Freeport
LATEST NEWS
Afternoon Update: Clouds have lowered Thursday's severe chances
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Clouds have maintained their strength overhead meaning our severe threat has lowered for this evening. There still a threat for strong storms as the Storm Prediction Center maintains a slight 2 out of 5 risk but the National Weather Service out of Chicago thinks we are in one category too high. We side with the NWS as clouds have kept our temperatures lower and reduced the amount of energy in the atmosphere.
New Rockford business restores hand-drawn maps of city and adds a creative twist
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - At Vintage Routes, a map is more than just a map, it is an authentic piece of history. Owner Chuck Meyers started the business after a surprise discovery turned into a passion project. “We came across maps that were made here locally in Rockford and we...
Carpenter’s Place hosts annual ‘Celebrate Success’ event
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - The annual “Celebrate Success” event is back for another year of highlighting the community’s powerful impact. Carpenter’s Place hosted the event August 14 at the Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Rd. in Rockford. The theme of this year’s event was “Power of...
Incentives help solar industry amid higher costs linked to inflation
Along with other U.S. states, Illinois is working to make itself more dependent on renewable energy sources rather than fossil fuels. The head of a local Bloomington-Normal solar installation company said state and federal incentives make Illinois one of the strongest to go solar. Shannon Fulton runs the Bloomington office...
Illinois quick hits: Illinois unemployment rate rises to 5.2%
Illinois unemployment rate rises to 5.2% The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced Thursday that the state's unemployment rate increased to 5.2%, while nonfarm payrolls increased nearly 13,000 in July. The national unemployment rate was 4.3% in July, up from the previous month. Based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the industry sectors with monthly payroll job declines included Manufacturing, Leisure and Hospitality, and Trade,...
3 Illinois dental schools secure funding
Three dental schools in Illinois earned endowments from the Illinois State Dental Society. Each of the three schools will receive $8,000 from the ISDS Foundation's dental education endowment fund. Here are the three schools and how they plan to use the additional funds:. UIC College of Dentistry (Chicago): Upgrade its...
Sportsbook reverses decision on surcharges for Illinois bettors
(The Center Square) – In the wake of tax hikes on sports betting apps in Illinois, one operator that announced surcharges to make up revenue is changing course. DraftKings announced last month it would add surcharges to high-tax states like Illinois, which just hiked taxes on sports books from 15% to as much as 40%. Now the company says for the time being, no surcharges will be imposed. “We always...
A Second Round of Potent Storms Possible
More storms are targeting central Illinois. A low-pressure system is marching across the region, and it already brought one round of hefty showers and storms on Thursday morning. Springfield got drenched with over 3/4" of rain, and Decatur picked up nearly an inch. Now central Illinois is in the warm...
Central Illinois Boat Races Return for Thrilling Summer Event This Labor Day Weekend
Central Illinois – The excitement is building as the highly anticipated boat races return to the Kankakee River for a thrilling summer event this Labor Day weekend, running from August 30 to September 1, 2024. This year’s regatta promises a weekend filled with high-speed action, live music, and a variety of activities suitable for the whole family.
What is there to do on 815 Day in Rockford? Here are 12 ways to celebrate
ROCKFORD — The city’s unofficial holiday — celebrated each year when the calendar matches our primary area code — will put local businesses in the spotlight as dozens of shops and restaurants offer 815-themed specials and host one-day events in the annual display of civic pride.
Gunmen kill 17-year-old in targeted daytime attack
CHICAGO — Three gunmen shot and killed a 17-year-old boy in a targeted attack in Humboldt Park on Wednesday evening. Chicago police said it happened in the 3400 block of West Franklin. Surveillance video shows the victim walking with two other men when a car pulls up next to...
A Second Round of Potent Storms Possible
More storms are targeting central Illinois. A low-pressure system is marching across the region, and it already brought one round of hefty showers and storms on Thursday morning. Springfield got drenched with over 3/4" of rain, and Decatur picked up nearly an inch. Now central Illinois is in the warm...
South Beloit dispensary receives $240K from Cannabis Social Equity program
CHICAGO, Ill. (WIFR) - A stateline dispensary will receive $240,000 in Direct Forgivable Loans, Illinois leaders announced Wednesday. WAH Group LLC, also known as CloudHaven Dispensary, in South Beloit was on the list of 23 licensed dispensaries to receive loans from the state. “Since day one, my administration has put...
Winning Lotto ticket sold in Homewood
An Illinois Lottery player in the South Suburbs won a Lotto Million 1 drawing – becoming a millionaire overnight. The $1 million-winning Lotto ticket was purchased for the Monday drawing of Lotto Million 1. The ticket was purchased at South Gate Mini Mart, 18747 Dixie Highway, Homewood. The winner...
Looking for something to do this weekend in the Freeport area? Here are 7 upcoming events
This weekend brings The Krape Park Art Walk and Loran Fest, along with fundraisers, live music, back-to-school events and more to the Freeport area. Krape Park Art Walk What: The Krape Park Art Walk will cultivate an artisan marketplace to foster connections between local artists and those who value unique, handmade treasures. This one-day art...
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