August is coming to an end, and we are entering September which is National Suicide Prevention Month. Childhood Trauma Expert Lacy Nicole is talking about her foundation and podcast Shame to Sparkle. Lacy says that she experienced childhood trauma and CPTSD, which made her realize there aren’t a lot of mental health resources for those that struggle. She says that trauma is anything that is long term distress of the heart. Lacy points out that when people think of PTSD they might think of things like war or a plane crash, but it can also come from things like a divorce, long term illness, or an abusive relationship. Her goal is to normalize the conversation so that people can feel more comfortable talking about these tough subjects. To learn more about Shame to Sparkle, please visit her website at shametosparkle.org.

Rockford Public Schools partners with the city and police to take a different approach toward school resource officers.

Rockford Public Schools partners with the city and police to take a different approach toward school resource officers.

Whether it's providing shoes, gear or helping folks train for marathons, Runner's Image is pleased to take care of it all.

Whether it's providing shoes, gear or helping folks train for marathons, Runner's Image is pleased to take care of it all.

The alert is used in case of a national emergency, and tests are conducted every three years. For most, the test is a minor inconvenience. For others, however, the test period is a potentially dangerous time.

Belvidere City Council voted to fill the Ida Public Library Board of Trustees Vacancy with Steve Pierce.

Belvidere Mayor Clinton Morris appointed Pierce. The mayor is in charge of making the appointment whenever there is an empty spot, which then goes to a vote.

The ordinance to put a one percent sales tax increase to a referendum failed at Freeport city council Monday night. It came down to a 5-3 vote.

Around 500 residents were authorized to return back to their Teutopolis homes on Saturday night after 4,000 gallons of anhydrous ammonia spilled from a crashed semi-truck in an accident that killed five, Illinois State Police announced.

Authorities in South Beloit have charged two people in connection with a drug raid last month.

A 17-year-old juvenile was taken into custody on weapon charges following a Thursday traffic stop, Rockford Police announced on Monday.

Illinois residents who own any of 170 "assault-style weapons" banned under law can begin registering them with the state police.

In an effort to boost reading comprehension, Rockford is looking for volunteers to work one-on-one with 2nd and 3rd-grade students.