Good morning, Joliet.

Valley View School District 365-U has reached a tentative agreement with the teachers union that avoids a strike scheduled to begin on Sept.15 and keeps classes running normally.

The union will vote on the final contract after reviewing details — including a resolution on a proposed 20-minute extension of the high school day — to secure ongoing education.

A Kankakee County judge was assigned to a lawsuit by ex-Joliet mayor Bob O’Dekirk, who claimed a conspiracy cost him the 2023 election, and to a case by former council member Don Dickinson involving claims against local officials—both cases were moved from Will County to avoid conflicts of interest.

Joliet City Council will vote Tuesday on whether to spend $197,000 on the Dome of Unity sculpture in City Square downtown—city officials say the project gives residents a chance to share their views after earlier public opposition.

Mount Carmel won a 42-23 game over Nazareth Academy—played in La Grange Park on Friday.

Wide receiver Quentin Burrell gained 101 yards on four catches and scored touchdowns—one on a flea flicker and one on a catch-and-run—helping the team remain undefeated.

Oswego East overcame a two-point halftime deficit to win 21—9 against Plainfield North Friday night and start 3-0 for the first time since 2021; Niko Villacci made two crucial touchdown passes to shift the game in the second half.

Plainfield East beat Joliet Central 55-6 on Friday night in the Southwest Prairie East opener—junior David Croom III rushed for three touchdowns and Brady Cloherty threw three scoring passes.

The Bengals built a 48-0 lead by halftime and held Joliet Central to a single touchdown, starting the season at 3-0.

In Friday night’s game, Joliet West won by 30 to 22 over Plainfield South with touchdown passes from three quarterbacks to earn its first season win.

The team held off a late rally while coach Dan Tito praised their resiliency + noted the performance as a turning point.

Friday night high school football games ended with wins for many teams in the Herald-News area.

Homewood-Flossmoor beat Lockport 28 to 13 and Plainfield East beat Joliet Central 55 to 6 while other schools like Lincoln-Way West, Coal City and Oswego won, and teams will play week four games.

Fenwick kept its unbeaten run alive with a 43—26 win over Joliet Catholic on Friday night at Triton College—Jamen Williams threw for 204 yards and three touchdowns while Jake Thies had a 67—yard touchdown run.

Joliet Catholic fell to 0—3 as Lucas Simulick threw three interceptions and Anthony Finnegan rushed for 94 yards.

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.