What’s New

Ryan Pace’s shortcomings doom Chicago Bears in prime timeAnish Puligillaon December 13, 2021 at 1:57 pm

The Chicago Bears lost Sunday despite scoring 30 points. It was the most energized we had seen the team all season on both sides of the ball and they put forth the best first-half “product” anyone had seen from them in about two years. Despite all this, they found themselves only up 6 going into […] Ryan Pace’s shortcomings doom Chicago Bears in prime time – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & MoreRead More

Ryan Pace’s shortcomings doom Chicago Bears in prime timeAnish Puligillaon December 13, 2021 at 1:57 pm Read More »

Dave Chappelle is just right: Ridicule Jussie Smollett.on December 13, 2021 at 2:32 pm

The Barbershop: Dennis Byrne, Proprietor

Dave Chappelle is just right: Ridicule Jussie Smollett.

Read More

Dave Chappelle is just right: Ridicule Jussie Smollett.on December 13, 2021 at 2:32 pm Read More »

3 killed, 16-year-old boy among 26 wounded in weekend shootings in ChicagoSun-Times Wireon December 13, 2021 at 1:17 pm

3 people killed and 26 others wounded in shootings over the weekend | Sun-Times file photo

In one of the fatal attacks, a man was shot Saturday morning while standing on the porch of his friend’s house in Palmer Square on the Northwest Side.

Three people were killed and a 16-year-old boy was among 26 others wounded by gunfire in Chicago over the weekend.

A man was fatally shot Saturday morning while standing on the porch of his friend’s house in Palmer Square on the Northwest Side, police said. Suraj Mahadeva, 26, was found with a gunshot wound to his head by his friend who heard a loud sound about 3:25 a.m. in the 2100 block of North Albany Avenue, police said. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.
A man was fatally shot Saturday afternoon in West Pullman on the Far South Side. Ralph Williams, 38, was sitting in a car in the 300 block of West 119th Street when two people approached and one of them shot into the car, about 12:10 p.m., police said. He struck in the back and transported to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead, police said.
A man was found fatally shot Sunday afternoon in South Shore on the Far South Side. The man, 40, was found shot to death about 3:35 p.m. near a gangway of a residence in the 7500 block of South Yates Boulevard, police said. The man, who hasn’t been identified yet, was shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.
A 16-year-old boy was shot Saturday afternoon in Gresham on the South Side. The teen was sitting in a car in the 8600 block of South Loomis Boulevard when someone in another car opened fire about 6:12 p.m., police said. He was struck in the back and was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was stabilized, police said.
A few hours earlier, two people were wounded, one critically, in a drive-by shooting Saturday afternoon in Oakland on the South Side. About 2:30 p.m., the man and woman were standing in the 1000 block of East 43rd Street when someone fired shots, police said. A 45-year-old man was hit in the arm, leg and torso and was taken in critical condition to the University of Chicago Medical Center, police said. A woman, 64, was shot in the leg and was taken to the same hospital, where she was stabilized.

At least 23 others were wounded in shootings across the city from Friday 5 p.m. to Monday 5 a.m.

Read More

3 killed, 16-year-old boy among 26 wounded in weekend shootings in ChicagoSun-Times Wireon December 13, 2021 at 1:17 pm Read More »

The Chicago Bears’ ugly second half costs them the gameVincent Pariseon December 13, 2021 at 12:00 pm

The Chicago Bears had a magnificent (by their standards) first half against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football. It wasn’t expected as they went into the game as heavy underdogs against their bitter rival who has owned them for the better part of 30 years. Justin Fields was looking (outside of one pick-six) […] The Chicago Bears’ ugly second half costs them the game – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & MoreRead More

The Chicago Bears’ ugly second half costs them the gameVincent Pariseon December 13, 2021 at 12:00 pm Read More »

Illinois State Redbirds postseason capsuleon December 13, 2021 at 12:15 pm

Prairie State Pigskin

Illinois State Redbirds postseason capsule

Read More

Illinois State Redbirds postseason capsuleon December 13, 2021 at 12:15 pm Read More »

From downtown! NBA Power Rankings, and an ode to the 3-pointeron December 13, 2021 at 12:15 pm

As Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry continues his pursuit of Ray Allen’s all-time 3-point record — Curry is currently six behind the mark — we’re presenting our latest NBA Power Rankings with a focus on the deep ball.

Which players are on pace to become their teams’ leader in 3s? Which franchises’ marks could be untouchable? Which Hall of Famers are next to get passed on the all-time list?

As for our latest rankings, the league has a new No. 1 team: the Phoenix Suns, who enter this week with the NBA’s best record at 21-4, following the Warriors’ loss Saturday night against the Philadelphia 76ers. Phoenix has won 20 of its past 21 games and leads a trio of teams — Golden State and the Utah Jazz are the others — that have separated themselves from the pack in the Western Conference.

In the Eastern Conference, the Brooklyn Nets still lead, but the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks are right on their heels. Giannis Antetokounmpo & Co. have won 12 of their past 14 contests.

Note: Throughout the regular season, our panel (Tim Bontemps, Jamal Collier, Nick Friedell, Andrew Lopez, Tim MacMahon, Dave McMenamin and Ohm Youngmisuk) is ranking all 30 teams from top to bottom, taking stock of which teams are playing the best basketball now and which teams are looking most like title contenders. Stats provided by ESPN Stats & Information research.

1. Phoenix Suns
2021-22 record: 21-4
Previous ranking: 2
Franchise 3-point leader: Steve Nash (1,051)

While it’s unlikely to happen by the end of this season, Devin Booker is on pace to become the Suns’ career leader in 3-point field goals by the finish of the 2022-23 season. Booker, who passed Dan Majerle for second place on the list in the Suns’ third game of the season, is still 206 behind Steve Nash for the top spot. — Lopez

This week: @LAC, @POR, WAS, CHA

2. Golden State Warriors
2021-22 record: 21-5
Previous ranking: 1
Franchise 3-point leader: Stephen Curry (2,967)

Steph Curry is seven 3s away from eclipsing Ray Allen’s all-time 3-point record. Klay Thompson is expected back in the next few weeks after 2 1/2 years away. The ongoing surprise for the Warriors is the continued improvement of guard Jordan Poole. The University of Michigan product is shooting 42.7% from beyond the arc over his past 10 games and is averaging 19.3 points over that stretch while filling in for Thompson. — Friedell

This week: @IND, @NY, @BOS, @TOR

3. Utah Jazz
2021-22 record: 19-7
Previous ranking: 6
Franchise 3-point leader: Joe Ingles (1,045)

1 Related

Joe Ingles broke John Stockton‘s all-time franchise record for 3s made last season, but Ingles is probably just keeping the spot warm for Donovan Mitchell. Ingles has made 1,045 3s in his career, all in a Jazz uniform, only 237 more than Mitchell. Mitchell (82 3s this season) also is on pace to shatter Utah’s single-season record for 3s, a mark set by Jordan Clarkson (208) last season. — MacMahon

This week: LAC, SA, WAS

4. Brooklyn Nets
2021-22 record: 19-8
Previous ranking: 3
Franchise 3-point leader: Joe Harris (842)

There’s understandably been plenty of attention paid to Stephen Curry’s pursuit of the all-time record, but James Harden isn’t far behind him. Harden is 51 treys behind Reggie Miller for third all time, a milestone he should lock up before the All-Star break. — Bontemps

This week: TOR, PHI, ORL, DEN

5. Milwaukee Bucks
2021-22 record: 18-10
Previous ranking: 5
Franchise 3-point leader: Khris Middleton (1,086)

Ray Allen already had one of his 3-point records broken earlier in the season, when Khris Middleton broke his Bucks franchise record for most made 3-pointers. Allen did it in fewer games (494) than Middleton (566), but that didn’t take away from the accomplishment of moving past one of the all-time great sharpshooters. “To be able to break a record like that is something you definitely think of as a kid,” Middleton said after passing Allen. “Now, it’s just keep trying to expand on that list or move up on the NBA list.” — Collier

This week: @BOS, IND, @NO, CLE

6. Miami Heat
2021-22 record: 16-11
Previous ranking: 7
Franchise 3-point leader: Tim Hardaway (806)

The Heat are giving up 13.7 3s a game, which puts them on pace for their third straight season of yielding at least 13 3-pointers per contest. Prior to the 2017-18 season, they hadn’t given up an average of more than nine per game. — Friedell

This week: @CLE, @PHI, @ORL, @DET

7. Chicago Bulls
2021-22 record: 17-10
Previous ranking: 4
Franchise 3-point leader: Kirk Hinrich (1,049)

It’s only Zach LaVine‘s fifth season with the Chicago Bulls, but earlier this year, he passed Michael Jordan (555) on the franchise’s all-time 3-point list. If LaVine (625 career 3s with the Bulls) produces similar numbers from beyond the arc as compared to the past three seasons, he will pass Scottie Pippen (664) to move up to third on the franchise’s all-time list. But LaVine has a ways to go to get to Kirk Hinrich’s all-time mark. — Collier

This week: DET, @TOR, LAL

8. Philadelphia 76ers
2021-22 record: 15-12
Previous ranking: 9
Franchise 3-point leader: Allen Iverson (885)

Stephen Curry is set to become the NBA’s all-time 3-point leader, but he isn’t the best shooter — by percentage, anyway — in his own family. Seth Curry is a career 44% shooter from deep as compared to 43.2% for his older brother. — Bontemps

This week: @MEM, MIA, @BKN, NO

9. Memphis Grizzlies
2021-22 record: 16-11
Previous ranking: 10
Franchise 3-point leader: Mike Conley (1,086)

Second-year wing Desmond Bane (71 3s this season) might end up rewriting Memphis’ 3-point record book. He is on pace to break Mike Miller‘s mark for most 3s made in a season (202). Bane has already established himself as a core player for the Grizzlies, so he’ll likely spend several seasons in Memphis. That makes Bane, who has shot 42% from deep in 94 career games, a threat to break Mike Conley’s career team record. — MacMahon

This week: PHI, @POR, @SAC, POR

10. Cleveland Cavaliers
2021-22 record: 16-12
Previous ranking: 15
Franchise 3-point leader: LeBron James (1,251)

Cleveland, the biggest surprise success story of the NBA season, is averaging 12 3s per game, which puts it 16th in the league. To put that in perspective, the Cavs team that won the championship in 2016 only averaged 10.7 3s per game in the regular season en route to the only title in franchise history. — McMenamin

This week: MIA, HOU, @MIL, @ATL

11. Washington Wizards
2021-22 record: 15-12
Previous ranking: 8
Franchise 3-point leader: Bradley Beal (1,406)

Wednesday, Dec. 15
Lakers at Mavericks, 7:30 p.m.
Clippers at Jazz, 10 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 17
Warriors at Celtics, 7:30 p.m.
Lakers at T-Wolves, 10 p.m.

All times Eastern

There might be fewer 3-pointers hoisted in upcoming Wizards games. Kyle Kuzma, who led the team in getting up 5.8 3-point attempts per game and recently made the game-winner against Detroit, entered health and safety protocols on Saturday. The Wizards already average the fewest 3-pointers made per game (10.1) in the league, but Wes Unseld Jr.’s defense also is allowing a league-low 10.2 3-pointers per game this season. — Youngmisuk

This week: @DEN, @SAC, @PHX, @UTAH

12. LA Clippers
2021-22 record: 15-12
Previous ranking: 16
Franchise 3-point leader: Eric Piatkowski (738)

Paul George missed two games last week due to an elbow injury, but the Clippers were still able to put together a three-game winning streak due to big games from Brandon Boston Jr. and Reggie Jackson. Prior to George’s absence, the Clippers’ star swingman was averaging 3.1 made 3-pointers per game. That is on pace to break Eric Piatkowski’s franchise record sometime next season in what will be George’s fourth campaign with the Clippers. — Youngmisuk

This week: PHX, @UTAH, @OKC

13. Los Angeles Lakers
2021-22 record: 15-13
Previous ranking: 18
Franchise 3-point leader: Kobe Bryant (1,827)

LeBron James has come on as a 3-point shooter late in his career, so much so that with 2,023 makes, James is knocking on the door for top 10 all time in the category. James is 11th, 86 makes behind Damian Lillard and in range of old nemesis Paul Pierce, who is ninth with 2,143.— McMenamin

This week: @DAL, @MIN, @CHI

14. Charlotte Hornets
2021-22 record: 15-13
Previous ranking: 13
Franchise 3-point leader: Kemba Walker (1,283)

Kelly Oubre Jr. is averaging 26.4 points a game so far this month and has provided offensive stability for a Charlotte team that has been dealing with several COVID-19 protocol-related absences. The difference for Oubre this season is that he has been much better from long range. Oubre is shooting 38.6% from deep with the Hornets as compared to the ice-cold 31.6% he shot last season with the Warriors. — Friedell

This week: @DAL, @SA, @POR, @PHX

15. Atlanta Hawks
2021-22 record: 13-13
Previous ranking: 12
Franchise 3-point leader: Mookie Blaylock (1,050)

Maybe one player who can catch Steph Curry is Atlanta’s Trae Young. Through 230 career games, Young has hit 568 3-pointers on 1,631 attempts. Through Curry’s first 230 games, he hit 527 treys, albeit on 1,191 attempts. — Lopez

This week: HOU, @ORL, DEN, CLE

16. Denver Nuggets
2021-22 record: 13-13
Previous ranking: 17
Franchise 3-point leader: JR Smith (768)

It still remains to be seen when Jamal Murray will return from his ACL surgery, but he continues to rehab and shoot. When the Nuggets star point guard is back, he will resume his pursuit of becoming the franchise’s all-time 3-point shooter. While Will Barton passed Murray for second on the team’s list earlier this season, Murray is 96 treys away from breaking JR Smith’s team record. — Youngmisuk

This week: WAS, MIN, @ATL, @BKN

17. Boston Celtics
2021-22 record: 13-14
Previous ranking: 11
Franchise 3-point leader: Paul Pierce (1,823)

Both Jayson Tatum (fifth) and Marcus Smart (fourth) have a chance to move past Ray Allen on Boston’s all-time 3-point makes list — with Tatum, currently 42 behind Smart, likely to wind up ahead of both of them by season’s end. — Bontemps

This week: MIL, GS, NY

18. Dallas Mavericks
2021-22 record: 13-13
Previous ranking: 14
Franchise 3-point leader: Dirk Nowitzki (1,982)

Here’s a rarity: The Mavs’ single-season record for made 3s was set before the turn of the century. George McCloud still holds it with the 257 that he hit in 1995-96, when only four players in the league made more than 200 3s. Tim Hardaway Jr. is the only other player in franchise history to hit more than 200 3s in a season, having done it twice. — MacMahon

This week: CHA, LAL, @MIN

19. Toronto Raptors
2021-22 record: 12-14
Previous ranking: 22
Franchise 3-point leader: Kyle Lowry (1,518)

Answer questions on the NBA Christmas Day games for a shot at $25,000. Make Your Picks

Fred VanVleet (632) should pass Morris Peterson for second on Toronto’s all-time list this season, but VanVleet is still not going to be anywhere near Kyle Lowry’s franchise record. — Bontemps

This week: SAC, @BKN, CHI, GS

20. Minnesota Timberwolves
2021-22 record: 12-15
Previous ranking: 19
Franchise 3-point leader: Karl-Anthony Towns (692)

Karl-Anthony Towns has already made his stamp in Minnesota’s record book, holding the top mark for 3-point attempts and makes in Timberwolves history, despite ranking only seventh in games played. Interestingly, second-year forward Anthony Edwards is already in the team’s top 10 in 3-point attempts, a sign of the modern NBA. — Collier

This week: @DEN, LAL, DAL

21. New York Knicks
2021-22 record: 12-15
Previous ranking: 20
Franchise 3-point leader: John Starks (982)

New York has struggled defensively — an oddity for a Tom Thibodeau team — and opponent 3-point shooting is playing a part, as the Knicks are among the bottom 10 teams in the league in opposing 3-pointers made and attempted this season. — Bontemps

This week: GS, @HOU, @BOS

22. Portland Trail Blazers
2021-22 record: 11-16
Previous ranking: 21
Franchise 3-point leader: Damian Lillard (2,109)

Damian Lillard missed five straight games due to a lower abdominal injury before returning on Sunday. The Blazers desperately needed him after losing CJ McCollum indefinitely with a collapsed lung. Portland’s season has been a mess so far, but a healthier Lillard could soon surpass a Hall of Famer on the all-time 3-pointers list: After Sunday, he is 35 3s away from eclipsing Paul Pierce for ninth place. — Youngmisuk — Youngmisuk

This week: PHX, MEM, CHA, @MEM

23. San Antonio Spurs
2021-22 record: 10-16
Previous ranking: 23
Franchise 3-point leader: Manu Ginobili (1,495)

How much has the league changed in the past decade or so? The Spurs are last this season with 29.0 3-point attempts per game. They also were last a season ago with 28.4 attempts. Both numbers would have led by a wide margin over the Rockets’ league-leading 26.6 attempts from the 2013-14 season. — Lopez

This week: CHA, @UTAH, @SAC

24. Indiana Pacers
2021-22 record: 12-16
Previous ranking: 24
Franchise 3-point leader: Reggie Miller (2,560)

Reggie Miller’s franchise mark is in no danger of falling. Indiana’s closest active threat is Myles Turner, who currently sits 2,180 3-pointers from passing the Hall of Fame sharpshooter. — Collier

This week: GS, @MIL, DET

25. Sacramento Kings
2021-22 record: 11-16
Previous ranking: 25
Franchise 3-point leader: Buddy Hield (1,160)

Peja Stojakovic was a member of the Kings’ front office when Sacramento traded with New Orleans for Buddy Hield during his rookie campaign in 2017. Five seasons later, Hield surpassed Stojakovic — who has since stepped down as the Kings’ assistant general manager — as the franchise’s all-time leader in 3-point makes in his time with the Kings. — McMenamin

This week: @TOR, WAS, MEM, SA

26. Houston Rockets
2021-22 record: 8-18
Previous ranking: 26
Franchise 3-point leader: James Harden (2,029)

James Harden might hold Houston’s career 3-point record forever. “The Beard,” whose step-back 3 became one of the league’s most lethal weapons during his Houston tenure, made more than 2,000 3s in a Rockets uniform. Eric Gordon ranks second with 896. — MacMahon

This week: @ATL, @CLE, NY, @DET

27. New Orleans Pelicans
2021-22 record: 8-21
Previous ranking: 27
Franchise 3-point leader: Jrue Holiday (628)

Get access to exclusive original series, premium articles from our NBA insiders, the full 30 for 30 library and more. Sign up now to unlock everything ESPN+ has to offer.

Pelicans center Jonas Valanciunas is shooting 46.3% on 3-pointers this season. If he holds that percentage for the rest of the season, it would be the highest for a player listed at 6-foot-11 or taller for an NBA season that qualifies for the league lead. The current best mark is held by Troy Murphy, who hit 45% of his 3-pointers for Indiana in the 2008-09 season. — Lopez

This week: @OKC, MIL, @PHI

28. Oklahoma City Thunder
2021-22 record: 8-18
Previous ranking: 29
Franchise 3-point leader: Kevin Durant (1,143)

The Thunder are allowing 14.6 made 3s per game, which is on pace to be the second most in NBA history for a season, according to ESPN Stats & Information data. Oklahoma City also ranks last in the league in 3-point percentage (.307). That’s the kind of combination likely to lead to a high lottery pick. — MacMahon

This week: NO, LAC

29. Orlando Magic
2021-22 record: 5-23
Previous ranking: 28
Franchise 3-point leader: Dennis Scott (981)

Cole Anthony‘s improved play this season is due in part to his solid long-range shooting. The second-year guard came into Sunday’s contest shooting 41.7% from beyond the arc this month, and he continues to look more comfortable on the floor for the rebuilding team. After shooting 33.7% from distance last season, Anthony has kicked that up to 37.7% so far this campaign. — Friedell

This week: ATL, MIA, @BKN

30. Detroit Pistons
2021-22 record: 4-22
Previous ranking: 30
Franchise 3-point leader: Joe Dumars (990)

The Pistons have been an abysmal 3-point shooting team this season. They rank 29th in the NBA in 3-point percentage, barely ahead of the Thunder for last in the league, and the Pistons already set a record for futility earlier this season. Detroit went 8-for-47 (17%) from 3 during a game against the Bucks; no other team in NBA history has shot so many 3s while making so few. — Collier

This week: @CHI, @IND, HOU, MIA

Read More

From downtown! NBA Power Rankings, and an ode to the 3-pointeron December 13, 2021 at 12:15 pm Read More »

20 great ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in ChicagoSelena Fragassi – For the Sun-Timeson December 13, 2021 at 11:30 am

Several events offer ideal viewing of the New Year’s Eve fireworks at Navy Pier. | Courtesy Navy Pier

You can drink, dance, run or rock out to ring in 2022.

In-person New Year’s Eve celebrations are back in a big way in Chicago this year. From comedy sketch shows to “Great Gatsby” parties, magic shows to firework cruises and live music of every flavor, here are 20 ways to ring in 2022.

New Year’s Eve 5K

Get a head start on the celebrations with this morning 5K race, presented by Chicago Sport & Social Club. The event begins and ends at Theater on the Lake, where a wrap party offers a champagne toast. 2401 N. Lake Shore Dr. Starts at 9 a.m., registration $50 in advance. newyearseve5k.com

Offshore Luxe Party

Your outlook on 2022 can’t get better than this prime spot at Navy Pier, regarded as the world’s largest rooftop deck. The all-weather-friendly glass atrium bestows great views of the skyline and the midnight fireworks, accompanied by several bars, passed appetizers and live music. 1000 E. Grand Ave. Starts at 9 p.m. $249+. drinkoffshore.com

Zoo Year’s Eve

Lincoln Park Zoo
Illumination and animals are the draw at Zoo Year’s Eve.

The ZooLights are still on at Lincoln Park Zoo and will be shining bright for this adults-only event. In addition to the dazzling displays of illumination and animal encounters, there will also be cash bars, games, a DJ and more. Animal buildings will be open if you need to warm up. 2400 N. Cannon Dr. Starts at 9 p.m. $15-25. lpzoo.org

New Year On The Pier

Navy Pier is also host to one of the biggest NYE parties in Chicago at the Aon Grand Ballroom, which will offer upgraded catering and bar service, a live band and Chicago blue-eyed soul singer Matt Kysia, plus the Pier’s incredible fireworks show at midnight. If you go early you can also check out Light Up the Lake’s indoor light garden and ice skating rink. 600 E. Grand Ave. Starts at 8 p.m. $105+ navypier.org

NYE 2022 Future Disco

The future looks bright at this discotheque held at the voluminous Time Out Market Chicago, complete with a light-up dance floor as B96’s DJ Metro spins tunes new and old. Live sax and a magician are also planned. Grab food and drinks from market vendors and get ready for the midnight confetti drop. 916 W. Fulton Market. Starts at 9 p.m. $80+. timeoutmarket.com/chicago

‘A Recipe For Disaster!’

Kyle Flubackher
Kierra Bunch (left) and Carley Cornelius in “A Recipe for Disaster!”

It’s the final curtain call of the year with a New Year’s Eve performance of “A Recipe For Disaster,” an immersive experience at Petterino’s co-created with celebrity chef Rick Bayless and combining live theater and food. Admission includes tastings by the chef, a cocktail sampling and two wine pairings. 150 N. Dearborn. 8 p.m. $130. windycityplayhouse.com

Windy City Soul Club

Shimmy and shake your way to Logan Square Auditorium for this annual New Year’s Eve showdown, hosted by the venerable Windy City Soul Club (in partnership with Empty Bottle Presents). DJs will spin the best of Motown, swoon-worthy classics and other retro-tinged hits that are just begging for your best vintage ensemble. 2359 N. Kedzie. Starts at 9:30 p.m. $25+. emptybottle.com

Los Lobos

Erika Goldring/Getty Images
Los Lobos will perform at City Winery.

The beloved East L.A. rock band returns to the intimate hall of City Winery for two shows on New Year’s Eve, filling the room with the best mash-up of roots rock, blues, and Tex-Mex styles. Add on dinner service and of course a bottle of wine for the full experience. 1200 W. Randolph. 7:30, 11 p.m. $85+ citywinery.com/chicago

The Second City’s ‘Deck The Hallmark’

The end of Christmas doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy Lifetime and Hallmark holiday movies … being roasted in the best way possible by The Second City. The comedy troupe takes on every possible cliche in this revue for the gift that just keeps on giving. In-theater dining is also available. 230 W. North Ave. 7, 10 p.m. $58. secondcity.com

Chicago Magic Lounge’s Signature Show

If you’re mesmerized by how we even got to the end of 2021 this quickly, you can keep the illusions going on New Year’s Eve as the Chicago Magic Lounge brings card tricks right to your table followed by unbelievable acts during a 60-minute stage show. Food and drink are also available. 5050 N. Clark St. 7 p.m. $70. chicagomagiclounge.com

Anita Dee II Fireworks Cruise

Nothing improves the Chicago’s New Year’s Eve fireworks spectacular like viewing the show from the luxury of the Anita Dee II three-story yacht. This all-inclusive package includes the multi-hour ride, live DJs, open bar, desserts and a champagne toast. 200 N. Breakwater Access. Board starting at 9 p.m. $50+ eventbrite.com

Swingin’ the New Year At Ritz-Carlton

The swanky Ritz-Carlton is the epitome of the “new year, new me” philosophy, undergoing a massive overhaul of its accommodations. To further celebrate, the annual Dec. 31 party will take place in the hotel’s atrium, guided by the sounds of jazz swing band The Flatt Cats, plus hors d’oeuvres, dessert bars and more. 160 E. Pearson St. Starts at 9 p.m. $200. exploretock.com

Jeff Dunham

Before you head out for one final night of revelry in 2021, head to Allstate Arena to see the popular comic and unreal ventriloquist Jeff Dunham with his “lively” sidekicks Peanut, Walter, Jose Jalapeno, Bubba J. and Achmed, plus the newest member of the family, Url. 6920 N. Mannheim Rd., Rosemont. 3 p.m. $53 ticketmaster.com

Gatsby’s Roaring ’20s Party

The theme of many New Year’s Eve parties this year is unsurprisingly the “roaring ’20s,” but few could beat this one at Morgan MFG as the industrial warehouse/nightclub goes all out in a “Great Gatsby” theme (guests are encouraged to dress the part). Multiple floors and DJs will be accompanied by an appetizer buffet and lots and lots of drinks. 401 N. Morgan St. Starts at 9 p.m. $99+ eventbrite.com

Trey Songz

Bryan Steffy/Getty Images
Trey Songz will headline a New Year’s Eve concert at the Chicago Theatre.

“I Gotta Make It” could be the anthem of surviving the past year, but it’s also one of the biggest hits from this modern-day R&B tycoon and producer, who will bring his sweet serenades to the Chicago Theatre for this one-of-a-kind New Year’s Eve concert. 175 N. State St. 10 p.m. $65+ ticketmaster.com

First Night Evanston

If you’re feeling like staying in this year, Evanston’s long-running, family-friendly New Year’s Eve event remains online in 2021 as it marks its 25th anniversary. Hosted by Corky Siegel, the “Virtual Variety” show will feature bluesman Toronzo Cannon, alt-folk trio Sons of the Never Wrong, the Chamber Blues Ensemble and more plus a sing-along of “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight. Starts at 9:45 p.m. Suggested donation $35. firstnightevanston.org

Galaxy Gala

Hotel Lincoln’s J. Parker rooftop is the focal point for this constellation-themed event. While there’s no promises you’ll be able to actually see stars (it’s Chicago, after all), all the glitter and water views will make up for it. A DJ and photo booth provide entertainment along with passed apps, a dessert station, cocktails, beer and wine options. 1816 N. Clark St. Starts at 9 p.m. $90+ eventbrite.com

District Brew Yards Party

Champagne may be the official drink of New Year’s Eve, but if craft beers are more your style, head to District Brew Yards; the “pour-your-own beer hall” has 40 options to choose from, and admission will get you unlimited brews plus a dinner buffet and a DJ to dance the night away. 417 N. Ashland Ave. Starts at 8 p.m. $59-89. districtbrewyards.com

The Signature Lounge

If you want to leave 2021 on a high note, there’s no better place than the Signature Lounge on the 96th floor of the former John Hancock building. In addition to the lounge’s robust cocktail menu, there will be a live DJ all night. Reservations can be made for Signature Room dinner as well. 875 N. Michigan Ave. Starting at 9 p.m. $25 cover charge. signatureroom.com

Let’s Get It Started (in Here)

Chicago’s Hideout has it all in its New Year’s Eve smorgasbord event — comedy from Skyler Higley, Maggie Winters, Parker Callahan and Jake Prizant; drag performer Derry Queen; live music from ORISUN and Justice Hill & Nightime Love; and even balloon animals. 1354 W. Wabansia. Starts at 9:30 p.m. $25. hideoutchicago.com

Read More

20 great ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in ChicagoSelena Fragassi – For the Sun-Timeson December 13, 2021 at 11:30 am Read More »

Halas Intrigue Episode 202: Pack it in?Sun-Times staffon December 13, 2021 at 7:01 am

Bears wide receiver Darnell Mooney looks on after a Packers interception in the fourth quarter Sunday. | Adam Niemi/The Daily Mining Gazette via AP

Is that — for all practical purposes — a wrap for the Bears’ season?

Patrick Finley, Jason Lieser and Mark Potash break down the Bears’ 45-30 loss to the Packers on Sunday night at Lambeau Field.

New episodes of “Halas Intrigue” will be published regularly with accompanying stories collected on the podcast’s hub page. You can also listen to “Halas Intrigue” wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Luminary, Spotify, and Stitcher.

Read More

Halas Intrigue Episode 202: Pack it in?Sun-Times staffon December 13, 2021 at 7:01 am Read More »