August 4, 2026

Many survivors of childhood sexual abuse believe too much time has passed to seek justice. Illinois Public Act 101-0130 changed that for many cases by expanding the time prosecutors have to file criminal charges. This guide explains what the law means, why delayed disclosure is common, and where survivors in Stephenson County can turn if they are ready to come forward.

August 5, 2026

The first day of school for Freeport School District 145 is Thursday, August 20, and families have several important dates to mark on their calendars before students return to the classroom. From high school schedule pickup and freshman orientation to meet-the-teacher nights and open houses across the district, Next Generation has everything parents and students need to prepare for a successful start to the new school year. Plus, Ethan Cross shares this week's Ethan's Homework challenge for students and a Parent Pro Tip to help families build confidence, set goals, and create positive habits before the first bell rings.

August 6, 2026

Every headline begins with a question—and often, that question starts with a Freedom of Information Act request. In July 2026, Fighting4Freeport submitted six FOIA requests to four public agencies seeking answers on issues ranging from the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church fire to the Holy Kisses investigation. Some agencies released extensive records, others cited active criminal investigations, and each response revealed something about government transparency in Northwest Illinois.

August 7, 2026

A life of kindness, service, and compassion will now be remembered along the street Mama T called home for more than four decades. Community Corner’s Emily Parker speaks with Third Ward Alderwoman Rachel Simmons about the effort to honor Verdine “Mama T” Allen and the legacy she leaves behind in Freeport.

August 12, 2026

Freeport's five-year road plan could be changing again. After Monday night's Committee of the Whole meeting, questions remain about 2027 street projects, Walnut Avenue, Albertus Airport and what happened to the infrastructure plan taxpayers were originally promised.

August 13, 2026

Three subpoenas. Three witnesses not served. And another notable name missing from the list. The latest court appearance in Traveontaye Berry’s post-conviction case raises new questions as his challenge to a 52-year murder sentence continues.

August 14, 2026

Joe Berning says he didn't know an Illinois law restricted his May 14 fundraiser while lawmakers were in session. After his campaign amended its financial disclosure and returned $2,580 raised at the event, Jack Sullivan asks a bigger question: Is the Democratic operation trying to defeat Andrew Chesney actually ready for a State Senate campaign?

August 14, 2026

Joe Berning made a mistake, and Elena Reyes isn’t excusing it. But she argues the bigger story extends beyond one candidate and $2,580. From Democratic Party leadership that failed to protect its own candidate to Andrew Chesney’s aggressive Republican response, Elena says everyone involved needs to do better.

August 15, 2026

Freeport City Council will consider a new policy allowing Public Works employees to hang up on citizens or leave job sites when interactions are deemed abusive or unprofessional. But who decides when an angry taxpayer has crossed the line?

August 16, 2026

Freeport has invested approximately $3.3 million in the Greater Freeport Partnership since 2018. Now, with $180,000 in annual funding disappearing, City Manager Rob Boyer is recommending the city stop its $400,000 agreement from automatically renewing — even as the resolution before City Council calls for exactly that renewal.

August 18, 2026

More than seven girls across Stephenson and Jo Daviess counties have now come forward with allegations involving Pastor Steve Cassell. After prosecutors declined charges based on the evidence in one girl’s case, her family sat down with the State’s Attorney’s Office to ask what it would take for prosecutors to look again.

August 20, 2026

Steve Cassell calls it resilience. But his latest article tells another story — one of “evil circumstances,” “slander,” a “weaponized government” and “blood-drunk social media,” while repeatedly placing his own struggles alongside the biblical prophet Elijah. F4F News examines the rhetoric, the persecution narrative, and the serious allegations involving young girls that remain unanswered.

August 25, 2026

Under Mayor Jodi Miller, changes to Freeport’s Rules of Council have placed new limits on how elected alderpersons participate in debate. From limiting speaking turns to increased penalties and questions over how those rules are enforced, F4F NEWS examines whether the rules are maintaining order — or becoming a tool to control the conversation.

August 25, 2026

Illinois law can punish sexual abuse of a child—but what happens when prosecutors say they can prove the touching, but not the sexual intent behind it? Crime & Punishment examines the difficult gap between what a child experiences and what prosecutors must prove in court.

July 02, 2026

After more than a month of investigation, the Stephenson County Sheriff's Office concluded that a citizen complaint against Sheriff Steve Stovall was "unfounded." But after reviewing the final disposition, Fighting4Freeport found almost no explanation for how investigators reached that conclusion. From allegations that Markus Signer was removed from the courthouse while attempting to file a complaint against the sheriff to the unanswered questions surrounding the investigation itself, we examine what happened, what investigators did well, and why the final report leaves many questions unanswered.

July 06, 2026

Freeport City Council will review the City's Fiscal Year 2025 independent audit during Monday night's meeting. While the City earned the highest audit opinion possible and completed its first-ever Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, auditors also repeated several recommendations involving budget compliance, reserve policies, and cybersecurity that remain unresolved.

July 08, 2026

What began with a prayer for unity quickly unraveled into one of the most contentious Freeport City Council meetings in recent memory. A procedural dispute over the consent agenda escalated into shouting, an alderwoman being escorted from the Council Chambers, members of the public removed, and the meeting ending before the City's business could be completed. Fighting4Freeport breaks down exactly what happened—and why it matters to taxpayers.

July 10, 2026

Illinois law requires the City of Freeport to provide Police Chief Jacquelyn Frausto with an alternative retirement plan—but that doesn't mean every proposed plan deserves automatic approval. Before City Council votes on Resolution R-2026-87, Fighting4Freeport breaks down what the law actually says, why the City chose a 401(a), what questions remain unanswered, and why many residents may be arguing the wrong issue.

July 14, 2026

A review of Stephenson County case 2020CF336 reveals how a prosecution involving a 39-year-old man and a 9-year-old child progressed from a Class X felony charge and a three-day jury trial to a negotiated guilty plea, probation, and credit for just two days served in jail. This investigation examines the case, the legal process, and the outcome that continues to raise questions about accountability in crimes against children.

July 15, 2026

Most employment contracts are signed after the terms have been negotiated and approved. So why did Freeport's Police Chief's employment agreement state that the City agreed to establish a 401(a) retirement plan months before City Council was asked to approve creating it? Fighting4Freeport examines the contract, the timeline, and the questions taxpayers should be asking about transparency, process, and oversight.

July 16, 2026

The City of Freeport originally planned to auction surplus Pretzel City Kitchens equipment to recover value for taxpayers. Instead, City Manager Rob Boyer recommended donating the commercial kitchen to the Y.I.E.L.D. construction workforce program. Why did the plan change? Why wasn't an auction pursued? And why did no member of the City Council publicly ask those questions before advancing the ordinance on first reading?