Rockford News First
@wifr.com
The official account of Rockford News First in Rockford, IL. WIFR/WREX
Police say the truck drove through a yard, damaged a chain-link fence, went across a concrete basketball court and crashed through a detached outbuilding. https://www.rockfordnewsfirst.com/2026/08/05/kewanee-man-charged-after-truck-crashes-into-building-police-say/
One person is dead and four were taken to hospitals following a crash Thursday afternoon in DeKalb County.
1 killed in DeKalb County crash involving semitruck
One person is dead and four were taken to hospitals following a crash Thursday afternoon.
rockfordnewsfirst.com
A 53-year-old man from Morrison is charged following a multi-agency investigation into sex crimes reported in Illinois and Wisconsin, state police say. https://www.rockfordnewsfirst.com/2026/08/05/morrison-man-arrested-following-sex-crime-investigation-involving-illinois-wisconsin-authorities/
Police say an incident where a man was barricaded inside a home has been resolved. https://www.rockfordnewsfirst.com/2026/08/05/man-barricaded-inside-rockford-home-police-scene/
Drivers should avoid the intersection of Latham and Owen Center roads while authorities work to clear a crash Wednesday afternoon. https://www.rockfordnewsfirst.com/2026/08/05/crash-latham-owen-center-roads-blocks-traffic/
Tinder pauses AI photo enhancing tool after users said it drastically changed their appearance without their approval
Tinder pauses AI photo enhancing tool after users said it drastically changed their appearance without their approval
Some Tinder users opened their apps recently and were notified that their profile pictures had been enhanced.
rockfordnewsfirst.com
Police are on scene where a man is barricaded inside a home. https://www.rockfordnewsfirst.com/2026/08/05/man-barricaded-inside-rockford-home-police-scene/
Mike Lindell stepping down as MyPillow CEO to focus on Minnesota governor’s race https://www.rockfordnewsfirst.com/2026/08/05/mike-lindell-stepping-down-mypillow-ceo-focus-minnesota-governors-race/
Rochelle man accused of leaving scene of rollover crash on Illinois Route 251, drunk driving
Rochelle man accused of leaving scene of rollover crash on Illinois Route 251, drunk driving
Ogle County Sheriff's deputies say the vehicle left the scene before they got there.
rockfordnewsfirst.com
Iran said Wednesday it is in the “final stage” of drafting an agreement with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz, and U.S. President Donald Trump has said a deal could be announced this week.
Iran and the US say a Strait of Hormuz deal is close, but one or both would have to back down
President Donald Trump says a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could come Wednesday as Iran and Oman move toward an agreement amid continued shipping attacks.
rockfordnewsfirst.com
Former FBI agent accused of stealing $1M in cryptocurrency
Former FBI agent accused of stealing $1M in cryptocurrency
Former FBI agent Patrick Yaroch is accused of stealing nearly $1 million in cryptocurrency from accounts the bureau was monitoring, court documents show.
rockfordnewsfirst.com
An early morning crash Saturday claims the life of 18-year-old Brandon Cortes from Rochelle. https://www.rockfordnewsfirst.com/2026/08/05/rochelle-teen-killed-after-being-hit-by-vehicle-i-39/
Family caregivers spend $7,000 a year out of pocket, AARP says
Family caregivers spend $7,000 a year out of pocket, AARP says
Family caregivers spend more than $7,000 a year out of pocket. An AARP expert shares how a caregiving plan and local resources can help ease the financial burden.
rockfordnewsfirst.com
Machesney Park man found guilty of having child pornography https://www.rockfordnewsfirst.com/2026/08/05/machesney-park-man-found-guilty-having-child-pornography/
Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate primary in major victory for Democrats’ progressive wing
Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan Senate primary in major victory for Democrats’ progressive wing
Abdul El-Sayed has won Michigan’s Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate.
rockfordnewsfirst.com
China hits US with a series of economic measures, including export controls on drones
China hits US with a series of economic measures, including export controls on drones
China has announced a series of economic measures against the United States, including export controls on drones and a ban on trade with six American entities.
rockfordnewsfirst.com
Trump says deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could come as early as Wednesday https://www.rockfordnewsfirst.com/2026/08/05/trump-says-deal-reopen-strait-hormuz-could-come-early-wednesday/
Trump says deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could come as early as Wednesday
President Donald Trump says a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could come Wednesday as Iran and Oman move toward an agreement amid continued shipping attacks.
rockfordnewsfirst.com
Pritzker signs bills allowing state to review insurance rate hikes
Pritzker signs bills allowing state to review insurance rate hikes
Companies will still be able to charge new rates once they are filed with the Insurance Department. But the new law gives the department authority to review those rates and order rebates of any excess premiums collected if the rates are found to be excessive or unfairly discriminatory.
rockfordnewsfirst.com
The Danube River’s water is dropping so low that World War II ships are emerging
The Danube River’s water is dropping so low that World War II ships are emerging
Water levels on the Danube River have dropped so low due to drought that World War II German battleships are emerging into view.
rockfordnewsfirst.com
Illinois law will require most retailers to accept cash for purchases under $500
Illinois law will require most retailers to accept cash for purchases under $500
Most Illinois retailers will be required to accept cash for in-person purchases under $500 starting Jan. 1, 2028, under a new law signed by Gov. JB Pritzker.
rockfordnewsfirst.com
ILLINOIS: Police arrest teen in clown costume accused of murder
Police arrest teen in clown costume accused of murder
A teenager was taken into custody Tuesday, accused of killing a person in East St. Louis while wearing a clown costume.
rockfordnewsfirst.com
450,000 student loan borrowers may get debt forgiven in $23B settlement
450,000 student loan borrowers may get debt forgiven in $23B settlement
A $23 billion class-action settlement with the Department of Education could result in debt forgiveness for 450,000 student loan borrowers.
rockfordnewsfirst.com
Hundreds of migrant children are stranded in Spain's Ceuta after mass crossing
Hundreds of migrant children are stranded in Spain’s Ceuta after mass crossing
Some 860 minors remain in Ceuta while most of the 60,000 people who came across last week have gone back.
rockfordnewsfirst.com
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said he was taking photos and video and had a 16-round magazine with ammunition in his pocket.
Man arrested at Trump golf course with loaded gun just days ahead of president’s visit
Authorities say they arrested a man who was walking the grounds and appeared to be monitoring security at President Donald Trump’s California golf course.
rockfordnewsfirst.com
Ida Public Library has a new parking spot for its bookmobile.
Bookmobile shelter unveiled at Ida Public Library in Belvidere
Ida Public Library has a new parking spot for its bookmobile.
rockfordnewsfirst.com
The Rock River Valley Blood Center gives donors the chance to learn more about their own health while saving someone else’s life.
Rock River Valley Blood Center offers free A1c diabetes screening for donors
The Rock River Valley Blood Center gives donors the chance to learn more about their own health while saving someone else’s life.
rockfordnewsfirst.com
U.S. NEWS: Woman files lawsuit after alleged cancer misdiagnosis leads to unnecessary hysterectomy
Woman files lawsuit after alleged cancer misdiagnosis leads to unnecessary hysterectomy
A Georgia woman has filed a lawsuit after an alleged tissue sample mix-up led to an unnecessary hysterectomy.
rockfordnewsfirst.com
The actions of a former compliance officer led to major drops in reported graduation rates from several Midwest schools. https://www.rockfordnewsfirst.com/2026/08/04/rockford-career-college-graduation-rates-drop-after-whistleblower-comes-forward/
Orfordville man killed in head-on crash, Wisconsin State Patrol says
Orfordville man killed in head-on crash near West Salem
An Orfordville man was killed after a crash in La Crosse County near West Salem on Saturday, Wisconsin State Patrol announced Tuesday.
rockfordnewsfirst.com
