Good morning, Joliet.

Joliet Central High School was placed on lockdown Thursday morning—using its teach and hold protocol—while police pursued a suspect who fled a traffic stop, crashed a vehicle, and led to a recovered firearm, ensuring students and staff remained safe.

The Friday Night Drive podcast features hosts Eddie Carifio, Sam Ramirez and J.T.

Pedelty previewing Week 3 events in the south and west parts of northern Illinois—offering local listeners key details about upcoming topics.

A lottery player using the nickname Rainy Day Fund won $1 million after matching all six Lotto Million 1 numbers on a ticket bought at a Citgo gas station on W.

79th Street in Justice during the July 10 drawing. They said they will invest some of the money and use part of it for their wedding and honeymoon next year—finishing a rare winning streak after not playing for a while.

Joliet Public Schools District 86 said that Superintendent Dr. Theresa Rouse will not extend her contract when it ends in June, and the district will begin the search for her successor.

Rouse, who has led the district since 2016, increased student achievement and oversaw two new junior high schools—her decision gives the board time for a smooth transition.

Football season is back and sports bars across northern Illinois are set to show games on many TVs with special deals—Double J Sports Bar in Joliet and Heroes West Sports Grill offer fans outdoor seating and lively atmospheres to enjoy every play.

Steve Soucie looks at key high school Week 3 games as teams set to play today at 7 and 7:30 p.m. The review shows top teams like Mount Carmel and Nazareth will try to win and secure playoff spots — game results may shift standings.

Joliet Central tried to tie the game with a two-point conversion at the end but failed — leaving Bloom with a 14-12 win.

The Steelmen struggled with penalties and mistakes despite strong plays by Fowler and Majerus.

Minooka boys soccer stayed unbeaten with a 6-3 win over Joliet Central as Andrew Calderon and Brian Ngong scored hat tricks—boosting the team's season hopes.

Lincoln-Way East earned its third straight win while Coal City and other teams posted wins, ties and strong plays in Thursday's sports round-up.

Elijah House won the Underground Railroad 5K at the Homestead Festival with a winning time of 17 minutes, 47 seconds—beating his competitors by over 1 minute 15 seconds—and he will join St. Ambrose University track next spring.

Herald-News previews Week 3 high school football games happening today—local teams including Lincoln-Way West, Plainfield East and Joliet Central are set to face key opponents at 6:15, 6:30 and 7 p.m. as standout players and tight defenses drive the competitive matchups.

Rhapsody Of Fire Concert

6:00-8:30 p.m. — The Forge — Check for ticket details — Experience the epic sounds of Rhapsody Of Fire with a thrilling live performance.

Concerts in the Park 2025

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Preservation Park — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of live music in the beautiful setting of Joliet's Preservation Park.

Scorey Live Performance

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Forge — Ticketed event — Enjoy a vibrant show with reserved seating that offers the best views from the balcony.

Annual Fur Ball Fundraising Event

6 p.m. — Harrah's Joliet — Ticket purchase required — An evening of fun, food, and entertainment to support the local shelter for homeless pets.

Classic Seger: Travelin' Man 2025 World Tour

7:30-9 p.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — Tickets from $41.50 — Experience the legendary sounds of Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band with a thrilling live performance.

Stone & Steel Spooky 5K

8 a.m. — Joliet Downtown Property — Registration fee applicable — Dress in your best Halloween costume and run through historic Joliet.

The Fab Four - The Ultimate Beatles Tribute

7:30-9 p.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — Tickets from $32.50 — Experience the timeless music of The Beatles with spot-on renditions by an award-winning tribute band.

Tenth Annual Miles of Possibility Route 66 Conference

5 PM - 4 PM — Joliet Area Historical Museum — Registration open — Explore the significance of Route 66 with insightful talks and activities.