Good morning, Joliet.

Will County offers a busy weekend with a Billy Joel & Elton John tribute at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Rialto Square Theatre, Trick or Treat in the Woods in Channahon Friday night, War at Hollywood Casino Friday at 8 p.m., and Panic at the Plaza Saturday from 4-10 p.m.

Illinois collected $2.662 billion in gambling tax from July 2025 to June 2026, a 19.2% increase driven by new casinos, higher lottery spending and record sports bets, with the Chicago-area showing strong local growth from over 3,500 terminals.

Rising diesel prices are pressuring Joliet-area school districts as prices nearly double from last year — Joliet Township High School District 204 has raised its fuel budget by 10% while Troy School District 30C plans to add electric buses to cut operating costs.

A Joliet West High School mother is demanding action after her 16-year-old son alleged an assistant coach used an offensive slur during practice, with reports that some players also referred to opponents as monkeys.

Will County Forest Preserve District announced free and low-cost programs starting Monday, Oct.

12, including a trail walk in Custer on Oct. 14, a Native American education workshop (earning six CEUs) in Channahon, and a trout season celebration in Bolingbrook on Oct. 17. Register at reconnectwithnature.org.

Gov. JB Pritzker declared the state a diesel disaster area Tuesday and enacted orders to suspend penalties on selling dyed diesel until Dec.

31 as diesel prices surged partly due to the Joliet refinery shutdown; local fuel retailers call for clearer guidance to avoid criminal risks.

Morris Hospital has added orthopedic surgeon Dr. Samir Sharrak to its sports medicine team to help patients with elbow, shoulder, knee, and hip care.

He will see patients at the hospital’s offices in Morris + Joliet + Ottawa + Diamond-Coal City and uses robotic technology for surgery.

Nine of the Daily Journal-area IHSA football teams have locked playoff spots for the expanded 384-team field as they head into two final weeks of the regular season — the remaining teams still can clinch positions with upcoming games deciding seeding and byes.

Steve Soucie released IHSA football playoff projections showing that many teams still have a chance while 21 have none, and Westmont remains ineligible due to insufficient scheduled games (six are required).

The eight-class analysis notes close competition as vital games loom in coming weeks.

Minooka defeated Normal Community 13 to 7 in the regional flag football championship on Wednesday, Oct.

7 at Joliet Central (the win was clinched by a strong fourth-quarter drive).

Friday at 7:30 p.m., fans can watch key CCL football games as unbeaten IC Catholic Prep (7-0) meets Loyola at Plunkett Park and other matchups shape playoff hopes, the report shows.

Episode 395 of Friday Night Drive podcast previews Week 8 Chicago Catholic League football in local Joliet as hosts Russ Hodges and Steve Soucie discuss team matchups and forecasts, available on Apple Podcasts + Spotify.