Good morning, Joliet.

A new Route 66 sculpture was unveiled on Tuesday, May 12 along South Chicago Street at the Route 66 Raceway in Joliet by Heritage Corridor Destinations and NASCAR.

Joliet photographer Michelle Wendling won the Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Preserve the Moment contest in April with a photo capturing bluebells at O’Hara Woods Preserve in Romeoville, and monthly winners will receive $75 gift cards as they advance to a final round for top prizes.

The Planning and Zoning Commission voted against a 600-megawatt solar and battery project that would span 6,100 acres across Manhattan, Green Garden and Wilton townships, and the proposal will be reviewed by the county executive committee on Thursday.

Cullinan Properties has begun developing Rock Run Collection with mixed-use projects including Dick's House of Sport and The View apartments.

City Council approved a $37 million bond (requiring stores to open before funds are released), and Dick’s is set to begin construction this summer for a fall 2027 opening.

Today, girls track sectionals preview take place at Erie High School and Mendota High School.

At Erie, field events start at 4 p.m. and running races at 5:45 p.m. for 1A teams (Amboy co-op, Bureau Valley, DePue, Putnam County, St. Bede), while at Mendota, 2A teams (Princeton, L-P, Mendota, Ottawa, Streator) begin at 4 p.m. with running events at 5:30 p.m.

Lincoln-Way East offensive lineman Mason Halliman committed over the weekend to play for Illinois after weighing multiple offers + top Power Four programs.

He thanked his family and coaches on X with the message 'I’m Home!!'

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.

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.

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.

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.