Good morning, Joliet.

Marcin Bachleda-Blaszczak, a 29-year-old from Lockport, was found alive Tuesday in North Carolina after going missing on Aug.

24 during an unplanned trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park — his family expressed gratitude for the support from authorities and volunteers.

Prime Healthcare will suspend obstetric units on Oct.

1 at Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, Mercy Medical Center in Aurora and Resurrection Medical Center in Chicago. New maternal care centers will open at Saint Mary of Nazareth Hospital and Olympia Fields Hospital amid local concern over transportation access.

Officials face challenges projecting the IHSA playoff football field as Chicago Goode forfeited its game and Westmont’s five-game schedule raises uncertainty + 128 teams now vie under unclear qualifying rules.

Adjustments could shift playoff spots in early evaluations.

High school football previews spotlight key matchups in Will and Grundy counties for Friday night as teams adjust after early wins and losses & plan for Week 3 action, with detailed insights into local tactics and standout players from the Herald-News.

The Friday Night Drive podcast hosted by Josh Welge and Steve Soucie previews IHSA football Week 3 games this week in northern Illinois.

The hosts discuss playoff chances for two-win teams and game schedules — giving local fans a clear view of the matchups.

Lockport's girls volleyball team showed strong potential at the Crimson Classic — despite a narrow loss to Marist — raising hopes for a deep playoff run, while Providence and Bolingbrook posted promising early season records.

Minooka will face Joliet Catholic next as coach believes tough competition is good for future growth.

Oswego East's Danielle Stone threw four touchdown passes to lead the flag football team to a 51-0 win over Joliet Central, keeping the Wolves unbeaten at 5-0; Yorkville volleyball swept Lincoln-Way West with set scores of 25-22 and 25-17 in a nonconference match.

Joliet Catholic beat Minooka in a closely contested three-set volleyball match, winning 26-24, 18-25, 25-21 Wednesday night.

Charlotte Matejka led the team with 13 kills as JCA's record improved to 4-5, while Minooka dropped to 4-4.

Local high school football action unfolds Friday with notable CCL matchups scheduled at 7 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. featuring Brother Rice against St. Francis, Marist versus Montini, and other rivalries that set the stage for an exciting week.

Hosts Russ Hodges and Steve Soucie preview Week 3 of the CCL in the Friday Night Drive podcast episode released today, sharing local sports updates + insights for community listeners.