Daily
Joliet
Friday, May 8th, 2026
Good morning, Joliet. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Illinois Catholic leaders say that since Pope Leo's election one year ago today, local parishes have seen more packed Masses, rising conversion numbers, and increased community participation. Local churches are planning new outreach initiatives as interest in faith continues to grow. Herald-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Black Label Society will perform at Hollywood Casino Joliet on Saturday, May 16. Zakk Wylde + his band, known for blues-driven hard rock, will deliver an intense show that highlights over 25 years of heavy metal legacy. Herald-News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Prime Healthcare said Thursday it reached an agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois to keep its eight hospitals—including St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet—in network beyond June 1 so patients will not lose coverage. Herald-News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Plainfield North hosted dozens of college scouts during the IHSA Southwest Suburb Showcase combine, which featured players from ten suburban schools on Thursday, May 7 at Plainfield North High School. Herald-News
- ➤ Joliet West baseball won a three-game series sweep against Plainfield East on Thursday with a 13-0 victory over five innings, boosting their Southwest Prairie Conference record to 11-1 before upcoming games against Lincoln-Way East and Plainfield Central. Coach Karczewski credited timely hitting + strong pitching. Herald-News
- ➤ Bishop McNamara’s Fightin’ Irish won their first All-City title since 2019 on Thursday as Joslynn Dole’s homer, Emma Thyfault’s blast and Gabby Burnett’s three-run double powered a 5-2 victory over Bradley-Bourbonnais at their home field — ending a five-game losing streak to their rivals. Herald-News
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Mix of '26: Beyond Beer & Bourbon Fest
12-5 p.m. — Hollywood Casino Joliet — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate summer flavors with craft beers, bourbons, and live music while supporting veterans' housing initiatives.
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Pat Clark Cancer Foundation 5K
7 a.m. — Cemeno's Pizza — All proceeds benefit local cancer patients — Join the community for a charity run supporting the Pat Clark Cancer Foundation.
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Windy City Thunderbolts vs. Joliet Slammers
1:05 – 4:05 PM — Duly Health And Care Field — Tickets available — Support the local Slammers and enjoy the American tradition of baseball.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.
~ Edgar Degas
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