The Rock River Times - Rockford's Independent Newspaper

ARIES You’ll be responsible for an event that brings people together. Working as part of a team will help you be more productive. You’ll need to devote a lot of attention to your friends this week. TAURUS Make this summer a season of achievements. Start a new project or take your career in a new direction. Now is an ideal time to launch your own business. GEMINI Hurry up and plan a vacation if you haven’t already. Take the time to create an itinerary so you can make the most of…

By John Seewer Associated Press The U.S. headed into the Fourth of July weekend with many parades and fireworks displays canceled, beaches and bars closed, and health authorities warning that this will be a crucial test of Americans' self-control that could determine the trajectory of the surging coronavirus outbreak. With confirmed cases climbing in 40 states, governors have ordered the wearing of masks in public, and families were urged to celebrate their independence at home. Even…

Provided ROCKFORD, IL – Rock House Kids, a safe haven for inner-city kids ages 6-18, is the recipient of a grant from Club Blue in Rockford. Club Blue announced 8 local charities that work with children will benefit from their Covid-19 Relief Fund. Rock House Kids Executive Director, Deanna “Dee” Lacny said, “We are so thankful for the many years of continuous support from Club Blue. They have blessed many children’s lives, and continue to bless their lives by providing the necessary funding…

From Sarah Bursley McNamara Rockford Art Museum Rockford Art Museum will reopen Monday, July 6, with new health and safety protocols in place – and free admission through the end of the year. RAM is located inside the Riverfront Museum Park building at 711 North Main Street in downtown Rockford, Illinois, across the hall from Discovery Center Museum and next door to Burpee Museum of Natural History. Shortly after closing its doors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the museum was able…

By Beth Harris Associated Press LOS ANGELES (AP) — Dodger Stadium’s 40-year wait to host the All-Star Game is going to last even longer. The game scheduled for July 14 was canceled Friday because of the coronavirus pandemic, and Dodger Stadium was awarded the 2022 Midsummer Classic. The 2021 game is set for Atlanta’s Truist Park, home to the Braves since 2017. Because of the pandemic, opening day had already been delayed from March 26 to July 23 or 24. “Once it became clear we…

By Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD  – Illinois on Friday, June 26, entered Phase 4 of the state's Restore Illinois reopening plan. In this phase, restaurants and bars may open for indoor dining at fractional capacity as long as they follow state guidelines, and gatherings up to 50 people are allowed. PreK-12 schools, higher education and all summer programs may also open with IDPH approved safety guidance, as could fitness clubs. Restaurants must arrange their seating facilities so…

ARIES If you’re struggling with your emotions or feeling overwhelmed, it may be time to consult a professional. Any type of change could prove beneficial. TAURUS You’re often naive when it comes to love, and the foundation of your relationship may be weaker than you think. Your partner must show more compassion in order to restore harmony between you. GEMINI Your physical health is closely linked to your state of mind. If you have a chronic health issue, consider whether negative…

By Scott Bauer Associated Press MADISON, Wis. (AP) –Gov. Tony Evers said Wednesday he was prepared to activate the National Guard to protect state properties after protesters outside the Wisconsin Capitol tore down statues commemorating an abolitionist and women's rights and threw a Molotov cocktail into a government building during a night of violence that also included an attack on a state senator. The violence from a group of between 200 and 300 people broke out Tuesday night as…

By Eric Tucker Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) –A divided federal appeals court on Wednesday ordered the dismissal of the criminal case against President Donald Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn, turning back efforts by a judge to scrutinize the Justice Department's extraordinary decision to drop the prosecution. The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia said in a 2-1 ruling that the Justice Department's decision to abandon the case against Flynn…

ARIES If you have a move coming up, there will be little time to spare this week. Luckily, you’ll manage to stay on top of your schedule and plan your days carefully to ensure smooth sailing. TAURUS Your kids are over the moon about the start of the summer holidays, and you’ll spend a lot of time driving them around this week. You’ll be approved for a loan or get a great deal on a major purchase. GEMINI If there’s been something wrong with your relationship recently, don’t put off…

By Lisa Mascaro Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) –A Republican policing bill hit a roadblock Wednesday as Senate Democrats voted against it as inadequate, leaving the parties to decide whether to negotiate a compromise or walk away despite public outcry over the killings of Black Americans. The impasse threatens to turn the nationwide protests over the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others into another moment that galvanizes the nation but leaves lawmakers unable to act.…

ARIES You’ll need to reassess your budget in detail. A group trip that you helped plan will guarantee new discoveries and adventure. TAURUS You’ll react impulsively to a particular situation. Remember that it’s important to consult the people around you. Think carefully before you make a decision to avoid financial troubles. GEMINI If you’re faced with a lot of unanswered questions about your life, you’ll have some kind of revelation this week. A dream may reveal the solution to a…