Top Stories

New event space The Bricks breathing new life into Cherry Valley

May 16, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Chelsea Meyer Rock River Current Get our newsletter CHERRY VALLEY — The village has a brand new event space in its cozy, quaint,...

More than 11K flowers to be planted at Veterans Memorial Circle in Rockford

May 13, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — More than 11,000 flowers will be planted this weekend at North Main and...

Planet Fitness moving into former Gordmans in Rockford

May 12, 2022 @ 7:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — A new Planet Fitness is slated to open later this summer in the...

Rockford native Emily Bear teams up with Dolly Parton for Taco Bell musical

May 10, 2022 @ 1:23 pm

By Chelsea Meyer Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — A star-studded musical about Taco Bell’s Mexican pizza is coming to TikTok, and...

'A powerful feeling': Construction starts on future Rockford Habitat homes

May 7, 2022 @ 1:16 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Before she heaved a shovel into the ground of her future home site...

'A landmark here in Rockford': Lino's Restaurant marks 50 years in business

May 3, 2022 @ 6:02 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Sitting down to dine at Lino’s Restaurant can spark feelings of nostalgia for...

Winnebago County Animal Services puts out urgent call for adopters as shelter hi...

May 3, 2022 @ 2:35 pm

By Stacey Jones Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Winnebago County Animal Services put out a warning Monday that its shelter is...

'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...

How the groundUP stores went from a simple sticker to a multifaceted maintenance...

April 29, 2022 @ 12:26 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter MACHESNEY PARK— It started with a sticker. It was 2006 and Sam Furman, who had...

'It felt like home': Real Beautiful You opens in historic Emerson house in Rockf...

April 29, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — You wouldn’t immediately recognize Rachel Bagne’s business as a health center upon stepping...

'Together we can': Rockford churches unite for Community Flourishing Initiative

April 27, 2022 @ 12:16 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — A coalition of faith leaders from across the city have joined together to...

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...

The Mill aims for late summer opening after renovating former Cronies in Machesn...

April 27, 2022 @ 5:45 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter MACHESNEY PARK — A husband-and-wife team is busy renovating the former Cronies Bar & Grill...

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...

Youth Program Fair aims to make sure kids and families can 'get involved this su...

April 22, 2022 @ 1:19 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — A multitude of nonprofits, businesses and government organizations will partner for a Youth...

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....

She returned to her hometown to help you make 'your perfect home decor' in Loves...

April 21, 2022 @ 11:22 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter LOVES PARK— Diann Panozzo was in Frisco, Texas, when she stepped foot inside an AR...

Longtime Rockford Boys & Girls Club leader named to Hall of Fame

April 20, 2022 @ 5:30 am

From news release Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — The longtime leader of the Boys & Girls Club of Rockford was honored...

Longtime Rockford Boys & Girls Club leader named to Hall of Fame

April 20, 2022 @ 5:30 am

From news release Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — The longtime leader of the Boys & Girls Club of Rockford was honored...

Want to help solve crime in Rockford? There's an app for that

April 19, 2022 @ 12:19 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — The Rockford Police Department has launched an app for Android and iPhone it...

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...

'They give back to everybody': Rockford veteran known for his generosity gifted ...

April 15, 2022 @ 2:37 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Gene Schaefer’s first reaction was surprise. Then, he tried to find a way...

Hawthorne Race Course opens OTB at Shooter's Bar in Rockford

April 14, 2022 @ 1:48 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — The city has a newly remodeled horse betting facility, and it’s a change...

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...

Fresh burgers and custard made 'the Freddy's way' come to Machesney Park

April 11, 2022 @ 1:14 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter MACHESNEY PARK — Village President Steve Johnson was a fan of Freddy’s Frozen Custard &...

Park district weighs future of William Grady Pool in Belvidere with $885K in fix...

April 8, 2022 @ 6:05 am

By Steve Summers and Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter BELVIDERE — After decades as a summertime destination, Belvidere Township Park District...

'Help us tell the story of Camp Grant': Midway Village Museum searches for artif...

April 7, 2022 @ 1:38 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Midway Village Museum is searching for additional artifacts it hopes can help tell the...

'For all my fellow female producers': Rockford native Emily Bear wins grammy for...

April 4, 2022 @ 8:44 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter Rockford native Emily Bear took home a Grammy Sunday night for Best Musical Theater Album....

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...

National wheelchair rugby championship returns to Rockford

March 30, 2022 @ 1:57 pm

From news release Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — The largest co-ed wheelchair rugby tournament in the country is headed here this...

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...

Fuego Nuevo Grill gets city of Rockford support for move, renovations

March 21, 2022 @ 5:57 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — City Council members on Monday agreed to help Fuego Nuevo Grill renovate a...

'I'd like to be like a Shark Tank': Multifaceted Amez Enterprises looks for more...

March 21, 2022 @ 3:04 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter MACHESNEY PARK — If you ask Bryan and Amanda Amezquita what the future holds for...

After supply chain delays, Freddy's Frozen Custard sets opening in Machesney Par...

March 21, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter MACHESNEY PARK — After supply-chain issues delayed the shipment of some equipment, Freddy’s Frozen Custard...

Here are your 2022 Rockford Area Arts Awards winners

March 16, 2022 @ 9:34 am

From news release Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — The Rockford Area Arts Council honored 10 artists and advocacy organizations last week...

New program teaches Rockford youth small engine repair; mentors wanted

March 8, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — A new program from the nonprofit Jeremiah Development will teach teenagers how to...

YWCA in Rockford presents 2022 Women of Achievement Awards

March 7, 2022 @ 2:39 pm

From news release Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — YWCA Northwestern Illinois presented Women of Achievement Awards in five categories and named...

Rockford is 'the center of the paleontology world' for PaleoFest happening this ...

March 4, 2022 @ 6:01 am

By Chelsea Meyer B103 Rockford Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — For 24 years, scientists from around the world and visitors of all ages have...

West Rock in Rockford named nation's Wake Park of the Year

March 1, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — For the past eight years, West Rock Wake Park has slowly built a...

Learn about Rockford's industrial tie to the iconic sock monkey at Midway Villag...

February 21, 2022 @ 12:47 pm

By Chelsea Meyer Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — From the 1870s until the 1990s, a Rockford knitting company played an important...

2 Jefferson High School students advance to state Poetry Out Loud competition

February 21, 2022 @ 10:13 am

From news reports Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Two Jefferson High School students will compete in the statewide Poetry Out Competition...

Forward for Fun aims to 'energize' Rockford's pandemic recovery

February 18, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — The city’s latest effort to push forward with pandemic recovery can be boiled...

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...

Bird scooters are back in Rockford with new models

February 11, 2022 @ 12:53 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Bird electric scooters started showing up in the city again this week after...

'Suite' deal between Rockford IceHogs, Hard Rock Casino

February 8, 2022 @ 2:59 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — The Rockford IceHogs and Hard Rock Casino Rockford have entered a five-year partnership...

Rockford named one of the most beautiful places to visit in Illinois

February 8, 2022 @ 9:21 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — The area’s vast green spaces, cultural centers, museums and nearby state parks helped...

Cold weather, warm welcome: Colombian investors get taste of Rockford

February 4, 2022 @ 6:56 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — With temperatures in the teens and snow flurries flying, Friday’s typical northern Illinois...

Customers 'elated' with return of Carlyle Brewing Co. in Rockford

February 2, 2022 @ 5:53 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Mike Youngblood was cleaning out his home bar area about two days ago...

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...

Local nurse, veteran won tickets to NFC title game from Kelly Stafford, wife of ...

February 2, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Three years ago, Alex and Scott Hamm scrapped their plans for a big...

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...

Hard Rock targets spring groundbreaking for full Rockford casino resort

January 26, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas and Steve Summers Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Hard Rock is targeting a spring groundbreaking for its full...

Rockford Park District to borrow $6M for Riverview Ice House fixes

January 25, 2022 @ 8:09 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — The Rockford Park District will borrow up to $6 million to pay for...

Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary in Rockford raises more than $12K from Betty White C...

January 24, 2022 @ 11:09 am

By Chelsea Meyer Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Betty White was a huge animal welfare activist, and one of her biggest...

The Parks Chamber's newest series connects government and business leaders

January 18, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter LOVES PARK — When the coronavirus pandemic took hold in spring 2020 – leading to...

Mountain bike trails coming to Alpine Hills Adventure Park in Rockford

January 13, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — A roughly 1-mile long mountain bike trail designed for beginning riders to learn...

Collins Aerospace in Rockford to upgrade B-52 bomber's electric power generation...

January 11, 2022 @ 9:42 am

From news reports Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — A Rockford-based aerospace company will play a key role in modernizing the U.S....

Goodwill rolls out second chance vocational training program in Rockford

January 10, 2022 @ 11:16 am

From news reports Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois has announced a new Accelerate program designed to give young adults...

Shorewood Park fixes to 'breathe new life' into Loves Park Ski Broncs shows

January 7, 2022 @ 1:37 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter LOVES PARK — A summer night’s rain can be a soothing sound to help you...

Want to start a food truck in Rockford? Here's your chance to learn the ropes

January 7, 2022 @ 5:00 am

By Matt Hall B103 Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — The city has a multitude of different food truck options. Have you ever thought about...

Festival of Lights in Rockford sets new attendance record

January 6, 2022 @ 5:04 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — It was another record year for the Festival of Lights, which surprised its...

16 years later: The reinventing of RBI Brunch Bar in Rockford

January 6, 2022 @ 6:05 am

By Chelsea Meyer Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD— For the last 16 years, RBI Bar & Grill was a place for locals...

Rockford area blood banks face ongoing shortage, push to 'make blood donation a ...

January 6, 2022 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Area blood banks are pushing for more donations amid a national shortage that’s...

Baci's Kitchen in Rockford to close after 5 years

January 5, 2022 @ 5:30 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Baci’s Kitchen, a family owned restaurant that serves everything from calzones to healthy...

Nostalgic acts, cabaret, comedy: Here's the vision for a reborn Times Theater in...

December 29, 2021 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — John Waite‘s prepandemic appearance here quickly filled all the seats at the downtown...

Cure your winter blues with these fun activities in the Stateline

December 29, 2021 @ 5:00 am

By Chelsea Meyer B103 Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — The snow is here. Before that cabin fever sets in, get outside and enjoy the...

Cure your winter blues with these fun activities in the Stateline

December 29, 2021 @ 5:00 am

By Chelsea Meyer B103 Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — The snow is here. Before that cabin fever sets in, get outside and enjoy the...

New restaurant under construction beneath Burnham Lofts in Rockford

December 28, 2021 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — A new restaurant is being built on the ground level of the Burnham...

$2.9M rehab project aims to bring new use to old Rockford Products site

December 28, 2021 @ 5:30 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Developers are moving forward with plans to rehabilitate the former Rockford Products manufacturing...

Rockford in review: A look back at 2021

December 27, 2021 @ 6:00 am

By Steve Summers and Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — At its best, 2021 was a year that saw Rockford...

More than $27K raised for two boys killed in Belvidere

December 22, 2021 @ 12:13 pm

By Chelsea Meyer B103 Get our newsletter BELVIDERE — The community of Belvidere has stepped in to help a family mourning the horrendous killing...

Stroll on State draws estimated 62,500 people to downtown Rockford

December 21, 2021 @ 12:46 pm

From news reports Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Stroll on State, presented by Illinois Bank & Trust, made its return to an in-person experience...

5 ways to shake off holiday stress via a Rockford University professor

December 20, 2021 @ 8:30 am

By Lynne Conner Special to the Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Baking, shopping, traveling, decorating and scheduling can leave anyone stressed over...

Jesse White Extends Driver’s License and ID Card Expiration Dates until March ...

December 17, 2021 @ 1:07 pm

By Chelsea Meyer B103 Get our newsletter Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards have...

Get in the holiday spirit with these events in the Stateline this weekend

December 17, 2021 @ 8:00 am

By Chelsea Meyer B103 Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Looking to get into the holiday spirit? Watch Buddy the Elf sing and dance on...

Rockford's Festival of Lights gets even brighter at the halfway point

December 16, 2021 @ 10:24 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — The Festival of Lights is a bit brighter at the halfway point of...

Gas Prices Continue to Fall Ahead of Holidays; Close to Highest Ever on Christma...

December 16, 2021 @ 5:00 am

NATIONAL — Santa came early this year, delivering lower gas prices just in time for Christmas with the national average price of gasoline down...

The Nielsen Trust was set to rock Belvidere before the world stopped. 21 months ...

December 15, 2021 @ 5:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter BELVIDERE — Cheap Trick doesn’t take much downtime. The Rock & Roll Hall-of-Famers from Rockford...

Turning pain to inspiration: Rockford nurse helps heal and motivate

December 13, 2021 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — At first, Lakhila Tellis saw her pain as an excuse. She was 15...

Rockford could contribute $250K toward critical home repairs

December 13, 2021 @ 5:30 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — The city of Rockford may put $250,000 toward a partnership with Rockford Area...

'Pure joy on kids' faces': Rockford police help 100 kids shop for Christmas

December 11, 2021 @ 12:51 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Jayden Ashford has always looked up to police and firefighters, admiring videos of...

Fathers, police officers team up to deliver super Christmas to Rockford kids

December 9, 2021 @ 6:15 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — A nonprofit that helps foster stronger fathers teamed up with Rockford police to...

Ethnic Heritage Museum in Rockford shows Christmas diversity

December 9, 2021 @ 6:00 am

By Lynne Conner Special to the Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Enjoying a hometown Christmas with an international flair is as simple...

'Everything I asked for, plus more': New Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity home...

December 5, 2021 @ 6:02 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Charae Howard needed a moment to herself the first time she stepped into...

Here's a peek inside The Content Factory, a new selfie museum in Loves Park

December 3, 2021 @ 6:15 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter LOVES PARK — The Content Factory, the area’s first full-time selfie museum and content creative...

A hit new business: D-BAT Rockford offers year-round training ground

December 3, 2021 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter LOVES PARK — A new business aims to help athletes hone their pitching, hitting and...

Get authentic southern grits at this new Rockford restaurant

December 1, 2021 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Vivian Lott wants her new restaurant to have the feel of an old-fashioned...

'It's a joy': Stroll on State brings smiles, holiday spirit to downtown Rockford

November 27, 2021 @ 11:21 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Anne D’Astice and her children come to Stroll on State with a plan...

Kicking off the Christmas season: Festival of Lights is underway in Rockford

November 26, 2021 @ 7:25 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — The city’s holiday season is officially lit. The annual Festival of Lights switched...

Rockford native Emily Bear nominated for Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album

November 23, 2021 @ 3:51 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Rockford native Emily Bear has been nominated for a Grammy for Best Musical...

Plowzilla, Sled Zeppelin and more ready to move snow from Rockford streets

November 23, 2021 @ 1:09 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our Newsletter ROCKFORD — The names won’t matter once the snow falls. But for one brief moment...

'We want everyone to win': Rockford slot parlors, casino see room for both to su...

November 23, 2021 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Tucked away at the corner of Riverside Boulevard and Perryville Road is a...

Habitat for Humanity's construction program to expand to Jefferson High School

November 22, 2021 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — A partnership with Habitat for Humanity that helps high school students learn various...

'They work so hard for the magic of that one night': It's beginning to look a lo...

November 19, 2021 @ 11:30 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — High up on a lift inside City Hall, Joanne Nold tweaked the alignment...

Fred VanVleet Shop helps feed residents with 4th Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Give...

November 19, 2021 @ 6:00 am

By Chelsea Meyer B103 Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Using his position as a Toronto Raptors NBA basketball player, Fred VanVleet is once again...

Rock House Kids wants Rockford to see its vision for expansion

November 18, 2021 @ 7:38 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Deanna Lacny will forgive you if you can’t see the potential Rock House...

'A creative playground': Step up your social media at new Loves Park business

November 18, 2021 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter LOVES PARK — Calling all creators: A new business coming to North Second Street wants...

Rockford Park District readies for flurry of winter activity

November 17, 2021 @ 6:04 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — The Rockford Park District is preparing for a flurry of indoor and outdoor...

New grocery store to open near shuttered Schnucks on Rockton Avenue in Rockford

November 15, 2021 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — When the Schnucks on Rockton Avenue closed its doors in July 2018, Sonya...

Former Rockford TV meteorologist Eric Sorenson announces run for Congress

November 10, 2021 @ 9:13 am

By Steve Summers and Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Former meteorologist Eric Sorenson, who spent 11 years delivering forecasts...

Rockford Police Department wants to double its percentage of female officers

November 8, 2021 @ 12:09 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — The city’s police department wants to bolster the number of women in its...

'We gotta go all out': Festival of Lights in Rockford gets bigger for 2021

November 4, 2021 @ 5:55 am

By Steve Summers and Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — Work is underway to bring a holiday tradition back to...

'We gotta go all out': Festival of Lights in ...

Rock River Current Podcasts

How Costco helped Loves Park weather The Great Lockdown

November 1, 2021 @ 10:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter LOVES PARK — When business activity dwindled to a crawl in March 2020 after statewide...

Stroll on State looking for vendors for this year's festivities

November 1, 2021 @ 9:55 am

Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — The Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is looking for businesses who want to set up...

Stroll on State is back: In-person event will return to downtown Rockford

October 28, 2021 @ 2:13 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our Newsletter ROCKFORD — Downtown will transform into a winter wonderland again as Stroll on State returns...

His Der Rathskeller jingle dominated Rockford radio for decades. Meet Chuck Ingl...

October 28, 2021 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our Newsletter ROCKFORD — Inside a local radio studio in the early 1980s, Chuck Ingle turned on...

Rockford Park District approves sale of Beyer Park land for women's baseball mus...

October 27, 2021 @ 9:23 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our Newsletter ROCKFORD — Rockford Park District commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved the sale of 1 acre...

The Bubble Hive aims to add to downtown Rockford culture, arts scene with second...

October 27, 2021 @ 6:15 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our Newsletter ROCKFORD — Bad timing spoiled The Bubble Hive’s first attempt at a second location. Timing...

Ghouls just wanna have fun: 5 Halloween Activities in the Rockford area for adul...

October 26, 2021 @ 5:30 am

By Chelsea Meyer Rock River Current Get our newsletter Halloween isn’t just about kids trick-or-treating — ghouls (adults) just wanna have fun too! With...

What's a mall worth? CherryVale says about $12.6M less

October 25, 2021 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our Newsletter CHERRY VALLEY — Owners of the CherryVale Mall argue its property is worth millions less...

After serving as a mass vaccination site, developers prep former Rockford Kmart ...

October 25, 2021 @ 5:45 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — After serving as a site where thousands of people were vaccinated against COVID-19,...

Families flock to Midway Village in Rockford as All Hallows' Eve tradition retur...

October 24, 2021 @ 6:00 am

ROCKFORD — Hundreds of families filled the Midway Village Museum grounds on Saturday to trick-or-treat at the doors of its charming Victorian Village....

Colorblind artist creates vibrant new mural in Pecatonica

October 22, 2021 @ 5:53 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter PECATONICA — As he put the final touches on his latest mural Friday, Brett Whitacre...

Hauntings in the 815: Get to know haunted Rockford with Samantha Hochmann and Ka...

October 21, 2021 @ 12:29 am

By Chelsea Meyer Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — On a limestone bluff overlooking Kent Creek, you’ll find one of the most...

'A dramatic presence on the river': Rockford Public Library begins construction ...

October 20, 2021 @ 2:07 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter ROCKFORD — It was years ago when Paul Logli first heard the suggestion to demolish...

New neighborhood bar with live music, arcade games coming to North Second Street...

October 19, 2021 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our newsletter LOVES PARK — A new bar coming to North Second Street aims to be a...

2 'trailblazers' behind Perryville Path celebrated. Here's the path's next exten...

October 18, 2021 @ 5:34 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our Newsletter ROCKFORD — When the coronavirus pandemic took hold in spring 2020, shutting down business and...

Want to bet on the big game? Here's Hard Rock's plans to add sports betting in R...

October 16, 2021 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our Newsletter ROCKFORD — Hard Rock Rockford plans to add sports gambling to its array of betting...

A Hard Rock Opening Act, the interim Rockford casino, plans early November openi...

October 14, 2021 @ 2:37 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our Newsletter ROCKFORD — The city waited decades for the chance to welcome its own casino. It...

2 restaurants, auto service business coming to East State Street in Rockford

October 13, 2021 @ 6:35 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current Get our Newsletter ROCKFORD — Two new restaurants and a quick-service oil change business are coming to the...

Here's who won the 12K Summer Giveaway in Rockford

October 8, 2021 @ 8:51 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current ROCKFORD — First she had a lucky feeling. Then, she had a lucky chair. The combination of the...

Rockford's Beefaroo named best fast food chain in Illinois

October 8, 2021 @ 6:30 am

By Matt Hall Rock River Current Anybody in Rockford will tell you that for fast food there’s one place that you just gotta try,...

Redevelopment of former Tussing's Tile aims to capture 'untapped potential' in L...

October 7, 2021 @ 6:30 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current LOVES PARK — A building that has sat vacant for years at the corner of North Second Street...

Here's what Rockford homeowners can expect on their property taxes next year

October 6, 2021 @ 6:05 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current ROCKFORD — The city will collect roughly the same amount in property taxes next year, marking the ninth...

You Gotta Try This: Smoothies at Ripe Life Juice Co. in Rockford

October 6, 2021 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current You Gotta Try This is the Rock River Current’s weekly dining feature focused on signature dishes at your...

Nearly shuttered a year ago, design work begins for Riverview Ice House renovati...

October 5, 2021 @ 6:45 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current ROCKFORD — Design work will begin this week on renovations to the Riverview Ice House, a downtown hockey...

Belvidere wants state to incentivise electric vehicle production to strengthen a...

October 5, 2021 @ 11:03 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current BELVIDERE — City Council members are urging the state to create an incentive package for electric vehicle production...

Rockford City Council approves International Women's Baseball Museum at Beyer Pa...

October 5, 2021 @ 8:41 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current ROCKFORD — City Council members on Monday gave approval for a $10 million International Women’s Baseball Center museum...

$140M in improvements to be made at Byron nuclear plant

October 4, 2021 @ 4:04 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current BYRON — More than $140 million in capital improvements will be made at the Byron Generating Station after...

Health officials recommend proof of vaccination or negative COVID test for event...

October 4, 2021 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current ROCKFORD — Public health officials are recommending that entertainment venues such as the downtown BMO Harris Bank Center...

Health officials recommend proof of vaccination or negative COVID test for event...

October 4, 2021 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current ROCKFORD — Public health officials are recommending that entertainment venues such as the downtown BMO Harris Bank Center...

Rockford barbecue spot adds cannabis-infused sauce to the menu

October 2, 2021 @ 7:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current ROCKFORD — A barbecue restaurant on the city’s west side has introduced a new cannabis-infused sauce that sets...

New paint store in former Loves Park Kmart wants to help you 'make it happen'

October 1, 2021 @ 1:42 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current LOVES PARK — A company that aims to help customers breathe new life into their homes with fresh...

Grocery store coming to Forest Hills Road and Riverside Boulevard in Loves Park

September 30, 2021 @ 7:15 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current LOVES PARK — Construction is underway on an Aldi’s grocery store at the southwest corner of Forest Hills...

New wine bar aims to be perfect blend with downtown Rockton

September 30, 2021 @ 7:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current ROCKTON — Connie Kieffer had admired the village’s quaint downtown since she first passed through as a young...

'Superheated demand': Rockford area home sale prices hit another record high

September 29, 2021 @ 9:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current ROCKFORD — Home sale prices in the region climbed to another record high in August as buyers continue...

Win a personal shopping experience and custom costume for two at Goodwill in Roc...

September 28, 2021 @ 1:02 pm

By Chelsea Meyer Rock River Current There is nothing worse than showing up to a Halloween party with a costume on that someone else...

Cider N' Cinnamon is back at Edgebrook in Rockford this weekend

September 28, 2021 @ 5:30 am

By Chelsea Meyer Rock River Current ROCKFORD — Whether you’re looking to get a special gift for someone or just looking to get out...

Rockford City Market numbers rebound in 2021 season

September 24, 2021 @ 9:29 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current ROCKFORD — Rockford City Market attendance bounced back this season after a 2020 that was stymied by the...

New salon in Machesney Park wants you to 'be your own kind of beautiful'

September 24, 2021 @ 10:45 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current MACHESNEY PARK — It may seem counterintuitive for a salon, but A&M Essentially You Inc. wants its customers to...

15th & Chris wants its sauces and seasonings on store shelves

September 24, 2021 @ 8:30 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current ROCKFORD — First he revived a shuttered ice cream shop into one if the city’s most popular burger...

Here's how a Rockford family's sauce recipe is like a winning lottery ticket

September 23, 2021 @ 6:05 am

By Chelsea Meyer Rock River Current ROCKFORD — As a young girl, Mary Rivera would sit at the kitchen table with her mom and...

Shop, bike and support live theater: 5 things to do this weekend in Rockford

September 23, 2021 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current ROCKFORD — Looking for something to do in the city this weekend? You can shop at retailers new...

'Happy to be back on stage': Bonzi Productions brings 'Peter Pan Jr.' to downtow...

September 22, 2021 @ 3:48 pm

By Chelsea Meyer Rock River Current ROCKFORD — For many kids, being a part of musical theater is a way to meet new friends...

From sleepless nights to heartfelt thanks, Byron nuclear plant employees describ...

September 18, 2021 @ 7:05 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current BYRON — The culmination of more than a year of uncertainty and anxiety for Byron nuclear plant workers...

Ripe Life Juice Co. in Rockford takes fresh approach to proper nutrition

September 17, 2021 @ 6:00 am

By Chelsea Meyer Rock River Current ROCKFORD — Good health begins with what we fuel and put into our bodies. Jamar Luster, owner and...

Chipotle hiring for new Loves Park location

September 16, 2021 @ 6:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current LOVES PARK — Chipotle is hiring as it prepares to open its newest area location later this month....

'Just let me buy a house': Hot Rockford real estate market creates bidding wars ...

September 15, 2021 @ 7:05 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current LOVES PARK — Krista Everling spent about five months watching her home-buying plans unravel as her offers were...

You Gotta Try This: Wammy Burger at Wammy's Kitchen in Rockford

September 15, 2021 @ 7:00 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current You Gotta Try This is the Rock River Current’s weekly dining column focused on signature dishes at your...

Hard Rock Casino Rockford hiring 250 as it prepares for fall opening act

September 15, 2021 @ 6:05 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current ROCKFORD — Hard Rock Casino Rockford is pushing to hire more than 100 additional employees as it readies...

Rockford Regional Hispanic Chamber of Commerce opens to help businesses thrive

September 14, 2021 @ 3:23 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current ROCKFORD — When Sully Cadengo launched her interpreting business more than two years ago, she quickly became a...

Flower Power: Walk to End Alzheimer's returns this weekend to Rockford

September 14, 2021 @ 11:47 am

By Chelsea Meyer Rock River Current ROCKFORD — Walkers will lace up their shoes Saturday for the Alzheimer’s Association’s “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” charity...

New fashion retailer opens in former Kuma's in downtown Rockford

September 10, 2021 @ 8:05 am

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current ROCKFORD — A new clothing shop that promises to bring “a different edge” to the downtown retail scene...

Brett Whitacre's new mural in Loves Park literally sizzles

September 9, 2021 @ 9:12 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current LOVES PARK — Have you ever watched paint fry? Brett Whitacre has. The Rockford muralist worked 12-hour days...

SwedishAmerican Hospital to change name to reflect UW Health merger

September 9, 2021 @ 12:24 pm

By Kevin Haas Rock River Current ROCKFORD — SwedishAmerican Hospital has changed its name to better reflect the merger it made with UW Health...

Farmer’s Almanac is predicting long, cold winter but WREX Meteorologist Justin...

September 9, 2021 @ 9:27 am

By Chelsea Meyer Rock River Current National — We are in for a frigid winter. At least that’s what The Old Farmer’s Almanac is...