The Week's Best Good News

Here's our roundup of the most uplifting and feel-good stories from Patch towns across the country.

Boy Wins Special Olympics Contest by Saluting Autistic Sister in Essay

Justin Grammer, of Joliet, says his sister is his "hero" because she overcame her fear of swimming to become a Special Olympics aquatics gold medalist.

USF Employees Lauded for Reaching Career Milestones

The Joliet-based university saluted employees who have been with the school anywhere from five to 35 years.

JJC Students Collect 600 Pounds of Food for Daybreak Shelter

The amount collected was 150 pounds more than students gathered last year.

Midnight Poe is Looking for a Home—Maybe Yours?

This 3-year-old cat is available for adoption through the Romeoville Humane Society.

Watch a Porcupine Eat a Pumpkin and Squeal

Thank you, Internet, for the perfect end to Halloween.

ICYMI: The Week's Best Good News

We rounded up the most uplifting stories trending across the country.

Get a Video Tour of Michael Jordan’s Home

Tour the "House that Jordan Built." The one he's auctioning, valued at $21 million.

Mom's Song Moves Baby to Tears

Mom's rendition of "My Heart Can't Tell You No" creates a strong reaction in her 10-month-old baby.

Slammers Donate $5,000 to Silver Cross' Lifeline Program

The Lifeline program provides people with a device that allows them to summon emergency medical help.

Fun Halloween Day Trips for the Whole Family

Celebrate Halloween with these entertaining, spooky and all-around fun excursions.

Buddy Needs a Home -- Maybe Yours?

This 2-year-old domestic shorthair cat is available for adoption through Joliet Township Animal Control.

Nick Offerman Returns to Minooka, Promotes New Book

The "Parks and Recreation" star returned home to promote his new book, "Paddle Your Own Canoe."

Beautiful Day for Accessible Playground Dedication

Local officials and area residents turned out Thursday to cut the ribbon on the state's first all-access playground, built in Joliet by United Cerebral Palsy of Illinois Prairieland.

Wrigley Named One of Best Music Venues in US

'Rolling Stone' compiled the list as part of its Venues That Rock series.

High School Student with Down Syndrome Scores Touchdown [VIDEO]

A football dream comes true for a high school senior in New York.

Illinois' First All-Access Playground to Be Dedicated Thursday

The facility, which can be used by children with disabilities and in wheelchairs, was built by United Cerebral Palsy of Illinois Prairieland.

Joliet Women Wins $250,000 Lottery by Missing Every Number

Mary Ellen Harris played the Illinois Lottery's Hit or Miss game, where you can win either by guessing the correct numbers or getting them all wrong.

County Health Center Wins National Literacy Award

The Richard Robinson Award recognizes "pediatric doctors and other health care professionals who promote early literacy and provide medical leadership."

Joliet's First Jersey Mike's Subs Opens Next Week

The store, located at 4706 Caton Farm Road, is holding a fundraiser for Joliet Fire Department Charities in its first week.

Halloween Comes Early at These Joliet-Area Holiday Events

Let the kids show off their costumes at these family-oriented events being held this week and weekend in advance of the big day itself.

Preparing Your Child for Summer Camp

Local Physician offers Discounted Camp Physicals

Shorewood Woman Places in Hero Contest

Shorewood resident Meghan Moreno was the runner-up in a General Motors contest honoring hometown heroes.