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To purchase tickets click here. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. The Westfield Old Orchard Magic Trolley Sweepstakes (“Sweepstakes”) starts at 9:01 a.m. CT on November 29, 2021 and ends at 11:59 p.m. CT on December 6, 2021 (“Sweepstakes Period”). This Sweepstakes will be subject to these Official Rules, and by … Read moreRead More

One person died and a child was among three others injured in a fire Monday on the Southwest Side. | Chicago Fire Media

Susan M. Collopy, 60, died in the fire. But fire officials say a neighbor was woken up by his dog and rescued a child and adult from the blaze before firefighters arrived.

A neighbor rescued a child from a fire that killed the child’s grandmother Monday morning at a home in Clearing on the Southwest Side.

Renaldo Vera’s dog heard screams and woke him up around 6 a.m., according to the Chicago Fire Department.

Vera rushed to the burning home in the 5700 block of West 64th Street and pulled out the 7-year-old boy and an adult before firefighters arrived, the department said.

“I heard the window break and I screamed out… to see if everything was OK,” Vera told reporters at the scene. “I ran downstairs. The grandfather started breaking the windows and I started helping the little boy out.”

“Then I went back to help the mother out of the window,” Vera said. “Anyone else would’ve done the same.”

When firefighters arrived, they entered the home and found 60-year-old Susan M. Collopy in a rear bedroom, fire officials and the Cook County medical examiner’s office said. Paramedics took her to Holy Cross Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, Chicago police said. Autopsy results have not been released.

The 7-year-old boy was taken in serious condition to Loyola University Medical Center, police said. A 34-year-old woman was in fair condition at Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, and a 60-year-old man was in good condition at Loyola.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

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A memorial for Minnie Minoso outside Guaranteed Rate Field. (Chicago White Sox).

White Sox great will be considered for Hall of Fame by Golden Days Era committee on Sunday

The White Sox celebrated the life and legacy of all-time great Minnie Minoso with a memorial near the Old Comiskey Park home plate plaque Monday at Guaranteed Rate Field. It would have been Minoso’s 96th birthday.

Minoso’s wife and son, Sharon Rice-Minoso and Charlie Minoso, were on hand.

Minoso’s Hall of Fame case, along with nine others, is being considered by the Golden Days Era committee, which votes on players who played from 1950 to 1969. The vote is Dec. 5.

Minoso was the first Black Latino major league player, a trail blazer whom fellow Cuban and former Sox pitcher Jose Contreras recently called “out Jackie Robinson.” The Sox are flying a No. 9 flag outside Guaranteed Rate Field near Championship Plaza by Gate 4 “to recognize Minoso’s incredible career and profound impact on baseball and society.”

In 15 seasons in the American League, including 12 with the Sox, and one in the National League, Minoso batted .298 with 186 home runs, 1,023 RBI and an .848 OPS.

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Adam Hollingsworth, otherwise known as “The Dread Head Cowboy,” walks with supporters into the Leighton Criminal Courthouse on Monday. | Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times

A Cook County judge on Monday accused Adam Hollingsworth, better known as the “Dread Head Cowboy,” of “disingenuous behavior” after his latest court filing asked for records he already has access to.

An exasperated Cook County judge on Monday accused Adam Hollingsworth, better known as the “Dread Head Cowboy,” of “disingenuous behavior” after his latest court filing asked for records that prosecutors and the judge said he already has access to.

During a chaotic status hearing, Judge Michael McHale said Hollingsworth was sending a “very interesting message” by not bringing the flash drive containing all electronic records that prosecutors gave him months ago while filing a notice asking for a video he said he doesn’t have.

“Why in the world did you not bring it?” McHale asked.

Hollingsworth, 34, is representing himself against a charge of animal cruelty stemming from a horseback ride he took in 2020 on the Dan Ryan Expressway to raise awareness about violence against youth.

Hollingsworth has struggled to navigate the court system since he publicly fired his pro-bono defense attorney in October 2020 after a hearing at a Far South Side courthouse. His lack of knowledge of court procedures has continually been on display in McHale’s courtroom, including Monday when he submitted a filing saying he hasn’t received discoveries.

The judge and prosecutors seemed confused by what exactly Hollingsworth was asking for. In the notice, Hollingsworth said he hadn’t received an “operation plan.”

McHale asked Hollingsworth what he meant by that, adding “I’ve only been doing this for 30 years, I can say I’ve never heard that before.”

Hollingsworth said he was also missing a video from a Chicago police squad car.

“At least on one occasion, the state played the video in open court,” McHale said.

Assistant State’s Attorney Christina Dracopoulous said she gave all electronic records to Hollingsworth on a USB drive.

McHale appeared irritated when Hollingsworth said he didn’t bring the flash drive to Monday’s court hearing.

“The fact that you didn’t bring [the flash drive] shows real disingenuous behavior,” McHale said. He also said it “doesn’t seem right to complain about something that isn’t on” the drive when he didn’t bring it to court.

After Hollingsworth interrupted the judge numerous times, a fed-up McHale said dealing with Hollingsworth is like “trying to nail jello to the wall.”

“You do not stay focused, you’re all over the place,” he said. “I’m trying to run an efficient courtroom and talking to you is extremely difficult.”

Hollingsworth was ordered to bring his laptop, phone, a chord and the flash drive at his next hearing Tuesday where the prosecutors and judge hope to sort out any confusion about discovery.

McHale previously has rejected several of Hollingsworth’s motions for not filing them correctly. The judge also accused Hollingsworth of making misrepresentations in court and harangued him for his lack of knowledge of how the law is practiced.

On Nov. 15, McHale denied Hollingsworth’s motion for a new judge and granted the city corporation counsel’s motion to quash Hollingsworth’s subpoena for Mayor Lori Lightfoot, whom Hollingsworth had hoped would testify as a character witness.

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There’s an episode of NBC’s Parks and Recreation where Tom and his friend Jean-Ralphio are throwing a massive party for the [supposed] end of the world. In the build up, the duo construct what they believe to be the “perfect party”. It’s a science they say, and they are party scientists. Well, as the end of 2021 prepares to shift into 2022, allow the party scientists at Green Curtain Events to usher you into the new year with their NYE Experience around Chicago. Their goal is simple—to spotlight the finest venues the city has to offer while also taking into consideration price points, VIP service, location, and demographic appropriateness. Their concierge program features a full service guide with event specialists ready to help at any given moment.

How you ring in the New Year matters and Green Curtain Events is incredibly attentive to that. With that being said, here is the full venue and events lineup for Green Curtain Events city-wide New Years Eve Experience!

Aon Grand Ballroom of Navy Pier for “New Year on the Pier”

840 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Opulence and indulgence will be on full display at Chicago’s premiere New Year’s Eve Countdown! The timeless setting of the Aon Grand Ballroom plays backdrop to an over-the-top celebration highlighted by live entertainment on the big stage, Chicago’s largest dance floor, countdown spectacular and FIREWORKS show at midnight.

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The Whale

2427 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

The Whale…where winners play and Chicago counts down with a BANG! Celebrate beyond the ordinary this New Year’s Eve and experience the perfect blend of style and fun with a reveling crowd ready to ring in all the new year has to offer.

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Uproar

1252 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610

Ring in the new year at the premier attraction in Old Town with Uproar. This high-energy, stylish bar will be serving up the lion share of fun at their “Uproaring Twenties” NYE celebration. Let a vast selection of table packages and social party space lead your way across a multi-level countdown guaranteed not to miss.

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Centre Street Kitchen

1224 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Ring in the New Year with elegance and class in the heart of Lincoln Park. A premium venue that boasts elevated service, drinks and style… CSK is a flawless destination for your NYE countdown.

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Hopsmith

15 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60610

Ring in the new year at the premier attraction in the heart of Rush & Division! Hopsmith elevates every aspect of a tavern experience, with a high-energy crowd sprawling over multiple floors, expansive bars, charismatic ambiance, and one of the finest celebrations in all of Chicago.

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Row of full champagne glasses

Fatpour Wicker Park

2005 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622

New Year’s Eve will be rocking at Wicker Park’s largest attraction, Fatpour (Wicker Park). Where a festive drink package, music, and holiday decor will be sprawling over two floors in pure celebration. Let a wide table selection and even private-room-accommodations suit your group needs for a countdown in style.

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Fatpour McCormick

2206 S Indiana Ave, Chicago, IL 60616

New Year’s Eve will be rocking in Chicago’s South Loop at Fatpour (McCormick). This neighborhood favorite will feature an over-the-top drink package, music, and more for a classic countdown in style and most complete Celebration Package.  

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LiqrBox

873 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL 60610

LiqrBox will be taking their countdown to a whole new level this New Year’s Eve in Chicago. With an unparalleled light show, wide range of table selection, and multiple floors of electric energy…giving all in attendance an “out-of-the-box” experience for the #1 party night of the year!

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Chalet

228 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Experience the charm of an “après-anything” vibe for the countdown this New Year’s Eve at Chalet…where cozy meets crazy for a mountain-top of fun. Let two floors of sprawling party-goers and table service lead the way for an NYE celebration like no other. 

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Roots South Loop

744 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60605

Chicago’s South Loop will be rocking this New Year’s Eve at Roots! Consistently acclaimed as a multi-season hot spot, this party will take party goers to the next level with over-the-top ambiance, skylight views, music, light shows and so much more.

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Radio Room

400 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654

Kiss 2021 goodbye and spend the ultimate party night of the year with Radio Room in River North. Mixing vintage kitsch with today’s tech… this New Year’s Eve celebration will be second to none with a premier crowd in attendance.  

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The 13-8 Chicago Bulls have been one of the pleasant surprises around the NBA this season. Although it is still early, the Bulls have looked like one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference. Maybe, just maybe, the fortunes are finally turning in their favor. One of the reasons why Chicago basketball is back is […] Chicago Bulls: Oh no, here comes LaVar Ball with the lunacy – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & MoreRead More

Bears coach Matt Nagy speaks with officials during the Packers game earlier this year. | Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

In a statement that speaks more to the ridiculous parity in the NFL than the Bears’ standing within it, Nagy’s 4-7 team is only one game behind the Vikings, who are No. 7 seed in the NFC wild-card race.

By PATRICK FINLEYAfter the most chaotic week of his career, Matt Nagy tried to relax — at least as much as any head coach can during the season. He attemptes to balance work and family time over the weekend.

“Everybody needs to have that,” he said. “But at the same time, (my wife and kids) joke because your mind never shuts down, no matter what you say or what you think.”

The compromise: Nagy tried to watch film and work on his game plan for the 9-2 Cardinals either early in the morning or late at night — or both — when he was the only one awake in the house.

“That’s when you can steal some time and not get yelled at for it,” he said with a smile.

Monday, Nagy was eager to turn the page from a week marked by questions about whether the Bears would make him the first coach they’ve ever fired in-season. Nagy got messages of support from friends this weekend — “They’ll let you know: ‘Hey, we got ya,'” he said — and focused on preparing for one of the best teams the Bears have faced all season.

And a playoff race. Seriously. Well, maybe. Kinda.

In a statement that speaks more to the ridiculous parity in the NFL than the Bears’ standing within it, Nagy’s 4-7 team is only one game behind the Vikings, who are No. 7 seed in the NFC wild-card race.

Even if they somehow get hot, the Bears — who play the Vikings twice in the season’s final month — would have to jump over half the teams in their conference to reach the postseason. Entering Monday night’s games, the Bears were one of eight NFC teams with either six or seven losses.

Nagy, to his credit, wasn’t about to start framing his team as a playoff contender.

The Bears, after all, needed a field goal at the gun — against the worst team in the sport — to stop a five-game skid. The team that awaits them Sunday, the Cardinals, are 9-2 coming off a bye. Were the playoffs to start today, they’d would get the bye as the NFC’s No. 1 seed.

“This isn’t coach talk, but literally, we need to, let’s win this game — and then let’s get on a two-game winning streak,” Nagy said. “Let’s have a little streak here. If you go out and you play a great game and you beat a great team like the Cardinals, what that can do for your confidence and your belief. And then all of that other stuff handles itself, because there are a lot of teams in that mix, and there are a lot of things we can’t control. What we can control is winning on Sunday.”

Nagy hopes the Bears cleared a hurdle by winning their first game in 46 days.

“When you break that losing streak, the mentality, it just helps you,” he said. “That’s just natural. You feel better about it, no matter how it comes.

“And so to see that, that you’re one game out, with all of those teams that are in that mix for that last spot, I don’t care who you are, if you’re a competitor, you care about that.”

It’s enough to make Nagy lament the Bears’ close losses to the Steelers and Ravens — even though the coach was quick to say every team in the league can say something similar.

“The ifs don’t matter,” Nagy said. “We didn’t win those. We lost them. And so no matter how we

lose them, no matter how we win, our record right now is 4-7, and the goal is to be 5-7.”

Sent from my iPhone

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Major League Baseball’s free agency is on fire. The current collective bargaining agreement is set to expire on December 1st and a lot of players want to have new homes by then so they don’t have to worry about it while there is a lockout. The Chicago Cubs have some former core players that are […] Chicago Cubs: This team would be perfect for Javier Baez – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & MoreRead More

Duke basks in victory over Gonzaga. | Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images

I’ve got Gonzaga are No. 2 on my ballot, still ahead of the Boilermakers, because an 84-81 loss to Duke in a thrilling, March-like game isn’t cause for an overcorrection.

Duke or Purdue? Purdue or Duke?

It’s the Dookies at No. 1 now, their extraordinary win against Gonzaga in Las Vegas having shaken up — a little — the picture at the top of the heap.

The new college basketball Top 25 poll is out, with the Zags at No. 3 after the Blue Devils and Boilermakers. The Zags are No. 2 on my ballot, still ahead of the Boilers, because an 84-81 loss to a wonderful team in a thrilling, March-like game isn’t cause for an overcorrection. Another way to put it: If the Zags and Boilers were playing tonight on a neutral floor, I (and probably a significant majority of voters) would take the Zags to win.

Sometimes, it’s just that simple.

Happy ACC/Big Ten Challenge! There are two games Monday, neither involving ranked teams. Come on, though, Virginia-Iowa and Notre Dame-Illinois sounds like a good time, doesn’t it? The great stuff comes Tuesday — with Purdue and Duke in back-to-back games on ESPN — and Wednesday.

AP Top 25

1. Duke, 2. Purdue, 3. Gonzaga, 4. Baylor, 5. UCLA, 6. Villanova, 7. Texas, 8. Kansas, 9. Kentucky, 10. Arkansas, 11. Arizona, 12. BYU, 13. Tennessee, 14. Florida, 15. Houston, 16. Alabama, 17. Connecticut, 18. Memphis, 19. Iowa State, 20. USC, 21. Auburn, 22. Michigan State, 23. Wisconsin, 24. Michigan, 25. Seton Hall.

(Click here to see the poll in more complete list form.)

My ballot

1. Duke, 2. Gonzaga, 3. Purdue, 4. Baylor, 5. UCLA, 6. Kansas, 7. Kentucky, 8. Villanova, 9. Arkansas, 10. Arizona, 11. Iowa State, 12. Florida, 13. Tennessee, 14. USC, 15. Connecticut, 16. Houston, 17. Auburn, 18. Memphis, 19. BYU, 20. Texas, 21. Xavier, 22. Michigan State, 23. Alabama, 24. LSU, 25. Louisville.

(Click here and then on “all voters” to see each voter’s individual ballot.)

Five things

o Where you at, Illinois? The Illini were so disjointed and lifeless in a hideous loss to Cincinnati, they’re going to have to win back some trust before I’ll put them back on my ballot. They’re first among “others receiving votes,” though, so voters on the whole are pretty ready to love them again.

o Wisconsin in the Top 25? Really? Winning the Maui Invitational was impressive, no doubt, but I just couldn’t pull the trigger on the Badgers on my ballot because of their clunky offense. Maybe I should have.

o So much for my pet team Virginia Tech. After a 5-0 start, the Hokies lost to Memphis by eight and to Xavier by one. Wait, that’s actually not terrible at all, is it? The Hokies are out for now, but I still think they can be a top-three team in the ACC. Also dropped from my previous ballot: Illinois and St. Bonaventure. Those two teams plus Xavier (which dropped a game to surprising Iowa State) fell out of the AP rankings.

o Iowa State (6-0) came out of nowhere, knocked off Xavier and then beat the daylights out of Memphis. Izaiah Brockington went for 30 against the Musketeers, and Minnesota transfer Gabe Kalscheur put up 30 on the Tigers. Whoa.

o Hat tip to Michigan State for the schedule it took on. The Spartans have already played Kansas, Butler, Loyola, Connecticut and Baylor, among others. They’ve lost a couple along the way, but they’ll be in fine form heading into Big Ten play.

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The start of the holiday season isn’t marked by Halloween candy on sale, parking dibs, or even snow—it’s the lights that bring the magic! From simple twinkling string lights to dazzling LED displays, the holidays just aren’t complete without a light show. While you’re out enjoying all the fun winter activities. Chicago has to offer, don’t miss out on these spectacular holiday lights in Chicago and the nearby areas!

1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe, IL 60022

WHEN: Nov. 12-Jan. 2

Chicago Botanic Garden’s Lightscape is back for its third season to dazzle visitors with its after-dark, illuminated trail. The 1.25-mile immersive trail is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced, especially on a walk. Chicago Botanic Garden teamed up with local and international artists to create magical displays along the entire path to bring you into another world.

Complete with “singing” trees, a twinkling Winter Cathedral, glowing red poppies, and more new features, Lightscape has many enchanting delights. Get tickets early—the popular event sells out quickly!

2200 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614

WHEN: Nov. 19-Jan. 2

ZooLights is a must-see Chicago tradition for visitors of all ages. It’s the biggest light show right here in the city, featuring hundreds of dynamic LED displays and strung-up lights shaped like animals, trees, and more, transforming Lincoln Park Zoo into a twinkling winter wonderland.

Visitors can also enjoy concerts, an enchanted forest, a light maze, visits with Santa, and a holiday pop-up bar. There will also be Sensory Friendly ZooLights experiences on Nov. 30 and Dec. 16 from 4-6 p.m. Blinking or moving lights will be static or turned off and there will be no music.

Reserve your tickets now—Mondays and Tuesdays are free!

600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Did you say ice skating and holiday lights? Yes, we sure did! This year, Navy Pier is bringing holiday lights to its amazing icerink and lighting the entire lake up! If you’re not there to skate, simply walk around and you’ll be transformed into a Christmas wonderland. You can also ride the Ferris wheel and get a stunning bird’s eye’s view over the endless lights around the lake!

4100 IL-53, Lisle, IL 60532

The ninth annual Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum is back as a walking experience this year. Visitors will walk through 50 acres of the Arboretum, exploring new and returning lighting displays along the 1-mile trail. 

Festive music from around the world will also add to the experience. As a magical spectacle of color, light, and sound, Illumination highlights the beauty of trees in the winter.

New sights include a special lighting display featuring artist Daniel Popper’s Human+Nature Hallow sculpture and an experience featuring 150 colorful lanterns. Illumination will also have festive treats and drinks to enjoy along the route while you cozy up by crackling fires. Some dates have already sold out—plan early and get your tickets!

5th Ave & Smith Blvd, Aurora, IL 60505

Hop in the car and take a drive through more than one mile of dazzling holiday light displays at Phillips Park in Aurora. The Aurora Festival of Lights is one of the largest free outdoor light shows you can enjoy in the warmth and comfort of your car. This year, the festival enters its 15th season of bringing holiday cheer to all ages.

This local tradition is a partnership between the Rotary Club of Aurora and the City of Aurora. The festival welcomes a new Helicopter Display and also seasonal favorites like Santa’s Toy Factory, elves and reindeer, holiday trains, gigantic snowflakes, and more.

Admission is free, but this year, the event requires advanced reservations. Donations are accepted, benefiting local charities.

Featured Image Credit: Lincoln Park Zoo

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