Meghan Schobinger

Digital Producer
Rockford, IL
Meghan Schobinger

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND RAISED: Illinois, baby!

WHAT COLLEGE DID YOU ATTEND AND WHAT WAS YOUR MAJOR: Currently attending Northern Illinois University majoring in Communications and Media Studies.

WHY DID YOU GET INTO THE NEWS (OR SPORTS) BUSINESS/BECOME A JOURNALIST: I like hearing the latest happenings in the area and sharing them with the community.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT BEING A JOURNALIST: The opportunity to learn more about different organizations and industries.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK: Hanging out with friends and going out for pizza.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW: My family’s trade is music entertainment, and I grew up wanting to be a radio personality.

WHO HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN YOUR LIFE AND WHY: My mom. She’s amazing!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DRINK: A crispy McDonald’s Coca-Cola.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DINNER ENTREE: Anything from Capri’s in downtown Rockford.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DESSERT: Crème Brule

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HOLIDAY AND WHY: I’m a fan of the Halloween through New Year’s holiday run.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON AND WHY: Summer because it’s gorgeous in the Midwest.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORT: Swimming and dance.

NAME THREE OF YOUR FAVORITE MOVIES: “The Matrix”, “The Bird Cage”, and “Purple Rain.”

Education
  • Rock Valley College - Mass Communication
    • Affiliations
  • Illinois News Broadcasters Association

    • News

    Police lights

    Police name man killed in Stephenson County crash

    Updated: Sep. 21, 2023 at 4:11 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    The crash happened just after noon Wednesday in Erin Township.

    Crime Stoppers

    Handcuffs

    Rockford man faces charges in string of west side burglaries

    Updated: Sep. 20, 2023 at 5:44 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    Police asked the public on Monday to help identify the man captured in doorbell surveillance footage.

    News

    From left: Jerell Burnett, 43, of Chicago; Antoine Lovelace, 44, of Elgin; and Cody Matthews,...

    Three face murder charges in Belvidere man’s 2020 shooting

    Updated: Sep. 20, 2023 at 5:09 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    Police say Gordon’s body was found June 18, 2020, in Little Calumet River in Blue Island, Ill.

    News

    First responders have the area blocked off Wednesday near the intersection of U.S. 20 and N....

    One dead after two-vehicle crash in Stephenson County

    Updated: Sep. 20, 2023 at 1:59 PM CDT
    |
    By Anthony Ferretti and Meghan Schobinger
    Drivers on U.S. 20 west of the Pecatonica River should expect delays at this time.

    Regional

    Motorcycle Crash

    Rockford woman identified in fatal motorcycle crash

    Updated: Sep. 20, 2023 at 1:46 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    No one else was involved in the crash, but law enforcement says the investigation is ongoing.

    News

    Crews were dispatched just after 7:30 p.m. to the I-39 S/90 E.

    Semi-truck fire stalls traffic on I-39/90 E

    Updated: Sep. 19, 2023 at 8:33 PM CDT
    |
    By Michael Tilka and Meghan Schobinger
    No word yet on whether anyone is hurt or what caused the fire.

    Events

    Wendt is a featured guest speaker at the Lifescapes Senior Expo on Saturday, Sept. 23.

    Actor George Wendt to speak in Rockford this weekend

    Updated: Sep. 19, 2023 at 7:27 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    The Chicago native and Second City alumnus is the featured speaker for the Lifescape Senior Expo this Saturday.

    News

    There’s no word on the nature of the threat.

    Police: Vehicle outside Ogle County schools posed ‘no threat’

    Updated: Sep. 19, 2023 at 3:14 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    Investigators address community concerns after multiple sightings of a suspicious vehicle outside area schools.

    News

    Friends and family gathered Monday night at Olson Lake Beach to remember 18-year-old Mason...

    Hundreds gather to mourn loss of Loves Park teen

    Updated: Sep. 18, 2023 at 9:48 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    Cars were bumper to bumper Monday night at a vigil for the Harlem High School grad.

    News

    Tensions grew Monday night as council members deliberated how prudently the funds would be...

    Freeport City Council shuts down 1% tax increase as written

    Updated: Sep. 18, 2023 at 8:51 PM CDT
    |
    By Zoe Chipalla and Meghan Schobinger
    The council moves to consider amendments to the proposal at the next general meeting.

    News

    Rollover crash

    Loves Park teen identified in rollover crash

    Updated: Sep. 18, 2023 at 4:04 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    Crews say no one else was involved in the crash, which remains under investigation.

    Crime Stoppers

    Dion Dixon, 37, of Rockford was taken into custody Sept. 12 near the area of N. Church Street.

    Rockford man in custody after attempted bank robbery

    Updated: Sep. 18, 2023 at 2:52 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    Court records show the man has a long history of theft and attempted robbery charges in Winnebago County.

    Crime Stoppers

    Anyone with information about the person in the photo can contact Rockford police.

    Rockford police search for person of interest in west side burglaries

    Updated: Sep. 18, 2023 at 2:01 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    They’re asking the public to help identify and locate a person caught on doorbell security footage.

    News

    Fire Truck

    Two dogs saved during Rockford apartment fire

    Updated: Sep. 15, 2023 at 8:36 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    Damages are estimated at $25,000.

    News

    School safety concerns

    Ogle County deputies investigating suspicious vehicle on school grounds

    Updated: Sep. 15, 2023 at 4:29 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    The Indiana-registered Audi sedan was reported Thursday outside multiple schools.

    News

    (Source: MGN)

    Expect delays at this Rockford intersection during repairs

    Updated: Sep. 15, 2023 at 2:01 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    Lane closures will last through Thursday, Sept. 21.

    News

    Michael Widolff was last seen Aug. 14 at his West Brooklyn home in Lee County.

    Body of missing Lee County man found

    Updated: Sep. 14, 2023 at 4:41 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    Family says Michael was last seen at his home on Aug. 14

    Regional

    Sentenced

    Janesville nurse sentenced for product tampering

    Updated: Sep. 14, 2023 at 4:28 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    In the plea agreement, Drum admitted to replacing vials of fentanyl with saline.

    Back to School & Beyond

    The bulletin board at Harlem High School is already adorned with anonymous messages sharing the...

    ‘I wish my teacher knew’: Harlem students provide space for anonymous confessions

    Updated: Sep. 13, 2023 at 5:10 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    One high school education class is giving its peers a chance to talk about what’s really on their minds.

    Crime Stoppers

    Joseph Hulburt, 71, of Turtle, Wis. was arrested Wednesday.

    Rock County man charged with possessing child sexual abuse material

    Updated: Sep. 13, 2023 at 3:44 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    He was taken to the Rock County jail and due in court on Sept. 14.

    News

    Beacon Hill apartment fire

    Family pet dies in Rockford apartment fire

    Updated: Sep. 12, 2023 at 8:24 PM CDT
    |
    By Marta Berglund and Meghan Schobinger
    Witnesses told first responders the fire started in the bedroom.

    Crime Stoppers

    Forest preserve public indecency arrests

    5 face indecency charges after local forest preserve arrests

    Updated: Sep. 12, 2023 at 6:18 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    The Winnebago County Sheriff's Office opened the investigation at the end of August.

    Events

    Cyclists get ready to ride Rockford's north end during its annual bicycle festival and block...

    Rockford cyclists prep for 12th annual Tour De North End festival

    Updated: Sep. 12, 2023 at 3:38 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    Organizers say the event brings a sense of community to Rockford’s north end while promoting bike safety and awareness.

    News

    Conklin Drive Shooting

    Murder investigation underway after shooting on Conklin Drive

    Updated: Sep. 11, 2023 at 7:00 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    The 22-year-old was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

    State

    Transportation projects see grant funding

    More than $1M headed to northern Illinois transportation projects

    Updated: Sep. 11, 2023 at 5:01 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) issued 30 grants totaling $11.4 million.

    News

    RRVBC Blood Mobile

    RRVBC expresses urgent need for blood, especially type O-negative

    Updated: Sep. 11, 2023 at 4:17 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    The blood center is in critical need after a depletion of supplies.

    News

    One killed in Boone County rollover crash

    Roscoe teen dies in Boone County rollover crash

    Updated: Sep. 11, 2023 at 3:36 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    First responders dispatched to the scene just before 6:30 a.m. on Monday.

    Regional

    Fire truck

    Three face arson charges in DeKalb restaurant fire

    Updated: Sep. 8, 2023 at 5:10 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    The restaurant, located on the west end of Northern Illinois University’s campus, opened in 2012.

    Regional

    Homicide investigation

    Sycamore teen dies after stabbing Thursday night; suspect in custody

    Updated: Sep. 8, 2023 at 3:38 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    When officers arrived, they found the teen in severe condition.

    Regional

    Police said the shooter got the gun off the street.

    Beloit woman sentenced for drug charge

    Updated: Sep. 6, 2023 at 5:16 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    In a plea deal with federal prosecutors, the woman admitted to selling drugs out of her Beloit home.

    State

    The Illinois Lottery reported 145,000 winning Lucky Day Lotto sold for the Sept. 4 drawing,...

    Labor Day iLottery player hits $700K jackpot

    Updated: Sep. 6, 2023 at 4:25 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    An Illinois online player matched all five numbers in Monday night’s drawing.

    News

    One of the most recognizable changes launched Aug. 1 when the former SwedishAmerican Regional...

    UW Health updates Rockford area clinic names

    Updated: Sep. 6, 2023 at 3:40 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    This work is part of a facility naming project launched in 2022 that renamed almost 40 UW Health facilities, according to the organization.

    Crime Stoppers

    Police say the man was captured on video trying to enter the church right before the burglary...

    Person of interest caught on video in South Beloit church break-in

    Updated: Sep. 5, 2023 at 8:41 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    Police released the photo to the public on Tuesday.

    Crime Stoppers

    Liquor stores

    Several Belvidere businesses fail alcohol compliance checks

    Updated: Sep. 5, 2023 at 5:34 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    Organizers say the community approach is an effective strategy to curb underage drinking.

    Crime Stoppers

    Police identify man shot in Freeport

    Police identify man shot in Freeport

    Updated: Sep. 5, 2023 at 3:42 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    Three other men, ages 19 to 23, were also hurt during the shooting.

    News

    Crime Scene

    One dead, three hurt in Freeport shooting

    Updated: Sep. 3, 2023 at 2:35 PM CDT
    |
    By Anthony Ferretti and Meghan Schobinger
    Freeport police responded around 12:20 a.m. Sunday to the 300 block of E. Pleasant St. in Freeport for reports of shots fired.

    News

    A tragic start to the Labor Day weekend as six-year-old Christiano “Danny” Morales drowns at...

    Family, locals in mourning after child drowns at Pearl Lake

    Updated: Sep. 2, 2023 at 7:33 PM CDT
    |
    By Anthony Ferretti, Jake Pearson and Meghan Schobinger
    Authorities say life-saving measures were performed on the child once they were pulled from the water.

    Events

    Rockford Labor Day parade kicks off Sept. 4

    Rockford Labor Day parade kicks off Sept. 4

    Updated: Sep. 1, 2023 at 4:38 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    The city’s annual Labor Day parade will commemorate workers with a stroll through downtown.

    State

    Illinois DCFS launches study of Child Protection Services

    Updated: Sep. 1, 2023 at 4:08 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    The efforts position the office to improve accountability and transparency.

    Breaking

    Monroe's bond is set at $500,000.

    Man pleads guilty to murder of 10-year-old Rockford girl

    Updated: Sep. 1, 2023 at 2:43 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger, Maggie Hradecky, Laura Neuzil and Anthony Ferretti
    Antonio Monroe, 44, admitted to the crime as part of a plea deal with prosecutors.

    News

    Antonio Montoya is described as black, 5'5, weighing roughly 145lbs, with brown eyes and black...

    Belvidere teen reported missing, possibly in danger

    Updated: Aug. 31, 2023 at 9:38 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    Belvidere police are asking for the public’s help in finding a 15-year-old boy, who was last seen on Aug. 9

    News

    Boone County Clerk and Recorder Julie Bliss, 53, was arrested on August 31, 2023.

    Boone County Clerk Julie Bliss faces theft, misconduct charges

    Updated: Aug. 31, 2023 at 4:49 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    The charges come after a monthslong investigation.

    News

    Death Investigation underway

    Two bodies found during welfare check at Oregon home

    Updated: Aug. 31, 2023 at 3:48 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger and Jake Pearson
    The deaths are under investigation with the Ogle County Coroner's Office.

    News

    Bicyclists

    Cyclists rank Rockford as safest Illinois city to bike

    Updated: Aug. 30, 2023 at 9:01 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    Rockford ranks 60 out of 250 U.S. cities for safe biking.

    Regional

    Officers have not released how many people are involved and if there are any injuries.

    Traffic stalled on I-39/90 in Rock County after semi crash

    Updated: Aug. 30, 2023 at 3:22 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    Wisconsin State Patrol reports the crash happened around 1:30 p.m.

    News

    Retail theft

    3 from Rockford, 1 from Beloit charged in Janesville retail theft

    Updated: Aug. 29, 2023 at 10:43 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    Police were called around 3:30 pm Aug. 28 to the Dick’s Sporting Goods on Milton Avenue to investigate the complaint.

    Regional

    Semi Truck

    Drivers identified in fatal DeKalb County crash

    Updated: Aug. 29, 2023 at 5:03 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    The semi-truck driver was screened for drugs and alcohol at the scene of the crash.

    Crime Stoppers

    John Carlos Boose was convicted of murder in the 2015 death of his wife, Regina Poe.

    Rockford man gets 50 years for 2015 murder

    Updated: Aug. 29, 2023 at 4:37 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger and Jake Pearson
    In June, he asked a Winnebago County judge for a new trial, claiming his public defender did not represent him effectively.

    News

    Blood donation

    RRVBC to help with Hurricane Idalia relief efforts

    Updated: Aug. 29, 2023 at 4:11 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    The storm comes at a vulnerable weekend for blood centers across the nation.

    News

    The call came in just before 2 p.m. of shots fired at the DMV Rockford Secretary of State...

    Police: One hurt in strip mall shooting near Rockford DMV

    Updated: Aug. 29, 2023 at 2:16 PM CDT
    |
    By Meghan Schobinger
    Authorities say the call came in just before 2 p.m.

    Latest News

    Rockford’s historic midway theater was home to decades of entertainment and memories before it...
    Rockford residents share optimism for Midway Theater revitalization
    As part of an exciting homecoming week at Boylan High School, nine people who embody what it is...
    Boylan honors distinguished alumni
    Pharmaceutical companies have gone radio silent on when they will be getting prescription drug...
    Hydrocodone shortage may not end until 2024, some pharmacists say
    Photo of the suspect
    South Beloit police search for vehicle burglary suspect
    In the next 10 years, Rockford area residents and tourists will see an expansion to make the...
    Rockford area to expand based on tourism survey results

    Latest News

    Police lights
    Tip leads to DeKalb man’s arrest in child pornography investigation
    Former U.S. Army Sgt. Duke Webb is accused of fatally shooting three people and wounding...
    Accused mass shooter Duke Webb gets third attorney
    The event provides spaces for prayer walks, gardening, quiet time and massage therapy.
    Local church invites community to Self-Care Summit
    A Winnebago County correctional officer is charged with domestic battery following an incident...
    Winnebago County corrections officer arrested in Rockford
    19 WSLN will launch with the three networks, and potentially, add more as programming...
    New television station coming to Rockford area
    Lily Duncan
    Missing Pearl City teen found