Holiday shopping: Small towns, great gifts

There's exactly one month left till Christmas – and less time than that if you celebrate Hannukah.

Also on this date

• Former teacher, now in jail, gives a living lesson
• Photographers denied access to stadium field
• Researchers' model helps design more productive plants
• Future Illini's mother never rests while supporting her son
• Prepaid tuition program open for enrollment
• Arcola center brings people together
• Lab analyzes gas samples from a world away
• It's your business: Holiday stores open; apparel shop coming
• Obituaries