Amazon opened a last-mile delivery facility in Ottawa in September, bringing in jobs while speeding up deliveries across the Illinois Valley.

Planned Parenthood of Illinois closed four health centers in March, including its Ottawa location.

The closure was announced in late 2024 when the company made plans to move forward with going-out-of-business sales at the remaining 963 Big Lots stores.

State Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, talks with Shaw Local reporter Bill Freskos about rural healthcare access, the state of local hospitals and her objectives in the Illinois General Assembly.

Illinois Valley Editor Derek Barichello interviews Utica Fire Chief Ben Brown talking about his team's effort in the rescue of a mother, father and son from an April 1 fall at Starved Rock State Park:  https://www.shawlocal.com/illinois-valley/2025/04/02/crews-rescuing-3-people-who-reportedly-fell-at-starved-rock-state-park/

Peru Mayor Ken Kolowski spoke with Illinois Valley Editor Derek Barichello on the issues facing Peru ahead of the April 1 election.

Peru mayor candidate Doug Bernabei spoke with Illinois Valley Editor Derek Barichello on the issues facing Peru ahead of the April 1 election.

Read Bernabei's election questionnaire here: https://www.shawlocal.com/illinois-valley/2025/02/17/2025-election-questionnaire-douglas-bernabei-mayor-of-peru/