The former eastbound span of the McClugage Bridge is engulfed in flames as explosives sever steel and bring down the main truss during a nighttime implosion Monday, April 28, 2025 in Peoria.
Eureka’s Krissa Agnew is ecstatic over a point against El Paso-Gridley late in the second set of the Class 2A volleyball regional title match Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at Washington Community High School. The Hornets defeated the Titans in straight sets.
A diver tees up a belly flop during the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 in the parking lot in front of Kelleher’s Irish Pub in Peoria. The event raised $26,000 for Special Olympics Illinois.
A stream of blood flows down Illinois State guard Johnny Kinziger’s face after a collision with Bradley’s Zek Montgomery in the first half of their Missouri Valley Conference basketball game Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025 at CEFCU in Normal. The Braves fell to the Redbirds 82-71.
Veterinarian Derek McFarland of Jubilee Hills Veterinary Services in Princeville directs Farmington eighth-graders Bella Fraten, right, and Annie Wright as they aid in the “birth” of a calf during the annual Greater Peoria Career Spark event Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 at the Peoria Civic Center. The career fair, organized by the Greater Peoria Economic Development Council and Junior Achievement of Central Illinois, featured dozens of interactive career-related activities from local industries in the fields of manufacturing, healthcare, innovation and technology, business and finance, and more.
Washington’s Haydon Hawksworth snags a fly ball in foul territory as the Panthers battle Metamora on Monday, April 7, 2025 in Washington. The Panthers defeated the Redbirds 6-0.
Incumbent 4th District city council member Andre Allen celebrates with his wife Jaleesha, left, and other family and friends after defeating challenger Jamie Messmore during his election night party Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at the Holiday Inn & Suites Peoria at Grand Prairie in North Peoria.
Bradley’s AJ Smith reacts to scoring and drawing a foul on a move to the basket against UMass Lowell in the first half of their college basketball game Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025 at Carver Arena in Peoria. The Braves defeated the River Hawks 87-77.
Peoria High School students dressed to the nines and danced the night away Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Trailside Event Center in Peoria Heights.
Washington’s Peyton Cox sheds some tears of joy after defeating IC Catholic’s Aidan Arnett 1-0 in the 144-pound match of the Class 2A state high school wrestling championships Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 at the State Farm Center in Champaign.
Timothy Eaker shares some affection with his son Piersen, 13, who suffered brain damage after an incident at a home daycare when he was two years old. Since then, his family has worked tirelessly to improve his life and recently completed a large, handicapped-accessible addition to his home.
Summer campers react as a wall of water pours down on them on the opening day of the new Lakeview Park splash pad Tuesday, July 22, 2025 in Peoria.
A pack of high school runners from Eureka, Peoria Notre Dame, Metamora and Elmwood hit the course at the start of the boys division of the Irish Earlybird cross-country meet Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025 at Donovan Park. Peoria Notre Dame’s Maxwell Kirby (586) topped the field and led the Irish to a team victory.
Peoria activist and former City Council candidate Estrella Diaz joins protesters outside the Peoria County Courthouse for the first day of the Sean Grayson trial Monday, Oct. 20, 2025 in Downtown Peoria.
Washington Community High School students enjoy their prom night Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the Peoria Civic Center. About 600 students and their dates celebrated “Promma Mia!” with dinner, dancing and lots of photos and videos.
An official stretches out on a mat as wrestlers compete in the Metamora Holiday Classic wrestling tournament Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025 at Metamora Township High School.
The ball bounces off the back of Washington’s Caden Chadwick, right, on a pass to Dunlap’s Jackson Steffen in the second half of their Week 7 high school football game Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 in Dunlap. The Panthers defeated the Eagles 23-15.
Actor Khary Payton, best known as King Ezekiel from The Walking Dead television series, takes a fun photo with the Major family from Iowa – Shayden, front, Shane, right, and Brandie – at his fan booth Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025 during the Illinois Comic Con at the Peoria Civic Center.
A model representing Aura Salon in Peoria Heights shows off her elaborate hairstyle Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 during the 6th annual Peoria Hair and Fashion Showcase at the 3300 Event Center in Peoria. The event featured some of the area’s top salons and barbers with models working the “Runway of Oz.”
Washington’s Caylie Ahten, right, gets some love from her friends after finishing tenth and leading the Panthers to a tenth-place team finish in the Class 2A girls state cross country championships Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025 at Detweiller Park in Peoria.
