Good morning, Joliet.

Joliet is set to celebrate summer with a full month of events at City Square and Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park—with the official dedication on June 18 and a celebration weekend on June 26 — 27 featuring live music, markets, and family activities throughout downtown.

State lawmakers passed bills to ban cellphones from classrooms starting the 2026–27 school year, ease foreign language graduation rules for high schoolers entering in 2028, shift childcare licensing to the new Department of Early Childhood, and expand in-state tuition eligibility if approved by Gov. Pritzker.

Joliet Public Schools District 86 congratulated 19 staff who will retire this year after working 392 years across local schools, and Superintendent Theresa Rouse along with Board President Matthew Pritz praised their long-standing dedication.

Officials broke ground at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School Tuesday, June 2 at 2651 Glenwood Ave for a 14,900 sqft addition funded by a $99.5M referendum.

The $14M project will add four classrooms and a gym for the 2027-28 school year while renovations ease traffic on Glenwood Ave.

In honor of National Candy Month, local candy shops across northern Illinois—such as Joliet’s Dan’s Homemade Candies, operating since 1919—are inviting residents to indulge in homemade sweets.

Visitors can taste a range of treats from handcrafted chocolates to nostalgic hard candies.

Local media experienced a thrilling NASCAR Racing Experience at Chicagoland Speedway on Friday, May 29, driving a race car and learning clutch techniques, and NASCAR returns to Joliet July 3-5 (certificates signed by NASCAR legend Richard Petty added to the excitement).

Hall High School has unveiled its ranking of top varsity coaches, led by Gary Vicini with 474 wins—covering football, baseball and softball—and featuring Tom Keegan with 444 wins in baseball to highlight a lasting tradition of athletic success.

Lincoln-Way boys and girls lacrosse teams ended their seasons on Tuesday in Lockport—falling 15-3 and 11-9 to St. Ignatius and Marist respectively—and will build on their promising efforts next season.

IC Catholic Prep beat Stillman Valley 1-0 on June 1 when freshman Sophia Deoudes was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in extra innings, clinching the program’s first state trip in softball (the game was held at Benedictine University in Lisle).

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.