Staff Report ROCKFORD - The July 4 fireworks will be canceled this year because of the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the City of Rockford announced Saturday. "My family and I love all the activities on the Fourth of July and it’s one of the…

By Jim Hagerty Reporter ROCKFORD - Although numbers are improving, the COVID-19 outbreak continues to take its toll on area congregate settings. Statistics released by the Winnebago County Health Department Tuesday show that about…

Staff Report ROCKFORD - The Winnebago County Health Department reported 57 new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases Sunday, bringing the county's total number of infections to 1,501. As of this report, there are 1,501 cases of the…

Staff Report ROCKFORD - The Rockford Public Library is making internet accessible to the public by keeping its wireless network live and accessible from parking lots during regular library hours while the facilities are closed during the…

Staff Report ROCKFORD - Rockford Mayor McNamara on Wednesday, announced that he has appointed Jennifer “Ginger” Hanley to serve as 12th Ward alderman to replace John Beck, the longtime Republican who died last month. Hanley, a…

By Jim Hagerty Reporter ROCKFORD - An arrest warrant has beeb issued in a homicide that occurred in Rockford earlier this week. Darryl Lyles, 34, of Rockford, is charged with first-degree murder, allegations that stem from a fatal…

Staff Report ROCKFORD - The Winnebago County COVID-19 Donations Center is in need of donations. Items can be dropped off at the former Circuit City building, 5460 E. State St.,  during the center's new hours, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Tuesday…

Staff Report ROCKFORD - Two Rockford teens have been charged with multiple offenses after a single-car crash Wednesday night on the city's east side. At 10:34 p.m., officers responded to a suspicious vehicle near Reid Farm Road and…

By Jim Hagerty Reporter ROCKFORD - More than 2,100 COVID-19 specimens collected at the UIC Health Sciences Campus are nowhere to be found, according to Winnebago County Board Chairman Frank Haney. Haney said National Guard teams…

Staff Report BURBANK, Calif. - A former Jefferson J-Hawk football standout is carving out an increasingly large role for himself in the entertainment industry. Prince Vaughn III, a 1991 All-NIC-9 defensive end for the Jefferson…

Staff Report ROCKFORD - The City of Rockford has received a $275,000 grant under the Environmental Protection Agency's Brownfield’s Program to assess and clean up two downtown properties. Under President Trump’s administration, the EPA…

Staff Report ROCKFORD - The Rockford Police Department has responded to numerous incidents over the past week and have made several arrests. Aggravated battery At 2:15 p.m., officers, assigned to the Rockford Housing Authority Unit…

Staff Report ROCKFORD - –Customers of Rockford Public Library can now pick-up physical items they have placed on hold. By appointment, customers can reserve items through RPL’s website, rockfordpubliclibrary.org, or by phone. If the…

By Jim Hagerty Reporter MACHESNEY PARK - Rock Cut State Park has made the list of states parks that opened Friday, May 1. Officials have confirmed that the park is now open for fishing, hiking, biking and boating with no more than…

By Jim Hagerty Reporter CHICAGO - Winnebago County is considered a COVID-19 hotspot, Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Thursday. "Rockford is a hotspot in the state," Pritzker said. "Winnebago County has quite a number of infections." As of…