Author: Joliet City News

J-Town Running Club: A Community of Friendship and Fitness since 2021

For many formerly incarcerated individuals, the challenges of reentry do not end once they walk out of prison. Finding stable housing, employment, transportation, mental health support, and rebuilding confidence can become major obstacles while trying to start over after incarceration. For Pamela Fort, helping people navigate those struggles through New Day Employment Network (NDEN) has become more than community work — it has become a calling. “To whom much is given, much is required,” Fort said. “God gave me a ministry, and that ministry is really working with the justice-impacted population.” Fort’s work in the community began years before the…

Drivers prepare for heavy delays as lane closures begin on Interstate 80 between Richards Street and Wheeler Avenue in Joliet for bridge repairs and pavement work. The weekend construction project will continue over four consecutive weekends while crews work to improve aging roadway infrastructure along the busy I-80 corridor.

A new tattoo studio is officially coming to downtown Joliet after the City Council voted 8-1 Tuesday night to approve a special use permit for tattoo artist Joseph Spillie to open a business inside the Crystal Square building at 81 North Chicago Street near the city’s growing City Square district. Before the vote, council members spent several minutes discussing health regulations and oversight tied to tattoo businesses, particularly the handling and disposal of biohazard materials and used needles. Councilman Larry Hug raised questions about who is responsible for monitoring those safety requirements. “When it comes to the health-related issues, disposal…

Several business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders from across Will County will be recognized next month during the Juneteenth CEO Celebration & Awards Gala hosted by the African American Business Association of Will County at the Renaissance Center in downtown Joliet. The annual event honors individuals whose leadership, service, and business success continue opening doors and making a lasting impact throughout the community. Among this year’s honorees is Quintin Randall, who will receive the 2026 Micro-Enterprise of the Year Award. Joseph Awinongya Jr. was selected as the 2026 Young Professional of the Year. Terry and Deidre Morris will be honored…

The former basketball player said he had basketball scholarships on the table and dreams of continuing his athletic career after high school. But behind the talent and potential, Davis admitted he was living a double life.

“This was never just about breaking things. It was about creating a safe outlet for people who need a place to release, reset, and keep moving forward.”
— Tyrell Hundley

Joliet Central High School students earned more than $1.4 million in college scholarship offers after showcasing their artwork at one of the nation’s largest and most competitive high school art exhibitions.

According to the city, the agreement includes a $37 million general obligation bond structured on a pay-for-performance basis.

Under The Living Wage for All Act, large corporations would be required to reach $25 per hour by 2031,