CAREER SPARK – 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.
CAREER SPARK – CarleHealth operating room nurse Phyllis Biever helps Roanoke-Benson student Myles Phillippe do some laparoscopic surgery on a pumpkin during the 2025 Career Spark fair Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 at the Peoria Civic Center.
CAREER SPARK – Students take turns in the cab of a giant snow plow from Gen. Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport during the annual Career Spark fair Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 at the Peoria Civic Center.
CAREER SPARK – Josh Bradshaw of Advanced Medical Transport helps lead a group of eighth-graders in a CPR exercise during the annual Career Spark fair Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 at the Peoria Civic Center.
CAREER SPARK – A group of eighth-grade girls check out a pig’s lung hooked up to a respirator at a CarleHealth respiratory therapy display during the annual Career Spark fair Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 at the Peoria Civic Center.
CAREER SPARK – A robotic dog rolls over for Henry-Senachwine eighth-grader Corvyan Cliat, left, during the Career Spark fair Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025 at the Peoria Civic Center.
HEIGHTS VS. AMBOY – The Peoria Heights Patriots make their entrance at the start of their high school football game against Amboy on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 at Peoria Heights High School. The Clippers defeated the Patriots 68-0.
HEIGHTS VS. AMBOY – A Peoria Heights Patriots fan waits atop the hill for the start of a high school football game between the Patriots and Amboy on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 at Peoria Heights High School. The Clippers defeated the Patriots 68-0.
HEIGHTS VS. AMBOY – A pair of Amboy defenders bring down Peoria Heights’ Henry Hanson in the first half of their high school football game Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 at Peoria Heights High School. The Clippers defeated the Patriots 68-0.
HEIGHTS VS. AMBOY – Peoria Heights’ Noah Wood makes some noise as the Patriots battle Amboy in the first half of their high school football game Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 at Peoria Heights High School. The Clippers defeated the Patriots 68-0.
HEIGHTS VS. AMBOY – Amboy’s Jose Lopez escapes Peoria Heights’ Gabe Shaver in the first half of their high school football game Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 at Peoria Heights High School. The Clippers defeated the Patriots 68-0.
HEIGHTS VS. AMBOY – Peoria Heights head coach Kendal Parker talks with his team as they battle Amboy in the first half of their high school football game Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 at Peoria Heights High School. The Clippers defeated the Patriots 68-0.
MANUAL VS. PND – Peoria Notre Dame’s Thomas Baker (50) chases down Manual quarterback Tyree Porter in the second half of their high school football game Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 at Peoria Stadium. The Irish defeated the Rams 67-24.
MANUAL VS. PND – Peoria Notre Dame’s Christian Johnson (34) snags an interception on Manual in the second half of their high school football game Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 at Peoria Stadium. Johnson scored a touchdown on the play. The Irish defeated the Rams 67-24.
MANUAL VS. PND – Manual’s Elijah Johnson wraps up Peoria Notre Dame’s Adair De La Crux in the second half of their high school football game Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 at Peoria Stadium. The Irish defeated the Rams 67-24.
MANUAL VS. PND – The Peoria Notre Dame Irish congratulate kicker Braden Pinkston (15) after a long field goal against Manual in the second half of their high school football game Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 at Peoria Stadium. The Irish defeated the Rams 67-24.
MANUAL VS. PND – A pair of Manual cheerleaders pose for a photo together during halftime of their high school football game against Peoria Notre Dame on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 at Peoria Stadium. The Irish defeated the Rams 67-24.
MANUAL VS. PND – Peoria Notre Dame’s Zach Pribaz, right, and Luke Pribaz celebrate Zach’s touchdown against Manual in the second half of their high school football game Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 at Peoria Stadium. The Irish defeated the Rams 67-24.
MANUAL VS. PND – Manual cheerleaders perform some flips as the Rams battle Peoria Notre Dame on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025 at Peoria Stadium. The Irish defeated the Rams 67-24.
TRAINING CAMP – The Peoria Rivermen gather at center ice for a short break on the opening day of training camp Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 at the Peoria Civic Center.
TRAINING CAMP – Rivermen head coach Jean-Guy Trudel, in blue cap, directs his team on the opening day of training camp Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 at the Peoria Civic Center.
TRAINING CAMP – New Rivermen player Cole Goss listens intently to head coach Jean-Guy Trudel on the opening day of training camp Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 at the Peoria Civic Center.
TRAINING CAMP – Rivermen goaltender Jack Bostedt keeps his eyes on the puck as it flies towards him on the opening day of training camp Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025 at the Peoria Civic Center.
FOOD+WINE FESTIVAL – Guitar and violin duo Jacob Stanfield and Molly Kinzinger, also known as JaM Acoustic, welcome patrons at the entrance to the 10th annual Peoria Food + Wine Festival on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in Peoria Heights. About 850 people attended the event, a fundraiser for the OSF Children’s Hospital Maternal-Fetal Diagnostic Center.
FOOD+WINE FESTIVAL – Patrons gather to sample from the Destihl station during the 10th annual Peoria Food + Wine Festival on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in Peoria Heights. About 850 people attended the event, a fundraiser for the OSF Children’s Hospital Maternal-Fetal Diagnostic Center.
FOOD+WINE FESTIVAL – A large crowd gathered under a giant tent for the 10th annual Peoria Food + Wine Festival on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in Peoria Heights. About 850 people attended the event, a fundraiser for the OSF Children’s Hospital Maternal-Fetal Diagnostic Center.
FOOD+WINE FESTIVAL – Members of popular cover band Patrick n Swayze perform for the crowd during the 10th annual Peoria Food + Wine Festival on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in Peoria Heights. About 850 people attended the event, a fundraiser for the OSF Children’s Hospital Maternal-Fetal Diagnostic Center.
FOOD+WINE FESTIVAL – Samples of Wagyu Nigiri from the Carle Health station wait to be eaten at the 10th annual Peoria Food + Wine Festival on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in Peoria Heights. About 850 people attended the event, a fundraiser for the OSF Children’s Hospital Maternal-Fetal Diagnostic Center.
FOOD+WINE FESTIVAL – The shiny Clink Bar & Events truck fills up one corner of the tent at the 10th annual Peoria Food + Wine Festival on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in Peoria Heights. About 850 people attended the event, a fundraiser for the OSF Children’s Hospital Maternal-Fetal Diagnostic Center.
FOOD+WINE FESTIVAL – A large crowd gathered under a giant tent for the 10th annual Peoria Food + Wine Festival on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025 in Peoria Heights. About 850 people attended the event, a fundraiser for the OSF Children’s Hospital Maternal-Fetal Diagnostic Center.
PEORIA NOTRE DAME VS. BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington quarterback Keyontae Hamilton (4) tries to leap over Peoria Notre Dame’s Christian Johnson in the first half of their Week 7 high school football game Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 at Richwoods Stadium. The Irish defeated the Purple Raiders 53-19.
PEORIA NOTRE DAME VS. BLOOMINGTON – Peoria Notre Dame’s Christian Johnson (34) and the Irish celebrate tackle for loss against Bloomington in the first half of their Week 7 high school football game Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 at Richwoods Stadium. The Irish defeated the Purple Raiders 53-19.
PEORIA NOTRE DAME VS. BLOOMINGTON – Peoria Notre Dame’s Mitch Sager, left, and Jacob Khoury, right, take down Bloomington’s Cooper Childers in the first half of their Week 7 high school football game Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 at Richwoods Stadium. The Irish defeated the Purple Raiders 53-19.
PEORIA NOTRE DAME VS. BLOOMINGTON – Peoria Notre Dame running back Jamarahe Marizetts gets past the Bloomington defense in the first half of their Week 7 high school football game Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 at Richwoods Stadium. The Irish defeated the Purple Raiders 53-19.
PEORIA NOTRE DAME VS. BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington’s Jordan Norton (5) snags a long pass over Peoria Notre Dame’s Benjamin Lutz in the first half of their Week 7 high school football game Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 at Richwoods Stadium. The Irish defeated the Purple Raiders 53-19.
DUNLAP VS. WASHINGTON – Washington’s A.J. Jones celebrates as Dunlap turns over the ball on downs late in the fourth quarter of their Week 7 high school football game Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 in Dunlap. The Panthers defeated the Eagles 23-15.
DUNLAP VS. WASHINGTON – 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.
DUNLAP VS. WASHINGTON – Dunlap’s Mack Sutter, right, runs down Washington’s Will Freeman in the second half of their Week 7 high school football game Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 at Dunlap High School. The Panthers defeated the Eagles 23-15.
DUNLAP VS. WASHINGTON – Washington’s A.J. Jones (1), James Johnson (88) and Kamar Mack (28) try to bring down Dunlap’s Mack Sutter after a pass reception in the second half of their Week 7 high school football game Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 at Dunlap High School. The Panthers defeated the Eagles 23-15.
DUNLAP VS. WASHINGTON – The Dunlap Eaglettes dance squad performs during the halftime show of a Week 7 high school football game between the Eagles and Washington on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 at Dunlap High School. The Panthers defeated the Eagles 23-15.
DUNLAP VS. WASHINGTON – Washington fans in the student section raise their cellphones as the Panther defeat Dunlap 23-15 in a Week 7 high school football game Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 at Dunlap High School.
DUNLAP VS. WASHINGTON – The Washington Panthers celebrate their 23-15 victory over Mid-Illini foe Dunlap in a Week 7 high school football game Friday, Oct. 10, 2025 at Dunlap High School.
STATE GOLF – The Washington Panthers celebrate their second-place tophy during the second round of the Class 2A state golf finals Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025 at Weibring Golf Course in Normal.
STATE GOLF – Washington’s Gavin Schreurs chips from the grass on the side of the No. 18 fairway during the second round of the Class 2A state golf finals Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025 at Weibring Golf Course in Normal.
STATE GOLF – Washington’s Dom Yocum sinks a putt on No. 13 during the second round of the Class 2A state golf finals Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025 at Weibring Golf Course in Normal.
STATE GOLF – Washington’s Gavin Schreurs reacts to a narrow miss on a putt during the second round of the Class 2A state golf finals Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025 at Weibring Golf Course in Normal.
STATE GOLF – Dunlap’s Nolan Eccles sinks a putt for a birdie on #10 during the second round of the Class 2A state golf finals Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025 at Weibring Golf Course in Normal. Eccles took the championship with a two-round score of 5-under 137.
STATE GOLF – Dunlap’s Nolan Eccles tees off during the second round of the Class 2A state golf finals Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025 at Weibring Golf Course in Normal.
METAMORA VS. DUNLAP – Metamora goaltender Graham Monckton dives for a save against Dunlap in the first half of their high school soccer match Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025 in Metamora. The matched ended in a 1-1 tie.
METAMORA VS. DUNLAP – Metamora’s Ty Lucas, facing, and the Redbirds celebrate his goal against Dunlap in the second half of their high school soccer match Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025 in Metamora. The matched ended in a 1-1 tie.
METAMORA VS. DUNLAP – Dunlap’s Embry Miller kicks the ball against Metamora in the second half of their high school soccer match Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025 in Metamora. The matched ended in a 1-1 tie.
METAMORA VS. DUNLAP – Dunlap’s Ben Montano (5) heads the ball over Metamora’s Ben Sondgeroth in the second half of their high school soccer match Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025 in Metamora. The matched ended in a 1-1 tie.
AGATUCCI’S – The Agatucci family unveils the honorary street sign erected at University and Gift in honor of the beloved Italian restaurant’s 100th anniversary during a ceremony Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 at Agatucci’s, 2607 N. University Street in Peoria.
AGATUCCI’S – Julie Agatucci, left, hugs her mother-in-law Jeanne Agatucci, who’s holding a portrait of her late husband Jim, the third-generation owner of Agatucci’s restaurant, during an unveiling of an honorary street sign Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 marking the 100th anniversary of the popular Peoria pizzeria. Jim died in 2023 at the age of 86.
AGATUCCI’S – An honorary street sign atop the intersection of University and Gift marks the 100th anniversary of beloved Peoria pizzeria Agatucci’s, unveiled Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 during a special ceremony at the restaurant.
AGATUCCI’S – A large crowd listens to Peoria City Council members Alex Carmona during a ceremony Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025 honoring popular Peoria pizzeria Agatucci’s for the restaurant’s 100th anniversary.
EUREKA VS. TREMONT – The Eureka Hornets and Tremont Turks gather at the 50-yard line to pray together after their Week 8 high school football game Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 in Eureka. The Hornets defeated the Turks 10-7.
EUREKA VS. TREMONT – The Eureka defense brings down Tremont ballcarrier Elijah Bohm (20) in the second half of their Week 8 high school football game Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 in Eureka.
EUREKA VS. TREMONT – Eureka’s Will Wettstein prepares to run though the mist during player introductions before the start of a Week 8 high school football game against Tremon on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 in Eureka. The Hornets defeated the Turks 10-7.
EUREKA VS. TREMONT – Eureka’s Finn Hoffman (34) brings down Tremont’s Reese Hnilicka on a missed pass in the first half of their Week 8 high school football game Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 in Eureka. The Hornets defeated the Turks 10-7.
EUREKA VS. TREMONT – Eureka’s Brandon Trent, left, and Grant Hetz bump during players introductions before their Week 8 high school football game Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 in Eureka. The Hornets defeated the Tremont Turks 10-7.
EUREKA VS. TREMONT – A Eureka fan sports a ghillie suit with other camouflaged fans in the student section during a Week 8 high school football game Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 between Eureka and Tremont. The Hornets defeated the Turks 10-7.
EUREKA VS. TREMONT – Eureka defenders put a hard hit on Tremont’s Jordyn Balsimo in the second half of their Week 8 high school football game Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 in Eureka. The Hornets defeated the Turks 10-7.
EUREKA VS. TREMONT – The Eureka Hornets and Tremont Turks shake hands after their Week 8 high school football game Friday, Oct. 17, 2025 in Eureka. The Hornets defeated the Turks 10-7.
NO KINGS RALLY – Suzanne Test of Sunnyland sports a full Statue of Liberty costume while cheering for honking vehicles passing by during the “No Kings” protest Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 along War Memorial Drive at Peoria Stadium.
NO KINGS RALLY – A protester dressed as a character from “The Handmaid’s Tale” television series walk stoically along the sidewalk as protesters cheer for passing vehicles during the “No Kings” rally Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 along War Memorial Drive at Peoria Stadium. “The Handmaid’s Tale” is series based on a 1985 dystopian novel about a totalitarian America where fertile women are slaves to child-bearing.
NO KINGS RALLY – An American flag flies upside down as vehicles pass by during a “No Kings” rally Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 along War Memorial Drive at Peoria Stadium. The upside down flag is a sign of distress but has recently become a symbol of political protest.
NO KINGS RALLY – Hundreds of protesters, including Mason Lewis of Peoria, dressed as a hot dog, line War Memorial Drive for a “No Kings” rally Saturday, Oct, 18, 2025 near Peoria Stadium.
NO KINGS RALLY – Rosemary Gray of Bartonville sports an Abraham Lincoln costume she pulled together complete with a beard and bushy eyebrows as she joins hundreds of other protesters in a “No Kings” rally Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 along War Memorial Drive at Peoria Stadium.
NO KINGS RALLY – A protester brandishes a Kermit the Frog toy during a “No Kings” rally Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 along War Memorial Drive at Peoria Stadium.
SAY HER NAME – Tiara Standage, left, and Ken Pacha, middle, of the Springfield-based activist group Purple Coalition, and Carolyn Ruff, with the flag, of the Chicago-based Black Lives Matter Women of Faith, lead the chats during a protest outside the Peoria County Courthouse on the first day of the Sean Grayson trial in Downtown Peoria.
SAY HER NAME – 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.
SAY HER NAME – Julia Langhorn of Peoria shows her support for Sonya Massey as traffic passes on the first day of the Sean Grayson trial Monday, Oct. 20, 2025 in Downtown Peoria.
SAY HER NAME – Protesters gather on Main Street outside the Peoria County Courthouse for the first day of the Sean Grayson trial Monday, Oct. 20, 2025 in Downtown Peoria.
SAY HER NAME – A “No Justice No Peace” flag flies in the breeze during a protest on the first day of the Sean Grayson trial Monday, Oct. 20, 2025 outside the Peoria County Courthouse in Downtown Peoria.
SAY HER NAME – Police officers scan the area around the Peoria County Courthouse from a rooftop on the first day of the Sean Grayson trial Monday, Oct. 20, 2025 in Downtown Peoria.
SAY HER NAME – A protester wears a shirt bearing the mugshot of Sean Grayson, a former Sangamon County deputy accused of shooting Sonya Massey to death in her home last year, on the first day of his trial Monday, Oct. 20, 2025 outside the Peoria County Courthouse in Downtown Peoria.
SAY HER NAME – Jakayla Carter, 10, of Peoria joins in the protest during the Sean Grayson trial Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 outside the Peoria County Courthouse in Downtown Peoria.
SAY HER NAME –
SAY HER NAME – Spanky Edwards of Peoria, a minister with New Life Christian Church and board member of the NEXTGEN Alumni Leadership Council, speaks with emotion during a protest during the Sean Grayson trial Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 outside the Peoria County Courthouse in Downtown Peoria.
SAY HER NAME – Protesters gather outside the Peoria County Courthouse for a rally on the third day of the Sean Grayson trial Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 in Downtown Peoria.
BRADLEY VS ST. LOUIS – Bradley’s Corey Thomas dances to the hype video before player introductions at the Braves prepare to face St. Louis in an exhibition game Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 at Carver Arena.
BRADLEY VS ST. LOUIS – Bradley’s AJ Smith knocks the ball away from St. Louis’ Quentin Jones during their exhibition game Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 at Carver Arena.
BRADLEY VS ST. LOUIS – Bradley’s Alex Huibregtse and St. Louis’ Paul Otieno scramble for a loose ball during their exhibition game Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 at Carver Arena.
BRADLEY VS ST. LOUIS – Bradley head coach Brian Wardle contemplates the action as the Braves battle St. Louis in an exhibition game Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 at Carver Arena.
BRADLEY VS ST. LOUIS – Bradley’s AJ Smith (21) and Demarion Burch, second from left, battle St. Louis’ Brady Dunlap (11) and Paul Otieno leap for a rebound during their exhibition game Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 at Carver Arena.
BRADLEY VS ST. LOUIS – Bradley’s AJ Smith (21) encourages teammate Demarion Burch as the Braves battle St. Louis in an exhibition game Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 at Carver Arena.
BRADLEY VS ST. LOUIS – A very young Bradley fan gets a selfie as the Braves battle St. Louis in an exhibition game Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 at Carver Arena.
FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS – Pekin’s Travion House and the Dragons celebrate his touchdown against East Peoria in the second half of their Week 9 high school football game Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 in Pekin. The Dragons defeated the Raiders 35-14.
FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS – East Peoria running back RJ Jackson tramples over the Pekin defense in the second half of their Week 9 high school football game Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 in Pekin. The Dragons defeated the Raiders 35-14.
The Pekin marching band color guard carries some colorful props onto the field for their halftime show a Week 9 high school football game between Pekin and East Peoria on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 in Pekin. The Dragons defeated the Raiders 35-14.
FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS – Pekin’s Jayden Dawe, left, breaks up a pass in the endzone intended for East Peoria’s Logan Miller late in the second half of their Week 9 high school football game Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 in Pekin. The Dragons defeated the Raiders 35-14.
FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS – East Peoria fans sport camouflage as they cheer on the Raiders in the second half of their Week 9 high school football game against Pekin on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 in Pekin. The Dragons defeated the Raiders 35-14.
REGIONAL SOCCER – The Washington Panthers celebrate their 1-0 win over Morton for the Class 2A soccer regional championship Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 at McClallen Park in Morton.
REGIONAL SOCCER – Morton’s Uan Chatwell (6) tangles with Washington’s Colin Earle (4) and Isaak Roley for a header in the first half of the Class 2A soccer regional title game Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 at McClallen Park in Morton. The Panthers defeated the Potters 1-0.
REGIONAL SOCCER – Washington’s Hudson Scrivner, left, puts a shot on goal past Morton’s Parker Griffin in the first half of the Class 2A soccer regional title game Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 at McClallen Park in Morton. The Panthers defeated the Potters 1-0.
REGIONAL SOCCER – Morton goaltender Levi Sander (1) grabs the ball on a corner kick in the first half of the Class 2A soccer regional title game Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 at McClallen Park in Morton. The Panthers defeated the Potters 1-0.
REGIONAL SOCCER – Morton’s Joseph Anders (10) and Washington’s Isaac Reetz collide on a header in the second half of the Class 2A soccer regional title game Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 at McClallen Park in Morton. The Panthers defeated the Potters 1-0.
REGIONAL SOCCER – Morton’s Dayne Klopfenstein, right, heads the ball over Washington’s John Clift in the first half of the Class 2A soccer regional title game Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 at McClallen Park in Morton. The Panthers defeated the Potters 1-0.
REGIONAL SOCCER – Washington’s Hudson Scrivner celebrates as time runs out on the Panthers’ 1-0 victory over Morton in the Class 2A soccer regional title game Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 at McClallen Park in Morton.
FALL COLORS – A car passes under a canopy of bright golden foliage on Grandview Drive in Peoria.
FALL COLORS – A dazzling display of reddish-orange leaves fill a tree along Grandview Drive in Peoria.
FALL COLORS – The crimson red of sugar maple leaves stand out against a green leafy background along Grandview Drive in Peoria.
FALL COLORS – Brightly-colored fall foliage stands out against the concrete and glass of the Caterpillar Inc. Administration Building in Downtown Peoria.
FALL COLORS – Deep yellow leaves hang from a tree in Pekin.
FALL COLORS – A canvas of bright reddish-yellow leaves hang from a tree in Tazewell County.
GRAYSON TRIAL PROTESTS – Springfield activist Kala McGuire, foreground at right, and Kara Chesley of West Peoria try to get drivers to honk their horns Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 in support of Sonya Massey as the jury deliberates in the trial of her accused murderer Sean Grayson outside the Peoria County Courthouse in Downtown Peoria.
GRAYSON TRIAL PROTESTS – Carolyn Ruff of the Chicago-based Black Lives Matter Women of Faith flies the Pan-African flag as she joins other protesters for a rally Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 during the Sean Grayson murder trial Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 outside the Peoria County courthouse in Downtown Peoria.
GRAYSON TRIAL PROTESTS – Kara Chesley of West Peoria shows some emotion as she joins protesters outside the Peoria County Courthouse during the Sean Grayson murder trial Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 in Downtown Peoria.
GRAYSON TRIAL PROTESTS – Television crews set up across the street from the Peoria County Courthouse as jurors deliberate in the Sean Grayson murder trial Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2025 in Downtown Peoria.
GRAYSON VERDICT – Protesters get emotional after the verdict announcement in the Sean Grayson trial Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 outside the Peoria County Courthouse in Downtown Peoria. The former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy was convicted of second-degree murder for the shooting death of Sonya Massey, 36, on July 6, 2024 in her home near Springfield.
GRAYSON VERDICT – Peoria-based activist and organizer Chama St. Louis breaks down in tears after the announcement of a verdict in the Sean Grayson trial Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 outside the Peoria County Courthouse in Downtown Peoria. The former Sangamon County deputy was convicted of second-degree murder for the July 2024 shooting death of Sonya Massey, 26, near Springfield. St. Louis organized and led a group of protesters during the eight-day trial, hoping for a first-degree murder conviction.
GRAYSON VERDICT – A fellow protester comforts Tiara Standage of the Springfield-based activist group Purple Coalition after the second-degree murder conviction of former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy Sean Grayson on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 in Downtown Peoria. Standage and about two dozen protests held daily rallies outside the Peoria Country Courthouse in Downtown Peoria.
GRAYSON VERDICT – The family of murder victim Sonya Massey, including her mother Donna, in purple coat, cousin Sontae Massey, in white pants, and father James Wilburn, in purple suit, leave the Peoria County Courthouse for a press conference after the verdict in the trial of her killer Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 in Downtown Peoria. Massey was shot to death by former Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson last July. He was convicted for second-degree murder.
GRAYSON VERDICT – Teresa Haley of civil rights attorney Ben Crump’s office expresses some defiance during a press conference outside the Peoria County Courthouse following the verdict in the Sean Grayson murder trial Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 in Downtown Peoria. The former Sangamon County deputy was convicted of second-degree murder in the shooting death of Sonya Massey last July near Springfield. The family had hoped for a first-degree murder conviction.
GRAYSON VERDICT – Sonya Massey’s mother Donna Massey, in purple coat, tries to hold back her tears as Sonya’s father James Wilburn speaks during a press conference following the verdict in the Sean Grayson trial Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 outside the Peoria Country Courthouse in Downtown Peoria. The former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy was convicted of second-degree murder in the July 6, 2024 shooting death of Sonya Massey at her home near Springfield.
HALLOWEEN CASTLE – The annual Soderstrom Castle Halloween display opened Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 on Grandview Drive in Peoria. The show continues from 6-8 p.m. Thursday and Halloween night starting at 5 p.m. with a special appearance from the Peoria Players.
HALLOWEEN CASTLE – One of a pair of dragons is bathed in green light as it guards the entrance to the Soderstrom Castle Halloween light show Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 on Grandview Drive in Peoria. The show continues from 6-8 p.m. Thursday and Halloween night starting at 5 p.m. with a special appearance from the Peoria Players.
HALLOWEEN CASTLE – A group of kids and their parents enjoy the annual Soderstrom Castle Halloween display Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 on Grandview Drive in Peoria. The show continues from 6-8 p.m. Thursday and Halloween night starting at 5 p.m. with a special appearance from the Peoria Players.
HALLOWEEN CASTLE – Spectators enjoy the light show, music and spooky decorations at the annual Soderstrom Castle Halloween display Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 on Grandview Drive in Peoria. The show continues from 6-8 p.m. Thursday and Halloween night starting at 5 p.m.
REGIONAL VOLLEYBALL – 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.
REGIONAL VOLLEYBALL – The Eureka Hornets celebrate their two-set victory over El Paso-Gridley in the Class 2A volleyball regional.Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at Washington Community High School. The Hornets defeated the Titans in straight sets.
REGIONAL VOLLEYBALL – Eureka’s Anika Schrock spikes the ball between El Paso-Gridley defenders on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at Washington Community High School. The Hornets defeated the Titans in straight sets.
REGIONAL VOLLEYBALL – Eureka’s Leah Stears dives for a dig against El Paso-Gridley in the second set of the Class 2A regional volleyball title match Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at Washington Community High School. The Hornets defeated the Titans in straight sets.
REGIONAL VOLLEYBALL – Eureka fans join the team on the gym floor to celebrate the Hornets victory over El Paso-Gridley in the Class 2A volleyball regional title match Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at Washington Community High School. The Hornets defeated the Titans in straight sets.
REGIONAL VOLLEYBALL – Eureka head coach Lena Dohner holds the team’s Class 2A volleyball reigional championship Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at Washington Community High School. The Hornets defeated the Titans in straight sets.
REGIONAL VOLLEYBALL – The Washington Panthers and their fans celebrate their victory over Limestone in the Class 3A volleyball regional title match Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at Washington Community High School. The Panthers upset the Rockets in straight sets 25-23, 25-23 to advance to the sectional semifinals.
REGIONAL VOLLEYBALL – Washington’s Carly Dawson spikes the ball hard against Limestone in the second set of their Class 3A volleyball regional title match Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at Washington Community High School. The Panthers upset the Rockets in straight sets 25-23, 25-23.
REGIONAL VOLLEYBALL – Limestone’s Brylee Sprout (23) tries to stop a spike from Washington’s Carly Dawson in the first set of their Class 3A volleyball regional title match Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at Washington Community High School. The Panthers upset the Rockets in straight sets 25-23, 25-23.
REGIONAL VOLLEYBALL – Limestone’s Khloe Stear bumps the ball in the first set during their Class 3A volleyball regional title match against Washington on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at Washington Community High School. The Panthers upset the Rockets in straight sets 25-23, 25-23.
REGIONAL VOLLEYBALL – Washington fans cheer for the Panthers during the Class 3A volleyball regional title match Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at Washington Community High School. The Panthers upset the Rockets in straight sets 25-23, 25-23.
REGIONAL VOLLEYBALL – Washington’s Josie O’Brien spikes the ball past Limestone’s Mia Lamberti in the first set of their Class 3A volleyball regional title match Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at Washington Community High School. The Panthers upset the Rockets in straight sets 25-23, 25-23.
REGIONAL VOLLEYBALL – Limestone’s Coco Lamberti gets low for a dig on a Washington serve in the second set of the Class 3A volleyball regional title match Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at Washington Community High School. The Panthers upset the Rockets in straight sets 25-23, 25-23.
REGIONAL VOLLEYBALL – Limestone head volleyball coach Shelley Stoner and the fan section watch as the Rockets battle Washington in the Class 3A volleyball regiohal title match Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at Washington Community High School. The Panthers upset the Rockets in straight sets 25-23, 25-23.
REGIONAL VOLLEYBALL – The Washington Panthers celebrate their victory over Limestone in the Class 3A volleyball regional title match Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at Washington Community High School. The Panthers upset the Rockets in straight sets 25-23, 25-23.
WARRIOR WAY – Culinary arts student Camrin Whitfield puts the finishing touches on a bowl of roasted pumpkin soup during the Warrior Way Café lunch Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at the Woodruff Career and Technical Center in Peoria. The culinary arts class kicked off their lunch series with a Halloween theme. The next lunch is November 6.
WARRIOR WAY – Teaching assistant and chef Kevin Roecker, middle, demonstrates decorating a “Bloody Mummy Cupcake” to student Keagan George, right, as fellow student Ozias Hartnett fills the cupcakes during the Warrior Way Café lunch Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at the Woodruff Career and Technical Center in Peoria. The culinary arts class kicked off their lunch series with a Halloween theme. The next lunch is November 6.
WARRIOR WAY – Plates of “Chicken and Maggots” – chicken and vegetables in a creamy veloute sauce served over orzo pasta – wait to be served during the Warrior Way Café lunch Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at the Woodruff Career and Technical Center in Peoria. The culinary arts class kicked off their lunch series with a Halloween theme. The next lunch is November 6.
WARRIOR WAY – Culinary arts student Ava Simms takes orders from patrons during the Warrior Way Café lunch Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025 at the Woodruff Career and Technical Center in Peoria. The culinary arts class kicked off their lunch series with a Halloween theme. The next lunch is November 6.
FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS – The Dunlap Eagles take the field to face Pekin in their Class 6A high school football playoff game Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 in Dunlap. The Eagles advanced to the second round with a 42-14 victory.
FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS – Pekin’s Bray Kormah (1) tries to intercept a pass to Dunlap’s Jackson Steffen (8) as teammate Noah Perfetti moves in to help in the first half of their Class 6A playoff game Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 in Dunlap. The pass fell incomplete. The Eagles advanced to the second round with a 42-21 victory.
FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS – Pekin’s Logan McCann (21) tries to strip the ball from Dunlap running back Jayden Schmick in the second half of their Class 6A high school football playoff game Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 in Dunlap. The Eagles advanced to the second round with a 42-14 victory.
FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS – Pekin’s Bray Kormah (1) can’t hold on to a pass under pressure from Dunlap’s Kaden Wooden in the second half of their Class 6A high school football playoff game Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 in Dunlap. The Eagles advanced to the second round with a 42-21 victory.
FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS – The Pekin Dragons show some dejection as their season ends with a 42-21 loss to Dunlap in their first-round Class 6A high school football playoff game Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 in Dunlap.
FOOTBALL PLAYOFFS – Dunlap fans dance with the players on the field after the Eagles defeated Pekin 42-21 in the first round of the Class 6A high school football playoffs Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 in Dunlap.
