Rock River Current managing editor and journalist Kevin Haas highlights some of the top stories of 2025 in the Stateline area.
Mark Henderson was the chief meteorologist at WIFR-TV for more than 20 years and was let go in May. Haas said this was a major story because of the shock of Henderson's departure — and the success of his independent weather venture, Mark Henderson's Weather Hub.
In business news, the stalled development of the Colman Yards project in south Rockford was a story Haas followed throughout the year and expects to be noteworthy again in 2026.
Haas said a dynamic story, he thought was too good to be true, was the discovery of a painting in Rockford. At first, he thought it was too good to be true. The painting offered a Polish community the first proof of a little-known story from World War II.
Haas also highlights some stories he thinks will be top news in the Stateline in 2026, including efforts to reopen the Stellantis Belvidere Assembly plant and the efforts to restart passenger rail service to Rockford.
You can listen to WNIJ host Jason Cregier and Kevin Haas' full conversation in the link above.
Copy Edited by Eryn Lent
