Ash Wednesday Mass was held on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, at the Queen of the Holy Rosary Church in La Salle. Ash Wednesday starts the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of penance and fasting leading up to Easter.

St. Bede defeated Princeton 45-34 during the Class 2A Regional semifinals on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 at St. Bede Academy. The Lady Bruins will play Rock Island Alleman for the Regional title on Thursday at 6:30p.m.

Kaneland defeated Ottawa 70-43 on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026 in Kingman Gymnasium at Ottawa High School. Check out photos from the game by Tom Sistak.

Rev. Jesse Jackson spoke in Peru on Oct. 26, 2021, seeking answers in the death of Jelani Day. Jackson, the Baptist minister and two-time presidential candidate, helped propel the civil rights movement in the decades following the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He died Tuesday at the age of 84.

Fat Tuesday was celebrated in the Illinois Valley with Spring Valley Bakery and Bobaluk's selling paczkis. Paczki’s are rich, deep-fried Polish doughnuts traditionally filled with fruit preserves like plum or rose hip jam, and topped with powdered sugar or glaze. The pastries date back to the 1700's when bakers in Poland would use up their sugars, jellies and other items for the treats prior to Lent.

Ottawa defeated Plano 43-21 during the Class 3A semifinal game on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026 in Sellett Gymnasium at L-P High School. The Lady Pirates will play Sterling in the Regional title game on Thursday. Check out photos from the game by Kyle Russell.

Residents gathered at Washington Square Park in Ottawa on Feb. 15, 2026, for the "Pretti good time for a Protest," an event that drew participants of all ages to voice their concerns and demonstrate for causes important to their community. The gathering featured signs, speeches and peaceful advocacy as attendees exercised their right to assembly and free expression.

Ottawa defeated Streator 64-51 on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 in Kingman Gymnasium at Ottawa High School. Check out photos from the game by Tom Sistak.

Kids were mesmerized by the Model Train and Toy Show on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 at the Bureau County Fairgrounds in Princeton. Model trains, toys, and other merchandise were available to purchase and view.