Samantha Soto

Rochester, Rockford

Anchor and Reporter at WREX-TV (Rockford, IL)

@SIUC alumna, @13WREX Weekend Anchor, Reporter

Featured in: Favicon

localnews8.com Favicon

abc17news.com + 5 more

Articles

Keith Country Day School hosts 52nd Annual Commencement Ceremony

1 week ago | wrex.com | Samantha Soto

ROCKFORD, Ill. — 11 graduating seniors from Keith Country Day School crossed the stage to receive their diplomas during the 52nd annual commencement ceremony on Thursday. This year's 11 graduating seniors from the region's premier college-preparatory school will attend some of the nation's top-ranked colleges including the University of Illinois. Graduate Joseph Anthon attending Macalester College in the fall left some imparting words of wisdom to the graduating class.
Rockford man arrested after armed robbery at U.S. Post Office

1 week ago | wrex.com | Samantha Soto

ROCKFORD, Ill. — A Rockford man is behind bars after an armed robbery at the U.S. Post Office on Broadway. On Tuesday, May 27th, Rockford Police responded to the Broadway USPS for an armed robbery around 3 p.m.The suspect entered the post office, demanded money from the postal clerk, showing a handgun. After taking the cash, he ran off. The suspect was identified as 58-year-old Anthony Johnson.
Annual memorial honors families, loved ones fallen victim to violent crime

1 week ago | wrex.com | Samantha Soto

MACHESNEY PARK, Ill. — Families in Winnebago County are raising their voices against gun violence during an annual memorial service for families whose loved ones have fallen victim to violent crime. Mother Bertha Ceballos is not giving up in her fight for justice. “As a mother, I know Joey no longer has a voice so I will continue to be his voice. I will always be his voice until the end. We are still going to court, we have a trial coming our way.
Suspect at large after dog attack, domestic violence incident

1 week ago | wrex.com | Samantha Soto

ROCKTON, Ill. (WREX) — Police are asking for the public’s help in finding a Rockton man. The Rockton Police Department responded to a home in the 800 block of Meadow Crest Drive following reports of a dog bite on Thursday evening. Upon arrival, officers found a woman with dog bite wounds and additional injuries from an alleged domestic incident. The suspect has been identified as 41-year-old Victor Ortega, who is known to the victim.
Police asking for the public's assistance in finding a Rockton man

2 weeks ago | wrex.com | Samantha Soto

ROCKTON, Ill. (WREX) — Police are asking for the public’s help in finding a Rockton man. The Rockton Police Department responded to a home in the 800 block of Meadow Crest Drive following reports of a dog bite on Thursday evening. Upon arrival, officers found a woman with dog bite wounds and additional injuries from an alleged domestic incident. The suspect has been identified as 41-year-old Victor Ortega, who is known to the victim.
NAMI Northern Illinois brings together mental health resources and programs

2 weeks ago | wrex.com | Samantha Soto

ROCKFORD, Ill. — Dozens of mental health organizations and programs came together for NAMI Northern Illinois’ 3rd Annual ‘Building Bridges To Hope’ event on Wednesday night. “Events like this, and just conversations on the street, anything where you're able to reach people does change lives. You see it every day with our patients, multiple success stories.
45th Annual Police Memorial honors fallen officers across Northern Illinois

3 weeks ago | wrex.com | Samantha Soto

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WREX) — Communities across Northern Illinois came together on to honor the ultimate sacrifice made by law enforcement Wednesday night. The 45th Annual Police Memorial brought together families, officers, and loved ones in a powerful tribute to those who lost their lives in the line of duty. "We have the families here within our community that are still here and still dealing with the loss of that loved one.
Rockford domestic and community violence prevention efforts stretch statewide to Carbondale

3 weeks ago | wrex.com | Samantha Soto

ROCKFORD, Ill. — City of Rockford leaders met with officials from Carbondale to highlight their efforts in curbing domestic violence across Rockford last week. Last fall, Mayor Tom McNamara and Jennifer Cacciapaglia, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Domestic and Community Violence Prevention, presented at the Illinois Municipal League’s Annual Conference in Chicago. Their session focused on Rockford’s innovative and comprehensive approach to reducing domestic and community violence.
Cathedral of St. Peter in Rockford holds special mass for Pope Leo XIV

4 weeks ago | wrex.com | Samantha Soto

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WREX) — A wave of excitement and spiritual reflection is sweeping across the catholic community following the election of Pope Leo XIV. The Cathedral of St. Peter in Rockford held a special mass Friday evening. Local Catholics gathered in unity to celebrate the selection of a new pope. “It came so soon.
Chicago reacts to election of new Pope Leo XIV, first American pope

1 month ago | wrex.com | Samantha Soto

CHICAGO, Ill. (WREX) — Chicago is bursting with pride after the election of Pope Leo XIV, Chicago native and the first American pope. “My phone was blowing up. Everybody was placing bets on who it would be on. None of us guessed that it would be an American,” said Cami Thompson. “When I saw it on TV, I cried and I had the chills,” said Laurie Spear, from Chicago. Outside of The Holy Name Cathedral, many people celebrated the election of Pope Leo XIV.