Good morning, Joliet.

Today, Troy Township launched the Catastrophic Assistance Program to give families short-term financial help for hotel stays, pet boarding, groceries, and medications after a house fire makes a home uninhabitable — residents must apply within 30 days and provide proof of the event. This new program offers quick relief at a time when every bit of support matters.

Local boys basketball games saw Seneca beat Serena 63-55 with Brady Sheedy scoring 18 points—other matchups saw Bradley-Bourbonnais, IC Catholic, Coal City, Lemont, Dwight and Joliet West secure wins in tight tournaments.

In girls basketball, Aurora Central Catholic won 42-25 over Plainfield Central at the West Aurora Tournament.

Local high schools in the Herald-News area preview their boys wrestling teams for the 2025-26 season; coaches detailed key returners and newcomers—highlighting state qualifiers and past successes as they aim to build on last season’s achievements.

Friday Night Drive podcast released episode 345 that reviewed the Illinois high school football playoff semifinals—hosts Matt Rodewald and Steve Soucie discussed key plays, Mt. Carmel coach Jordan Lynch’s comments and previews for the state title games.

Coal City's boys basketball team won 44-39 in the Thanksgiving Tournament opener as Carter Nicholson scored 17 points including a decisive three-pointer in the fourth quarter.

Meanwhile, Morris lost 54-34 to Southland Prep after staying within five points early in the fourth — both outcomes reflecting early season challenges.

Lockport boys basketball rallied in the 3rd quarter—after a slow start—to secure a 61–46 win over Joliet Central in the WJOL Tournament at St. Francis University in Joliet.

Joliet Central, led by a young team, will face Minooka Wednesday while Lockport plays Lincoln-Way West the same day.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yeri Mua Concert

10 PM - 2 AM — The Forge — Tickets starting at $42.45 — Enjoy an evening of vibrant music with Yeri Mua at The Forge in Joliet.