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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.

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

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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.

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

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Wilmington shut out Seneca 42-0 on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025 at Seneca High School. Check out photos from the game by MaKade Rios.

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Columbia defeated Mendota 3-1 during the Class 1A State title game on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025 at Hoffman Estates High School.

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Mendota defeated Quincy Notre Dame 2-1 to win the Class 1A Supersectional on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025 at Mendota High School. The Trojans will now face Coal City in the Class 1A State semifinals on Thursday, at 7:30p.m. at Hoffman Estates High School.

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The 18th annual Veterans Parade and Air Show was held on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 downtown Utica. The event featured TBM WWII Torpedo bombers, T-6 Marine Trainers, Military vehicles and displays, Veteran groups, color guards, Chicago Police Bagpipes and Drums of the Emerald Society, Legion riders, Starved Rock A.B.A.T.E, floats and more. A complimentary Brunch for all Veterans was served at the Utica Community Hall.

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Native Americans from all over the country attended the Starved Rock Pow Wow on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 at the Utica Village Hall. The event featured dancers, Native vendors, food and various presentations. This Pow Wow was first held in 1962, started by the Sam Sine family.