Freepod

1. Stephenson County Board Challenges GFP on Tourism Spending Figures
2. Stephenson County Votes to Hold Property Tax Levy Even
3. Freeport School District Holding Public Hearing on Tax Levy
4. City of Freeport Announces Project Updates
5. South Street Repaving Delayed
6. Leaf Pickup Begins November 2
7. Jo Daviess County Considering Nearly $460,000 in Bridge Repairs
8. Rochelle to Consider Revised Data Center Agreement
9. College Fair at HCC
10. Farmer's Market Moving Indoors After This Week
11. Willy Wonka Coming to the Jeannette Lloyd Theater
12. Election Day is Tuesday

On November 3, the people get to vote for who they want to represent them in the halls of government, from the local level to the national. One such candidate is Paul Nolley, the Democratic Party's nominee for Illinois's 16th District in the US House of Representatives.

Freepod host Alan Wenzel spoke to Nolley about his campaign and what he views as the most important issues facing the people of the district.

*Freepod did reach out to Representative Darin LaHood's office to try to secure an interview, but did not hear back.

1. Freeport Police Respond to Rumors of Weapon at Middle School
2. Jo Daviess County Board Establishes Policy on Large-Scale Data Centers
3. FNWIL Announces Creation of Rural Vitality Coalition
4. Freeport Art Museum Offers Grants for Local Artists
5. Luecke's Celebrates 105 Years
6. Pat Norman Honored by Illinois Boys & Girls Club
7. Nicor Gas Rate Lawsuit Settlement Approved
8. Music at the Museum in Savanna
9. HCC Fall Instrumental Music Concert
10. Rochelle Fundraiser to Benefit Domestic Violence and Child Advocacy Organizations
11. Mount Carroll Pumpkin Fest
12. Not So Spooky Halloween Walk in Mount Morris
13. Galena's 46th Annual Halloween Parade & Festival
14. Trick or Treating Schedules

So much work has already been done on downtown Freeport in the past few years. But thanks to a new program the city of Freeport qualified for, even more growth is on the horizon.

Freepod host Tim Connors spoke with Katie Gentz and Leslie Mastroianni from the Greater Freeport Partnership about Recast, a program that teaches local leaders about the skills and opportunities to help communities thrive.

1. Old Union School Gets Approved for Demolition
2. East Dubuque Man Charged Following Investigation into Child Sexual Abuse Materials
3. Judge Rejects Defense Requests in Jackson Kradle Case
4. Molly's Announces Closure
5. Curb Leaf Pick Up Reminder
6. Freeport Park District Announces Parents' Night Out and Parent & Me Tea
7. Amity's Attic Turns 30
8. Federal Government Rejects Illinois Disaster Relief
9. Pritzker Declares Diesel Disaster in Illinois
10. Google & Constellation Energy Announce Nuclear Power Deal
11. Community Conversation on Data Centers
12. HCC Hosting Faculty Art Exhibit
13. SRC Hosting Annual Senior Expo
14. Haunted Hollow Trail in Lena
15. LWV Program on Gerrymandering
16. Freeport Community Concert Association Wraps Up 95th Season With Arcostrum

Dr. Ed Finch was a giant in the Freeport community. A lifelong educator, both in formal and informal settings, Dr. Finch had a mind and passion for history. From his days at Freeport High School to his time with the Stephenson County Historical Society, Dr. Finch's wit and wisdom touched so many lives in our community.

Freepod hosts, Tim & Becky Connors and Alan Wenzel, all long-time friends of Dr. Finch, talk about the legacy of Freeport's walking talking history book. Then, contributor Leslie Eiler Thompson shares a snippet from an interview she conducted with Dr. Finch about the history of the Pretzel City.

1. Stephenson County Sheriff Launches Autism Friendly Program
2. City of Freeport Gets Credit Rating Upgraded
3. GFP Receives State Tourism Marketing Grant
4. Freeport Mayor Seeking Individuals for Planning Commission
5. Albertus Airport Receives State Honors
6. Freeport Native Retires from United States Marine Band
7. Freeport Hostage Taker Sentenced to More than 15 Years in Prison
8. Community Raises Concerns Over BNSF Bridge in Carroll County
9. East Dubuque Housing Development Gets Closer to Construction
10. Berning Acres Opens Agritourism Venture
11. New Report Claims Data Centers Could Create 120,000 Jobs in Illinois
12. HCC Students to Give Free Performance
13. Accessible Bird & Nature Event at Krape Park
14. RAMP Hosting Breaking Barriers Luncheon
15. Wine & Witches Returns
16. Remembering Ed Finch

They’re watching thousands of vehicles travel Northwest Illinois every day — but are automatic license plate readers an essential crime-fighting tool or a growing threat to privacy?

In this special investigative report, Freepod News Director Jim Yeager examines the expanding use of ALPRs, often called Flock cameras, and how law enforcement uses the information they collect. Stephenson County Sheriff Steve Stovall explains how the technology has helped local investigations, while privacy expert Dorothea Salo raises concerns about surveillance, data access, and potential abuse.

With communities across Illinois taking very different approaches to the technology, we explore the question at the center of the controversy: Where should we draw the line between public safety and personal privacy?

1. Freeport's 2027 Budget Raises Questions About Spending and Transparency
2. GFP and City of Freeport Disagree Over Funding
3. FSD to Host "Talk Show" for Open Dialogue with Community
4. Freeport Public Library Features Display by First Kid Librarian
5. Pearl City Couple Receives 4-H Recognition
6. Freeport Photo Contest Winner Announced
7. Downtown Sculpture Walk Updated
8. Sterling Deactivates All Flock Cameras
9. JJ & Freddie's Moving to Lake Carroll
10. Illinois Closing Visitor Information Centers
11. Pritzker Creates AI Cabinet
12. Teen Dance & Glow Bingo with Park District
13. Oakdale Fall Festival
14. Autumn Leaf Run
15. Oktoberfest in Galena
16. Bats of Illinois

Downtown Freeport has a new destination for creativity! Freepod host Tim Connors sits down with Tina Cannova and Carla Donaldson, the owners of the newly opened Two Friends Art Studio. They discuss the inspiration behind their new venture, their passion for art, and their vision for bringing people together through creativity. Get to know the two friends behind the studio and learn more about this exciting addition to downtown Freeport.