Alyssa Kelly

New York

Journalist at Freelance

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

Articles

Complaints of illegal ATV driving on Rockford streets ramping up, police say

3 days ago | wifr.com | Alyssa Kelly

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - As the weather warms up, Rockford police say they’re receiving more calls about ATVs on city streets and are reminding the community that they need their help. Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd explains there are officers specifically assigned to looking for ATV violators, but says it’s a community effort to tackle the problem.
Game On: Beloit hosts Esports showcase for teams across the Midwest

6 days ago | wmtv15news.com | Alyssa Kelly

BELOIT, WIS. (WIFR) - Organizers of the 2025 Eclipse Scholastic Esports Showcase said it’s the first of its kind event in Wisconsin: Teams gathered from across the Midwest to compete in Beloit Saturday. Esports are becoming one of the fastest growing competitive activities in high schools. Event organizers said Saturday’s event is a milestone in Beloit’s rise as a regional leader in tech, innovation, and the sports gaming industry.
Game On: Beloit hosts Esports showcase for teams across the Midwest

6 days ago | wifr.com | Alyssa Kelly

BELOIT, WIS. (WIFR) - Organizers of the 2025 Eclipse Scholastic Esports Showcase said it’s the first of its kind event in Wisconsin: Teams gathered from across the Midwest to compete in Beloit Saturday. Esports are becoming one of the fastest growing competitive activities in high schools. Event organizers said Saturday’s event is a milestone in Beloit’s rise as a regional leader in tech, innovation, and the sports gaming industry.
Rockford-area veterans showcase art to the community

1 week ago | wifr.com | Alyssa Kelly

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - Creative art therapies have emerged as a vital tool for veterans, especially when navigating the difficulties of post-traumatic stress disorder. Friday, a veterans art show was held at Veterans Memorial Hall. An event for veteran artists to share personal experiences, struggles, and triumphs, creating a space for conversation, connection, and understanding.
Rockford community center renames garden in honor of late board member

1 week ago | wifr.com | Alyssa Kelly

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - It was a garden party, but not just any garden party. It was a dedication to the memory of Ruthie Fairchild, who was a force behind many community projects. Ruthie Fairchild was a founding board member of Rockford’s Patriots Gateway Community Center in 1998. She was involved in the development of many programs and created many community gardens in the neighborhood around Patriots and at Blackhawk Court Apartments.
Rockford-area families remember loved ones who died from homicide

1 week ago | wifr.com | Alyssa Kelly

MACHESNEY PARK, Ill. (WIFR) - In recent years, more than 1,000 Illinoisans have been killed per year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Wednesday, dozens of families came together whose loved ones became a part of that statistic. May 28 marked the 21st annual Carol McFeggan Homicide Victim Memorial Service. The memorial brings together families who have lost loved ones to violent crime.
Rockford doctor weighs in on updated COVID-19 vaccine guidelines

1 week ago | wifr.com | Alyssa Kelly

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - In a post on X, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announces the COVID-19 vaccine will no longer be on the list of recommended vaccines for pregnant women and children. “As of today, the COVID vaccine for healthy children and healthy pregnant women has been removed from the CDC recommended immunization schedule,” Kennedy stated in the social media post.
Rockford man remembers victim of San Diego plane crash

1 week ago | wifr.com | Alyssa Kelly

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - In the early morning of May 22, a private plane crashed in San Diego neighborhood leaving six people dead, all of whom were on board. One of the victims on the crash was identified as 42-year-old Dave Shapiro. Dave Shapiro was a groundbreaking music executive. He worked with many bands including ‘The Color Morale,” a band that started in the Forest City.
Durand forever remembers seven Gold Star veterans

1 week ago | wifr.com | Alyssa Kelly

DURAND, Ill. (WIFR) - Memorial Day weekend is a time to remember and honor those who died serving our country and preserving the sacrifices individuals made including those right here in Winnebago County. Saturday, project and board members alongside dozens of community members unveiled the Gold Star Memorial Block in Durand for seven local heroes. They are signs which will forever line the streets they lived on before they were deployed.
Deadline extended for Illinois Styrofoam container ban

2 weeks ago | kwqc.com | Alyssa Kelly

(WIFR) - A staple in the restaurant industry could be “to-go” for good. A Senate Bill banning Styrofoam food containers is up for debate in the state house. Senate Bill 1531 would prohibit the sale or distribution of food containers containing Polystyrene Foam or Styrofoam. On April 30, SB 1531 passed through the senate and made it’s way to the house. Friday, the final action deadline was extended to May 31 because of bi-partisan opposition.