Local

$2.6M in state funds to help AAR Corp. grow its jet-repair workforce in Rockford

January 26, 2023 @ 3:37 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The state will provide AAR Corp. an additional $2.6 million to help...

Pritzker visits Rockford to announce repairs to one of the city's busiest and bu...

January 26, 2023 @ 12:12 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — One of the city’s busiest and bumpiest roads will get an upgrade...

Rockford Casino customers donate $2k in unused vouchers to United Way of Rock Ri...

January 25, 2023 @ 11:51 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Rockford Casino: A Hard Rock Opening Act customers donated $2,000 worth of...

Cameras are now available for Freeport's pilot ring doorbell program

January 19, 2023 @ 2:10 pm

From news release Rock River Current Get our mobile app Update: As of 10:15 a.m. Friday, Jan. 20, all cameras have been claimed FREEPORT...

'Exciting journey': Rockford Symphony Orchestra selects Yaniv Attar after 3-year...

January 18, 2023 @ 3:17 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Rockford Symphony Orchestra made its final movement Wednesday in a roughly three-year...

Soar Awards, which brings some of gospel's biggest names to Rockford, returns to...

January 18, 2023 @ 12:20 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Justin and Rebecca Francis faced pressure to move their annual award show...

By the numbers: Here's a look at how Hard Rock fared in Rockford in 2022

January 18, 2023 @ 7:05 am

Hard Rock Casino numbers Infogram By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Rockford Casino: A Hard Rock Opening Act...

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...

Photos: Barber-Colman complex in Rockford then and now

January 17, 2023 @ 6:30 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Time and vacancy have been cruel to the former Barber-Colman factory on...

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,...

3 new service organizations occupy United Way Strong Neighborhood House in Mache...

January 13, 2023 @ 6:00 am

From news release Rock River Current Get our mobile app MACHESNEY PARK — Three nonprofits that offer help ranging from education assistance to mental...

OSF HealthCare names new leader for colleges of nursing in Rockford and Peoria

January 12, 2023 @ 8:36 am

From news release Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — OSF HealthCare has named a new leader for Saint Francis Medical Center...

Laurent House Foundation in Rockford wins Wright Spirit Award

January 9, 2023 @ 12:37 pm

From news release Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A nonprofit that preserves the only building designed by Frank Lloyd Wright...

Galaxy Hair Studio to move from Roscoe to downtown Rockford

January 6, 2023 @ 6:00 am

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A new hair studio with stylist suites and a spa is coming...

Rockford man's winning run on 'Jeopardy!' ends on third day

January 5, 2023 @ 4:56 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — An Auburn High School graduate’s winning run on “Jeopardy!” came to a...

Rockford's 'Jeopardy!' champion: How he practices, what he says you should read ...

January 5, 2023 @ 10:50 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Lloyd Sy dethroned a “Jeopardy!” super-champion. Then he defended his title with...

Festival of Lights in Rockford draws more than 105K visitors, near last year's r...

January 4, 2023 @ 10:36 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — The annual Festival of Lights drew more than 105,000 people to Sinnissippi Park...

Large funeral procession to escort North Park firefighter past station to funera...

January 2, 2023 @ 6:16 pm

From news release Rock River Current Get our mobile app MACHESNEY PARK — A funeral procession on Tuesday will escort firefighter Brian Rehnberg past...

Wonder what's in the cards for the new year? Rockford tarot reader sees annual b...

December 30, 2022 @ 7:00 am

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The start of a new year brings a lot of uncertainty, and...

Podcast: 2022 Year in Review with Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara

December 30, 2022 @ 6:05 am

Mayor Tom McNamara joins Steve Summers on This Week in the Stateline for a year-end review of 2022. They cover all the biggest developments...

Podcast: 2022 Year in Review with Rockford Ma...

Rock River Current Podcasts

New year, old clothes: Rockford alterations store issues 'No Buy New Year Challe...

December 30, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Tad More Tailoring and Alterations has an eco-friendly New Year’s resolution it...

Belvidere Police Department offering free rides home for New Year's

December 29, 2022 @ 2:20 pm

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app BELVIDERE — The Belvidere Police Department is offering free rides home on New Year’s...

How to get a free safe ride home in Winnebago County on New Year's Eve

December 27, 2022 @ 10:48 am

From news release Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office and LaMonica Beverages are partnering again this...

How to get a free safe ride home in Winnebago County on New Year's Eve

December 27, 2022 @ 10:48 am

From news release Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office and LaMonica Beverages are partnering again this...

Rockford gas prices fall to their lowest average in 2022

December 27, 2022 @ 8:45 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — In the final week of the year, gas prices in the city...

Looking for a little fun before Christmas? Here are 10 things to do in the Rockf...

December 21, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Need some plans before Christmas this weekend? Look no further. From ice...

Festival of Lights braces for winter storm, which could shutter display and hamp...

December 20, 2022 @ 12:11 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The volunteer team behind Festival of Lights is bracing itself for this...

Downtown Rockford gets new electric vehicle charging stations

December 20, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Two electric vehicle charging stations have been installed near the Embassy Suites...

'Positive and exciting': Rockford named among 9 underrated real-life winter wond...

December 20, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The All Aglow holiday display at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, protected natural...

Rockford gas prices drop to lowest level since start of the year

December 19, 2022 @ 2:14 pm

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Gas prices in the city declined for the sixth consecutive week, dropping...

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...

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...

Rock Valley and Crusader launch scholarships for students pursuing high-demand h...

December 19, 2022 @ 11:42 am

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Rock Valley College and Crusader Community Health have announced new annual scholarships...

Dancing with the Rockford Stars sets records for fundraising for Family Counseli...

December 19, 2022 @ 4:20 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The annual Dancing with the Rockford Stars event set records this year...

Golden Apple Foundation of Rockford names 20 finalists for annual awards

December 15, 2022 @ 12:47 pm

From news release Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The Golden Apple Foundation of Rockford on Thursday released the names of...

New CollabLab aims to embed culture of collaboration across Rockford region's no...

December 15, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The region’s latest effort to tackle the social challenges our community faces...

Crimson Ridge in Rockford to close flower shop, too and end operations after mor...

December 14, 2022 @ 4:22 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — After announcing in August that it would shut down its retail operations,...

Mercyhealth employees pay it forward by giving their holiday feasts to Rock Rive...

December 14, 2022 @ 3:53 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Dozens of Mercyhealth employees opted to pay their holiday gift from the...

Harlem High School grad returns home to open own optometry practice

December 13, 2022 @ 5:38 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — Dr. Jennifer Dungan says the birth of her older son was...

OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford packs 30K meals for Kids Around the...

December 13, 2022 @ 3:41 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center employees set out to pack 30,000...

Nik's Wish hires first-ever employee, a milestone in the Rockford nonprofit's gr...

December 13, 2022 @ 10:27 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The Nikolas Ritschel Foundation has hired Tammy English to serve as its...

Rockford University presents honorary doctorate degree to outgoing president Eri...

December 13, 2022 @ 10:00 am

From news release Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Former Rockford University President Eric Fulcomer was recognized with an honorary doctoral...

'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...

This business makes sparks fly: Meet Rockford's new permanent jewelry vendor

December 13, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Katie Thompson has faced a few misconceptions about her new permanent jewelry...

Gas prices decline in Rockford for the fifth consecutive week

December 12, 2022 @ 11:21 am

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Gas prices in the city have dropped an average of more than...

Podcast: McNamara discusses new Civilian Oversight Board, capital plan and gun-s...

December 10, 2022 @ 6:00 am

Mayor Tom McNamara joins Steve Summers on This Week in the Stateline to recap news around the city of Rockford this week. The discussion...

Podcast: McNamara discusses new Civilian Over...

Rock River Current Podcasts

From plowing progress to city costs, here's what to know about snow removal in R...

December 9, 2022 @ 6:00 am

City of Rockford snow plows filled with salt are parked at City Yards on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, on South Central Avenue in Rockford....

'A blessing in a season of need': Rockford nonprofit delivers super Christmas to...

December 7, 2022 @ 7:39 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — It’s a Christmas tradition for kids to get gifts from a man...

Breakfast with Santa, luminaria and more: Here 12 things to do in the Rockford a...

December 7, 2022 @ 6:01 am

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The holidays are in full swing in the Rock River Valley, with...

Breakfast with Santa, luminaria and more: Here 12 things to do in the Rockford a...

December 7, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The holidays are in full swing in the Rock River Valley, with...

Gas prices drop again in Rockford, national average could be under $3 by Christm...

December 5, 2022 @ 12:32 pm

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Gas prices across the city have dropped an average of nearly 9...

'Investment in the students': Community Foundation of Northern Illinois to award...

December 1, 2022 @ 12:37 pm

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The Community Foundation of Northern Illinois plans to award more than $380,000...

United Way of Rock River Valley names new director of community impact

November 30, 2022 @ 1:59 pm

From news release Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — United Way of Rock River Valley has hired Cornell Bondurant to serve as its new...

Rockford receives perfect score for LGBTQ+ inclusion in annual index

November 30, 2022 @ 10:40 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A civil rights organization that creates a benchmark for how well governments...

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Mother of man who was fatally shot in Freeport donates surveillance cameras to r...

November 30, 2022 @ 10:11 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app FREEPORT — The mother of a Freeport man who was fatally shot in the...

Handmade hats and more hung to fence outside UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital ...

November 29, 2022 @ 11:49 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Dozens of handmade hats, mittens, scarves and gloves were tied to the...

'Increasing opportunities': YWCA Northwestern Illinois in Rockford offers new we...

November 28, 2022 @ 12:51 pm

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — YWCA Northwestern Illinois has launched a new technology education program for marginalized...

'Dropping coast to coast': Rockford gas prices decline an average of 21 cents pe...

November 28, 2022 @ 12:29 pm

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Gas prices across the city dropped more than 21 cents per gallon...

Rockford Better Business Bureau offers tips to avoid Cyber Monday scams

November 28, 2022 @ 11:00 am

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The Better Business Bureau is warning online shoppers of common Cyber Monday...

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...

Candy Cloud in Rockford launches franchise program, hopes to open next storefron...

November 25, 2022 @ 5:00 am

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Candy Cloud’s owners want their store to be a nationwide name, and...

For some Rockford-area neighborhoods, it's turkey time all year round

November 23, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Sydney Baldwin’s dogs typically scare off anything that moves through her yard,...

Schnucks recalls ground beef at Loves Park store

November 20, 2022 @ 7:59 pm

Rock River Current Get our newsletter Editor’s note: This story has been updated from its original version to correct the day the meat was...

Birth to Five early education initiative opens headquarters in Loves Park

November 18, 2022 @ 1:26 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app LOVES PARK — An effort is underway in Boone and Winnebago counties to study...

Mosaic towers create colorful new 'landmarks' in Rockford's Coronado-Haskell nei...

November 17, 2022 @ 7:00 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A new public art project featuring five mosaic towers were unveiled Thursday...

Rockford schools to start first unified sports teams for athletes with and witho...

November 17, 2022 @ 5:18 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — High school basketball in the city will be both competitive and inclusive...

UW Health donates $10K to YWCA Northwestern Illinois in Rockford

November 17, 2022 @ 12:52 pm

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — UW Health donated $10,000 to YWCA Northwestern Illinois to fund various community...

A massive spruce that grew too big to decorate will glow at Stroll on State for ...

November 15, 2022 @ 12:30 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Gerry and Carol Davies decorated the broad blue spruce in front of...

Weekly gas prices drop an average 12 cents per gallon in Rockford

November 14, 2022 @ 12:34 pm

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — Gas prices in the city have fallen an average of about 12...

This art should sit well with you: New exhibit at Kortman Gallery in Rockford fe...

November 14, 2022 @ 11:52 am

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — A new group exhibition in the city reimagines an everyday object: a...

Rockford-area nonprofits show resilience after pandemic, remain 'optimistic' des...

November 11, 2022 @ 6:30 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — The majority of nonprofit organizations in the region have an optimistic financial outlook...

Sundance Short Film Tour is coming to Rockford next month

November 10, 2022 @ 1:14 pm

By Mary Sisk Rock River Current Get our mobile app ROCKFORD — The 2022 Sundance Short Film Tour is coming to the city next...