Former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan should’ve known better than to have ever worked with then-Chicago Alderman Danny Solis. He brought all this on himself.

Brad Groleau, a former 3-sport standout at St. Bede (class of 2013), is working for Princeton High School this winter as an athletic trainer. You could say he’s giving the Tigers the Royal treatment.

A bit of Jimmy Carter’s legacy spilled into my world last week.

The Tigers rallied around teammate Jackson Mason's family, each player walking up in the stands to present his mother, Heather, a carnation during warmups. A moment of silence was held to honor Jackson's dad, Pat, and he went out and hit a 3-pointer for him.

Every now and then you get a story that helps explain the Statehouse power dynamic. The saga of the “intoxicating hemp” regulation bill is one of those stories.

Oh, Henry, Henry, Henry. You had no idea what the future would bring. By that I mean more “brain rot.”

The clock was nudging noon. Then I had to laugh at my first thought.

It’s time to look back at the sports stories, quotes, games and people from 2024 through the eyes of your local sports editor.

I talk to Mom and Dad now and then. Their photo. That’s not unusual, right?