Brian Cassella

Brian Cassella joined the Chicago Tribune as a photojournalist in 2009. He covers news, sports and features ranging from the World Series and the Olympics to daily neighborhood stories of triumph and tragedy. A native of Baltimore, Brian previously worked for the Tampa Bay Times and is a graduate of the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill.

Nora Riordan picks up a free hot dog as Bears fans line up, Dec. 2, 2025, at The Wieners Circle in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood after coach Ben Johnson took his shirt off in a postgame celebration for a win over the Eagles. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Photos: Chicago Bears fans line up — again — for free hot dogs at Wieners Circle

December 2, 2025 at 2:30 p.m.

The Wieners Circle put up another challenge for the Chicago Bears on social media — and coach Ben Johnson delivered by taking off his shirt postgame after a Week 13...

Sledders take off from the top of the hill at Barrie Park on Nov. 30, 2025, in Oak Park after the region recorded over 8 inches of snow. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Photos: Winter weather hits Chicagoland

November 30, 2025 at 3:15 p.m.

Chicagoans dig out and enjoy the weather after over 8 inches of snow were recorded across the region Saturday and Sunday.

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams celebrates the win over the Eagles on Nov. 28, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Week 13 photos: Chicago Bears 24, Philadelphia Eagles 15

November 28, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.

Photos from the Chicago Bears' Week 13 game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Nov. 28, 2025.

Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino walks with other agents while conducting an immigration enforcement action in the Brighton Park neighborhood of Chicago on Nov. 6, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Gregory Bovino claims agents operate ‘legally, ethically and morally’ same day injunction issued in federal court

November 6, 2025 at 8:21 p.m.

U.S. Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino said federal agents’ operations had been “going very violent” the same day that his agents fired pepper balls at a moving vehicle in Gage...

Border Patrol agents detain painter Krzysztof Klim while verifying his identification on Oct. 31, 2025, next to Halloween decorations outside a house in Chicago’s Edison Park neighborhood. Klim, originally from Poland and now a U.S. citizen, was briefly detained and then released. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

On Halloween, ‘state-sponsored terror’ in Chicago and the north suburbs

November 4, 2025 at 6:10 p.m.

Despite pleas from Gov. JB Pritzker to pause federal immigration enforcement operations while children celebrate Halloween, Border Patrol agents tore through Chicago and the suburbs.

Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino prepares to drive away in his vehicle after exiting the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago on Oct 28, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Photos: Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino in Chicago

November 12, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.

Photos of Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino in Chicago. A federal judge ordered him to court every day to detail any confrontations his immigration enforcement officers have had with the...

Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins returns an interception against Bears running back Kyle Monangai in the fourth quarter Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Week 8 photos: Chicago Bears lose 30-16 to Baltimore Ravens

October 26, 2025 at 4:01 p.m.

Photos from the Chicago Bears' Week 8 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 26, 2025, at M&T Bank Stadium.

Bears kicker Jake Moody is lifted by his teammates as he celebrates his game-winning field goal to defeat the Commanders on Oct. 13, 2025, at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Week 6 photos: Chicago Bears 25, Washington Commanders 24

October 14, 2025 at 2:47 a.m.

Photos from the Chicago Bears' Week 6 game against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on Oct. 13, 2026.

Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) tumbles after making a catch against the Dallas Cowboys in the third quarter, Sept. 21, 2025, at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Week 3 photos: Chicago Bears 31, Dallas Cowboys 14

September 22, 2025 at 8:07 a.m.

Photos from the Chicago Bears' Week 3 game against the Dallas Cowboys and Soldier Field on Sept. 21, 2025.

Center Connor Bedard (98) practices Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, as the Chicago Blackhawks begin training camp at Fifth Third Arena. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Photos: Chicago Blackhawks report to training camp

September 18, 2025 at 2:10 p.m.

Photos from the Chicago Blackhawks' first training camp practice at Fifth Third Arena on Sept. 18, 2025.

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