Bell's theorem and the experiments: Increasing empirical support for local realism?

It is argued that local realism is a fundamental principle, which should be rejected only if experiments clearly show that it is untenable. A critical review is presented of the derivations of Bell's inequalities and the experiments so far performed, with the conclusion that no valid, loophole-free, test exists of local realism, as against quantum mechanics. It is pointed out that, without any essential modification, quantum mechanics could be compatible with local realism. This suggests that the principle may be respected by nature.