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Liof Munimula’s toolbox included a 42-piece percussion setup, a shortwave radio rig with a 40-foot antenna, and a subversive sense of humor.

Since 2004 Plastic Crimewave (aka Steve Krakow) has used the Secret History of Chicago Music to shine a light on worthy artists with Chicago ties who’ve been forgotten, underrated, or never noticed in the first place.…Read More

For 25 years, Tim Kinsella has led his band Joan of Arc through a multitude of changes: members have come and gone, and the group’s sound has evolved and (occasionally) purposely devolved. Now, with the release of Tim Melina Theo Bobby, Kinsella is bringing the project to an end.…Read More

Maria Irene Fornés’s feminist masterpiece Zooms in to help Season of Concern.

Fefu and Her Friends, written and directed in 1977 by Cuban American playwright Maria Irene Fornés, is set over the course of one day at Fefu’s New England home, where she has gathered seven of her female friends in order to make preparations for an upcoming arts education fundraiser they are hosting.   Originally staged as a promenade style performance, the audience is meant to physically move through four different scenes occurring simultaneously during Part II.…Read More

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Chicago Bulls should bring Joakim Noah back in some fashion by Ryan Heckman

Kyle Schwarber says goodbye to Chicago Cubs fans on social media.

The Chicago Cubs decided to make a couple of tough decisions this week. They decided to tender the contract of Kris Bryant but chose to let Kyle Schwarber and Alber Almora go untendered. This is sad for both guys leaving but it hits especially hard for fans in terms of seeing Schwarber go. He was one of the five guys you would consider to be a part of the position playing core that has been getting it done for many years now.

He wasn’t very good in 2020 but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t an important player for them. He is a super nice man and everyone loved playing with him. He isn’t very good defensively but he has gotten better as the years went on. Prior to 2020, which was a short 60 game season because of COVID-19, he was a pretty good offensive player. As recent as 2019, he had 38 home runs and 92 RBIs which are great power numbers but his average was only .250. which was the highest single-season average of his career.

The fact that power was the only tool he has is probably the biggest reason they didn’t tender him and aren’t likely to bring him back. That doesn’t take away that what he did well was very exciting for fans to watch. People are going to miss him despite the fact that this move was probably for the better.

Kyle took to social media on Thursday to say goodbye to fans of the Cubs. He went through and listed the achievements that he and his teammates accomplished during his tenure and showed gratitude towards all who were there along the way.

Chicago ?? pic.twitter.com/k1vH64YwZl

— Kyle Schwarber (@kschwarb12) December 3, 2020

As you can see above, Schwarber clearly has a lot of love for this team in his heart. He is right about the fact that they have very successful and they all deserve a lot of credit for it. The way it is ending is sad for fans and members of the organizations but it is what it is. There are going to be a few teams that line up to add a left-handed power bat to the middle of their lineup so Schwarber will be around next year.

Related Story: Could the Chicago Cubs trade Kris Bryant to the New York Yankees

Who knows, the Chicago White Sox could use a big left-handed bat so maybe he doesn’t even leave the city. They have a few guys that could be the designated hitter if needed and we don’t know how free-agency will work for them but Schwarber might be a nice fit. Either way, it is good to know that Schwarber is going out with happiness in his heart towards the city of Chicago.

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A retired Chicago firefighter was fatally shot during an exchange of gunfire with would-be carjackers Thursday afternoon in Morgan Park on the Far South Side, police said.

Dwain Williams, 65, had left a popcorn shop, Lets Get Poppin’, at 11758 S. Western Ave., and walked to his vehicle when a dark-colored sedan pulled up and four men got out, authorities said.

There was an exchange of gunfire, and Williams, who lived in the Longwood Manor neighborhood, was shot in the abdomen, authorities said. He was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead.

Provided photo/Andrew Holmes

Williams was a lieutenant who retired from the Fire Department about two years ago after joining in 1992, according to Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford.

His final assignment was with the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, where he was going to return to work as a civilian employee as soon as next week because “he really loved working in that environment,” Langford said.

Speaking at the scene, Southwest Side Ald. Matt O’Shea (19th) said Williams was a decorated member of the fire department.

“I can tell you he was a hero,” O’Shea said. “He spent his entire career working hard as a first responder for our great city. What a tremendous loss.”

The suspects were last seen fleeing west on 118th Street in the sedan, police said. It wasn’t immediately clear if any of them had been shot.

Community activist Andrew Holmes said the William’s wife and four children have been left “traumatized” by his seemingly random killing.

“His wife, she just wants her husband,” Holmes said. “That was her soul mate for over 30 years.”

“They’re trying to make sense of it, which it doesn’t make any sense,” Holmes said. “Why would you just take his life? If you wanted the car — this is one thing his whole family said — he would’ve gave you that car, keys and all.”

After Williams dedicated his career to saving lives, Holmes added, “all of a sudden, people take his.”

The shooting comes amid a spike in carjackings across the city. Chicago police have responded to 1,229 carjackings this year through Nov. 22, more than double the 514 carjackings in Chicago in all of 2019, according to data obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times.

“The Chicago Police Department is well aware of the increase in vehicle hijackings; we’re doing our best right now to increase the capabilities of our citywide task force,” Chicago Police Chief of Operations Brian McDermott said at a news conference at the scene.

Earlier in the year, another deadly shooting took place at a restaurant just blocks away.

One person was killed and four other people were wounded in August when someone opened fire at a man who was dining at Lumes Pancake House, 11601 S. Western Ave.

McDermott assured residents that the department was doing everything it could to curb violence in the neighborhood.

“The message is we hear their concerns loud and clear, and that we understand the fears that they’re going through,” he said. “We all have people that we know that live in this community that shouldn’t have to live in fear.”

Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.

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LOS ANGELES — Bring on the sentimental holiday rom-coms, the chorus of Christmas music specials and the nostalgia of last century’s animated charmers. We’ll take any and all feel-good moments in a year of scarcity.

Mariah and Dolly and Charlie Brown are among the comforts TV is offering this month, and not a moment too soon. Here’s a sampling from broadcast networks, cable and streaming services.

AP

Holiday harmony

— “My Gift: A Christmas Special From Carrie Underwood,” now streaming on HBO Max. The singer performs tunes from her new holiday album and traditional songs, backed by her band, a choir and an orchestra led by Ricky Minor.

— “Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special,” Dec. 4, Apple TV+. Music, dancing, animation and surprise guest stars help create what the streaming service promises to be a heartwarming journey with the pop star.

— “A Holly Dolly Christmas,” 7:30 p.m. Dec. 6, CBS. Dolly Parton sings hymns, holiday pop classics and tunes from her new album, and shares personal and faith-based Christmas memories.

— “Christmas with The Tabernacle Choir,” 8 p.m. Dec. 14 (check local listings), PBS. Broadway musical star Kelli O’Hara and actor Richard Thomas are part of the annual program, taped before an audience last year in Salt Lake City.

— “Ella Wishes You a Swinging Christmas,” 7 p.m. Dec. 15 (check local listings), PBS. Vanessa Williams hosts and performs on a celebration of Ella Fitzgerald’s 1960 album, with Dee Dee Bridgewater and Norm Lewis among those appearing.

— “Garth & Trisha Live! A Holiday Concert Event,” 7:30 p.m. (taped), Dec. 20, CBS. Brooks and Yearwood will perform holiday songs chosen from among fan requests submitted beforehand via Brooks’ Facebook Watch show.

Merry movies

— “The Princess Switch: Switched Again,” now streaming on Netflix. The saga continues as look-a-likes Stacy, a Chicago baker, and Lady Margaret, heir to the Montenaro throne, swap lives once more. Vanessa Hudgens again conveniently fills both roles.

AP

— “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey,” now streaming on Netflix. Forest Whitaker is one of the big names in this tale of a toymaker in need of a miracle, with Hugh Bonneville, Anika Noni Rose and Keegan-Michael Key in the cast.

— “Godmothered,” Dec. 4, Disney +. Novice fairy godmother Eleanor (Jillian Bell) tries to prove her profession is still valid and unexpectedly puts her gifts to work for a widowed mom (Isla Fisher) who has abandoned hope.

— “Christmas Ever After,” 7 p.m. Dec. 6, Lifetime. Tony-winner Ali Stroker (“Oklahoma!”) plays Izzy, a romance novelist whose writer’s block may be overcome by a handsome bed-and-breakfast owner (Daniel di Tomasso).

AP

__ “A Christmas for Mary,” 8 p.m. Dec. 8, OWN. Rising journalist Lena’s (Morgan Dixon) hoped-for promotion — and true love — may happen, with help from a portrait. Vivica A. Fox and Jackee Harry co-star.

— “Marry Me This Christmas,” 8 p.m. Dec. 9, Bounce. Brandon Jay McLaren stars as a pastor who’s helping a couple prepare for a wedding he’d rather see not happen — he’s in love with the bride-to-be (Gabrielle Graham).

— “The Christmas Setup,” 7 p.m. Dec. 12, Lifetime. New York lawyer Hugo (Ben Lewis) heads home to Milwaukee, where matchmaking mom Kate (Fran Drescher) sets him up with his high school crush, Patrick (Blake Lee).

— “Love, Lights, Hanukkah!”, 7 p.m. Dec. 12, Hallmark. Christina (Mia Kirshner) is readying her restaurant for Christmas, with a DNA surprise and unlikely romance on the menu. Ben Savage and Marilu Henner co-star.

— “Christmas She Wrote,” 7 p.m. Dec. 6, Hallmark. Writer Kayleigh (Danica McKellar) escapes home after her column is canceled, but there’s no hiding from the responsible, if very handsome, culprit (Dylan Neal).

— “It’s a Wonderful Life,” 7 p.m. Dec. 24, NBC. Jimmy Stewart’s George Bailey is floundering amid self-doubt, but family, neighbors and Clarence the angel come to the rescue in filmmaker Frank Capra’s 1946 enduring favorite.

Stocking stuffers

— “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13 (check local listings), PBS. Protests followed the 1965 broadcast evergreen’s removal to Apple TV+ , with PBS’ telecast the compromise. Or see it on the streaming service during a free Dec. 11-13 window.

— “Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch Musical!” 7 p.m. Dec. 9, NBC. Matthew Morrison of Broadway and “Glee” fame stars in the adaptation of Theodor Geisel’s book, with “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” among the tunes in the London stage production.

— “Silent Night — A Song for the World,” 7 p.m. Dec. 10 and Dec. 23, CW. The origin and cultural influence of the 200-year-old carol is recounted in a musical documentary that includes Kelly Clarkson, Josh Groban and the Vienna Boys Choir.

— “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” 6:40 p.m. Dec. 5, Freeform. Looking different than everyone else is a burden that turns to joy for a heroic reindeer in the 1964 special narrated by Burl Ives, he of the mellifluous voice.

— “The Lights Before Christmas: Radiance by Rail,” Dec. 22, BritBox. Take a virtual trip through rural England aboard an eight-carriage, 1940s train cruising by illuminated station displays and through the landscape of Shropshire county.

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A 67-year-old man was fatally shot during an exchange of gunfire with would-be carjackers Thursday afternoon in Morgan Park on the Far South Side, according to police.

He was on the street about 2:10 p.m. in the 2400 block of West 118th Street when four suspects approached and tried to take his vehicle, Chicago police said.

One of the suspects pulled out a gun and opened fire, striking the man in the abdomen, police said.

The man pulled out his own gun and fired shots at the would-be carjackers, police said. It wasn’t immediately clear if any of them were struck.

The man was taken to Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

The Cook County medical examiner’s office hasn’t released details on the death.

No arrests have been reported. Area Two detectives are investigating.

Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.

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