Samantha Soto

Rochester, Rockford

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

@SIUC alumna, @13WREX Weekend Anchor/Reporter

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Articles

Mental Health Therapist sheds light on Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder

1 week ago | wrex.com | Samantha Soto

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WREX) — Most people associate Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) with the cold, dark, winter months. But it's not unheard of to experience “seasonal depression” during the spring and summer. It’s called Reverse Seasonal Affective Disorder and the symptoms are different. While both versions are impacted by the seasons and the climate, Mental Health Therapist Ben Shabad says SAD typically looks like low energy and oversleeping.
Man shot, houses hit in early Saturday morning shooting in Rockford

1 week ago | wrex.com | Samantha Soto

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WREX) — Rockford Police are investigating a shooting that happened Saturday morning. Just after 9:30 a.m. Rockford Police posted an adult male was shot in the hand in the 1300 block of N. Winnebago. They say various other properties were struck. This is a developing story.
Ritchie's Smokin' BBQ to close temporarily as owner battles cancer

1 week ago | wrex.com | Samantha Soto

MACHESNEY PARK, Ill. — The Stateline is rallying in support of local business Ritchie's Smokin' BBQ. The restaurant announced it will temporarily close while its owner faces a life-changing procedure. Operations will be put on pause on Sunday while owner Taylor Griep prepares for a major surgery. It's the latest fight in her health journey and now she’s facing a new battle. “I was recently diagnosed with uterine cancer, and a long battle with endometriosis,” explained Griep.
Fairdale community remembers victims 10 years after deadly tornado

2 weeks ago | wrex.com | Samantha Soto

FARIDALE, Ill. (WREX) — April 9th marked a somber anniversary for one Stateline community. In 2015 an EF-4 tornado ripped through the town of Fairdale. The tight-knit community honored the two victims that were killed with a moment of silence on Wednesday. “Everybody kind of knew each other, and we were pretty much of a family. If anybody needed anything, you knew there was somebody that would help you out,” described Clem Shultz.
Rockford Fire Department shares safety reminders after busy weekend

3 weeks ago | wrex.com | Samantha Soto

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WREX) — After responding to multiple fires over the weekend, the Rockford Fire Department is urging you to make sure your home is safe. Illinois law requires you to have a sealed 10-year lithium battery smoke detector. Rockford Fire Department says to check them monthly, have one on every floor, and at least 15-feet from your bedroom. They also add, avoid overloading any electrical outlets.
Rock Valley College breaks ground on new Downtown West campus

3 weeks ago | wrex.com | Samantha Soto

ROCKFORD, Ill. — Rockford area leaders celebrated the groundbreaking of the Rock Valley College Downtown West Campus on Thursday. The Downtown West Campus is located at Chestnut and Winnebago St.Rock Valley College President Dr. Howard Spearman, says the college is looking forward to bringing more accessibility to the entire area. “Today with the RVC Downtown West campus, it’ll be a permanent fixture.
Meet the candidates in the race for Rockford's 8th Ward Alderman

3 weeks ago | wrex.com | Samantha Soto

ROCKFORD, Ill. — One race on the ballot in the upcoming consolidated election in Rockford is for 8th Ward Alderman. The race is between incumbent 8th Ward Alderwoman Karen Hoffman and Independent Jason Leviskas. Hoffman has served as Alderman since 2017 and is running as Democrat, hoping to continue projects she started during her time in office. For her, infrastructure is a top priority. “Everybody complains about property tax.
Rockford community reflects one year after deadly mass stabbing spree

3 weeks ago | wrex.com | Samantha Soto

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WREX) — The community reflects on the one year anniversary of the deadly Rockford stabbings that took the lives of four innocent people on March 27th, 2024. Romona Schupbach, her son, Jacob Schupbach, 15-year-old Jenna Newcomb, and Letter Carrier Jay Larson were all victims of the stabbing spree that left the city speechless. Rockford Police arrested Christian Soto, charged with first degree murder and attempted first degree murder after injuring seven others one year ago.
Stephenson County Sheriff's Office dispatches 40 grass fire calls in the last month

1 month ago | wrex.com | Samantha Soto

STEPHENSON COUNTY, Ill. (WREX) — The Stephenson County Sheriff's Office is advising against controlled burns during windy conditions. The Sheriff's Office works with the National Weather Service to monitor dry and windy conditions and alert people when it is dangerous to start fires. This comes after the Freeport Fire Department responded to a grass fire that spread to a nearby structure Saturday.
Family honors Jason Jenkins on one year anniversary of his death

1 month ago | wrex.com | Samantha Soto

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WREX) — Family members and loved ones came together on Monday to remember Jason Jenkins with a balloon release just one year after his death. 18-year-old Jason Jenkins was stabbed during his shift at Walmart on March 24th, 2024. Dozens of family members and friends gathered by his gravesite at Cedar Bluff Cemetery releasing star-shaped orange and white balloons in his memory. “It means a lot to everyone that came out.