Staff Report ROCKFORD – Urban Equity Properties held a ribbon-ceremony Monday, April 29, to mark the opening of the newly redeveloped Valencia Apartments at 500-518 Fisher Ave. “I thank Justin Fern and his team for the tremendous…

By Jim Hagerty Reporter ROCKFORD -- Eight public murals will be painted downtown Rockford beginning next month as part of four-day festival. The festival, CRE8IV: transformational ART, will be May 15-19. It will include block parties…

Staff Report SPRINGFIELD -- Cities and counties would have a streamlined process to address vacant homes under two new measures sponsored by state Sen.Steve Stadelman. D-Rockford. Senate bills 2052 and 2097 implement recommendations…

By Jim Hagerty Reporter ROCKFORD - Joe Marino, the man known as "Mr. Fourth of July," has died at the age of 92, his family announced Wednesday. The son of Italian immigrants, Marino was born on Sept. 27, 1926, in Rockford. He served…

By Jim Hagerty Reporter ROCKFORD - Winnebago County Board Chairman recommended Judge Rosemary Collins interim state’s attorney Friday. The recommendation will now go before the board on Tuesday. If approved, Collins will be sworn…

By Jim Hagerty Reporter ROCKFORD - Although construction on the $87.5 million Embassy Suites & Rockford Convention Center will be finished next year, it won't open right away. "We are going to be hiring over 200 people to run…

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act makes it illegal for anyone to transport, buy or sell any migratory bird, and its nests or eggs, among other provisions. It’s been around for 100 years. On last week’s Friday Forum, WNIJ's Jenna Dooley learns…

Staff Report ROCKFORD –  The City of Rockford is one step closer to establishing a Family Justice Center, as three federal lawmakers joined Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara in the fight against domestic violence. U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin…

By Jim Hagerty Reporter ROCKFORD - The ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially re-open one a storied Rockford hotel is in the books. A large crowd gathered at Riverview Inn & Suites at Cliffbreakers last Friday for the ceremony …

ROCKFORD – Rockford aldermen, on Monday, approved the purchase of 28 city police squads, including 11 unmarked vehicles. The majority of the financed vehicles will be Ford Police Interceptor SUVs, which officials say are cheaper to own…

Rockford area officials have sought a casino for decades as a way to help deal with economic problems. And even with a casino looking to open just over the border in Wisconsin, they still feel that way. In this Friday Forum, WNIJ’s Guy…

By Guy Stephens WNIJ News ROCKFORD – Many of Rockford’s movers and shakers crowded into the Coronado Performing Arts Center to see eight Illinoisans – including two from the Forest City – receive the state’s top honor, the Order of…

ROCKFORD – City of Rockford aldermen, on Monday, gave Urban Equity Properties the green light on to start three major projects on the west side of downtown. And leaders say they aren't just any developments. They are coming with 87…

It could be at least a year or two before the land redeveloped, however. The 21-acre parcel was being primed for a casino last year, but Rockford was left out of the state's gambling expansion bill. That meant that the investment group…

By Jim Hagerty Reporter ROCKFORD -- Wisconsin developer Gary Gorman was flanked by current and former city officials Tuesday at the ceremonial groundbreaking of the Amerock Embassy Suites Hotel and Rockford Convention Center. With…