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Photos: Shoppers flock to Aldi's grand opening in Princeton

Hundreds of people waited in line for free gift bags during the grand-opening of Aldi on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025 at the corner of Backbone Road and North Main Street in Princeton. The 12,000 square feet store began construction in May of this year. The first 100 people in line were given a chance to win a golden ticket to win a $100 gift card. The store hours are 9a.m.-8p.m. daily.

By Scott Anderson

Photos: Celebration of Lights shines bright in La Salle

La Salle's Celebration of Lights runs from early November through New Year's Day at Rotary Park. The free drive-through display is open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Donations are welcome. With over 400 unique and original displays, the Celebration of Lights at Rotary Park is one of the biggest and brightest Christmas light celebrations in North Central Illinois.

By Scott Anderson and Scott Anderson●

Photos: Northern Lights dazzles over the Illinois Valley

The Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) dazzled the sky throughout the Illinois Valley on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025. Two coronal mass ejections (CMEs) created sparking geomagnetic storm conditions, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Space weather forecasters anticipate that geomagnetic activity may intensify to strong (G3) conditions overnight and could be around again tomorrow night.

By Scott Anderson●

Photos: Shaw Local says Thank You, Veterans in the Illinois Valley

Check out our photos from our Thank You Veterans special section in the Illinois Valley for 2025.

By Scott Anderson●

Photos: Baker Lake construction halfway finished in Peru

Crews with Gillian Construction repair the walking path around Baker Lake on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, in Peru. The walking path is nearly half-poured. It's been one month since construction began. The work includes a 10-foot-wide concrete path, with secondary concrete paths also added, connecting the new parking lot near Lighted Way to the parking lot, playground, and shelter on the west side of Baker Lake. The new path will be wider by 2 feet than the current one. The park remains closed to the public. The project will be completed in early December.

By Scott Anderson●

Photos: Bears take down Giants 24-20 on snowy afternoon at Soldier Field

The Chicago Bears beat the New York Giants 24-20 Sunday afternoon at Soldier Field in Chicago.

By Mark Busch ●