Good morning, Joliet.

Students and staff signed the new gym floor at Hufford Junior High on Tuesday, May 26 — one of the final touches on the almost finished 171,000 sqft school building that will open in August.

The Herald-News presented Will County Pets of the Week on May 26, 2026, featuring adoptable pets from local shelters such as Buddy, a gentle coonhound mix, and cats including Manchas, Janet, Joy, Sugar, Garnet, and Ruby with adoption details available online.

NIU baseball pitcher Max Vaisvila, who moved from a 9.00 ERA to an 8-0 record (boosting the Huskies to 35 wins and a MAC Tournament title), will start in today's College World Series Regional game against Coastal Carolina at 7 p.m. in Tallahassee.

Lincoln-Way West athletes, competing in 12 of 18 events, are gearing up for the Class 3A boys state track meet at Eastern Illinois University’s O’Brien Stadium this weekend.

Coach Joe Strain said his team is top seeded in the 4x400 relay.

Thursday's high school sports meets delivered mixed results as Dwight’s Graham Meister led in the shot put and discus while tennis, baseball, and volleyball matches set the stage for Saturday regional titles.

Teams from Dwight, Wilmington, Coal City, and Lincoln-Way now prepare for upcoming regional showdowns.

Bishop McNamara’s track athletes — Malachi Lee, Cale Hamilton and Brock Clott — will advance to Saturday’s state finals at Eastern Illinois University after strong performances in the long jump, shot put and discus during the Class 1A prelims.

Plainfield Central defeated Peoria Richwoods 13-1 in five innings during the Class 4A Bradley-Bourbonnais Regional semifinal on Thursday.

The Wildcats will face Minooka at Bradley-Bourbonnais on Saturday at 11 a.m. in the title game.

Bishop McNamara’s Fightin’ Irish won a 7 to 5 regional semifinal against Herscher on May 28 as Nick Pignatiello hit a decisive two run single in the sixth inning — they will face Marquette Saturday.

Morris beat Plano 8-1 in the Class 3A Joliet Catholic Regional semifinal on Thursday, May 28 in Joliet + the win marked a key moment in a competitive game.

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.

2026 Chicagoland Grand Prix - Endurance Karting Race

6 hours — Kart Circuit Autobahn — $291.67+ per driver — Compete in an exciting endurance karting race in the Windy City for a chance to claim the podium.