Good morning, Joliet.

On Wednesday afternoon, Joliet firefighters responded to three attic fires sparked by lightning — one in a two-story home on Hideaway Court and two on Riverview Drive where a townhome and a neighboring home sustained smoke and water damage — and all residents had evacuated with no injuries reported.

Hollywood Casino Joliet will close its riverboat at 5:59 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29 as the transition to a new $185 million land-based facility scheduled to open on Aug.

11 begins—guests can book the adjacent hotel until July 26 and use any remaining chips at the new location until Dec. 31.

A Will County sheriff’s lieutenant was fired after an independent review of his role in the fatal shooting of hostage taker Gregory Walker—65—who surrendered at Fifth-Third Bank in Romeoville on May 10; a $2.7 million settlement was reached with Walker’s family.

A 22-year-old woman with a gunshot wound in her back and a 23-year-old man with a chest wound were injured overnight Thursday on East Benton Street in Joliet when shots were fired from down the street — police said the victims received aid before being taken to a local hospital and that no motive has yet been confirmed.

Will County Emergency Management Agency and the Will County Regional Office of Education held an emergency drill at the University of St. Francis in Joliet on July 23 to practice reuniting students with their parents during school emergencies—first responders and school staff played both parent and student roles to test identity checks, form completion, and responses to challenges like language barriers and missing students. Officials said the drill used a national best-practice method to help improve safety procedures before a real crisis occurs.

Barbara Martin resigned as president of Saint Joseph Medical Center after serving just over a year, joining when the hospital was owned by Ascension before it was purchased by Prime Healthcare.

Colleen Pawlik has been named interim CEO and will continue in her role as regional vice president of nursing operations.

Joliet will soon have its first all-girls ice hockey team as registration has far exceeded the initial goal, with over 40 players signing up for a sport once limited to boys.

The team, led by Jaguar Hockey Club president Lauren Walsh, will hold tryouts on August 15 and play its first game in September—marking a breakthrough for local girls in hockey.

Gunshine Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The Forge — Check website for price — Enjoy a night of rock with performances from Gunshine, Yet Again, The Midnight Calls, and Speedfreak.

Totally 80's Music Tribute

7-9:30 p.m. — The Forge — Tickets from $13.95 — Relive the nostalgia of the 80s with an electrifying music tribute performance.

Birding by Boat

9-11 a.m. — Rock Run Rookery — $20 per person — Explore birds from a unique water vantage point.

12 Stones and Smile Empty Soul Concert

6:30-9 p.m. — The Forge — Ticket prices vary — Experience the hard-hitting sounds of 12 Stones and Smile Empty Soul live in Joliet.

Concerts in the Park 2025

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Preservation Park — Free entry — Enjoy live music in the beautiful surroundings of Preservation Park, perfect for a summer evening.

12th Annual 815 Day Celebration

12-5 p.m. — Nowell Park — Free entry — Celebrate community spirit with live music, local vendors, and activities for all ages.

Old-Growth Measurements Workshop

9 AM – 12 PM — Pilcher Park Nature Center — Free — Engage in measuring and photographing features of rare old-growth forests for community science.

Wine, Jazz and Art Fest

3:30-9 p.m. — Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park — $20 entry — Savor fine wines and enjoy local jazz while browsing unique art by local artists.