Good morning, Joliet.

Joliet residents can join the America 250 Fireworks and Celebration at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park on July 3 from 6 to 10 p.m.—the event will feature live music, food vendors and children’s activities before fireworks burst at 9:30 p.m.

Joliet hosted its City Square celebration with a farmers market and family activities Friday, June 26.

Neighbors enjoyed local vendors and lively community spirit at the event.

Joliet’s Shorewood Walmart closed for the weekend after a fire in the toy aisle was put out by fire crews on Thursday, June 25.

The store at 1401 Illinois Route 59 was evacuated and had its sprinklers activated (no injuries were reported).

On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, The Big Texan hosted its 72-ounce steak challenge at the Old Joliet Prison parking lot as part of the Route 66 caravan.

The team of Quinn Adamowski and Lauren Dalton finished first in 35 minutes+ five teams competed in the contest.

Shaw Media marks its 175th anniversary by showcasing archived June 26 front pages that capture Joliet’s history, from the 1913 suffrage bill signing to later civic milestones.

This display connects past headlines with the community's ongoing story.

Dairy Queen CEO Troy Bader joined celebrations on Thursday, June 25 as the Joliet Area Historical Museum revived the original DQ store (built in the 1940s) along Route 66.

The restored site now marks a local heritage landmark honoring the company’s origins.

Herald-News has named the 2026 All-Area Baseball Team featuring top high school players like Zane Caves and Brady Kozlowski from Minooka, Providence, Romeoville and other nearby communities; the selection recognizes standout performance during the season.

CCL/ESCC football recruiting shows key commitments and transfers as players lock in college destinations; Nazareth’s Cash Coleman chose NIU plus Mount Carmel’s Nathan Samuels will join Lindenwood while others from Plainfield East and Carmel set up competitive fall seasons in our area.

Nick Bizzieri, a Joliet Catholic alum and former offensive line coach, is set to begin as head football coach at DePaul Prep on Aug.

21 when the Rams face Richards in Oak Lawn; he replaces Mike Passarella and will build on a recent state title run with returning All-CCL/ESCC players.

Herald-News announced the 2026 Softball All-Area Team that honors top local high school players with record-setting seasons and state trophy wins, and the selections include standout athletes from all four classes — a nod to superb performances this season.

Mississippi Mud Monsters Baseball Game

6:35-9:59 p.m. — Duly Health And Care Field — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of local baseball with the Joliet Slammers and celebrate the great American pastime.