The Rock River Times - Rockford's Independent Newspaper

By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal government outlined a sweeping plan Wednesday to make vaccines for COVID-19 available for free to all Americans, assuming a safe and effective shot is established and widely accepted though polls show skepticism remains across America. In a report to Congress and an accompanying “playbook” for states and localities, federal health agencies and the Defense Department sketched out complex plans for a vaccination…

From Dawn Skupien Publicity Coordinator, Wild Ones Rock River Valley Chapter Chris Benda will present a video program about the native prairie vegetation that can be found in old pioneer cemeteries in northern Illinois at the monthly educational program of the Wild Ones Rock River Valley Chapter on September 17th. A link to the video will be posted on the chapter website, (www.wildonesrrvc.org) beginning on September 17, and will also be distributed via Constant Contact. Known as "the…

By Jerry Nowicki Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – State agency heads are preparing to cut 5 percent of their budgets in the current fiscal year and 10 percent next fiscal year should the federal government fail to provide aid to state and local governments, Gov. JB Pritzker said Tuesday. The governor made the announcement at a Chicago restaurant during a news conference called to announce another $245 million in grants aimed at giving a boost to…

From Ann Marie Walker Discovery Center Museum ROCKFORD, IL – Discovery Center Museum today announced that it has been recognized as a 2020 Travelers’ Choice award-winner for Attractions. Based on a full year of Tripadvisor reviews, prior to any changes caused by the pandemic, award winners are known for consistently receiving great traveler feedback, placing the in the top 10% of hospitality businesses around the globe. “Winning the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award is a source of pride…

From Carrie Johnson Rockford Art Museum For the first time, art-lovers from Rockford – and afar – can peruse and purchase pieces from the Greenwich Village Art Fair when the renowned festival moves online (www.greenwichvillageartfair.com) on Saturday and Sunday, September 19-20. Over 70 artists from across America will showcase their work virtually, covering the gamut of painting, mixed media, sculpture, printmaking, photography, jewelry, fibers, artisan food and hand-crafted gifts.…

By Ralph D. Russo Associated Press Big Ten is going to give fall football a shot after all. Less than five weeks after pushing football and other fall sports to spring in the name of player safety during the pandemic, the conference changed course Wednesday and said it plans to begin its season the weekend of Oct. 23-24. Each team will play eight games in eight weeks and the conference championship game will be held Dec. 19 — if all goes well. That should give the Big Ten an…

ARIES It’s time to take the bull by the horns and clean up your circle of friends. A few are emotional vampires who will drain your energy this week if you let them. TAURUS If you have young children, you’ll need to be more disciplined and lay down some basic rules. A few people around you will need to be handled delicately. There will be tension in the air. GEMINI You’ll start to look for opportunities to travel this winter. At work, you’ll likely need to deal with people in a…

ARIES Your side hustle will be bring you success and may require you to use your artistic talents. Despite a busy schedule, you’ll manage to have fun working out. TAURUS There’s a lot of action in store for you once you regain your energy. You’ll need to make several compromises to restore harmony at work and at home. GEMINI This is a great week to relax and unwind. Try to schedule a massage or other type of self-care treatment. It’s important to make some time for yourself.…

ARIES Your friends may invite you to join them on a weekend getaway, or your significant other will take you on a romantic adventure. A bit of solitude would do you a world of good. TAURUS You’ll be given new responsibilities at work that will lead to an exciting career opportunity in your field. You should anticipate needing a bit of extra time to complete all your projects. GEMINI Your boss will likely encourage you to sign up for a training program that will open doors to a…

ARIES You’ll be driven by a profound desire for change. In particular, you might decide to transform your home and make a spontaneous trip to the hardware store to buy paint. TAURUS New clothes and a different hairstyle will help you feel more at ease in your day-to-day life. You’ll improve your self-esteem and feel more appreciated by others. GEMINI Some unexpected changes might be coming at work. If one of your colleagues loses their job, you could be asked to step into a new…

By Larry Neumeister, Colleen Long and Jill Colvin Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — President Donald Trump's former chief strategist, Steve Bannon, and three associates were arrested Thursday on charges they ripped off donors to an online fundraising effort to build a privately funded southern border wall, making him the latest in a long list of Trump allies to be charged with a crime. The organizers of the "We Build The Wall" group portrayed themselves as eager to help the president build…