More than 110 walkers from 18 teams braved the cold on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, in downtown Ottawa to participate in the "Coldest Night of the Year" mile-long walk at Jordan Block Park. The community fundraising event brought together participants of all ages who bundled up against winter weather to support the cause. Walkers made their way through the downtown area, demonstrating community solidarity and commitment to making a difference.

Marquette defeated St. Bede to win the Class 1A Regional title on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 at Serena High School. Check out photos from the game by MaKade Rios.

Woodland defeated Newark 57-38 to win the Class 1A Regional title game on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 at Woodland High School. This is the first time since 1989 that Woodland has won a Regional title. Check out photos from the game by Tom Sistak.

L-P wins its third consecutive regional title with a 57-53 victory over Ottawa on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 in Sellett Gymnasium at L-P High School.

L-P and Ottawa boys basketball teams met in the Regional title on Friday, Feb. 28, 1986 at La Salle-Peru Township High School. The Cavaliers won 74-66. Including that 1986 contest, the two programs have met 25 times in the postseason. Of those meetings, seven have come in regional finals, five in sectional games and two in sectional championship contests. Friday's matchup will be the 26th postseason meeting between the two squads. Check out photos from the 1986 game found in the La Salle NewsTribune archives and procured by photo editor Scott Anderson.

Ottawa defeated Streator 68-36 during the Class 3A Regional semifinal game on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 in Sellett Gymnasium at La Salle-Peru Township High School. The Pirates will play the Cavaliers for the Regional title on Friday at 7p.m.

Students from JFK School, Putnam County Junior High, La Salle-Peru Township High School, LaMoille School, Ottawa High School and DePue, attended the 20th annual Edible Car Contest on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby. IVCC's Edible Car Contest always coincides with National Engineering Week.

Rockford Christian played Marquette in the Class 1A Sectional semifinals on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026 at Indian Creek High School.

Dwight defeated Marquette 70-65 on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026 at Marseilles Elementary School. Check out photos from the game by MaKade Rios.