Good afternoon, Chicago.
A federal jury is deliberating today in the high-profile trial of a Chicago man accused of soliciting the murder of Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino at the height of Operation Midway Blitz last fall. Juan Espinoza Martínez, 37, a construction worker who has lived in Chicago for years but is not a U.S. citizen, is charged in an indictment with a single count of solicitation of murder for hire, which carries up to 10 years in prison.
After a fast-moving trial that began Tuesday, the jury of six men and six women listened to about two hours of closing arguments before being sent back to deliberate shortly after 12:30 p.m.
Here’s what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/latest-headlines and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices.
Subscribe to more newsletters | Asking Eric | Horoscopes | Puzzles & Games | Today in History
This illustration released by the city of Gary depicts the proposed Chicago Bears stadium and promenade and entertainment district. (Illustration provided by the City of Gary)
Bill aimed at attracting Chicago Bears to Indiana passes committee
The Senate Appropriations Committee passed a stadium authority bill, aimed at attracting the Bears to Northwest Indiana, which means the bill will move forward for consideration by the Indiana Senate. Read more here.
More top news stories:
CPS cancels class tomorrow due to extreme cold
Man found guilty of murdering Cook County judge in 2017
Alison Lindburg, Aurora’s director of sustainability, speaks during an event held to launch the city’s CEJA Workforce Development Hub on Jan. 20, 2026. (R. Christian Smith/The Beacon-News)
Aurora looking to create hub for clean energy job training
The city of Aurora has announced it will be launching a new center that will offer job training in green energy-related fields through a partnership with two educational organizations. Read more here.
More top business stories:
Women’s boutique store Francesca’s to close all of its locations, including Naperville’s
US stocks climb again after Trump calls off his tariffs for Greenland
The Mets’ Luisangel Acuña slides safely into home on a sacrifice fly against the Yankees on May 17, 2025, in New York. (Noah K. Murray/AP)
A closer look at Luisangel Acuña and Truman Pauley, the new Chicago White Sox acquired in Luis Robert Jr. deal
Luisangel Acuña had been on the Chicago White Sox’s radar for a long time. General manager Chris Getz described the infielder/outfielder as “a young, exciting player that plays all over the diamond, a strong defender, an elite defender, elite base runner, can make contact, very strong instincts for the game.” Read more here.
More top sports stories:
Ben Johnson on his Chicago Bears assistants getting opportunities with other teams: ‘I’m all for it’
Column: Bears coach Ben Johnson already locked in on 2026. ‘We go back to square one.’
Via Rosa and Na’el Shehade of Drama before their set at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, on April 23, 2023. (David Brendan Hall for SCNG)
What to do in Chicago: Drama at Salt Shed, ‘Disney on Ice’ and puppets from around the world
The Chicago-based dance-R&B duo Drama lights up the Salt Shed this weekend with new tunes from their just-released album, “Platonic Romance.” Read more here.
More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories:
‘Sinners’ makes history, setting Oscars nomination record
Review: No ‘Mercy’ for audiences from this schlocky sci-fi flick
A shopper buys groceries Jan. 21, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee, ahead of a winter storm expected to hit the state over the weekend. (George Walker IV/AP)
Crews spread salt on roads and people stock up on batteries as a winter storm threatens the US
A storm was expected to hit starting tomorrow, stretching from New Mexico to New England and across the Deep South. The damage could rival that of a major hurricane. Read more here.
More top stories from around the world:
Trump rolls out his Board of Peace at Davos, but many top US allies aren’t participating
Trump’s European threats could make it harder for future US leaders to repair ties
