Daily
Joliet
Friday, November 21st, 2025
Good morning, Joliet. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 21st of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Today, a Lockport Township High School junior organizes a pop-up art sale at Brightmore Physical Therapy at 1240 Essington Road in Joliet from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. to support Cornerstone Services’ art program for people with disabilities—Cornerstone artists will display original artwork and Brightmore will match sales amounts. Herald-News
- ➤ Joliet’s new City Square will host a tree lighting ceremony on Friday, Nov. 28 when Darra Glavan and her family will light a 35-foot Norway Spruce at 5:15 p.m. with the Joliet Central High School Choir performing. Immediately after, the 27th annual Light Up the Holidays festival and parade will begin on Chicago Street— the tree will remain lit until Jan. 11, 2026. Herald-News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Comedian Brad Williams performed on November 20 at Rialto Square Theatre and rock band Jackyl also performed that day at The Forge, while country singer Chris Young holds an acoustic holiday show today at 7:30 p.m.—Home Free will perform on November 23 and Cirque Musica will perform on November 26. Herald-News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Yesterday, the Plan Commission approved Joliet Catholic Academy's stadium plan (5-0 vote) that will expand the school's sports facilities onto the former Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home grounds. The plan includes new tennis and pickleball courts and renovated baseball and softball fields (and other campus upgrades) and now awaits City Council approval. Herald-News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City staff postponed plans for a 795-acre data center outside city limits near Chicagoland Speedway indefinitely so the Plan Commission could delay the annexation vote, as community questions about water use, electricity and noise remain unanswered — the proposed site is on farm fields off Rowell and Bernhard roads. Herald-News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Madelyn Kiper scored 28 points, grabbed 9 rebounds and blocked 3 shots to help Minooka beat Joliet Central 48-36 in the WJOL Tournament on Wednesday — the win improved Minooka’s record to 2-0 in Group B play. Herald-News
- ➤ Episode 344 of Friday Night Drive podcast, hosted by Steve Soucie — and Josh Welge, previews the upcoming Illinois high school football playoff semifinals and gives local fans a look at the action soon to unfold. Herald-News
- ➤ Lockport and Oswego will face off at 5 p.m. Saturday in a Class 8A semifinal—Lockport relies on a tough defense led by linebacker Colton Benaitis and a strong running attack while Oswego, coming off a 24-21 upset win at Maine South, looks to extend its playoff run; the winner will play the team advancing from Fremd versus Mount Carmel. Herald-News
- ➤ On Saturday, several prep football semifinal games will feature intense matchups in Class 8A with Lockport versus Oswego, in Class 5A with Oak Forest versus Providence, in Class 4A with Morris versus Montini, and in Class 2A with El Paso-Gridley versus Wilmington. The Herald-News preview highlighted key players+and robust defense+while detailing clear paths to state championships for winners. Herald-News
- ➤ Molly Finn scored 25 points and reached her 1,000th career mark as Lincoln-Way West won 60—32 against Oak Lawn at the Raptor Classic, improving their record to 2—0. Other girls basketball games on Thursday saw Wilmington, Coal City and Seneca secure wins in various tournaments. Herald-News
- ➤ Richmond-Burton linebacker/fullback Blake Livdahl ran for 122 yards and scored two touchdowns in a 31 to 6 win over Monmouth-Roseville on November 15, which helped his team reach the semifinals for the first time since 2021—Richmond-Burton will play Byron at 2 p.m. Saturday. Herald-News
- ➤ The Herald-News previewed local boys' basketball teams for the 2025-26 season by highlighting key returners, newcomers, and coach strategies at schools like Bolingbrook, Joliet Catholic, and Lincoln-Way. Coaches stressed plans to boost defense and offense + to compete for regional titles and postseason success. Herald-News
- ➤ The Joliet West girls basketball team started their season with a 39-24 win over Tinley Park at Joliet Junior College on Tuesday evening—limiting their opponent to just one field goal in the first half. Coach Breanna Blackmon said the team played with strong defense and balanced offense as they began building unity for the season ahead. Herald-News
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Home Free Holiday Tour
6:00-7:30 p.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — Tickets start at $43 — Experience an unforgettable evening of heartwarming holiday harmonies with award-winning a cappella group Home Free.
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Poultry and Pie Predictor 4 Mile Run
8:40-10:30 AM — Pilcher Park Nature Center — Registration fees apply — Celebrate Thanksgiving with a fun run tradition in Joliet's scenic park.
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Teddy Bear Tea
9:30-11 a.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — $35 adults & $30 children — Enjoy a festive brunch with St. Nick and a keepsake teddy bear.
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Chicago Festival Ballet: The Nutcracker
2:00 – 3:30 PM — Rialto Square Theatre — Tickets start at $24 — Experience a delightful holiday ballet filled with magical adventures and exquisite performances.
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TECH N9NE Live Concert
6:30-9:00 p.m. — The Forge — Ticket required — Enjoy an electrifying live performance from hip-hop artist TECH N9NE along with King Iso and Joey Cool.
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Jingle Mingle Concert
6-7:30 p.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — Tickets available — Experience high-energy performances and crowd interaction with Jingle Mingle's unforgettable concert.
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Engelbert Humperdinck Concert
7:30-9:00 p.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — Tickets from $51 — Enjoy an evening of timeless music with Engelbert's unique voice and humor.
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Old Crow Medicine Show Christmas Concert
7-9 p.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — Tickets from $53.75 — Celebrate the holiday season with foot-stompin' classics and fresh tunes from OCMS's first Christmas album.
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A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage
6:30-8 p.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — Tickets start at $35 — Celebrate the 60th anniversary of the beloved holiday classic with live performances from the Peanuts gang.
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Merry Little Soiree
6-10 p.m. — Rialto Square Theatre — $72 — Enjoy a festive evening with cocktails and a performance by Nova Soul at a charming holiday soiree.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
There are always two reasons for doing anything: a good reason and the real reason.
~ J.P. Morgan
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