Good morning, Chicago.
Jenna Blazevich can’t claim to be a die-hard Chicago Bears fan. She’s never been to a game. But when she’s working in her embroidery shop next to a bar called Christina’s Place in Albany Park, the roar from fans through the walls alert her to big plays.
Blazevich does have a claim to fame related to the Bears, though. She was once invited by the Bears to embroider fans’ merchandise at the team’s draft party. Bears tight end Cole Kmet’s wife asked her to stitch his name and number into his jacket.
And her shop’s motto seems appropriate for Bears fans: “You can be thunderous.”
Blazevich does a unique form of chain stitching, similar to sewing, on an antique machine. She can write out any text requested, on the spot, on team hats, shirts and other paraphernalia. She also does work for the Cubs and other businesses.
“I’m always excited to see Chicago teams do well,” she said.
She’s not the only one. The whole city seems to be amping up for Saturday night’s playoff game against the archrival Green Bay Packers. The game will be only the third time in NFL history that the two teams have met during the playoffs, according to the Bears.
Read the full story from the Tribune’s Robert McCoppin and Talia Soglin.
Here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including the latest vote on federal health care subsidies, why last night’s Bulls game was delayed and our top 10 club concerts for early 2026.
Today’s eNewspaper edition | Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History
Federal immigration officers shoot and wound 2 people in Portland, Oregon, authorities say
Federal immigration agents shot and wounded two people in a vehicle outside a hospital in Portland yesterday, a day after an officer fatally shot a woman in Minnesota, authorities said.
The Department of Homeland Security said the vehicle’s passenger was “a Venezuelan illegal alien affiliated with the transnational Tren de Aragua prostitution ring” who was involved in a recent shooting in the city.
Fatal ICE shooting sparks jurisdiction clash between state and federal authorities
A day after a federal immigration officer fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis, the case escalated sharply when federal authorities blocked state investigators from accessing evidence and declared that Minnesota has no jurisdiction to investigate the killing.
- Anger and outrage spills onto Minneapolis streets after ICE officer’s fatal shooting of Renee Good
- Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz calls for ‘Day of Unity’ on Friday
Judge cites Minneapolis shooting by ICE agent in declining to immediately dismiss lawsuit over use-of-force tactics in Midway Blitz
A federal judge in Chicago yesterday cited the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by an immigration agent in Minneapolis in declining to immediately dismiss a lawsuit that led to her landmark injunction limiting the use of force by immigration agents during Operation Midway Blitz.
Republican candidate for governor Darren Bailey distances himself from President Trump but defends immigration crackdowns
Darren Bailey, the two-time Republican candidate for governor who has ardently courted President Donald Trump’s support in past bids for office, sought yesterday to distance himself from Trump in the minds of voters while staunchly defending the president’s aggressive immigration enforcement tactics one day after a federal agent fatally shot a U.S. citizen in Minnesota.
House passes bill to extend health care subsidies in defiance of Republican leaders
In a remarkable rebuke of Republican leadership, the House passed legislation, 230-196, that would extend expired health care subsidies for those who get coverage through the Affordable Care Act as renegade GOP lawmakers joined essentially all Democrats in voting for the measure.
University of Illinois System President Tim Killeen to retire in 2027
University of Illinois System President Timothy Killeen has led the university system, which includes campuses in Chicago, Springfield and Urbana-Champaign, since 2015. A researcher in geophysics and space science, Killeen took on the massive undertaking of overseeing the state’s largest public university at a time of economic uncertainty.
Chicago Bulls-Miami Heat game delayed because of condensation on United Center court
The Bulls were forced to postpone their game against the Miami Heat last night because of condensation on the court at the United Center.
A combination of warm, rainy weather outdoors and humidity indoors following a Chicago Blackhawks game the night before created a slick playing surface that game officials deemed unsuitable for competition.
6 Chicago Bears players who could emerge as unsung heroes if they make a playoff run
If the Bears are going to make a postseason run, beginning with Saturday’s wild-card matchup against the Green Bay Packers, they likely will need some big plays from unexpected people.
Luckily enough for the Bears, they already have had plenty of unsung heroes step up over the course of the regular season.
- ‘You’re in the playoffs for a reason’: Short on postseason experience, Bears need key players to deliver
- ‘She’s been at every game’: Bears’ Jonathan Owens celebrating ‘special’ season with wife Simone Biles
Vintage Chicago Tribune: Bears faced the Green Bay Packers in playoffs for the first time 85 years ago
Tomorrow’s game marks the 213th meeting between the Bears and the Packers and just their third postseason meeting. Here’s a look back at how the teams forced an unexpected playoff game against each other in late 1941.
Sudan Archives, Perfume Genius: Our top 10 club concerts for early 2026
The new year means resolutions. One you might consider adding to your list: Frequenting some of the city’s smaller concert venues that help Chicago thrive as a live-music mecca. Since most large-scale tours don’t begin until late spring or summer, now is an ideal time to see artists who might not have household-name recognition.
- Art exhibitions for winter 2026: Don’t miss these 10 at the MCA, Art Institute and in Elmhurst
- Classical music for winter 2026: Embracing the unexpected
- Dance for winter 2026: Our top 10 includes Joffrey, Red Clay and a visit from Martha Graham
- Jazz for winter 2026: Concerts to heat up the cold months
- Movies for winter 2026: Post-apocalyptic thrillers, crime stories and gothic romance
- Museums for winter 2026: ‘Oz,’ owls and ‘Costumes of Paul Tazewell’
- Theater for winter 2026: ‘Hamnet,’ a local ‘Evan Hansen’ and Robert Falls returns to the Goodman
