Good morning, Joliet.

Southern California-based Yachtley Crew will perform Friday, May 8 at Hollywood Casino Joliet — promising smooth yacht rock hits and nautical flair.

Vice president Ruben Warren said the show is set to deliver a fun, feel-good night for local fans.

HBO began filming the pilot of 'American Blue,' a new police show that follows a fictional former resident returning to work with the Joliet Police on Monday, Apr.

27 at the 500+ block of North Bluff Street.

Northern Illinois venues are hosting a variety of Mother’s Day brunches on Sunday, May 10—ranging from outdoor dining in Geneva to elegant menus at the Renaissance Center in Joliet offering breakfast classics and lunch buffets.

Data from the U.S. Department of Education and National Bureau of Economic Research shows teacher attendance influences student success, with high turnover linked to lower performance.

A new interactive graphic using Illinois State Board of Education data lets local readers compare teacher absences + turnover.

Pets of the Week include Chance, Bobby, Scout, Venus, Pretzel and Peanut, who are now available for adoption from Will County shelters and rescue groups.

Adopters should email or visit shelter websites (NAWS, Will County Humane Society, or The Kitty Squad) for details.

Providence Catholic sophomore Justus Heeg earned the 2026 Herald-News Boys Wrestler of the Year award after a 50-1 season and his third state championship win in the Class 2A 157-pound division (his technical fall victories impressed coach Donny Reynolds).

Joliet Slammers will open their season Friday, May 8 against the Washington Wild Things — ticket holders will be eligible for opening night giveaways including replica jerseys for the first 1,000 fans and bobblehead nights scheduled later this season.

Former CCL/ESCC football players received NFL rookie minicamp invitations and free agent contracts after the draft weekend; Loyola's Josh Kreutz joined the Bears, Providence's Jameson Geers signed with the Cardinals, St. Francis's Tyler Duzansky joined the Raiders, and Mount Carmel's Kenenna Odeluga was invited to a minicamp with the Colts.

Riverside Healthcare donated over $12,000 to 18 high schools in nearby counties to reward athletic success last fall — schools earned bonuses for football touchdowns, volleyball wins and soccer goals, with Wilmington High School receiving $1,330.

Chicago Lithuanian Opera's 70th Anniversary Production

3-6 p.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — Tickets from $84 — Experience a charming performance of Friedrich von Flotow’s romantic comic opera Martha with a celebration of Lithuanian culture.

NHRA Route 66 Nationals

3:30-7:30 a.m. — Route 66 Raceway — Tickets starting at $114 — Experience the thrills of drag racing at this must-see motorsport event.

South Side Exiles Rooftop Concert

7-10 p.m. — Joliet Area Historical Museum — $16 General Public, $14 Museum Members — Enjoy classic rock tunes from the South Side Exiles on the rooftop.

World of Food Trucks

11 AM – 3 PM — Gregory B. Bott Community Park — Free entry — Sample global cuisines from Chicagoland's favorite food trucks in a family-friendly festival.