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.

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A group from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church rides a float during the annual Greek Independence Day Parade on April 6, 2025, along South Halsted Street in Greektown. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Photos: Greek Independence Day Parade

Chicago's annual Greek Independence Day Parade took place in Greektown on April 6, 2025. The event commemorates Greece’s independence from the Ottoman Empire.
People cheer during a rally led by the advocacy group Trans Up Front Illinois in support of transgender people at Federal Plaza on March 30, 2025. Sunday’s protest took place one day before Trans Day of Visibility. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Photos: Transgender rights rally held in Chicago

A large crowd, led by the advocacy group Trans Up Front Illinois in support of transgender people, rallied at Federal Plaza on March 30, 2025. Sunday’s protest took place a...
Participants splash into Lake Michigan at North Avenue Beach with temperatures in the 20s on Sunday, March 2, 2025, during the annual Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. About 4,800 people dove into the 35-degree water. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Photos: 2025 Polar Plunge Chicago

The annual Polar Plunge Chicago, benefiting Special Olympics Illinois and Special Children's Charities, took place Sunday, March 2, 2025, at North Avenue Beach. Over 4,000 people jumped into the frigid...
People portraying the three wise men on horseback lead the Three Kings Parade down Belmont Avenue on Jan. 5, 2025, from St. Ferdinand Church in Belmont Cragin on Chicago's Northwest Side. The annual event marking the Epiphany mirrors celebrations held in Poland. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Photos: Three Kings Day 2025

Chicago's Polish community celebrated the holiday with a multilingual Mass at St. Ferdinand Church and a parade on Belmont Avenue, followed by a second Mass at St. Ladislaus Church.