Thursday, May 14th, 2026
Good morning, Joliet. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 14th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local police from Joliet and other departments will support the annual 'Cop on a Rooftop' fundraiser at Dunkin’ locations Friday morning starting at 5 a.m. to raise funds for Special Olympics Illinois as part of the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run (supporting athletic training). Herald-News
- ➤ Phyllis Holmes has logged nearly 20,000 hours volunteering with Catholic Charities at Broadway Head Start after serving for 16 years. She works five hours a day, three days a week while using oxygen to help her breathe — and she encourages local seniors to join the program. Herald-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Joliet played a central role in Route 66’s 100th celebration when the Old Joliet Prison hosted a baseball game on May 1—drawing 5,500 fans, including actor Bill Murray, and marking a vibrant kickoff for events along the 301-mile route. The centennial renews interest in the historic road’s legacy. Herald-News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Gloria Zamudio of District 86 has worked as a clerical aide for 36 years at A.O. Marshall Elementary and will retire in June. Her everyday support and dedication have helped the school community work together smoothly. Herald-News
- ➤ The Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced the top three finalists from the National Civics Bee Regional Competition held at Lewis University in Romeoville on April 28. Astha Savalia, Aisha Chavda, and Reva Savalia will advance to the state contest in Springfield this summer. Herald-News
- ➤ Matthew Kennedy, president of the Joliet Township High School board for District 204, works behind the scenes to support students, families, and educators while celebrating community diversity and inspiring local involvement. Herald-News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Junior Mia Forystek of Lincoln-Way Central shined at the Class 3A Bloom Township Sectional on Wednesday, May 13, winning the 800 & 1,600 and helping her relay earn an automatic state bid. Forystek praised her teammates as they prepare for state finals. Herald-News
- ➤ Race Fan Rally returns downtown on July 2 with interactive activities, live entertainment, food vendors and special appearances, while NASCAR races run at Chicagoland Speedway from July 3-5. Herald-News
- ➤ IHSA released the 2026 baseball postseason schedules for teams in the Illinois Valley, with regional games starting Monday, May 25 and championship rounds scheduled in June. The schedules list matchups for teams such as Seneca, Princeton (and) Joliet Catholic. Herald-News
- ➤ Lockport Porters won 6-0 over the Griffins on Wednesday as pitcher Trace Schaaf allowed just two hits over six innings in a key SWSC game, pushing the team to a 13-0 league mark and a step closer to the conference title with three games remaining. Herald-News
- ➤ Joliet West hosted the Southwest Prairie Conference championship on May 13 at Joliet West High School, where Oswego East's Jamari McKay competed in the long jump. Herald-News
- ➤ IHSA has released the postseason baseball schedule for teams in the Joliet area (games will run from May 25 to May 30) with matchups set across multiple regionals from Class 4A to Class 1A. Herald-News
-
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.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The more complete the despair, the more complete the awakening.
~ Carl Jung
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