Good morning, Joliet.

Joliet food banks are preparing for an influx of visitors starting Friday as new SNAP rules require beneficiaries to work or volunteer 20 hours weekly.

The changes are projected to affect tens of thousands, with families and volunteers facing tighter program requirements.

Hollywood Casino Joliet will host a series of live performances this summer & fall with acts including Margaret Cho, Deon Cole & Hairball.

The event begins May 2 with The Purple Experience and runs through November 21 to entertain guests of all ages.

Providence Catholic High School’s math team finished ninth in the state finals after winning its eighth consecutive regional championship in March, which qualified a full team for the competition.

Local teachers Nyssa Gryzb and Dana Harris received national recognition with Crystal Apple Awards on April 21 (Gryzb teaches art at Joliet Central and Harris is a first grade teacher at Bruning Elementary) after being chosen from over 200 nominees across 40 states.

Joliet Central High School honored Romeo Rojas and Sophie Litsogannis as Mr. J and Ms. J 2026 at a banquet on April 15 at Jacob Henry Mansion, continuing a tradition since 1958 that recognizes seniors for high academic performance, community service, and sports achievements.

On Friday, April 24, school and city leaders met at Lynne Thigpen Elementary to celebrate Arbor Day by planting a donated swamp white oak tree (Spring Grove Nursery provided it) and handing out over 245 serviceberry seedlings for students while contest-winning posters were recognized.

The Will County Workforce Center moved to 1300 Copperfield Ave in Joliet on April 27, expanding to 16,000 sqft from 12,000 sqft and adding 14 kiosks for job seekers — including veterans and underserved groups.

A hiring event is on May 21 from 2 to 5 p.m.

Romeoville celebrated senior night with a twelve to two win over Joliet Central on Tuesday, April 28 in Romeoville — photos by Gary Middendorf captured key game moments including Joliet Central’s Alissa Elliott at bat.

Tony Stewart previewed the upcoming NHRA Nationals at Route 66 Raceway – fans will see high-speed drag racing when the event kicks off soon in the Chicago area.

Lilly Roberts celebrated her senior night with a standout performance for Romeoville as she pitched five innings, struck out 13 and hit a home run with three RBIs to lead her team to a 12-2 win over Joliet Central.

The win was part of their Southwest Prairie Conference matchup.

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.