Good morning, Joliet.

The village of Manhattan reversed its decision to cancel the annual parade after strong local feedback and will hold the event to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. on July 4 at Anna McDonald Elementary School.

JJC is seeking volunteers for its Repair Cafe at Romeoville campus, where attendees fix broken items to lessen landfill waste; registration is open until Saturday, Apr.

11 and the event runs Saturday, Apr. 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1125 W. 135th St.

Joliet residents can experience Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience today at Rialto Square Theatre at 6:30 p.m. as master dog trainers showcase their act, and Saturday at 6 p.m., the city’s inaugural Poet Laureate Uxmar Torres will host the National Poetry Month Open Mic at Billie Limacher Centennial Park Indoor Theatre.

Joliet City Council approved a 50% tax abatement on increased property taxes for Hyundai Translead’s new factory on Youngs Road, which will bring nearly 2,500 manufacturing jobs to the area.

The company will operate at two sites—one within city limits and another at Channahon Road—and begin operations later this year.

Michael Jackson tribute artist Jalles Franca will perform his show at Rialto Square Theatre downtown on Saturday, April 25.

Tickets start at $39, and Franca +a star on the Las Vegas Walk of Fame+ promises to deliver signature moves in a lively tribute performance.

Lawmakers met in Springfield Wednesday to debate limits on data centers under the proposed Illinois POWER Act; officials, union representatives, and mayors discussed impacts on energy, water use, jobs, and taxes+ additional hearings on energy and water use are set for April 15 and April 22.

After winning 6-3 at Schweickert Stadium, the Hall Red Devils and St. Bede Bruins raised funds for senior Jax LaVelle battling cancer.

Both teams organized fundraisers and secured a matching donation to support his family.

Several local schools preview their girls track and field season with returning stars and new talent from Coal City, Dwight, and Joliet Catholic.

Coaches said teams will compete in upcoming meets, aiming to qualify for state and break school records.

St. Rita Mustangs' Brandon Johnson Jr. and Jack Schapendonk are set to lead the football team in 2026 after their strong state finals run last fall + Johnson recovered from a knee injury while Schapendonk recorded 104 tackles, positioning both for bigger roles this season.

Wednesday's high school baseball saw Dwight edge Gardner-South Wilmington by 7 to 3 while track contests had Joliet West finishing second at Oswego East and Ottawa winning 5 to 1 against Morris in girls soccer.

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.