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Belvidere couple reinvents RBI Brunch Bar in Rockford as original owners shift f...

June 9, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Helen Karakoudas Special to the Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — RBI Brunch Bar, the North Perryville Road business that...

Art in an alleyway: New Rockford mural project shows art can live in different s...

June 8, 2023 @ 4:40 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A dull alleyway that patrons often pass through on their way to...

Lino's Restaurant's 'summer shack' adds new way to enjoy its shipping container ...

June 6, 2023 @ 6:05 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — A new addition to the restaurant Lino’s opened inside a shipping...

Local couple's refurbished appliance store, Afrodita White Goods, relocates to L...

June 5, 2023 @ 5:55 am

By Helen Karakoudas Special to the Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — Another new business is coming to the North...

2 downtown Rockford businesses enter new chapters with move to different storefr...

June 1, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A pair of downtown businesses are changing locations in a collaborative effort...

Rockford's mural initiative is getting bigger and smaller at the same time this ...

May 31, 2023 @ 6:57 pm

By Helen Karakoudas Special to the Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The public art initiative first known for bringing murals...

Record-low inventory of Rockford area homes for sale has some buyers feeling 'be...

May 31, 2023 @ 11:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — In her first two years in the real estate business, Alli Bernardi...

Former Crimson Ridge employees now run Flowers on River Park, a new business in ...

May 31, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — A new flower shop along North Second Street will have familiar...

State of the City: McNamara says 'once-in-a-lifetime' deal to redevelop Barber-C...

May 30, 2023 @ 7:01 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Mayor Tom McNamara said in his State of the City address Tuesday...

New art exhibit in Rockford showcases strength and vibrance of LGBTQ+ artists

May 30, 2023 @ 12:00 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A new exhibit at 317 Art Collaborative sets out to showcase the...

New art exhibit in Rockford showcases strength and vibrance of LGBTQ+ artists

May 30, 2023 @ 12:00 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A new exhibit at 317 Art Collaborative sets out to showcase the...

Veterans, families observe 18th — perhaps last — Memorial Day Service at LZ ...

May 29, 2023 @ 2:44 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Military veterans, their families and other community members filled the grounds around...

Former Elliot Golf Course eyed for future nature education center as Severson De...

May 25, 2023 @ 5:30 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app CHERRY VALLEY — Severson Dells Nature Center is exploring the option of leaving Severson...

New woman-owned business wants to brighten up Rockford with rare flowers, succul...

May 22, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Kendra Moreno and Kailee Schulz have been growing their new business Terrakotta...

New woman-owned business wants to brighten up Rockford with rare flowers, succul...

May 22, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Kendra Moreno and Kailee Schulz have been growing their new business Terrakotta...

Rockford Public Library's progress shows off its 'stunning' side, but a $6M cost...

May 19, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The view from the crest of the Jefferson Street bridge shows off...

New Mexican restaurant to fill former Granite City space outside CherryVale Mall...

May 17, 2023 @ 3:00 am

By Helen Karakoudas Special to the Rock River Current Get our mobile app CHERRY VALLEY — After sitting vacant for more than three years,...

Rockford City Market, a stepping stone for entrepreneurs since 2010, will welcom...

May 17, 2023 @ 2:45 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — For more than four months, Kendra Moreno and Kailee Schulz have been...

Rockford Speedway incentive package could be worth millions with successful deve...

May 4, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — City Council members have approved a pay-as-you-go incentive package that could...

New ownership plans to turn Victory Sports Complex into indoor pickleball destin...

May 3, 2023 @ 1:00 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — New ownership has taken over the Victory Sports Complex with plans...

Nearly $1M in building purchases sets the stage for Rock Valley College to grow ...

April 28, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Rock Valley College is purchasing a cluster of buildings and parking lots...

New Midtown mural spells out Rockford's sports, industrial and arts history

April 21, 2023 @ 5:34 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Midtown‘s newest mural is a tribute to Rockford sports, industry and history...

Mo's Coffee and Cafe in downtown Rockford serves healthy food your mouth remembe...

April 21, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Mohammad Saleem spent more than four decades building his proficiency for Pakistani...

'An investment for our future': Harlem High School breaks ground on career and t...

April 17, 2023 @ 11:34 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app MACHESNEY PARK — Harlem High School broke ground on Monday on an expansion designed...

Iconic Energy aims to bring 'heartbeat' to downtown with revamp of former News T...

April 14, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — One of downtown’s most iconic buildings is now the Iconic Building. But...

Amazon has renewed 'A League of Their Own' for a final four-episode season

April 12, 2023 @ 8:31 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Amazon has officially renewed “A League of Their Own,” the series centered...

Close-knit farming community rallies to help Rockford-area family after tornado

April 6, 2023 @ 10:12 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app CHERRY VALLEY — A tornado delivered the worst, but in the aftermath it brought...

Hard Rock Casino Rockford debuts blackjack and other live table games

April 5, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Hard Rock Casino Rockford debuts blackjack and other live table games today,...

Boone County firefighter responded to The Apollo, then returned to devastation a...

April 4, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app POPLAR GROVE — Less than a year into his service as a volunteer firefighter,...

National Weather Service confirms 12 tornadoes, including in Belvidere and Mache...

April 2, 2023 @ 11:46 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app BELVIDERE — The National Weather Service has confirmed 12 tornadoes moved through northern Illinois...

Damage surveying, cleanup continues after powerful storm rips through Rockford r...

April 1, 2023 @ 10:23 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Damage assessment and cleanup work is ongoing after a powerful storm ripped...

Auburn High School celebrates Scholastic Bowl state championship as team prepare...

March 31, 2023 @ 6:22 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Auburn High School’s state-championship winning Scholastic Bowl team got the chance to...

New ownership to revive former Josef's Steakhouse & Oyster Bar in Rockford i...

March 28, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — New ownership plans to revive the former Josef’s Steakhouse & Oyster Bar...

Rebuild starts April 3 on 'one of the worst roads in the entire city' of Rockfor...

March 27, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Construction begins next week to overhaul a roughly half-mile stretch of Charles...

New Creole soul food restaurant Ambiance aims to be a go-to spot in downtown Roc...

March 24, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A new restaurant born out of a food truck and catering business...

Rockford brothers' company Phateez breaks the mold for sunglasses

March 21, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Brothers Josh and Jacob Montoya may not have literally broken the mold...

Camera Craft, Rockford's last locally owned camera store, will close in April

March 17, 2023 @ 8:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Camera Craft, the last independently owned camera store in the region, will...

World-renowned architect Jeanne Gang to design future Women's Baseball Center in...

March 17, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — World-renowned architect and Belvidere native Jeanne Gang will design the future International...

Shear Determination: Barber moving to Rockford wants to help more women break in...

March 16, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — First things first, let’s get Elena Martinez’s title straight: She’s a barber,...

Charcuterie, pinchos and caviar: Social has reopened in downtown Rockford with a...

March 15, 2023 @ 1:25 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A downtown bar and restaurant has reopened with a new concept inspired...

Roxy Carmichael plans to move this summer to Edgebrook in Rockford

March 15, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Locally owned fashion retailer Roxy Carmichael plans to leave the shop it has...

Millennium Fountain in Rockford was never designed for people to play in. That's...

March 14, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Millennium Fountain in the city’s downtown is a popular spot to beat...

Customers dig for deals at new bin shopping store in Rockford

March 8, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — On a recent Thursday inside the city’s newest discount store, customers hunting...

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Harlem Veteran Project's latest film explores what it means to be a woman in the...

March 3, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app MACHESNEY PARK — When U.S. Marine veteran Melody Brocato started attending meetings for veterans...

New car wash opens in Loves Park, offers free washes this weekend

February 24, 2023 @ 12:07 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — The city’s street crews have already poured out nearly 2,700 tons...

Tropical Smoothie Cafe plans to expand across Rockford region, offer career grow...

February 22, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Tropical Smoothie Cafe plans to open its first restaurant in the city...

Half Price Books Outlet to close its Rockford location this spring

February 21, 2023 @ 10:55 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our Newsletter ROCKFORD — A family-owned bookstore chain that specializes in secondhand and discount books, movies and...

'I'm happy to finally open': Chavez Mexican Restaurante open for business in Roc...

February 17, 2023 @ 9:47 am

By Paul Anthony Arco Special to the Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The long wait is finally over. Chavez Mexican...

A hoppy couple: Belvidere natives plan to open downtown brewery

February 14, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Paul Anthony Arco Special to the Rock River Current Download our mobile app BELVIDERE — Whenever Belvidere natives Ryan and Cheryl Morris take...

Tropical Smoothie Cafe to open first location in Rockford this spring

February 13, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Tropical Smoothie Cafe plans to open its first location in the city...

Carpenter's Corner thrift store to open in March in former Rural Oaks Schnucks

February 10, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Carpenter’s Place has set an opening date for its new thrift store...

How Rockford Speedway hopes to preserve its history after the racetrack is gone

February 9, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — The Deery family wants to make sure a part of the...

Why now? Behind the Rockford Speedway's decision to make this its final season

February 8, 2023 @ 3:47 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — Years ago, Tom Deery recalls, people would talk about going “up...

Live-action laser tag to return to former Laser Quest in Rockford with new techn...

February 7, 2023 @ 1:14 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A laser tag business that ran for nearly three decades is being...

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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...