Alyssa Kelly

New York

Journalist at Freelance

freelance writer // words in @lofficielusa @crfashionbook @people

Articles

Rockford political expert weighs in on Middle East tensions

1 week ago | wifr.com | Alyssa Kelly

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Tensions rise in the Middle East, but so do questions. The White House says Trump will decide within the next two weeks whether he will order US forces to strike Iran. Bob Evans, a Rockford political expert, says these next two weeks are important to pay attention to. “Just time to see whether or not people come to their senses,” said Trump. “The stakes are very high; the Israelis will not let this go,” said Evans.
‘Out of sight, out of mind’: Rockford-area resident warns others about car break ins

1 week ago | wifr.com | Alyssa Kelly

(WIFR) - A Rockford-area resident shares her thoughts after her car was broken into while parked at a local forest preserve. Conservation workers along the stateline warn that car break-ins are becoming a pressing concern, particularly with the arrival of warmer weather. Jan Fadness says it started as a peaceful walk with her friend at a local forest preserve, but turned into having more than $1,000 in repairs on her car.
Community speaks out at Polo School District board meeting after alleged Ogle Co. murder-suicide

1 week ago | wifr.com | Alyssa Kelly

POLO, Ill. (WIFR) - An alleged murder-suicide in the small village of Polo last weekend left many unanswered questions and lots of anger in the community. Much of that anger was directed at the Polo School District. Wednesday night, the district held its board meeting and both family and friends of the suspect decided to speak out. The Polo hostage and shooting situation took place late Saturday night.
Community members raise concerns at Polo School District board meeting after Ogle Co. murder-suicide

1 week ago | wifr.com | Alyssa Kelly

POLO, Ill. (WIFR) - An alleged murder-suicide in the small village of Polo last weekend left many unanswered questions and lots of anger in the community. Much of that anger was directed at the Polo School District. Wednesday night, the district held its board meeting and both family and friends of the suspect decided to speak out. The Polo hostage and shooting situation took place late Saturday night.
Rockford USA BMX Midwest Nationals returns for 30th year

2 weeks ago | wifr.com | Alyssa Kelly

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - The USA BMX Midwest Nationals returns to the Forest City for its 30th year, bringing in thousands of people from across the globe. The event takes place June 13-15 at Searls Park, 4950 Safford Road, and is expected to bring in nearly 4,000 spectators, 1500 athletes and more than $800,000 to the city of Rockford. Athletes at the event began riding as young as two years old, and some are still riding at the age of 76.
Dozens of Rockford residents get second chance at education

2 weeks ago | wifr.com | Alyssa Kelly

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - According to the United States Census Bureau, more than 23,000 adults living in Rockford lack a high school diploma. However, 49 Rockford residents look to change that statistic, proving it’s never too late to educate. The Rockford Public Library offers a scholarship program for local adults, ages 21 and older, to earn a high school diploma online.
Rockford granita stand hits 100 years in business

2 weeks ago | wifr.com | Alyssa Kelly

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - There’s no reason to put your celebration on ice when you’ve been selling flavored ice for 100 years!Zammuto’s in Rockford has hit a major milestone. Opening in 1925, the business has served granita in the stateline for 100 years, becoming one of the oldest Italian ice stands in the United States. Zammutos opened alongside a grocery store. It then evolved into a drive-in theater in the 70s to focus on the popularity of the granita.
‘This is the busiest I’ve seen downtown’: Rockford’s 2nd annual pride parade draws large crowd

2 weeks ago | wifr.com | Alyssa Kelly

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - An idea that started after a Rockford committee realized the city never had a pride parade returned for its 2nd year Saturday. The pictures and videos speak for itself. The Rockford 2025 Pride Parade brought in a large crowd full of excitement and of course, pride. “This is like the busiest I’ve seen downtown, it’s so much fun. I loved that everybody was able to come out today and just have a great time,” said Nicole Cameron, a parade attendee.
$1M state grant will go toward restoring hydropower in Rockford

3 weeks ago | wifr.com | Alyssa Kelly

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Plans to use the Rock River to generate electricity for homes in the area gets a power boost. Nearly $1 million in state funding is on the way to Rockford-area companies. The first phase of the hydropower project would generate enough power for five homes. If successful, that could expand to at least 50 homes. In 2021, Illinois passed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act or CEJA with the goal of funding projects that tap into clean energy sources.
‘That is frowned upon’: More Americans tap into emergency savings, reports say

3 weeks ago | wifr.com | Alyssa Kelly

(WIFR) - Emergency savings accounts are there for the unexpected expenses, but a new report shows more Americans are using that money for everyday expenses. According to data from Bankrate’s 2025 Annual Emergency savings report, more than 37% of U.S. adults tapped into their emergency savings in the past year. Experts say the percentage of individuals spending their emergency savings is alarming and can put a strain on their budgets.