Good morning, Joliet.

More than 100 people from 34 countries took the oath of allegiance on Thursday in Joliet—longtime immigrants like Alphonso Dormun from Liberia, a Mexican couple, and a Ukrainian family became official U.S. citizens.

The ceremony was held outside a federal courthouse in Chicago’s 14th District and marked the second naturalization event in that area.

Joliet residents are gathering today at Word of Life Church in Crest Hill for the funeral of Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr.—a 25-year-old soldier killed in a training accident in Lithuania who left behind a wife and a one-year-old son.

The funeral procession begins at 9 a.m. as flags remain at half-staff statewide.

A 56-year-old man was struck by a westbound Kia Forte while crossing the 500 block of Cass Street near Youngs Avenue in Joliet at 7:46 p.m. Wednesday night—he is now in critical but stable condition at St. Joseph Medical Center as investigators process the scene.

Leonard Young, a 54-year-old man from Joliet Township, was found dead after a house fire on Pontiac Street on Wednesday; firefighters extinguished the blaze before discovering his body and an autopsy will determine his cause of death+ no other injuries were reported.

A Homer Glen man, 41-year-old Matthew Judy, was charged with disorderly conduct after he posted a Facebook comment on Nov.

30, 2024, threatening an active shooter at Lockport Township High School District 205—Will County Judge Donald DeWilkins signed a warrant on April 15 while investigators reviewed a Dec. 10 series of emails with further allegations.

Joliet city staff asked the zoning board to postpone today’s vote on the Joliet Catholic Academy stadium until June 19 so that neighborhood residents can be consulted and the site plan revised—JCA representatives said they would not attend the meeting that starts at 2 p.m.

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois held a naturalization ceremony at Rialto Square Theater in Joliet on April 17—honoring 105 new citizens from 34 countries.

The ceremony marked their official swearing-in—fulfilling a milestone in their journey to citizenship.

Easter Brunch Celebration

10 AM – 2 PM — Renaissance Center — Adults $70 | Children 4-12 $20 — Indulge in a gourmet Easter brunch featuring delightful breakfast and lunch specialties.

Soulja Boy Live in Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Forge — Tickets available — Enjoy an electrifying night with the iconic rapper Soulja Boy.

Emo Night DJ Party

7:30-10 p.m. — The Forge — $10-$25 — Get ready to groove to your favorite emo classics at this electrifying DJ party.

We Can Be Heroes Performance

2:30 p.m. — Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park — $5 — Experience an original radio-style storytelling and poetry showcase exploring heroism by local writers.

Colors of Sound: The Palette of Renewal

4-8 p.m. — Suite One — Free entry — Unleash your creativity while embracing sobriety through art and soundscapes.

Rival Sons Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — Tickets starting at $45 — Experience an electrifying live performance from the acclaimed rock band Rival Sons.

2025 Illinois Route 66 Red Carpet Corridor Festival

7 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Joliet Area Historical Museum — Free entry — Discover family fun along the historic Route 66 with local events, food, and unique experiences.

CoComelon: Sing-A-Long LIVE

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Rialto Square Theatre — Tickets from $35 — Experience a musical adventure with JJ and friends as families sing and dance to beloved CoComelon songs.

FEUD TRIVIA BATTLE ROYALE

6-8 p.m. — McBride's Pub & Grille — Free to play — Engage in a thrilling Family Feud-style trivia competition for exciting prizes and a hefty jackpot.

#IMOMSOHARD Comedy Show

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — Tickets available from $49 — Experience a night of laughter with the IMomSoHard comedy show.