Cheers Joliet! We're back, helping you stay up to date with what's happening. Let's take on the day together! ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Annual Meatloaf Dinner and 12 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you call a paper airplane that can't fly? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Joliet Murder Defendant Celebrates 18th Birthday With Transfer To Will County Jail Since He's A Grown Up Now (patch.com) — Joliet readers are learning that 18-year-old murder defendant Jaevion Smith has been moved from the River Valley Juvenile Detention Facility to the Will County Jail now that he is legally an adult. Smith, from Joliet's Delrose Street area, is charged as an adult with first-degree murder in the fatal May stabbing of 17-year-old Joliet Central High School student Javion Bailey at the Riverwalk Homes Apartments.
2. Class B Liquor License For 307 N. Chicago Street? New Joliet Bar-Restaurant Called Picanha Y Fuego (patch.com) — A new Colombian-themed bar and restaurant, Picanha y Fuego, is poised to take over the former Azul Celeste space at 307 N. Chicago Street in downtown Joliet, pending City Council approval of a Class B liquor license. Located in Joliet's City Center near government and professional offices, the business has raised no special concerns from police, suggesting a smooth path to opening.
3. Ventura secures over $553,000 to support tourism in the 43rd District (wjol.com) — Joliet is getting a $70,000 state tourism grant to power a new "Joliet: An Exit Worth Taking" marketing campaign aimed at boosting visits, overnight stays, and local business support. Additional Route 66 and international tourism funds for the Heritage Corridor CVB will help promote attractions like the Old Joliet Prison, Rialto Square Theatre, and the I&M Canal to visitors from around the world.
4. Map shows states where data centers are on the ballot (newsweek.com) — Joliet voters will see an advisory question this November on whether the city should allow construction of AI-focused data centers, part of a broader wave of 2026 ballot measures on such facilities. The article explains how similar questions across Illinois and other states reflect growing concerns over electricity use, water demands, tax incentives, and who ultimately pays for AI infrastructure expansion.
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Ok Joliet! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "What do you call a paper airplane that can't fly?" — Stationary (Thank you David H. for sending it in!)
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