Volunteers work to clear debris along Sunbury Drive on Monday, June 15, 2026, following the tornado that struck Streator. The twister caused wreckage throughout the northeast side of the city, including damage to aircraft at Rothrock Airport and a caboose that was overturned on its tracks along Airport Road.
Thousands of people filled downtown Ottawa on Saturday for the Family Pride Festival's fifth annual parade and celebration. Organizers estimated attendance at roughly 22,500 people, a significant increase from previous years. The festival featured rainbow flags, vendor booths, and activities throughout the day, drawing attendees from across the Illinois Valley and beyond.
Marquette defeated Freeburg 4-1 in the IHSA Class 2A State third-place game on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the University of Illinois in Champaign.
Marquette fell 6-1 to St. Joseph-Ogden in the IHSA Class 2A State semifinals on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the University of Illinois in Champaign.
Extreme damage from the tornado was located in the areas of Sunbury Drive, Saragota Lane, Airport Road, and Aquaduct Road on Friday, June 12, 2026 in Streator.
A multi-vortex tornado struck the City of Streator on Thursday, June 11, 2026. The tornado struck just before 6 p.m. The heaviest damage occurred on the east side of the city.
Audrey Carver of Minneapolis is painting a large 56x25-foot Audubon Mural Project on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 on the side of Jens Jungle store located at 707 Jefferson Street in Mendota. The drawing depicts threatened bird species and illustrates the ecology of Lake Kakusha’s habitats, capturing the diversity and interconnectedness of Illinois ecosystems. The city of Mendota will hold Painted Wings and Wild Things: A Celebration of Art, Nature & Place on Sunday, June 14 to unveil the mural. A second mural will begin this week on Illinois Avenue.
Marquette defeated Brimfield 9-6 on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at Schweickert Stadium in Peru. The Crusaders advance to the State tournament for the third consecutive season.
Marquette pulled away from Wilmington for an 11-2 victory in the IHSA Class 2A Herscher Sectional championship on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
Seneca and Carterville clash for the 2A softball title Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Peoria. Carterville took the win 3-1 in a tight game.
Seventeen awards were handed out to teams and individuals during the 2026 Shaw Media Illinois Valley Sports Hall of Fame on Thursday, June 4, 2026 at the Auditorium Ballroom in La Salle.
The 2026 planting season is wrapping up across the Illinois Valley.
Seneca and IC Catholic play a thrilling game in the 2A softball state semifinal Thursday in Peoria. Seneca took the win 8-6 and will advance to the finals on Saturday.
Putnam County defeated Newark 11-1 on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at Putnam County High School. The Panthers will take on Fulton on Saturday at 11a.m. for the Sectional title.
The Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp hosted their Little League Night on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 in Schweickert Stadium at Veterans Park in Peru. Check out photos from the event by MaKade Rios.
Seneca defeated Brimfield 3-0 in the Class 2A Supersectional on Monday, June 1, 2026 at Eastside Centre in East Peoria. The Lady Irish will play IC Catholic in the Class 2A semifinals on Thursday at 2:30p.m at the Louisville Slugger Complex in Peoria.
Buffalo Bill's Best of the Wild West Show on Sunday, May 31, 2026 downtown Uitca. The entertainment was in honor of Wild Bill Hickok, a folk hero of the American West who was born in Troy Grove. Hickok is known as La Salle County's native son. This year marks the 150th anniversary of his death.
Here are Scott Anderson's photos from the IHSA boys track and field state championships from Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.