Best Look Magazine

    CHAMPAIGN, Ill. —  Illinois head coach  Bret Bielema  was named to the Dodd Trophy Preseason Watch List, the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl, Inc. announced Monday. Bielema is one of five Big Ten coaches on the list, which features 26 of the nation's top college football coaches. Last season, Bielema led Illinois to 10 wins, tying the Fighting Illini program record. Illinois was ranked by the CFP selection committee for a program-record four straight weeks, appeared in 12 AP Top 25 polls, and tied the program record for ranked wins with four. The Fighting Illini capped one of the best seasons in program history by beating #14 South Carolina in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, 21-17, in one of the top bowl game victories in Illinois history and finished the season ranked #16 in the AP Top 25. The 2025 Fighting Illini return 18 starters from its Cheez-It Citrus Bowl victory, the most starters returning among any bowl team in the ...

   The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has transformed parts of the Mackinaw River State Fish and Wildlife Area into a golden sea of sunflowers, creating a vibrant habitat that supports a wide array of pollinators. These sunflower plantings are more than just a scenic attraction—they serve as a vital ecological resource, drawing in bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that are essential to the health of local ecosystems. Bees, in particular, are among the most frequent visitors to these sunflower fields. The image accompanying this article captures a bee nestled among the sunflower’s florets, gathering nectar and pollen. This interaction is not only visually captivating but also ecologically significant. As bees move from flower to flower, they facilitate pollination, ensuring the reproduction of both wild and cultivated plants. The sunflowers, in turn, offer a rich source of food and shelter, making the fields a seasonal haven for these industrious ...

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Illinois Announces Multi-Phase Plan for Memorial Stadium Enhancements CHAMPAIGN, Ill. —  Over the next two seasons, all 60,670 fans attending Fighting Illini football games at Memorial Stadium will see major upgrades to their gameday experience. As part of ongoing enhancements to the University of Illinois' historic, 101-year-old home, Illinois will invest more than $9 million in a new wireless internet system for the 2025 season, with planning underway for numerous other upgrades, including all new videoboards, a new sound system, and LED lighting for 2026. "The upcoming Memorial Stadium projects are a key step in our commitment to providing one of the best college football experiences in the nation," said Director of Athletics  Josh Whitman . "We are grateful for the enthusiasm and loyalty demonstrated year in and year out by our fans, and the environment we create together at Memorial Stadium is pivotal to our success. Over the last five ...

  CHAMPAIGN, Ill.–  History was made for Fighting Illini Basketball on Wednesday night, as freshmen  Kasparas Jakucionis  (Vilnius, Lithuania) and  Will Riley  (Kitchener, Ontario, Canada) became the first-ever one-and-done players for the Illinois program. The Illini stars were selected back-to-back in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, with  Jakucionis  taken at No. 20 overall by the Miami Heat and  Riley  going to the Washington Wizards the very next pick at No. 21 as part of a trade with Utah. Illinois stands as one of just three programs with multiple first-round picks in this year's draft, along with Duke (3) and Rutgers (2). This marks the first time in 20 years, and just the third time in school history, that Illinois has had two first-round picks in the same draft, joining 1989 (Nick Anderson and Kenny Battle) and 2005 (Deron Wiliams and Luther Head). Illinois has now had four players selected in the NBA Draft during He...

 On the sun-washed east side of Rosie's Pub in downtown Bloomington, Illinois, time folds quietly into color. There, painted across brick and mortar, stands Abraham Lincoln—not as the towering president of textbooks, but as a man mid-sentence, eyes lit with the fire of conviction. The mural, a vivid tribute to Lincoln’s “Lost Speech,” captures more than a moment—it captures a mystery. It’s said that on May 29, 1856, Lincoln gave an address so stirring at Major’s Hall that reporters, mesmerized, forgot to take notes. The words vanished into the air, leaving behind only the legend of their power. Locals pass by the mural every day, some slowing their steps to gaze upward. In the swirls of patriotic blues and historic reds, they imagine Lincoln’s voice echoing against the walls, as if the mural is whispering what history lost. Tourists snap photos, unaware that beneath their feet, the old foundations of Major’s Hall still sleep. On warm evenings, when the breeze cuts down Main Street ...

    Freedom Sings USA Retreat Brings Healing Through Song in Heyworth, Illinois On June 17 and 18, 2025, the small town of  Heyworth, Illinois  became a stage for healing, connection, and patriotism as  Freedom Sings USA  hosted a moving two-day retreat. The event brought together U.S. military veterans and accomplished Nashville songwriters to collaborate on powerful original songs inspired by each veteran’s personal story of service, sacrifice, and resilience. Veterans  Austin Whiskers, Gary Simpkins, Del Saam, Cherish Masters, Mark Buchholz , and  Carl Johnston  opened their hearts and memories to the songwriting team, allowing deeply emotional and authentic music to emerge. These stories were then turned into songs by a lineup of renowned hitmakers including  Don Goodman, Bill DiLuigi, Bill Whyte, Steve Dean , and  Bobby Tomberlin —artists with credits spanning country music charts and decades of storytelling excellence. Joe Her...

  The Illinois men’s basketball program is facing an early setback this offseason with the news that veteran guard-forward Ty Rodgers will be out indefinitely due to a knee injury sustained during a workout session. The injury, which requires surgery, is expected to keep him sidelined for a significant portion of the upcoming season, if not all of it. Rodgers’ absence goes far beyond stats. A staple of the Illini rotation, he has been a consistent and hardworking presence on the court since his freshman year. In his second season, Rodgers started every game, bringing a gritty, physical edge to the team. He averaged over six points, grabbed more than five rebounds per game, and added a couple of assists each night. What made Rodgers so valuable was his ability to contribute in ways that didn’t always show up in the box score—defensive intensity, second-chance rebounds, and his commitment to doing the little things right. Known for his high motor and toughness, Rodgers had developed ...

As late spring unfolds across central Illinois, the landscape comes alive with bursts of color and movement. Among the rolling fields and prairie patches, pollinators begin their seasonal dance, flitting from bloom to bloom in search of nourishment. One such visitor is the striking  black swallowtail butterfly , its delicate wings outlined in bold black with elegant yellow spots shimmering under the midday sun. Against the backdrop of wildflowers swaying in the prairie breeze, a  pink thistle bloom  stands prominently, its spiky crown offering a rich source of nectar. This resilient native plant, often dismissed as a mere weed, plays a vital role in sustaining local butterfly populations, providing crucial nutrients for species like the black swallowtail. The butterfly hovers momentarily, its movement graceful yet deliberate. It lands softly on the thistle bloom, proboscis unfurling as it draws sweet nectar from the depths of the petals. The contrast of  black wings ...

  In a move that has energized fans and bolstered offseason expectations,  Luke Altmeyer is returning as the starting quarterback for the Fighting Illini  for the 2025 season. After a 2024 campaign filled with growth, leadership, and flashes of brilliance, Altmeyer’s decision to return gives head coach Bret Bielema a seasoned signal-caller to lead the Illinois football offense. For a program focused on climbing the Big Ten ranks, continuity at quarterback could be the key to unlocking another level of success. Altmeyer’s return brings stability and experience to an offense that showed promise last season. With a full offseason to build chemistry and refine his command of the playbook,  Illinois football fans have reason to believe Luke Altmeyer could elevate the Illini offense  to new heights in 2025. His dual-threat capabilities, combined with an improved offensive line and maturing receiver corps, make him a pivotal figure in the team’s outlook for the season....

  Finfrock State Habitat Area, a vibrant mosaic of native wildflowers and grasses, serves as a crucial sanctuary for countless species, including one of our most diligent pollinators: the Common Eastern Bumble Bee ( Bombus impatiens ). These fuzzy, black and yellow ambassadors of the insect world are a common sight from early spring to late fall, buzzing industriously from one blossom to another. Their presence at Finfrock is more than just a pleasant hum in the air; it's a testament to the health of the ecosystem and a vital cog in the machinery of nature that ultimately supports human life. Understanding their role here helps us appreciate the profound connection between these small creatures, their habitats, and our own survival. The Common Eastern Bumble Bee is a particularly effective pollinator, responsible for the reproduction of a wide array of native plants within Finfrock State Habitat Area. Unlike honeybees, bumble bees can fly in cooler temperatures and lower light leve...

   One thing I miss about college men's basketball games is the halftime entertainment. For over 20 years, every game I covered as a photojournalist featured an exciting act. The Gamma Phi Circus was a yearly highlight at Illinois State University, captivating audiences with their dazzling performances. Sadly, if you only follow the games on social media now, you miss out on those unforgettable moments that brought the crowd together. Pictured - Cornell Freeney on the German Wheel

  The Future of Farming: Modern Tractors and Precision Planting In the heart of the countryside, where fields stretch to meet the horizon, modern agriculture is transforming the way we cultivate the land. The image of a sleek, powerful tractor pulling a large planting attachment against a vibrant blue sky captures the essence of this revolution. This is not just a scene of farming—it's a glimpse into the future of food production. Today’s tractors are marvels of engineering, equipped with cutting-edge technology like GPS-guided steering, automated planting systems, and data-driven analytics. These advancements ensure every seed is placed with precision, maximizing yield while minimizing environmental impact. The planting attachment, a critical component, works seamlessly with the tractor to sow seeds at optimal depths and intervals, ensuring healthy crops and sustainable practices. This powerful combination of strength and innovation is reshaping agriculture. Farmers can now cover ...

In the heart of Central Illinois, where the prairie stretches wide under a sky heavy with dawn, a ring-necked pheasant named Kael stepped lightly through the tall grass. His iridescent feathers—emerald, ruby, and gold—caught the first light, shimmering like a secret only the morning knew. The bluestem and switchgrass towered over him, swaying in a breeze that carried the scent of damp earth and clover. Kael moved with purpose, his long tail brushing the dew from the stems. He’d woken early, driven by a restlessness he couldn’t name. The prairie was alive with whispers—crickets winding down their night songs, a meadowlark’s trill in the distance. He paused, tilting his head to listen. Somewhere beyond the grass, a tractor hummed, a reminder of the world that pressed in on his wild home. As he wove through the sea of green, Kael’s sharp eyes caught a flash of movement—a grasshopper, darting for cover. With a quick lunge, he snapped it up, its crunch satisfying. But food wasn’t his only...

  The Blair Railroad Bridge, located near Blair, Nebraska, is a significant structure that has long served as a vital rail connection across the Missouri River. Originally constructed in 1883, this bridge was part of a larger effort by the Chicago & North Western Railway to improve transportation and commerce between the Midwest and the western United States. The bridge was notable for its early use of steel and for being among the first large-scale railroad bridges in the region. Its original design featured a series of truss spans—a common engineering solution for the era that provided both strength and flexibility. Over the decades, the structure has undergone numerous renovations to support heavier modern rail traffic and to ensure safety standards are met. Today, the Blair Railroad Bridge continues to play a key role in the region's rail network. It is primarily used for freight transportation, helping to move goods such as grain, coal, and manufactured products. The br...

 TheBNSF Railway Logistics Park Chicago (LPC) is a major intermodal hub located in Elwood, Illinois, about 40 miles southwest of downtown Chicago. This state-of-the-art facility plays a critical role in the movement of goods across the United States, serving as a key gateway for both domestic and international freight. Situated strategically near major highways and rail lines, LPC facilitates efficient transportation by integrating rail, truck, and warehouse operations in one centralized location. Its proximity to the Chicago metropolitan area, one of the country’s largest freight markets, enhances its value as a logistics and distribution center. The facility spans thousands of acres and includes extensive rail infrastructure, including multiple tracks for loading and unloading, as well as advanced systems for managing intermodal containers. It was designed to streamline freight handling, reduce congestion at urban terminals, and support sustainable transport by shifting more fre...

 The Atlanta Public Library, located in Atlanta, Illinois, is a notable example of small-town architectural charm and civic pride. Established in the early 1900s, the building is a cornerstone of the community and reflects the town’s historical roots and dedication to public service. Designed in a distinctive octagonal shape, the library stands out both structurally and culturally. Its unique design is one of the few remaining examples of octagon-style architecture used in public buildings. This layout not only provides a sense of symmetry and openness but also showcases the innovative thinking of the era in which it was built. Over the years, the library has evolved beyond its traditional role of lending books. It serves as a hub for local events, educational programs, and community gatherings. The interior, while updated to accommodate modern needs, still retains much of its original character, preserving the historical essence that makes the building special. Adjacent to the ...

  The building at 1835 W Harrison Street in Chicago, Illinois, is the historic Cook County Hospital Administration Building. Completed in 1914, this eight-story Beaux-Arts structure was designed by architect Paul Gerhardt. It played a significant role in providing medical care to early immigrants and low-income residents, becoming renowned as a teaching hospital and the site of several medical breakthroughs, including the development of the first blood bank in the United States and the discovery of the cause of sickle-cell anemia. After its closure in 2002, the building underwent a $133 million rehabilitation and reopened in 2020 as a mixed-use development, featuring a 210-room hotel, retail spaces, and a museum.

  Evergreen Lake’s Vanishing Waters Reveal Hidden Paths HUDSON, IL. (SEPT 19, 2012) — The south end of Evergreen Lake looks vastly different this September. Where Barred Owl Trail would normally meet the water’s edge, hikers now step onto a cracked and barren lake bed, a stark reminder of the relentless 2012 drought. For months, the lack of rain has drained the once-thriving reservoir, exposing long-submerged land. What was once unreachable by foot—small, tree-covered islands—are now accessible, their roots gripping dry earth instead of rippling currents. Local hikers take advantage of the eerie transformation, tracing paths normally lost beneath the lake’s surface. But for longtime residents, the sight is unsettling. "I’ve never seen it this low," said one visitor, kicking at the dust where water once stood. Forecasters predict continued dry conditions, leaving the future of Evergreen Lake uncertain. For now, it remains a place of both opportunity and concern—where nature’s ...

  On a warm April afternoon in Elkhart, Illinois, along the weathered stretch of Historic Route 66, a bench crafted from the rusted tailgate of a 1957 Chevrolet pickup truck sat outside a model raceway establishment. The tailgate’s faded paint gleamed faintly in the sunlight, a relic of a bygone era repurposed into a quirky seat. On to it sat Ronald McDonald, or rather, a weathered statue of the fast-food icon, his red shoes dulled to a soft pink, his chipped grin fixed in perpetual cheer. The odd pairing of the tailgate bench and Ronald marked the edge of the raceway lot, a haven for hobbyists and nostalgia buffs. Inside, the hum of tiny engines filled the air as enthusiasts raced miniature cars around intricate tracks, their shouts and laughter drifting out into the quiet afternoon. The bench, otherwise unoccupied, seemed to wait patiently, as if it held stories of its own—perhaps of the truck it once belonged to, rumbling down the Mother Road decades ago. As the sun climbed high...

  Casey, Illinois, a small town with a population of approximately 2,700, has garnered international recognition for its collection of oversized attractions. Embracing the motto "Big Things in a Small Town," Casey boasts several Guinness World Record-certified structures that have revitalized its community and drawn tourists from around the globe. The initiative began in 2012 with the unveiling of the World's Largest Wind Chime, a 54-foot-tall structure that quickly became a focal point for visitors. Encouraged by the positive response, the town expanded its collection to include other record-breaking items such as: World's Largest Rocking Chair : Standing at 56 feet tall, this massive chair is situated in front of City Hall. ​ (Pictured) World's Largest Golf Tee : Located at the Casey Country Club, this tee reaches a height of 30 feet and weighs over 6,000 pounds. ​ World's Largest Mailbox : A functional mailbox towering at 32 feet, allowing visit...

On a breezy warm spring morning, three American white pelicans—Carl, Bev, and Frank—bobbed along the glassy surface of Evergreen Lake in McLean County, Illinois. They had stopped for a layover during their annual migration, and as usual, boredom was setting in. "I’m telling you," Carl said, flapping a wing dramatically, "I caught a fish this big yesterday." "That wasn’t a fish," Bev scoffed. "It was a soggy flip-flop. And you nearly choked on it." Frank, the self-appointed philosopher of the group, dipped his bill into the water and sighed. "Isn’t it curious," he mused, "how humans throw their shoes into lakes? What if those flip-flops are part of a secret migration ritual?" Bev rolled her eyes. "You’d think less if you fished more." Carl, not one to be outdone, straightened his neck. "Alright, enough chit-chat. Let’s settle this with a good old-fashioned Paddle-Off. First one across the lake wins braggin...

   Best Look Magazine proudly presents the 2025 McLean County Area High School Boys Basketball All Star Photo Series, showcasing the region's most talented and dedicated young athletes. Capturing the intensity, skill, and passion of these standout players, this exclusive series celebrates the future stars of the court who have left an indelible mark on the season. Enjoy the breathtaking action shots and join us in honoring the grit and glory of McLean County’s finest in this unforgettable collection. Check out all the Best Look in Sports Action photos at www.alanlook.com! See the Alan Look Photography facebook page for current specials. Braydon Laesch -  Andrew Fleming

  Best Look Magazine proudly presents the 2025 McLean County Area High School Boys Basketball All Star Photo Series, showcasing the region's most talented and dedicated young athletes. Capturing the intensity, skill, and passion of these standout players, this exclusive series celebrates the future stars of the court who have left an indelible mark on the season. Enjoy the breathtaking action shots and join us in honoring the grit and glory of McLean County’s finest in this unforgettable collection. Brock Holtz - Bloomington High School Purple Raiders!

  NORMAL, Ill. — Ryan Cermak powered the Illinois State Redbirds to a 9-5 victory over the University of Illinois-Chicago Flames on Sunday, smashing two home runs in a standout performance at Duffy Bass Field. Cermak’s second homer of the game came in a pivotal moment, electrifying the crowd as he leaped onto home plate to complete his trot around the bases. The Redbirds’ offense erupted for nine runs, overwhelming the Flames in a contest that showcased Illinois State’s dominance in the matchup. The win improved Illinois State’s record as they capitalized on a balanced attack against UIC’s pitching. The Flames, despite a late rally, couldn’t close the gap, finishing the game with five runs. The Redbirds’ victory underscored their strong play in the Missouri Valley Conference, while UIC struggled to keep pace. Both teams are set to continue their seasons with upcoming conference games later this week.

PEORIA, Ill. (March 21, 2015) —  Stevenson captured its first IHSA Class 4A boys basketball state championship Saturday night, defeating Normal Community at the Carver Center inside the Peoria Civic Center. The Patriots, hailing from Lincolnshire, controlled the game from the outset, using a balanced offensive attack and stifling defense to keep the Ironmen from finding a consistent rhythm. Stevenson established an early lead and maintained its momentum, capitalizing on key scoring runs and defensive stops. Normal Community, making its bid for a state title, struggled to break through Stevenson’s defensive pressure. Despite flashes of offensive success, the Ironmen were unable to mount a sustained comeback as Stevenson maintained control throughout the contest. With the win, Stevenson secures its place in program history, capping off a dominant season with the school’s first-ever Class 4A state championship. The victory marks a significant achievement for the Patriots, who reached ...

   BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (AP) March 19, 2010 — The Flying Dutch of Hope College punched their ticket to the NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Championship final Friday night, defeating the University of Rochester Yellowjackets 86-75 in a hard-fought semifinal at the Shirk Center at Illinois Wesleyan. The game featured intense competition, including a moment when Hope’s Philana Greene and Rochester’s Jodie Luther wrestled for a loose ball. Ultimately, the Flying Dutch pulled away with strong offensive play and clutch shooting to secure the victory. Hope College will now advance to the championship game, looking to claim the national title.

  BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (March 18, 2011) — Brittany Hasselbring maneuvered around the top of the key during an NCAA women's basketball game between the Washington University Bears and the Illinois Wesleyan Titans at Shirk Center on Friday. The matchup featured intense competition as both teams fought for a spot in the next round. Hasselbring played a key role in the Titans’ offensive efforts, looking to create opportunities against Washington University's defense. Illinois Wesleyan hosted the game at Shirk Center, drawing a strong home crowd in support of the Titans.

  On March 17, 2018, the quaint town of Normal, Illinois, came alive with the spirited revelry of its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a cherished tradition that painted the streets with hues of emerald and echoes of jubilation. As the calendar aligned with the feast day of Ireland’s patron saint, the community gathered under a crisp spring sky to celebrate heritage, unity, and the promise of renewal that the season whispers. The parade, a vibrant procession through the heart of Normal, wove its way along familiar avenues, drawing families, friends, and visitors into a shared tapestry of festivity. Floats adorned with shamrocks and streamers rolled gracefully by, while local bands filled the air with lively tunes that stirred the soul and quickened the pulse. Marchers, clad in green regalia, waved to the onlookers, their smiles as bright as the sun that occasionally peeked through the clouds, casting a golden glow on the scene. This was more than a mere spectacle; it was a testamen...

   The vast expanse of the sky shimmered with the soft glow of dawn as the great white pelicans set their course northward. Their long, broad wings stretched wide, catching the spring thermals that carried them effortlessly over rivers, fields, and wetlands. With each beat of their powerful wings, they followed an ancient route, one that had guided their ancestors for generations. As they soared over the Mississippi River, the waters below teemed with fish, a promise of the abundance that lay ahead. Their destination was Emiquon, a vast floodplain in central Illinois, where nature had reclaimed the land and restored it to its former glory. Once a drained agricultural field, Emiquon had been revived into a wetland haven, rich with life and sustenance for the migrating flocks. It was a sanctuary, a place where they could rest, feed, and gather strength for the journeys still to come. As they descended, the pelicans were met with the scent of fresh water and the symphony of life ...

   This Day in History: BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (March 14, 2009) — Sioux Falls Storm quarterback Mitch Tanney delivered a pass under pressure Saturday night as the Bloomington Extreme defense closed in at U.S. Cellular Coliseum. Tanney, facing an unblocked rush from defensive lineman Leif Murphy, managed to get the throw off before being hit. The Storm traveled to Bloomington for the matchup against the Extreme in the indoor football showdown. Both teams looked to gain early momentum in the season as they battled in front of a lively crowd in downtown Bloomington.

  Today in History" NEW YORK (MAR 13, 2020) — As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the United States in March 2020, an unexpected crisis unfolded in grocery stores and supermarkets nationwide: a severe shortage of toilet paper. Panic buying and supply chain disruptions left shelves empty, prompting concern, confusion, and at times, conflict among shoppers. The shortage, fueled by fears of prolonged lockdowns and supply interruptions, saw consumers rushing to stockpile essential goods. Retailers struggled to keep up with demand as manufacturers worked around the clock to replenish inventory. Images and videos of customers hoarding toilet paper, sometimes filling multiple carts, quickly went viral on social media. Reports of altercations in store aisles emerged, with some shoppers resorting to reselling toilet paper at marked-up prices online. Supply chain experts pointed to a combination of panic-driven purchasing and shifts in consumer behavior as key factors. With more people st...