In a protest advocating for workers' wages and the protection of the First Amendment, residents came to Washington Park in Ottawa. The protest was part of a nationwide movement, with Illinois Valley Indivisible organizing the event at Washington Park.

Letter carriers across Streator will collect non-perishable food donations on Saturday, May 9 as part of the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, an annual effort to combat food insecurity in communities nationwide.

Catch up on the week’s top Illinois Valley news in minutes for April 26-May 2. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

Residents carried signs, drew artwork and voiced their opposition to a number of developments in the political arena, with workers’ wages and the infringement of the First Amendment chiefly among them.

The Putnam County Public Library District’s Hennepin branch will offer a tour of the Reddick Mansion at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 16.

The Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 110th anniversary Thursday with a sold-out annual dinner at Starved Rock Lodge, honoring members who have shaped the community since 1916.

A union for legal aid workers decided to strike Friday in downtown Joliet as they seek a contract with fair pay.

How much rain fell in northern Illinois in April? In some places, it was more than twice the average, swelling rivers in the region beyond their banks.

The Illini and Princeton-Illinois chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution celebrated their mutual 130th anniversaries Saturday, April 4.

Ottawa native and paleontologist has published a new book discussing links between birds and dinosaurs.

The Sunrise Rotary Club of Ottawa recognized two students as May Students of the Month.

This gathering will be more than a farmers market, it will be a homecoming to celebrate local makers, local artists, shared memories and the remarkable legacy of a place that served generations.

Ottawa Noon Rotary donated $1,500 to the Ottawa YMCA’s Annual Giving Campaign, helping to expand access to vital programs and services that strengthen the local community.

The University of Illinois Extension will give local kids a chance to learn about gardening through it’s 4-H Little Roots Garden Program this spring.

Nursing tutor M’Kenzee Smith of Ottawa has been named Illinois Valley Community College’s 2026 Outstanding Part-Time Faculty Award recipient.

OTHS Automotive Technology teacher John Hladovcak said about 60 students each year will have an opportunity to use the equipment in several different vocational education classes that OTHS offers.

A Servant’s Heart in Ottawa is hosting a rummage sale Friday and Saturday, with proceeds supporting the organization’s homeless prevention and housing assistance programs.

Shaw Local Radio's Dani Holland interviewed Bill Zenns with the Illinois Valley Area Chamber of Commerce (IVAC) about the upcoming Lemonade Day this weekend. More than 50 student entrepreneurs from across the Illinois Valley will be setting up shop in Utica on May 3

Strong to severe storms are expected across northern Illinois on Monday, with the greatest risk for damaging winds and hail arriving late afternoon into the evening

The Board of Trustees of the Reddick Public Library District is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on the board.

Catch up on the week’s top Illinois Valley news in minutes for April 19-25. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

The La Salle County Friends of Extension and 4-H will hold a drive-thru fundraiser dinner to support La Salle County’s Illinois Extension and 4-H Youth program from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, May 8, in the La Salle County Extension Office parking lot, 1689 N. 31st Road, Ottawa.

A single-family home in La Salle that sold for $380,000 tops the list of the most expensive residential real estate sales in La Salle County in the past week.

The 2026 May Merriment will be chaired by Matt and Sarah Bullock, Nicole and Joe Killelea and honorary chairs Sandy and Jake Killelea.

SNAP benefits for the hungry could be cut next Friday, May 1. For local food pantries, the timing could scarcely be worse.

The course covers navigating age-related changes, reviewing driving strategies, understanding new vehicle technology and learning how aging affects driving ability.

Six mayors from Spring Valley, Utica, Ottawa, Peru, La Salle and Oglesby spoke at the 2026 Illinois Valley Chamber of Commerce State of the Cities Luncheon on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Grand Bear Lodge at Starved Rock in Utica.

Ottawa mayor Robb Hasty and Oglesby mayor Jason Curran talked about their city’s future during Illinois Valley Area Chamber luncheon on Thursday afternoon.

The projects across the 14th Congressional District, which would come under federal Community Project Funding initiative, range from protecting clean drinking water to strengthening access to quality health care in rural communities to public transit systems.

Mobile home tax bills in La Salle County were mailed on Monday, April 13.

If approved by the state, the River Edge Redevelopment Zone (RERZ) will offer tax credits, sales tax exemptions and other tools to support local businesses and attract developers.

An appellate court supported a Will County judge’s decision in 2025 that allowed Cesar Guerrero to go back on the ballot for the election of Joliet Township supervisor after he paid campaign fines. 

Immanuel Lutheran Church is hosting a blood drive for the American Red Cross from 1-6 p.m. on Monday, May 4, at its location at 415 S East Street in Earlville.

Emergency crews responded to Coogee Chemical Facility for a magnesium industrial fire on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 in Ottawa. Two victims with burns were transported to OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa. One of those victims is in critical condition.

Catch up on the week’s top Illinois Valley news in minutes for April 12-18. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you

Ottawa police have charged a man in connection with the early Saturday shooting at the Zeller Inn.

A single-family residence located at 1415 Dairy Lane in Ottawa has a new owner since April 2.

Local physicians say loneliness, anxiety, and lifestyle shifts are contributing to long-term health risks for millennials

The Ottawa softball team traveled to Sycamore Friday to take on the Spartans in Interstate 8 Conference action.

Tourist grants have been awarded to La Salle, Ottawa and Streator.

Doctors in northern Illinois say young adults often appear healthy but are increasingly impacted by overdoses, chronic disease, and stress-driven health issues

Marquette Academy opens its production of “Knock Knock” this weekend at the Great Hall, marking Jake Jakielski’s directorial debut.

A $6,200 donation from the Utica Fireside White Sox CLub is helping improve emergency care training in La Salle and Bureau counties.

Peoria’s bishop said Tuesday he was “very disappointed” by President Donald Trump’s “personal attack” on Pope Leo XIV

Ottawa police said there was no basis to a report of a suspicious person early Wednesday near Lincoln School.

The La Salle County Genealogy Guild will hold its monthly meeting at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 18, at its headquarters, moderated by Mollie Perrot.

Nurses from across OSF HealthCare gathered for the organization’s inaugural Nurses Day in Springfield, meeting with lawmakers to advocate for policies affecting patient care.

Serena Middle School has announced its 3rd quarter honor roll, recognizing 153 students for academic achievement across grades 5 through 8.

The Ottawa Public Works Department is hiring junior laborers for summer employment to maintain parks and public spaces.

Catch up on the week’s top Illinois Valley news in minutes for April 5-11. Hear the week’s 5 most popular stories, read aloud for you