For a couple of weeks now, Chicago Bears fans have taken their frustration to a new level. Earlier on this season, fans chanted for Justin Fields while Andy Dalton was on the field. They got their wish. Fields is now the cemented starting quarterback. Recently, fans have taken it into their own hands to start […] Chicago Bears players are not a fan of the many ‘Fire Nagy’ chants – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & MoreRead More

Monday night was supposed to be all about an old back yard rivalry between two brothers. Lonzo Ball and the Chicago Bulls were hosting LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets, and to begin with, the brotherly rivalry stood out. Lonzo came out immediately and knocked down a couple of three-pointers, playing like he had something […] Nikola Vucevic suddenly, surprisingly the key for the Chicago Bulls – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & MoreRead More

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The Chicago White Sox missed out on an opportunity to bring Marcus Semien back to the Southside. Maybe paying a 31-year-old infielder $175 million over seven years was not appealing at all to Chicago White Sox general manager Rick Hahn. It seems like spending any money on free agents has not been attractive to Hahn. […] Chicago White Sox are all quiet so far on the free agent front – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & MoreRead More

Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy was not hired to run the I-formation. He was hired to implement his big-play, high-scoring offense that he learned under Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. He was brought in by general manager Ryan Pace who wanted him to nurture and develop a young quarterback. Most importantly, he […] The rise and fall of Chicago Bears Head Coach Matt Nagy – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & MoreRead More

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Rival gangs face off in Steven Spielberg’s update of the classic musical “West Side Story.” | 20th Century Studios

Jennifer Lawrence, Nicole Kidman, Denzel Washington and Bradley Cooper (twice!) star in December’s most promising titlees.

We’re going back to the future.

Among the major releases coming our way in December, we’re getting a biopic about a couple from the 1950s who changed television forever; an update of a seminal American musical from 1961; two nostalgia-steeped stories set in the 1970s; a franchise origins story that takes place in the early 20th century; a psychological noir thriller set in the 1940s — and for the first time in 18 years, Neo aka Missssster Anderson is returning to the world of the Matrix.

Here are the 12 films you can’t miss this holiday season.

‘Don’t Look Up’ (Dec. 9)

There’s a comet coming our way, so who ya gonna call? It’s up to a couple of relatively low-level astronomers (Oscar winners Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence) to go on a global media tour to warn a skeptical world. (Let’s be honest, if this was happening in real life, we know a considerable portion of the populace would call it Fake News.) Director Adam McKay (“Anchorman,” “The Big Short,” “Vice”) is a proven vet at social satire and a master at assembling impressive casts; joining DiCaprio and Lawrence are Jonah Hill, Rob Morgan, Mark Rylance, Timothee Chalamet, Ron Perlman, Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, Tyler Perry and … Ariana Grande!

‘Being the Ricardos’ (Dec. 10)

The prolific Aaron Sorkin (“Moneyball,” “The Social Network,” “The Trial of the Chicago 7”) writes and directs this behind-the-scenes story of the tumultuous marriage of Golden Age TV pioneers Lucille Ball (Nicole Kidman) and Desi Arnaz (Javier Bardem). From the moment the casting was announced, there was considerable backlash on social media — particularly against Kidman — but as always, my policy on this matter is simple:

Other than expressing optimism (as we’re doing in this very piece), I’ll not comment in depth on casting until after I’ve seen the film. Not the poster, not publicity stills, not the trailer.

The. Film.

‘West Side Story’ (Dec. 10)

Reviewers getting an early look at this film are asked to “refrain from revealing spoilers and detailed story points.” Given Steven Spielberg is updating a 1957 musical that was turned into a 1961 film inspired by “Romeo and Juliet,” this seems a little like a spoiler alert for “Titanic” asking critics not to mention the ship or the ocean. But hey, the Broadway production and the movie were some 60 years ago, and maybe not everybody knows “West Side Story” is Shakespearean-inspired, and perhaps Spielberg and screenwriter Tony Kushner have some fresh takes in store for us. So let’s put a cap on the cynicism and acknowledge we’re pumped to see the new Tony (Ansel Elgort) and Maria (Rachel Zegler) have their own “Tonight.”

‘Red Rocket’ (Dec. 17)

I’ve seen this one, and I can report the brilliant indie director Sean Baker (“Tangerine,” “The Florida Project”) delivers another unsettling, authentic, original slice of life, this time focusing on a porn star (former porn performer turned MTV VJ turned actor Simon Rex) who returns home to Texas, reconnects with his estranged wife (Bree Elrod) and pursues a predatory relationship with a teenage girl (Suzanna Son). Simon Rex is so good playing a reptilian manipulator you just want to slap him silly. (Not really, Simon. But you get what I’m gettin’ at.)

‘Nightmare Alley’ (Dec. 17)

Academy Award winner Guillermo del Toro (“Pan’s Labyrinth,” “The Shape of Water”) directs this noir thriller based on the 1946 novel of the same name, which was previously adapted in 1947 with Tyrone Power in the lead. Bradley Cooper takes on the role of Stanton Carlisle, a carny and con man entering into an unholy alliance with a psychiatrist (Cate Blanchett) who has some tricks of her own. With Toni Collette, Willem Dafoe, Richard Jenkins, Rooney Mara, Tim Blake Nelson, Mary Steenburgen and David Strathairn, so yeah, firepower.

‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ (Dec. 17)

We can debate forever about who’s been the best Batman, but with respect to Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, Tom Holland has made the role of Spider-Man his, delivering just the right formula of gee-whiz naivete and likable vulnerability — and the heroic ability to rise to the occasion when the bleep hits the fan. In this follow-up to the terrific entries “Spider-Man: Homecoming” and “Spider-Man: Far From Home,” Peter Parker/Spidey turns to the one and only Dr. Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) to restore sanity to his life after his secret identity has been exposed. A number of villains from previous “Spider-Man” movies will join this multi-verse, while the wonderful Zendaya returns as Peter’s girlfriend, MJ.

‘The King’s Man’ (Dec. 21)

This prequel to the “Kingsman” film series is an origins story about the world’s very first independent intelligence agency and reportedly concerns the obligatory One Man Racing Against Time to stop some of the worst criminals and tyrants in history from wiping out millions. Starring Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Rhys Ifans, Matthew Goode, Tom Hollander, Djimon Hounsou and Stanley Tucci.

‘The Tender Bar’ (Dec. 22)

Having seen director George Clooney’s warm, funny and sentimental adaptation of J.R. Moehringer’s memoir, I can tell you Ben Affleck delivers one of the finest performances of his career as “Uncle Charlie,” a near-mythic influence on young J.R. (played by Daniel Ranieri as a child and Tye Sheridan as a college student), an aspiring writer whose biological father (Max Martinis) is just a voice on the radio.

‘The Matrix Resurrections’ (Dec. 22)

Nearly two decades after the conclusion of the “Matrix” trilogy, it turns out there’s more story to be told. Lana Wachowski directs, co-writes and produces, with Keanu Reeves and Carrie Anne-Moss returning as Neo and Trinity, while Yahya Abdul-Mateen II takes on the role of Morpheus, previously owned by Laurence Fishburne. “Resurrections” picks up the story some 20 years after the events of the third “Matrix” film, and yes, I’ll definitely be rewatching “Matrix Revolutions” to get in the right mind-bending mood for “Resurrections.”

‘A Journal for Jordan’ (Dec. 25)

Denzel Washington directs Michael B. Jordan and Chante Adams in the adaptation of Sgt. Charles Monroe King’s memoir about a soldier who is deployed in Iraq and begins keeping a journal offering life advice to his newborn son. Tissues recommended.

‘The Tragedy of MacBeth’ (Dec. 25)

Another Willy Shakespeare adaptation! And it’s a solo Coen effort? Intriguing. Joel Coen writes and directs the story of a Scottish Lord and a certain trio of witches. Starring Denzel Washington, Frances McDormand, Corey Hawkins, Brendan Gleeson — and Kathryn Hunter as the witches. Early critical response pegs this as one of the most creative and memorable Shakespeare adaptations in recent memory.

‘Licorice Pizza’ (Dec. 25)

Weeks after seeing this 1970s-set coming-of-age comedy-drama from the great Paul Thomas Anderson (“Boogie Nights,” “Magnolia,” “The Phantom Thread”), I’m still smiling about this meandering, strange, wonderful, lovely, weird and deeply original and funny gem, which somehow manages to incorporate everything from the rise and fall of the waterbed to the gas crisis to fringe show business characters to local California politics to Bradley Cooper doing a devastating takedown of Jon Peters, the former hairdresser turned movie producer. In a movie world dominated by sequels, reboots and mega-franchises, “Licorice Pizza” is as refreshing as an ice-cold glass of lemonade on a summer day in 1973.

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Nine people were shot Nov. 29, 2021, in Chicago. | Sun-Times file photo

A 14-year-old boy was shot in Back of the Yards.

Nine people were shot Monday in Chicago, including a 20-year-old man who was wounded in a shooting in Bridgeport on the South Side.

The man was on the corner about 7:30 p.m. in the 800 block of West 31st Street when someone opened fire, Chicago police said. He was struck on the thigh and was taken to Stroger Hospital in good condition.

A 14-year-old boy was shot and critically wounded in Back of the Yards on the South Side. The teen was walking about 12:50 a.m. in the 1800 block of West 46th Street, when he was shot multiple times, police said. He was taken to Stroger Hospital in critical condition with gunshot wounds to his arm and legs.

Minutes prior, two people were shot and wounded while driving in Ravenswood. A 29-year-old man and a woman, 28, were driving in the 4600 block of North Western Avenue about 12:05 a.m. when they were both struck by gunfire, police said. The man was shot three times in the torso, while the woman was shot in her hip. He was taken to Saint Francis Hospital, where he was in serious condition. The woman was taken to Illinois Masonic Medical Center in fair condition.

Five others were wounded in shootings citywide.

Three people were killed, twenty-six others were wounded, in shootings last weekend in Chicago.

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Lemon-herb roasted with with crispy garlic potatoes. | America’s Test Kitchen

Thinking ahead to your next few meals? Here are some main dishes and sides to try.

Lemon-herb roasted cod with crispy garlic potatoes

Makes 4 servings

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: about 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 1/2 pounds russet potatoes, unpeeled, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

3 cloves garlic, minced

3/4 teaspoon coarse salt, divided

1/2 teaspoon pepper, divided

4 (6-to 8-ounce) skinless cod fillets, 1 inch thick

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch pieces

4 sprigs fresh thyme

4 thin lemon slices

Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 425 degrees. Brush rimmed baking sheet with 1 tablespoon oil. In a large bowl, combine potatoes, garlic, remaining oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cover; microwave on high (100% power) 12 to 14 minutes or until potatoes are just tender. Stack potatoes in a shingle pattern in 4 rectangular piles that measure roughly 4 by 6 inches on prepared sheet. Pat cod dry with paper towels, sprinkle with remaining salt and pepper and lay 1 fillet, skinned side down, on each potato pile. Place butter, thyme sprig and 1 lemon slice on top. Roast 15 to 18 minutes or until fish flakes apart when gently prodded with paring knife and internal temperature is 135 degrees. Slide spatula underneath potatoes and cod to gently transfer to individual plates and serve.

Per serving: 411 calories, 34 grams protein, 17 grams fat (37% calories from fat), 6.6 grams saturated fat, 31 grams carbohydrate, 96 milligrams cholesterol, 464 milligrams sodium, 4 grams fiber.

Carb count: 2.

Pork goulash

Makes 8 servings

Preparation time: about 10 minutes

Cooking time: 6 to 8 hours

INGREDIENTS

2 pounds well-trimmed boneless pork shoulder or loin, cut into bite-size chunks

1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, with liquid

1 (1.1-ounce) packet beef-onion soup mix

2 tablespoons paprika

2 teaspoons minced garlic

1 teaspoon caraway seeds

1 cup reduced-fat sour cream

1/4 cup chopped fresh dill

In a 4-quart or larger slow cooker, place pork. Add tomatoes, soup mix, paprika, garlic and caraway seeds. Cover and cook on low 7 to 8 hours or until pork is tender. Stir in sour cream and top each serving with dill.

Per serving: 243 calories, 27 grams protein, 10 grams fat (38% calories from fat), 4.3 grams saturated fat, 9 grams carbohydrate, 88 milligrams cholesterol, 509 milligrams sodium, 2 grams fiber.

Carb count: 0.5.

Diego’s meatball mountain range

Makes 6 servings

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: Less than 25 minutes, plus pasta

INGREDIENTS

1 egg, lightly beaten

3 tablespoons finely chopped onion

2 tablespoons dry breadcrumbs

1 tablespoon plus 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/4 teaspoon coarse salt

1/2 cup cooked brown rice

3/4 pound 95% lean ground beef

2 1/2 cups meatless pasta sauce

8 ounces whole-grain spaghetti

1 to 2 cups large fresh broccoli florets, cooked

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 2 1/2-quart rectangular baking dish with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine egg, onion, breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon Parmesan, Italian seasoning and salt. Add rice and beef; mix well. On a piece of waxed paper, flatten meat mixture into a 1-inch-thick square. Cut the square into a grid to make 20 equal pieces. (Kids can help here:) Roll each piece into a meatball. Arrange in prepared dish and bake about 15 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat pasta sauce on low. Transfer cooked meatballs to sauce and wipe out baking dish. Cook spaghetti according to directions; drain. Transfer spaghetti to baking dish. Add about 1/2 cup sauce without meatballs; toss to coat. Arrange remaining sauce and the meatballs on spaghetti in center of dish. (Kids can help here:) Arrange broccoli around edge to look like trees. Loosely cover with nonstick foil and bake 5 minutes. Top with remaining cheese and serve.

NOTE: Cut broccoli into smaller pieces before serving.

Per serving: 325 calories, 22 grams protein, 7 grams fat (18% calories from fat), 2.1 grams saturated fat, 44 grams carbohydrate, 66 milligrams cholesterol, 449 milligrams sodium, 7 grams fiber.

Carb count: 3.

Spicy Thai chicken salad

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups chopped cooked chicken, 3 cups cooked brown rice, 6 cups coleslaw mix and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. In medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups Thai peanut sauce (bottled), 1/4 cup canola oil and 1/4 cup water. Add to rice mixture and toss to coat. Garnish with 1/2 cup coarsely chopped dry roasted peanuts and serve.

Penne with bean sauce

Cook a 10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach. Stir in 1 (16-ounce) can rinsed reduced-sodium cannellini beans and 2 cups no-salt-added or regular marinara sauce. Heat through and stir into any cooked pasta. Serve with a lettuce wedge and garlic bread.

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