Best Look Magazine

   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 ...

 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 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 ...

  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...

  PEORIA, Ill. (AP) — The Chicago Leo Lions battled the LeRoy Panthers on Saturday at Carver Arena in the Peoria Civic Center IHSA Class 1A boys basketball championship. LeRoy, making its first appearance in the championship game, fought valiantly. LeRoy’s impressive run to the title game cements its place among Illinois’ top small-school programs.

  When the world slowed to a halt in early 2020, so did childrens routines. Schools shuttered, playgrounds emptied, and screens became a lifeline to education and entertainment. But amid the upheaval, a surprising trend emerged: the revival of classic, hands-on toys like toy trucks, Lincoln Logs, and wooden train sets. Among the biggest beneficiaries was Lincoln Logs, the nearly 110-year-old construction toy that saw a resurgence as families embraced home-based play. Toy trucks, particularly the classic die-cast models and sturdy plastic dump trucks, also made a comeback. For some, the return to old-school play wasn’t just about entertainment—it was a way to cope with the uncertainty of the pandemic. It was the same for this sports photographer... no games, no sweaty gyms, no photos to edit unless you found something else to photograph! Thank goodness for Lincoln Logs, and old toy trucks! #bloomingtonnormalsportsphotos #bloomingtonnormalsportsphotographer #bestlookmagazine #al...

   NORMAL, Ill. (AP) — The Ridgeview Mustangs secured a hard-fought victory over the Annawan Braves in the IHSA Class 1A Super Sectional boys basketball game on March 6, 2018, at Redbird Arena, punching their ticket to the state finals. Ridgeview overcame a determined Annawan squad with a strong second-half performance, pulling away late to earn a win. The Mustangs’ disciplined defense and clutch shooting proved decisive in the battle for a spot in the state semifinals. Annawan fought valiantly throughout the contest, however, Ridgeview’s defensive pressure forced several crucial turnovers late in the game, limiting Annawan’s chances to mount a comeback.