Good morning, Joliet.

The U.S. Small Business Administration approved a disaster declaration for six counties after August 2025 storms, allowing affected homeowners, renters, businesses & nonprofits to apply for low-interest loans to cover uninsured damages.

Applicants can schedule appointments online.

Chris Perondi and Suhey Perondi will present their Stunt Dog Experience featuring rescued dogs performing high-energy stunts + dancing acts at Rialto Square Theatre downtown on Thursday, April 9.

Tickets start at $25 while the show promotes pet adoption and celebrates animal rescue.

Will County Forest Preserve District schedules multiple Earth Month events in early April; offerings include a recycling exhibit at Plum Creek, clean-up at Hidden Oaks, spring break nature lessons at Plum Creek and a moonlit dog walk at Plum Valley.

Registration is available online at reconnectwithnature.org.

Joliet’s Sen. Rachel Ventura and fellow lawmakers are proposing the Plug-In Illinois Act to allow renters and condo owners to use safe plug-in solar systems.

The bill — aimed at lowering electricity bills and reducing carbon emissions — may expand clean energy access statewide.

Emma Best led Minooka to a 12-2 win over Lincoln-Way Central by pitching six innings and hitting a three-run homer, while her teammates added five homers and Lincoln-Way lost starting shortstop Ellie McLaughlin to injury.

Montini baseball earned a 5-4 win at Joliet Catholic as Nick Kois struck out to end the game with the tying run at third in the top of the seventh, fueling their three-run rally.

The game took place Friday as Montini climbed to a 3-2 record for the season.

Lockport senior Claudia Heeney was named the 2026 Herald-News Girls Wrestler of the Year after beating Sharon Olorunfemi by fall (2:34) in a season that saw her go 42-3; she will wrestle for Menlo College while crediting her supportive teammates.

The 2026 Herald-News Girls Wrestling All-Area Team has been unveiled to honor top local performers from Lockport, Lincoln-Way, Dwight and Plainfield South.

The list features state champions and record-setting athletes (with impressive win totals) who marked a milestone season in girls wrestling.

Glenn Hughes Concert

6-9 p.m. — The Forge — Ticket prices vary — Experience the iconic 'Voice of Rock' live in a premier music venue.

Men’s Baseball Game vs Joliet Junior College

3-5 p.m. — Joliet Junior College — Free entry — Catch the Bulldogs in action as they take on Joliet Junior College with the first pitch at 3 p.m.

Forever K-Pop: A Celebration Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — Tickets start at $39 — Experience an electrifying tribute to the global K-pop phenomenon with high-energy performances and visual spectacle.

Shining Star - Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute

8-11 p.m. — Hollywood Casino Joliet — Tickets required — Groove to the iconic hits of Earth, Wind, and Fire in a night of nostalgia and energetic music.