GLOBAL OPERATORS CHALLENGE – Judges watch as an operator navigates a Caterpillar D5 over a steep hill during the local Global Operator Challenge on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at Caterpillar’s Edwards Demonstration and Learning Center at 5801 N. Smith Road in Edwards. The Global Operator Challenge pits some of the best heavy equipment operators in the world competing in eight different events that test skills like maneuverability and balance for a spot in the Global Finals in Las Vegas.
GLOBAL OPERATORS CHALLENGE – An operator uses a Caterpillar 420 XE backhoe to pick up tires and hang them on a rack during the Global Operator Challenge on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at Caterpillar’s Edwards Demonstration and Learning Center in Edwards.
GLOBAL OPERATORS CHALLENGE – An operator carefully maneuvers the bucket of a Caterpillar 420 XE backhoe to knock a tennis ball off an orange cone without knocking the cone over during the Global Operator Challenge on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at the Edwards Demonstration and Learning Center in Edwards.
GLOBAL OPERATORS CHALLENGE – A heavy equipment operator uses a Caterpillar M318 excavator to carefully move a steel pipe between a set of rods during the Global Operator Challenge on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at the Edwards Demonstration and Learning Center in Edwards.
EAST PEORIA PROM – East Peoria Community High School students and their dates fill the dance floor at the Par-A-Dice Hotel & Casino for their junior/senior prom Saturday, May 3, 2025 in East Peoria.
EAST PEORIA PROM – East Peoria Community High School students and their dates fill the dance floor at the Par-A-Dice Hotel & Casino for their junior/senior prom Saturday, May 3, 2025 in East Peoria.
EAST PEORIA PROM – East Peoria Community High School students and their dates fill the dance floor at the Par-A-Dice Hotel & Casino for their junior/senior prom Saturday, May 3, 2025 in East Peoria.
EAST PEORIA PROM – East Peoria Community High School students and their dates fill the dance floor at the Par-A-Dice Hotel & Casino for their junior/senior prom Saturday, May 3, 2025 in East Peoria.
EAST PEORIA PROM – East Peoria Community High School students and their dates fill the dance floor at the Par-A-Dice Hotel & Casino for their junior/senior prom Saturday, May 3, 2025 in East Peoria.
EAST PEORIA PROM – East Peoria Community High School students and their dates fill the dance floor at the Par-A-Dice Hotel & Casino for their junior/senior prom Saturday, May 3, 2025 in East Peoria.
EAST PEORIA PROM – East Peoria Community High School students and their dates fill the dance floor at the Par-A-Dice Hotel & Casino for their junior/senior prom Saturday, May 3, 2025 in East Peoria.
PEKIN PROM – About 500 Pekin High students and their dates share a night to remember Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Countryside Banquet Facility in Washington.
PEKIN PROM – About 500 Pekin High students and their dates share a night to remember Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Countryside Banquet Facility in Washington.
PEKIN PROM – About 500 Pekin High students and their dates share a night to remember Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Countryside Banquet Facility in Washington.
PEKIN PROM – About 500 Pekin High students and their dates share a night to remember Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Countryside Banquet Facility in Washington.
PEKIN PROM – About 500 Pekin High students and their dates share a night to remember Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Countryside Banquet Facility in Washington.
STERLING STUDENTS – Dozens of local high school seniors were recognized for excellence at the 66th annual Sterling Merit Awards Banquet on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at the Peoria Civic Center. Organized by the Rotary Clubs of Chillicothe, Farmington, Peoria-Downtown and Peoria North, the awards honor graduates in the top eight percent of their class. Schools honored included Brimfield, Dunlap, East Peoria, Elmwood, Farmington, Illini Bluffs, IVC, Limestone, Manual, Peoria Christian, Peoria High, Peoria Heights, Peoria Notre Dame, Princeville and Richwoods.
STERLING STUDENTS – Dozens of local high school seniors were recognized for excellence at the 66th annual Sterling Merit Awards Banquet on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at the Peoria Civic Center. Organized by the Rotary Clubs of Chillicothe, Farmington, Peoria-Downtown and Peoria North, the awards honor graduates in the top eight percent of their class. Schools honored included Brimfield, Dunlap, East Peoria, Elmwood, Farmington, Illini Bluffs, IVC, Limestone, Manual, Peoria Christian, Peoria High, Peoria Heights, Peoria Notre Dame, Princeville and Richwoods.
STERLING STUDENTS – Proud parents take photos of the podium and the big screen as their students receive their awards during the 66th annual Sterling Merit Awards Banquet on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at the Peoria Civic Center. Organized by the Rotary Clubs of Chillicothe, Farmington, Peoria-Downtown and Peoria North, the awards honor graduates in the top eight percent of their class. Schools honored included Brimfield, Dunlap, East Peoria, Elmwood, Farmington, Illini Bluffs, IVC, Limestone, Manual, Peoria Christian, Peoria High, Peoria Heights, Peoria Notre Dame, Princeville and Richwoods.
STERLING STUDENTS – Dozens of local high school seniors were recognized for excellence at the 66th annual Sterling Merit Awards Banquet on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at the Peoria Civic Center. Organized by the Rotary Clubs of Chillicothe, Farmington, Peoria-Downtown and Peoria North, the awards honor graduates in the top eight percent of their class. Schools honored included Brimfield, Dunlap, East Peoria, Elmwood, Farmington, Illini Bluffs, IVC, Limestone, Manual, Peoria Christian, Peoria High, Peoria Heights, Peoria Notre Dame, Princeville and Richwoods.
OATH OF OFFICE – Outgoing Peoria City Council member Chuck Grayeb laughs at a joke from fellow council member Tim Riggenbach during installation of newly elected officials Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at Peoria City Hall.
OATH OF OFFICE – Peoria mayor Rita Ali reaches to to greet newly elected District 2 Peoria City Council member Alex Carmona during a swearing-in ceremony Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at Peoria City Hall.
OATH OF OFFICE – Dozens of people fill the horseshoe chambers for a swearing-in ceremony for newly elected officials Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at Peoria City Hall.
OATH OF OFFICE – Newly elected Peoria City Council member Alex Carmona smiles warmly at his family after a swearing-in ceremony Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at Peoria City Hall.
OATH OF OFFICE – Peoria City Council member Denis Cyr has a laugh during a swearing-in ceremony Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at Peoria City Hall.
STOOGES COMICS – Chris Mitchell, left, and his son CJ recently opened a new comic shop, Stooges Comics & Collectibles at 121 East Lake Street in the Oak Cliff Parks shopping center. Stooges carries a wide variety of comic books as well as a wall brimming with Star Wars action figures. The former truck driver and his son decided to pursue a lifelong dream after medical issues sidelined him.
STOOGES COMICS –Nestle amongst the toys, games and comics at Stooges Comics & Collectibles is Polka Pots, a selection of pots hand-painted by local artist Lanie Stribley, a cousin of Stooges owner Chris Mitchell.
STOOGES COMICS –Rare sports cards, some graded for quality, sit in a display shelf at the new shop Stooges Comics & Collectibles in the Oak Cliff Park shopping center in Peoria.
STOOGES COMICS –Stooges Comics & Collectibles owner Chris Mitchell searchs a wall of Star Wars action figures for a customer at the new shop in the Oak Cliff Park shopping center in Peoria.
ARTWORKS OF NATURE – Jordan Reeser, left, and his mother Becky Lyons recently moved their store Artworks of Nature from a storefront in Creve Coeur to the Northwoods Mall in Peoria. The store specializes in crystals, stones, incense, teas and powders, and fair-trade items from around the world.
ARTWORKS OF NATURE – Colorful stained glass Turkish lamps light up the new Artworks of Nature store at the Northwoods Mall in Peoria.
ARTWORKS OF NATURE – A huge and varied collection of different types of stones are for sale at the new Artworks of Nature store in the Northwoods Mall in Peoria.
ARTWORKS OF NATURE – A variety of incenses fill a shelf at the new Artworks of Nature store in the Northwoods Mall in Peoria.
ELITE RE-ENTRY – Carl Cannon, far left, executive director and founder of the ELITE Community Outreach program, speaks to a group of at-risk juveniles about the Peoria County Jail inmates giving testimonials during an ELITE Re-Entry gathering Friday, May 9, 2025 at the Peoria County Jail. Six current inmates and one who was recently released and returned for the event shared the harrowing stories of their lives in an effort to convince the boys to change their paths for the better. The inmates all successfully completed the ELITE Re-Entry Program and graduated in a ceremony after their speeches.
ELITE RE-ENTRY – The ELITE Statement of Faith hangs on the wall behind Peoria County Jail inmate Christopher Brown as he listens to a fellow inmate share a story with a group of at-risk Peoria juveniles Friday, May 9, 2025 at the jail.
ELITE RE-ENTRY – Peoria County Jail inmate Jacobi Turner-Claudin speaks directly to an at-risk juvenile who asked a question during an ELITE Re-Entry event Friday, May 9, 2025 at the jail. Seven inmates spoke to a group of local at-risk kids about their experiences.
ELITE RE-ENTRY – Peoria County Jail inmate Isaiah Bassett and Re-Entry Program coordinator Angel Cruz share a big hug during a graduation ceremony for seven inmates Friday, May 9, 2025 at the Peoria County Jail.
LIMESTONE GRADUATION – New graduates toss their mortar boards after receiving their diplomas at the conclusion of Limestone Community High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 10, 2025 in Bartonville.
LIMESTONE GRADUATION – Seniors celebrate their graduation after Limestone Community High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 10, 2025 in Bartonville.
ELITE RE-ENTRY – Gianna Sledge, facing, sheds some tears of joy as she embraces her mother Grandrea after Limestone Community High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 10, 2025 in Bartonville.
LIMESTONE GRADUATION – New graduates hug and smile at the conclusion of Limestone Community High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 10, 2025 in Bartonville.
LIMESTONE GRADUATION – Graduates enjoy some bubbles during Limestone Community High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 10, 2025 in Bartonville.
LIMESTONE GRADUATION – A large crowd watches as seniors line up for Limestone Community High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 10, 2025 in Bartonville.
LIMESTONE GRADUATION – Seniors take their seats for Limestone Community High School’s commencement ceremony Saturday, May 10, 2025 in Bartonville.
METAMORA PROM – More than 300 Metamora High School students and their dates enjoy a bit of luxury on prom night Saturday, May 10, 2025 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in East Peoria.
METAMORA PROM – More than 300 Metamora High School students and their dates enjoy a bit of luxury on prom night Saturday, May 10, 2025 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in East Peoria.
METAMORA PROM – More than 300 Metamora High School students and their dates enjoy a bit of luxury on prom night Saturday, May 10, 2025 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in East Peoria.
METAMORA PROM – More than 300 Metamora High School students and their dates enjoy a bit of luxury on prom night Saturday, May 10, 2025 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in East Peoria.
METAMORA PROM – More than 300 Metamora High School students and their dates enjoy a bit of luxury on prom night Saturday, May 10, 2025 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in East Peoria.
METAMORA PROM – More than 300 Metamora High School students and their dates enjoy a bit of luxury on prom night Saturday, May 10, 2025 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in East Peoria.
MID-ILLINI TRACK FINALS – Morton’s Maxwell Carter celebrates his win in the 3200-meter run during the Mid-Illini Track and Field Championships on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Memorial Stadium in Pekin.
MID-ILLINI TRACK FINALS – Washington’s Joe Atkins takes the title in the shot put during the Mid-Illini Track and Field Championships on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Memorial Stadium in Pekin.
MID-ILLINI TRACK FINALS – Metamora’s Zach Born, far left, and Morton’s Abe Martin go neck-and-neck in the 800-meter run during the Mid-Illini Track and Field Championships on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Memorial Stadium in Pekin. Martin pulled out the win.
MID-ILLINI TRACK FINALS – Metamora’s Gavin Johnson, far right, celebrates his victory in the 110-meter high hurdles during the Mid-Illini Track and Field Championships on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Memorial Stadium in Pekin.
MID-ILLINI TRACK FINALS – Limestone’s Kamar Sanders leaps to victory in the long jump during the Mid-Illini Track and Field Championships on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Memorial Stadium in Pekin.
MID-ILLINI TRACK FINALS – Pekin runners celebrate their win in the 4X200-meter relay during the Mid-Illini Track and Field Championships on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Memorial Stadium in Pekin.
BIG TWELVE TRACK FINALS – Normal West’s Alex Austin leaps to a victory in the long jump during the Big Twelve Boys Track and Field Championships on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at Richwoods Stadium in Peoria. Austin won with a jump of 6.81 meters.
BIG TWELVE TRACK FINALS – Runners round the curve at the start of the 3200-meter run during the Big Twelve Boys Track and Field Championships on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at Richwoods Stadium in Peoria. Champaign Central’s Caleb Mathias, far right, won the event in a time of 9.38.56.
BIG TWELVE TRACK FINALS – Manual’s Jayvier Drummon leaps in the long jump during the Big Twelve Boys Track and Field Championships on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at Richwoods Stadium in Peoria. Hill finished in 13th place with a jump of 5.35 meters.
NEW COFFEE SHOP – Customers Mehnaz Afsheen, left, and Furquan Ul Haq take a few photos of their food at the new Yemeni coffee shop Dar Al-Coffee that opened recently at the corner of University and McClure in Peoria.
NEW COFFEE SHOP – A Yemeni cookie iced latté mimics the logo art of the new Dar Al-Coffee shop at 1229 W. McClure Avenue in Peoria.
NEW COFFEE SHOP – Dar Al-Coffee owner Adham Alsharai completely renovated the former Mojo Studios storefront at 1229 W. McClure Avenue.
NEW COFFEE SHOP – The new Yemeni coffee shop Dar Al-Coffee shop at University and McClure in Peoria offers a variety of baked goods, including a selection of croffles, which is a waffle made from croissant dough.
NEW COFFEE SHOP – Adham Alsharai recently opened a unique coffee shop at 1229 W. McClure Avenue in Peoria. Dar Al-Coffee offers coffee imported from the Middle Eastern country of Yemen, plus a variety of baked goods, refreshers and matcha.
