Best Look Magazine

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...