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2026 IL Report Card: Rockford Public Schools graduation rate has risen 15 points in past 5 years

The graduation rate at Rockford Public Schools has jumped 15 points over the past five years, according to brand-new state report card data. The district's graduation rate now sits at 81%, which is still slightly below the state's average. English-Language Arts test scores were up slightly, while math was stagnant....

Rockford, IL · 5d
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Country Herald

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Winnebago County, IL Police Launch 2026 Holiday Toy Drive

Winnebago, IL – With the 2026 holiday season approaching, the Winnebago Police Department is asking residents to help bring Christmas cheer to local children through its annual Toys for Tots donation drive.

Winnebago, IL · 6d

MyStateline.com WTVO WQRF

partner publisher · 73.7K followers
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Officials report record early voting numbers in Winnebago County

Winnebago County is experiencing record turnout in early voting as Election Day approaches on Tuesday for the midterm elections.

Winnebago County, IL · 6d

We Are Illinois

partner publisher · 5.8K followers
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The Christmas Countdown Is On! Here's When Santa Arrives at CherryVale Mall

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Rockford! Santa's arrival at CherryVale Mall is almost here, and there's plenty of holiday fun planned

Rockford, IL · 4d

We Are Rockford

partner publisher · 45.6K followers

Have You Heard the Eerie Stories Behind Rockford's Manny Mansion?

Mysterious music, unexplained shadows, and doors that reportedly open on their own. Could Rockford's Manny Mansion really be haunted, or is there another explanation?

Rockford, IL · 10d

97ZOK

partner publisher · 51.9K followers

Giant Basketball Hoop in Rockford Surprises Longtime Locals

Some Rockford residents have lived here for decades without knowing about this enormous basketball hoop near the Sports Factory.

Rockford, IL · 4d

GazetteXtra

partner publisher · 7.2K followers

Houseman City Hall welcome lasted 30 minutes. Then, the new manager got to work.

Hello, Rock County! Here are your top Tuesday headlines: Rebecca Houseman’s children received a pretty tasty welcome on the parent’s first day of work at Janesville City Hall. City staff swore in Houseman first thing Monday morning, getting her three children into the post-swear-in refreshments line at City Hall for a cookie by 9:15 a.m., plenty of time to chow down on a special treat before they headed off for school. The City of Janesville is still working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to determine how to allocate more than $445,000 in Public Assistance funding it has landed so far f or damage caused by April’s severe storms and flooding. If you're a Janesville resident voting in the election, remember that it's likely you'll see nine races and five referendums on your ballot. The main point for many Janesville residents; don't forget that your ballot has a back side . Don't forget to vote on that side, too. Do you have a story you'd like the Gazette to follow? Let us know with an email to The Gazette's City Editor, Neil Johnson at neil@gazettextra.com!

Janesville, WI · 4d

GazetteXtra

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Janesville Superintendent pay revealed through Gazette open records request

Hello, Rock County! Here are your top weekend headlines: According to documents provided in response to a Gazette open records request, Janesville superintendent Allison DeGraaf's superintendent's contract would pay $230,000 — a salary $15,000 higher than what current superintendent Mark Holzman is now paid. The Craig High School Honor Wall organizers are seeking alumni nominations to honor those who have made a significant impact in their field and given back to their communities. Tiny patients in Mercyhealth’s neonatal intensive care unit got into the Halloween spirit this year thanks to nurse JoAnn Gorsline, who has spent the past decade sewing handmade costumes for the hospital’s smallest patients. Do you have a story you'd like the Gazette to follow? Let us know with an email to The Gazette's City Editor, Neil Johnson at neil@gazettextra.com!

Janesville, WI · 8d

Q985

partner publisher · 3.8K followers

Wisconsin Road Near Rockford Named One of America's Scariest

Wisconsin's Beast of Bray Road is getting national attention, while Rockford has its own creepy road legends worth remembering.

Rockford, IL · 18d

WIFR

publisher · 20.0K followers

Part of IL Route 23 in DeKalb County closed for downed power lines, utility poles

Dekalb County, IL · 5d

spectrumnews1.com

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Republican incumbent faces a run for his money in southeast Wisconsin

JANESVILLE, Wis. — Wisconsin Congressman Bryan Steil was not on anyone’s list of endangered incumbents when the year began. But he’s now locked in a competitive race for re-election, reflecting the deteriorating position of Republicans across the country heading into next week’s election. Steil entered Congress...

Wisconsin · 8d

Block Club Chicago

publisher · 7.3K followers

Chicago’s 2026 Christmas Tree Is A Nearly 50-Foot Spruce From Kane County

DOWNTOWN — After a month-long search, Chicago has found the Christmas tree that will brighten Downtown through the holiday season. This year’s tree — the city’s 113th Christmas tree — is a nearly 50-foot Norway spruce donated by the Clark family from suburban Campton Hills, west of St. Charles. Today, it will be cut, hoisted by crane and prepared for its journey to Chicago.

Chicago, IL · 5d

We Are Rockford

partner publisher · 45.6K followers

Rockford Residents Reveal The Best Trick-or-Treat Neighborhoods

From neighborhoods that go all out with Halloween decorations to places handing out full-size candy bars, Rockford-area residents have plenty of trick-or-treating recommendations.

Rockford, IL · 8d

visitlakegeneva.com

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2026 Impact Awards Winners Announced

Behind every thriving community are individuals and organizations who go above and beyond to make a difference. Each year, Visit Lake Geneva's Impact Awards recognize those who exemplify the spirit, generosity, and innovation that help our region flourish. This annual event celebrates the people and organizations whose passion, commitment, and vision strengthen the Lake Geneva region and enrich the experiences of residents and visitors alike. We are honored to celebrate this year's inspiring recipients and share their stories of dedication, leadership, and community impact. Read on to learn more about the stories behind the impact they continue to make throughout the region.

Lake Geneva, WI · 8d

illinoislawyernow.com

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Kane County Divorce: New Illinois Parenting-Time Analysis Changes

Illinois Parenting-Time Changes After Reynolds: A New, Lower Standard for Modifying Parenting Time. Illinois parents seeking to change a parenting schedule have received an important clarification from the Illinois Supreme Court. In Reynolds v. Reynolds, the court held that a parent seeking to modify parenting time alone must show changed circumstances that make a change necessary to serve the child’s best interests, not a “substantial” change in circumstances.

Kane County, IL · 8d

TMJ4 News

partner publisher · 87.1K followers

Walworth County's only food bank gets the keys to their future location

The Bridge Food & Diaper Bank serves thousands of needy Walworth County residents a year, but they have run out of space. They will soon have a larger headquarters just up the road.

Walworth County, WI · 8d

familydestinationsguide.com

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The Enormous Wisconsin Flea Market Where Serious Treasure Hunters Go To Find Rare Hidden Gems

There is a particular kind of person who wakes up before sunrise, grabs a thermos of coffee, and drives straight to Elkhorn, Wisconsin without a second thought. That person is a treasure hunter, and the Elkhorn Antique Flea Market is exactly where they need to be. This is not your...

Elkhorn, WI · 9d

Rockford Register Star

partner publisher · 11.4K followers

Loves Park mobile home residents to discuss rent

Manufactured home residents from the Loves Park area are invited to an Oct. 31 meeting focused on rent increases, maintenance concerns, tenant protections and other issues affecting their communities. The meeting will bring together residents from Forest View, Four Seasons, Forest Hills Village and Greenview Estates, according to a community announcement. Residents from other manufactured home communities also are invited. Doors will open for seating at 9:30 a.m., with the meeting scheduled for 10-11:30 a.m. at Loves Park City Gymnasium, 100 Heart Blvd., Loves Park. Organizers plan to discuss concerns about management harassment, limits on rent increases and allegations that Kingsley is shifting maintenance responsibilities and costs to residents. State Rep. Dave Vella of Illinois' 68th District, State Rep. Maurice West of Illinois' 67th District and State Sen. Steve Stadelman of Illinois' 34th District are expected to attend to discuss possible legislative solutions. What residents can expect at the meeting The announcement says the discussion also will address lot rent increases, tenant protections, corporate ownership, maintenance concerns and proposed legislation. Organizers are asking attendees to participate constructively, with structured opportunities for residents to speak and work toward action rather than holding an open-ended venting session. Attendees are encouraged to bring

Loves Park, IL · 9d

wheninyourstate.com

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America’s largest railroad museum sits on 100 acres of Illinois corn country

America’s biggest railroad museum runs on volunteer power. Union, Illinois, sits in farm country about an hour northwest of Chicago. You would never guess that this small town holds the largest railroad museum in the United States. The Illinois Railway Museum spreads more than 500 pieces of railroad equipment...

Union, IL · 9d

MyStateline.com WTVO WQRF

partner publisher · 73.7K followers

More than 660 teachers nominated for 2027 Golden Apple Awards in Winnebago and Boone counties

More than 660 teachers across Winnebago and Boone counties have been nominated for the 2027 Golden Apple Awards, an honor recognizing excellence in elementary education.

Boone County, IL · 5d