Winter Storm Arrives in Southern McLean County The first major winter storm of the season swept into Central Illinois late Friday night, bringing with it a mix of heavy snow, gusty winds, and treacherous travel conditions. In southern McLean County, residents woke Saturday morning to a landscape transformed—roads coated in fresh snow, trees glazed in white, and the hum of plows echoing across rural highways. The National Weather Service in Lincoln issued a Winter Storm Warning for the region, forecasting accumulations of more than 5 inches of snow through Saturday night. While heavier totals were expected west of the Illinois River, McLean County still found itself on the eastern edge of the storm’s impact zone, with snowfall intensifying through the morning hours. On Interstate 55 near Funks Grove, traffic thinned to a trickle as drivers heeded warnings to delay travel. Sparse vehicles crept cautiously along the slick pavement, headlights cutting through the swirling snow....

  A Night of Hardwood Hysterics: The Intercity Tournament Decided at the Shirk Center By  Best Look Magazine   Photos  courtesy of  Alan Look Photography BLOOMINGTON, Ill.  — The air inside the Shirk Center last night was not merely oxygen and nitrogen; it was a volatile cocktail of anticipation, perspiration, and the squeak of sneakers against the hardwood—a veritable symphony of athletic endeavor. We witnessed a triumvirate of contests that ran the gamut from tactical brilliance to pugilistic tenacity, a display of scholastic sportsmanship that reminds us all why we endure the injection molded plastic bleachers. In the opening spectacle, we saw the girls of Normal West ascend the summit of local supremacy, vanquishing their rivals from University High to seize the tournament title. It was not a game; it was a coronation. The Wildcats, displaying a defensive cohesion that would make a Roman phalanx blush, stifled the Pioneers at ev...

Saints and Raiders Ignite the Shirk Center in Intercity Showdown The atmosphere at the Illinois Wesleyan University Shirk Center was electric on Wednesday night as the 2025 Bloomington-Normal Intercity Basketball Tournament continued with a doubleheader featuring the  Bloomington Central Catholic Saints  and the  Bloomington High Purple Raiders . In a night that showcased the depth of talent in McLean County sports, the hardwood battle highlighted the fierce rivalry and community spirit that defines high school basketball in the heartland. The evening opened with the  Bloomington Central Catholic girls basketball  team making a resounding statement against their crosstown rivals. The Saints, led by the dynamic play of standout Emme Hurie, controlled the tempo from the opening tip to secure a convincing 51-28 victory over the  Bloomington High Purple Raiders . The Saints' defensive intensity was the story of the game. ...

  Bloomington, Ill.  – The 2025 Intercity Boys Basketball Tournament tipped off Monday night at Illinois Wesleyan University’s Shirk Center, delivering a mix of blowout dominance and down-to-the-wire intensity. The double-header featured cross-town rivals facing off in the annual Thanksgiving week tradition, with the Normal Community Ironmen and University High Pioneers securing victories to open the tournament. Ironmen Roll Past Wildcats In the evening’s first matchup, the Normal Community Ironmen made a resounding statement with a 67-39 victory over the Normal West Wildcats. The Ironmen controlled the tempo from the opening tip, utilizing a stifling defense to disrupt the Wildcats' offensive rhythm. Normal Community’s balanced attack proved too much for West to handle. The Ironmen offense executed with efficiency, steadily building a lead that ballooned to 28 points by the final buzzer. The victory extended Normal Community’s recent dominance in the rivalry, marking another ...

 The Return of the King: Bald Eagles on the Upper Mississippi Photo by Alan Look Photography A Conservation Victory and a Photographer's Paradise There are few sights in nature more stirring than the white head of an American Bald Eagle gleaming against the slate-grey winter sky of the Upper Mississippi River Valley. For decades, this sight was nearly lost to us. Today, however, thanks to one of the most successful conservation efforts in history, the "King of Skies" has returned to the Heartland, reclaiming its throne along the icy waters of the Mississippi—specifically around the engineering marvels of the locks and dams. This is the story of their comeback, and your guide to witnessing it firsthand near Gladstone, Illinois. From Silence to Soaring: The Comeback Story In the mid-20th century, the American Bald Eagle was teetering on the brink of extinction. The widespread use of DDT, a pesticide that caused eggshells to become dangerously thin, decimated populations acr...

 The Art of the Harvest: Discover the Ultimate Fine Art Collection for Farm Machinery Lovers Are you a true enthusiast of the heartland, where powerful farm machinery meets the serene beauty of the American landscape? If the sight of a gleaming modern combine cutting a field or a vintage tractor silhouetted against a prairie sunset quickens your pulse, then you are about to discover your next favorite source for wall art. Photographer Alan Look has curated an absolutely massive collection of over 400 images dedicated to the dynamic world of agricultural crops and machinery. This isn't just documentary photography; it's a fine art showcase committed to Capturing the Soul of the Heartland, elevating the hardworking spirit of the farm into stunning, gallery-quality pieces. A Contemporary Take on the Classic Farmscape What makes this collection a must-see for farmers and heavy equipment fans alike? It perf...

 Dominance Defined: David Mirkovic Delivers a Historic Performance in Illini Victory The Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball team notched a decisive 84-65 victory over the Colgate Raiders on November 14, 2025, moving the team to a perfect 4-0 on the young season. While the final score reflects a balanced effort, the overwhelming individual performance of forward David Mirkovic was the undeniable engine of the victory, showcasing a level of interior dominance rarely seen in college hoops. Mirkovic commanded the paint and asserted himself as the premier player on the court for a remarkable 38 minutes. His final stat line tells a story of relentless effort and clinical efficiency. The big man exploded for 27 points on a solid 8-of-16 shooting from the field. Demonstrating confidence and focus, he was perfect from the free-throw line, hitting all 8 attempts, a crucial contribution to the team's overall efficiency. Beyond the scoring, Mirkovic delivered a truly lege...

Bloomington Central Catholic Saints: A Silver Finish That Shines Like Gold   The Bloomington Central Catholic Saints concluded their remarkable season on the grandest stage of Illinois high school athletics, securing a well-earned second place in the IHSA 2A Girls State Volleyball Tournament.  While the final outcome—a narrow two-set loss to Columbia (25-19, 20-25, 17-25) in the championship—may have momentarily stung, the legacy of this team is defined by the extraordinary journey that led them to the state final floor in Normal . The Saints' dominant campaign showcased the best of heartland volleyball. They were a cohesive unit, demonstrating skill and tenacity at every turn of the state series.  In the championship match, they exploded out of the gate, taking the first set 25-19, dictating the pace and setting a tone of fierce competitiveness . Though their opponents rallied, the Saints’ statistical performance speaks volumes about their effort.  Offensively,...

  Fin ding the Majesty in the Wild: A Closer Look at the "Landbound Majesty" Collection At Best Look Magazine , we often discuss how to bring a sense of natural beauty and grounding presence into your everyday life. For me, few things accomplish this better than a quiet moment observing the world’s magnificent creatures. That passion is what gave rise to my photography series, "Animals - Mammals - Landbound Majesty," now available through my Fine Art America space. This collection, one of the most extensive I’ve curated, is a deeply personal endeavor to capture the essence of these animals—not just their appearance, but the palpable spirit and quiet dignity they carry. You’ll find moments of serene grace, like a white-tailed deer stepping through morning mist, alongside images that speak to sheer power, such as a stoic bison gazing across the plains. Each photograph is a testament to the fact that true artistry often lies in simply being present for nature’s perfec...

A Season of Triumphs: Heyworth's Playoff Run Concludes The Heyworth Hornets capped off an outstanding football season today, concluding their impressive playoff run against a formidable Stockton Blackhawks squad in the IHSA Class 1A Second Round. While the final scoreboard,  Stockton 26, Heyworth 3 , did not fall the Hornets' way, it cannot overshadow the  tremendous accomplishments  of this team and its community. The Hornets fought hard, earning a valuable field goal and demonstrating the  resilience and tenacity  that defined their path to the second round. Playing against the number one seed is a testament to the level of  success  Heyworth achieved this year—a season marked by tenacity, skill, and the unified spirit of the entire town. To the players, coaches, and the  loyal Heyworth faithful : hold your heads high. You competed fiercely and represented your school with  honor and pride . This deep run into the playoffs establishes a str...

  Why Professional Sports Photography Is More Than Peak Action Photo by Alan Look Photography While peak action—like a slam dunk or a diving catch—grabs attention, it’s only one layer of what defines elite sports photography. A professional doesn’t just freeze motion; they translate the rhythm, emotion, and narrative of the game into a single frame. That’s what separates a snapshot from a story. What Makes a Photo “Professional”? A professional sports photograph is defined by more than sharpness or timing. It’s a crafted moment that blends: •  Technical mastery : Fast shutter speeds, precise focus tracking, and optimal exposure under challenging lighting. •  Composition : Clean backgrounds, dynamic angles, and intentional framing that guide the viewer’s eye. •  Emotion and context : Facial expressions, body language, and environmental cues that reveal the stakes—whether it’s triumph, tension, or fatigue. •  Anticipation : Knowing the sport well enough to pred...

Falcons Fly High: GCMS Clinches Division Crown with Statement Win Over Ridgeview   Photos by Alan Look Photography COLFAX, IL — Under the Friday night lights at Ridgeview High School, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Senior night. A packed crowd. And the Heart of Illinois Medium Division title hanging in the balance. The GCMS Falcons delivered a performance that matched the moment, overpowering the Ridgeview Mustangs 55-27 in a game that showcased speed, grit, and championship-caliber execution. With the win, GCMS locked in a 7-2 regular season record and a perfect 4-0 mark in division play, securing the title outright. From the opening kickoff, GCMS dictated tempo. Their offense churned out sustained drives, while the defense kept Ridgeview’s playmakers in check. Ridgeview, celebrating its seniors in front of a spirited home crowd, showed flashes of resilience but couldn’t match the Falcons’ relentless pace. The Mustangs entered the night with hopes of a title-clin...

Photo: Sentinel /Clark Brooks URBANA - St. Joseph-Ogden's Brennan Oleynichak and three teammates stop Pontiac running back Jayden Reed from advancing during the first quarter of their Illini Prairie Conference game. The Spartans scored 14 points in each quarter on their way to a much needed victory to solidify a spot in the 2025 IHSA football postseason. SJO won the home game at Dick Duval Field 56-21. Illini Prairie Conference scores Unity 55, Mt Vernon 37 St Joseph-Ogden 56, Pontiac 21 Central Catholic 41, Prairie Central 0 Illinois Valley Central 30, Rantoul 27 Monticello 14, Paxton-Buckley-Loda 6 Big Twelve Conference scores Normal West 57, Urbana 15 Bloomington 37, Centennial 6 Champaign Central 55, Peoria Manual 16 Peoria Notre Dame 54, Danville 13 Peoria 36, Normal Community 14 Mahomet-Seymour 63, Richwoods 14 Scores from around the state AddisonTrail 35, Willowbrook 0 Alden-Hebron 26, Ashton-Franklin Center 8 Arthur 49, Villa Grov...

  The Wait is Over, The Dream is Deferred: Redbirds' First MVC No. 1 Ranking in 23 Years Meets Illini Reality For the Illinois State men's basketball program, the 2025-26 season began with a roar of expectation not heard in Normal, Illinois, for over two decades.  Head Coach Ryan Pedon has meticulously built the program back up, culminating in a seismic announcement just weeks ago: The Redbirds were voted the preseason favorites to win the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC), a distinction they had not earned since the 2001-02 season. The MVC media and coaches, giving the Redbirds  34 of 46 first-place votes , clearly bought into a deep, experienced core of returning talent. With a 22-win season and a Purple CBI title run in their rearview mirror, the Redbirds were finally ready to shed their 26-year NCAA Tournament drought. The stage for their highly anticipated season debut was set just an hour's drive South East: a trip across I-74 to face the storied Illinois Fighting Il...