Good morning, Joliet.

A Joliet homeowner escaped a heavy overnight fire in a two-story house on the 300 block of Oneida Street on Monday — the resident suffered minor injuries after exiting through a second-floor window with police help while crews later extinguished the blaze and investigated its cause.

The Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet earned an operating profit in 2024, which director Wade Welsh said is likely the first in nearly a century after asbestos issues forced event cancellations.

Welsh reported a net profit of $214,745 and said future operations may break even even though millions in capital repairs are still needed — the theater relies on state grant money and a $475,000 annual subsidy for improvements.

The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees approved a $318 million budget for fiscal 2026—a $10 million increase from last year—with one trustee voting against and another abstaining over financial concerns.

College officials said they will refine next year’s plans after reviewing a draft budget in May.

Joliet City Council will vote today on a new contract for fire department supervisors that removes the requirement to live in Joliet by allowing them to reside within 50 miles of the Jefferson Street and Essington Road intersection.

The contract also provides a 3.25% pay increase for four years with retroactive pay from Jan. 1, and city management said the change is needed because low housing inventory makes it hard to recruit workers.

Lincoln-Way West star Conor Essenburg was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the fifth round on Monday and picked 151st overall plus 70 spots higher than expected after earning two Herald-News Baseball Player of the Year awards.

He now faces a decision between going pro and playing college baseball as he plans to pitch and play the outfield until told otherwise.

Muevelo Festival

6-11 p.m. — Louis Joliet Mall — $20 | Kids Under 12 Free — Celebrate Latin culture with live music, dance, and delicious food from local vendors.

WWC Member Night

6:30-8 p.m. — Tinley Park White Water Canyon Water Park — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled evening exclusive to season pass members with cafe specials.

Powerman 5000 Concert

6:30-8 p.m. — The Forge — $16.78 - $47.85 — Experience a night of electrifying music with Powerman 5000 and other artists on their tour.

Gunshine Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The Forge — Check website for price — Enjoy a night of rock with performances from Gunshine, Yet Again, The Midnight Calls, and Speedfreak.

Totally 80's Music Tribute

7-9:30 p.m. — The Forge — Tickets from $13.95 — Relive the nostalgia of the 80s with an electrifying music tribute performance.

Birding by Boat

9-11 a.m. — Rock Run Rookery — $20 per person — Explore birds from a unique water vantage point.

12 Stones and Smile Empty Soul Concert

6:30-9 p.m. — The Forge — Ticket prices vary — Experience the hard-hitting sounds of 12 Stones and Smile Empty Soul live in Joliet.