Good morning, Joliet.

Gigantar, the 10-foot by 24-foot guitar sculpture, returns to the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum facade after a two-year removal due to storm damage; a free lighting ceremony on Sept.

26 at 7 p.m. will feature local rock musicians in downtown Joliet.

Joliet native Jim Downey, the longtime Saturday Night Live writer, spoke with Shaw Local about his journey from humble beginnings in the city to a storied comedy career + he credited his mother for sparking his love of humor and remains devoted to his hometown roots.

The Northern Illinois Transit Authority expands its Access program today to offer SNAP recipients reduced fares on CTA + Pace, with rides costing between $1 and $1.25 starting Oct.

1. Existing participants will receive new cards to save up to $650 a year without needing to re-enroll.

Troy Baseball will host Home Runs for Hope on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Lou Von Fields (21961 S.

River Road in Shorewood) to raise awareness for kidney transplants needed by two local dads, Bob Palkon and Juan. Registration is $10 per adult/child duo.

Angel Aburto scored three goals as Morton beat Willowbrook 10-2 on Monday.

Morton dominated the first half by scoring seven times and extended its unbeaten streak with a solid, swift attack.

The Morris Regional boys golf tournament is set for Sept.

30 at Morris Country Club with eight area teams competing — Minooka, Plainfield North and Plainfield East stand out for their strong recent rounds and promising prospects in a competitive field.

At Shewami yesterday, the Beecher boys golf team clinched its ninth straight River Valley Conference title with a score of 329 points over Donovan’s 409.

Joliet Central’s senior midfielder David Vallejo was named Herald-News Athlete of the Week after scoring a hat trick in a 4-1 win over Hinsdale South on Sept.

5. He plans to play college soccer and continues to lead his team with strong performance & passion.

The Friday Night Drive podcast (featuring hosts Josh Welge, Skyler Kisellus and Matt McGowan) previews Week 5 high school football in the western suburbs, examining whether local team separation is emerging.

Lockport’s volleyball team won against Plainfield Central 25-14, 25-19 on Tuesday night in a nonconference match — using a fast, balanced offense with key assists from Natalie Bochantin and Malley Green.

The Porters, now 14-3, are building momentum as they aim for state tournament success.

The St. Anne girls volleyball team edged Clifton Central 25-23, 25-23 on Tuesday, Sept.

15 as they overcame late deficits to improve to a 7-1 record. Senior Tessa DeYoung led with five kills and eight digs (boosting team confidence for upcoming matches).

Local sports analysis shows that IHSA playoff projections have grown complex as every game now counts with a larger playoff field; updated rankings place Joliet Catholic in Class 6A and changes like East St. Louis moving to Class 7A reshape the playoff landscape.