Good morning, Joliet.

Bishop Ronald Hicks of Joliet was appointed by Pope Leo XIV as the next archbishop of New York on Dec.

18 — the Vatican confirmed his selection. He will soon assume his new role in the archdiocese.

Marc Silverman (local sports analyst) says the Bears will face the Packers on Saturday night at Soldier Field in a game promising strong home-field advantages and key run matchups, marking the biggest regular-season clash in a decade.

On Thursday, Dec. 18, Madelyn Kiper scored 27 points to lead Minooka girls basketball to a 54-37 win at Oswego (improving their record to 10-1), while teams from Bolingbrook, Gardner-South Wilmington and Morris also posted victories.

Joliet Central girls basketball team pulled away from Romeoville on Thursday with a 67-36 win at their home court, building a 19-point lead at halftime and relying on improved defense and rebounding as seniors Fowler and Wright added 21 and 18 points respectively.

Lincoln-Way East quarterback Jonas Williams broke IHSA career passing records and was named Herald-News Football Player of the Year despite missing two games with an ankle injury; he will begin USC spring practice in a couple of weeks to compete for the starting spot.

In a season review, the Herald-News sports staff selected their 2025 All-Area Football Team, highlighting top players from local high schools like Lincoln-Way East (Jonas Williams) and Providence (Broden Mackert).

The announcement recognizes standout performers for their contributions on the gridiron this season.