Illinois Lt. Governor Sheila Simon and Jesse Tyler Ferguson attend the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act press conference in Chicago earlier this week.

In one last nod to New Year’s Eve, check out Huffington Post’s glimpses of NYE around the world. [Huffington Post]

Speaking of 2012 ending, see how some of Chicago’s favorite fashion icons described their year in style, using just one word. [Racked Chicago]

The Bears’ season also came to a close last week, as did the nine-season reign of the team’s coach, Lovie Smith. [Sun Times]

Meanwhile, Jesse Tyler Ferguson of TV’s Modern Family came to Chicago this week to support gay marriage in Illinois. [Red Eye Chicago]

In food news, Stephanie Izard gave Grub Street the dish on her new upscale diner venture, Little Goat—which opened just in time to close out 2012 on a deliciously good note. [Grub Street]