Indoor Sports Center ...

November 1, 2022 @ 8:14 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — Michele Fosberg was watching a soccer game at the busy Indoor...

Rockford IceHogs roll with new-look Hammy, although the mascot may 'evolve'

November 1, 2022 @ 7:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The new look of the Rockford IceHogs mascot has some fans averting...

10 years later, Stroll on State team unites with child whose winter wonder serve...

October 26, 2022 @ 2:58 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Inside the downtown Stroll on State workshop is a large photo of...

Developers break ground on $30M project in Winnebago County

October 13, 2022 @ 3:37 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Developers broke ground Thursday on a roughly $30 million, 350,000 square-foot facility on...

Nonprofit that keeps Rockford roundabout blooming to honor veterans faces financ...

October 11, 2022 @ 6:05 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A nonprofit that works to show appreciation and support for veterans year-round...

Moving up the ranks: Rockford Police Department promotes 3

October 7, 2022 @ 3:45 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Three Rockford Police Department officers who have more than 63 years of...

You can literally eat like a king at Thai Jasmine Rice and Noodles in Rockford

October 6, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — At the city’s newest Thai restaurant, you can literally eat like a...

Carrying on restaurant history: Mi Placita Mexico Clasico opens in former Maid-R...

October 5, 2022 @ 11:44 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — Kevin Mata has a rich restaurant history to live up to....

Pictorial: Here's a look at the completed Screw City Steel mural series in Rockf...

October 4, 2022 @ 2:30 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Five artists from the region have turned steel doors tied to the...

Mission BBQ to open in Rockford next week

October 4, 2022 @ 6:30 am

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — On a mission for Mission BBQ? The wait is almost over. The...

As Rockford City Market wraps up its season, more of its vendors are set to grad...

September 30, 2022 @ 9:29 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Aakash Patel was running a Roly Poly sandwich franchise when Rockford City...

Rockford-area home sale prices break record high for fourth-straight month. Can ...

September 30, 2022 @ 11:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Drew Erickson recalls seeing a home on the market for $132,000 this...

'Make this dream a reality': Hard Rock goes from when will you start to when wil...

September 28, 2022 @ 7:00 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Before shovels hit the dirt Wednesday at the future Hard Rock Casino...

Former church, Mendelssohn property envisioned as new performing arts venue in d...

September 27, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The former Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center at the corner of North Main...

How a Rockford artist's work is connecting people across the globe

September 22, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Artist Roland Poska had often referred to Bob Schlehuber as “the stupidest...

Hard Rock is set to celebrate the start of construction on its full Rockford cas...

September 21, 2022 @ 8:25 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Construction is about to begin on Hard Rock’s full casino resort near...

On the 40th anniversary of Banned Books Week, some Rockford schools embrace what...

September 20, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Inside the library at Kennedy Middle School, librarian Brooke Imbach has curated...

New partnership opens part of the Coronado that hasn't had regular guests in rou...

September 19, 2022 @ 1:04 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — When Hard Rock Rockford President Geno Iafrate first sat down in the...

'A big milestone': Rock'n Vodka surpasses half-million dollars invested in Rockf...

September 15, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A fast-growing vodka company has surpassed a major investment milestone with more...

Who has the best tamales in Rockford? Here's who won the crown at Tamale Fest

September 10, 2022 @ 9:24 pm

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The Taco Shop 815 earned the crown for the best tamales in...

Rockford florist who spread acts of kindness, brought personal touch to business...

September 9, 2022 @ 2:54 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A floral design, interior decorating and event planning shop that sprouted from...

Does your guinea pig need a spa day? This new Rockford shop has you covered

September 9, 2022 @ 7:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A new boutique store at Edgebrook Shops puts a big focus on...

Does your guinea pig need a spa day? This new Rockford shop has you covered

September 9, 2022 @ 7:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A new boutique store at Edgebrook Shops puts a big focus on...

Hard Rock gets state OK to start construction of casino resort in Rockford

September 7, 2022 @ 8:35 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Hard Rock Casino Rockford has received state approval to begin the first...

Explore dreams and nightmares in this art show that 'brings the audience through...

September 7, 2022 @ 6:05 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — An imaginative new outdoor art production invites viewers to explore the world...

'I dreamed of these doughnuts': Edwards Apple Orchard is 'an experience' for del...

September 7, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app POPLAR GROVE — When Rockford-born Harlow Kedzie moved to Tampa, Florida, she often found...

What the 'F' is wrong with the Rockford sign? Here's what's being done to fix it

September 1, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Rockford has an effed up problem. Or to put it more plainly,...

New Gymnastic Academy of Rockford owner envisions growth, inclusion

August 27, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Katelynn Landis initially saw her first job at Gymnastic Academy of Rockford...

The final mural of this summer's CRE8IV initiative sets a different tone than th...

August 25, 2022 @ 6:40 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROSCOE — The 12th and final mural of this summer’s CRE8IV: transformational Art initiative...

'There's going to be lots of Baked Wings': New Loves Park restaurant has big exp...

August 19, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — A business that was born out of the pandemic as a...

'There's going to be lots of Baked Wings': New Loves Park restaurant has big exp...

August 19, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — A business that was born out of the pandemic as a...

Dairy queen: Winnebago County Fair queen has shown cows since she was 1

August 18, 2022 @ 12:57 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app PECATONICA — If you get the chance to meet this year’s Winnebago County Fair...

Rockford wants the next season of 'A League of Their Own' filmed here

August 16, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The stars of a new show centered on the Rockford Peaches could...

Boone County Fair Queen Pageant delivers a first in 14 years

August 10, 2022 @ 12:55 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app BELVIDERE — This year’s Boone County Fair Queen Pageant delivered a scenario that hadn’t...

'Flowy,' 'friendly' new freestyle mountain bike course opens at Alpine Hills in ...

August 6, 2022 @ 12:15 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The first twists down the city’s newest freestyle mountain bike course are...

Netflix sues Rockford native Emily Bear and Abigail Barlow over 'Unofficial Brid...

July 31, 2022 @ 9:51 pm

From news reports Rock River Current Get our mobile app Netflix has sued Rockford native Emily Bear and Abigail Barlow, her partner in the...

'More than fashion': Rockford born hip-hop artist opens store in Midtown to cele...

July 26, 2022 @ 6:30 am

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Dana Reeder wants to bring his love for hip-hop to Midtown with a new...

Battle at Levings in Rockford showcases skill, power and art of breakdancing

July 25, 2022 @ 12:57 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Breakdancers took over Levings Park on Sunday in a showcase of rhythm, quick...

'It's a resource for everyone': Rock Valley alumnus opens production studio in d...

July 12, 2022 @ 5:30 am

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Josiah Sjostrom credits Rock Valley College for strengthening his love for filmmaking in...

Their hiss is worse than their bite, and this time of year they're everywhere in...

July 6, 2022 @ 6:00 am

A goose flaps its wings on Friday, June 24, 2022, in downtown Rockford. Geese are more commonplace on paths and walkways this time of...

'Be whimsical every day': Arts Happening brings wonder to downtown Rockford

June 26, 2022 @ 2:05 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Olivia Gaumond started the process of transforming into a mermaid about 8 a.m....

Here's how the city is celebrating the Rockford Peaches return to the limelight

June 22, 2022 @ 1:00 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Get ready to send the city back to the 1940s. That was when...

See it before it hits Amazon: 'A League of Their Own' to show at Coronado as par...

June 22, 2022 @ 8:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — You can see the new show that puts the Rockford Peaches back in...

Help Send Kids To Fred VanVleet Summer Camp 2022

June 20, 2022 @ 10:57 pm

Open to boys and girls in grades K-12, the FVV Summer Camp is back at Auburn High School 5110 Auburn St., Rockford, IL 61101...

Fred VanVleet is an NBA champ and All-Star, but an off-the-court honor may be hi...

June 16, 2022 @ 5:28 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter WINNEBAGO — Fred VanVleet is an NBA champion and an NBA All-Star, but the west-side...

Judging a book by its cover is part of the charm of shopping at Maze Books in Ro...

June 16, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — At downtown’s newest independent book store, you’re welcome to judge a book by...

NIU coaches say they have eyes out for Rockford talent

June 9, 2022 @ 5:55 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Northern Illinois University football coaches will have their eyes on Rockford athletes during...

Rockford to host synchronized skating championships, pumping more than $2M into ...

June 1, 2022 @ 4:01 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — The city will host a major synchronized skating championship next year that promises...

Rockford to host synchronized skating championships, pumping more than $2M into ...

June 1, 2022 @ 4:01 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — The city will host a major synchronized skating championship next year that promises...

Y members to get free access to Rockford Park District pools this summer

May 25, 2022 @ 4:20 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Members of the YMCA of Rock River Valley can swim in Rockford Park...

Rockford looks to partner with nonprofit on small business development center

May 23, 2022 @ 7:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — The city plans to partner with the nonprofit Think Big to create a...

Here's how you can invest in this fast-growing Rockford vodka company

May 18, 2022 @ 5:45 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — You can now invest in a fast-growing vodka company with a local ownership...

'Amazing to see it all come together': Rockford high school students help build ...

May 17, 2022 @ 12:52 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Six years ago, Keonta Burnell was part of the first team of Guilford...

Machesney Park teen rises from humble beginnings to inspire others

May 11, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter MACHESNEY PARK — Jeremeh Dagdayan speaks with a level of maturity beyond his 17 years...

'After 75 years, it worked out pretty well': Loves Park marks milestone

May 3, 2022 @ 5:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter LOVES PARK — The decision for Loves Park to become a city of its own...

Rockford alderman pushes to allow backyard chickens

April 27, 2022 @ 6:05 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — A Rockford aldermen wants residents to have the opportunity to raise chickens in...

Here's the Rockford airport's next step before building in Bell Bowl Prairie

April 25, 2022 @ 12:29 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — The Chicago Rockford International Airport said Monday that it has started formal consultation...

Northwest Bank is still serving Rockford 50 years after 'a leap of faith'

April 22, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — It may seem like an unlikely group of investors to start a bank....

The Hub Art Gallery aims to 'breathe life back to Midtown' in Rockford

April 19, 2022 @ 6:05 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — A new gallery and event space on Seventh Street aims to reinvigorate the...

State Street will be partially closed during Rockford City Market

April 18, 2022 @ 9:00 pm

Aldermen voted 10-2 on Monday, April 18, 2022, to keep State Street closed between Madison and Wyman streets during Rockford City Market. (Photo by...

Rockford named one of 5 'surprisingly cool towns' where you can buy a home for l...

April 13, 2022 @ 9:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Finding out the city has been placed on another internet list can spur...

Violent crime in Rockford is up 16% so far this year. Here's the mayor's respons...

April 2, 2022 @ 7:00 am

By Steve Summers and Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Mayor Tom McNamara this week pledged to continue a multifaceted...

Senator International flight departs Sunday to deliver 270K meals to people of B...

March 31, 2022 @ 1:11 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — In the early hours of Sunday morning, a Senator International plane will be...

More than $161K raised for Rockford's Ukrainian sister city, providing medical s...

March 29, 2022 @ 11:13 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — More than $161,000 has been raised for Rockford’s Ukrainian sister city, providing vital...

Rockford's 'crying girl' became a viral meme. Here's what she's up to now

March 23, 2022 @ 4:35 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Eight years ago Nevaeh Johnson had a rough first day of school. The...

Rockford airport working to land new passenger destinations

February 16, 2022 @ 8:11 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter LOVES PARK — The Chicago Rockford International Airport is working to land new passenger destinations...

New restaurant Pho 27 Asian Cuisine brings taste of culture, family and traditio...

February 2, 2022 @ 6:05 am

By Chelsea Meyer Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — There are no recipe books, measuring spoons or instructions when Ann Boutchannha prepares...

15 below zero. No problem for Rockford snow sculpting teams

January 26, 2022 @ 2:53 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Three years ago, Kelly Madison and her team of snow sculptors bundled up...