Teams and individuals from Morris, Ottawa, and Princeton all competed in the Class 1A boys tennis Sectional meet on Friday, May 22, 2026 at the La Salle-Peru Township High School Athletic Complex in La Salle.

Representatives from descendant Tribal Nations gathered with the University of Illinois and the Prairie Research Institute to share knowledge and explore conservation efforts tied to the Illinois River region on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at the Starved Rock Marina. Programs featured discussions from malacologists, wildlife biologists, archaeologists, botanists and plant ecologists focusing on freshwater mussels, local ecology and non-invasive research methods that help preserve Illinois natural and cultural history. Programs were held at the Starved Rock Marina and Halfway House along Dee Bennett Road. Freshwater mussels have long been important to many Tribal Nations as sources of food, tools, and materials. They also play a key ecological role as indicators of water quality and overall ecosystem health.

Second Story Teen Center held a kite flying contest on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at City County Park in Princeton. The event featured over 2 dozen kites, hot dogs, games and more.

Several area teams took part in the Class 2A Rochelle Boys Track Sectional Wednesday including Byron, Dixon, Kaneland, Mendota, Plano, Rochelle, Rock Falls, Sandwich, Sterling and Sycamore, here are photos of the running events at the meet.

Ellie Longeville, a freshman at Princeton High School, won the "Green 13" national leadership award presented by Lead 'Em Up on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at Princeton High School. Lead ‘Em Up is a partner with Chick-fil-A, honoring 13 student-athletes across the country for their outstanding character, leadership, and representation of team values. Longeville, a PHS softball player, was chosen from over 50,000 individuals nominated to receive the award. Longeville received a Lead ‘Em Up swag pack, national recognition, and free Chick-fil-A for a year. This is the first year for the Princeton High School Lead 'Em Up program. The program was founded by Adam Bradley in 2015 and focuses on training young people to elevate their confidence, communication, and accountability.

Lasalle-Peru beats Sterling 4-1 Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in the Sterling Class 3A softball regional semifinal.

St. Bede Academy held their Class of 2026 Commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 17, 2026 in the St. Bede Abbey Church.

The Hall High School Class of 2026 held its annual commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 17, 2026 in Red Devil Gymnasium.

The Putnam County High School Class of 2026 held its sixtieth annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 16, 2026 in R.M. Germano Gymnasium at Putnam County High School.