Good morning, Joliet.

The Herald-News highlights Will County Pets of the Week featuring Myrtle, a 3-year-old shy Lab mix, Skip, a friendly 3-year-old domestic shorthair, Chewy, a nervous 2-year-old Chihuahua mix, and Hercules, a playful 15-week old kitten in need of a forever home.

Interested adopters can contact the humane societies (via provided email addresses and websites) to learn more about the adoption process.

Willie Banks, aged 48 and from South Chicago Heights, was found guilty by a Will County jury in less than 40 minutes for the December 13th first-degree murder of Alicia Cole at her Joliet home—his sentencing is scheduled for October 7.

Classic Blast will perform at the Joliet Area Historical Museum at 7 p.m. on Aug.

7. The band will blend classic rock with classical pieces — including works by Bach — in an all-ages show.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed bills that require gun owners to lock up their firearms to prevent access by minors and report lost or stolen guns within 48 hours—law enforcement must now trace guns from crime scenes using a federal system, with the safe storage law set to begin on Jan.

1 and the tracing law in effect immediately.

Will Grundy Medical Clinic said it will boost health and social care as new Medicaid funding cuts threaten help for those in need.

Executive Director Shawn Marconi said the clinic will try to reach 10,000 service engagements by 2026 — a key step to protect at-risk people — amid growing funding concerns.

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.

LAPS Track Days Event #3 (High Performance Driver Education)

All day event — Autobahn Country Club — Pricing varies — Experience high-speed driving and improve your racing skills in a safe environment.