Jake Sheridan

Jake Sheridan covers local politics and the City Council for the Tribune's City Hall team. He previously worked as a general assignment reporter for the Tribune's Metro desk. He is a graduate of Duke University. He welcomes tips on important news, overlooked problems and colorful stories via X and email.

Ald. Bennett Lawson 44th, left, talks with Ald. Gilbert Villegas, 36th, following a vote naming Villegas chair of the Chicago City Council’s Zoning Committee, April 15, 2026. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Ald. Gilbert Villegas named Zoning chair, ending City Council standoff

April 15, 2026 at 5:41 p.m.

The standoff had recently shut down the Zoning Committee’s meetings, grinding to a halt approvals for zoning changes needed to green light construction projects.

Ald. Jessie Fuentes, 26th, speaks during a discussion on the so-called One Fair Wage ordinance at the City Council meeting on April 15, 2026. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago tipped worker raises hold after Mayor Brandon Johnson wins veto fight

April 15, 2026 at 5:39 p.m.

Aldermen voted 30-19, short of the needed 34-vote majority needed to beat Mayor Brandon Johnson’s veto.

Eric and Melondy Boens say goodbye before Eric heads to a Greyhound bus outside the Chicago Greyhound station, 630 W. Harrison St., on April 15, 2026. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago moves to buy Greyhound station, but key alderman demands more details

April 15, 2026 at 6:10 p.m.

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration took a major step Tuesday toward buying the downtown Chicago Greyhound station.

Chicago Ald. Jessie Fuentes, 26th, speaks during a City Council meeting on March 18, 2026. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)

Votes in doubt to override Mayor Brandon Johnson veto protecting Chicago tipped wage hike

April 14, 2026 at 5:05 p.m.

Aldermen are set to vote Wednesday on halting planned tipped worker wage bumps set to eliminate Chicago's subminimum wage in 2028.

People gamble in the gaming room at Crazy Times Pub & Grub in Machesney Park on March 26, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago video gambling terminal fight continues as aldermen try to jump-start approval

April 13, 2026 at 5:34 p.m.

The decision marks a critical step toward gambling terminals' arrival by the hundreds in bars, restaurants and other establishments across Chicago neighborhoods.

A task force convened by Mayor Brandon Johnson to examine extremism in the Chicago Police Department conducts a town hall on Feb. 23, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Ordinance aims to kick officers with extremist ties out of Chicago Police Department

April 13, 2026 at 5:33 p.m.

Aldermen advanced an ordinance Monday aimed at forcing officers with ties to extremist groups out of the Chicago Police Department.

Kenya Merritt, deputy mayor of business, economic and neighborhood development, speaks as nominees for the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards are announced, March 31, 2026, at The Wellsley in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago cultural affairs nominee advances amid praise, concerns about department

April 9, 2026 at 6:48 p.m.

Kenya Merritt has served as interim commissioner at the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events since her predecessor, Clinee Hedspeth, resigned six months ago.

Zoning Committee interim Chair Ald. Bennett Lawson, 44th, speaks after a City Council meeting, Jan. 21, 2026, at Chicago City Hall. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Zoning Committee to skip another month and leave developments in limbo but alderman has plan for deal

April 9, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

But interim Chair Ald. Bennett Lawson says he's got a political maneuver of his own that will end the political impasse.

Mayor Brandon Johnson is nominating veteran city bureaucrat William Cheaks as commissioner of the Chicago Department of Transportation. (City of Chicago)

Mayor Brandon Johnson tapping transportation veteran to take over department

April 8, 2026 at 3:58 p.m.

William Cheaks plans to focus on spending equity across neighborhoods and ramping up communication with the public as projects such as bridge renovations move forward.

A U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent sits outside the domestic violence courthouse, 555 W. Harrison St., in Chicago on Sept. 15, 2025. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Immigration agents spotted at domestic violence courthouse at 555 W. Harrison, despite state law

April 3, 2026 at 4:03 p.m.

State law bars federal agents from making civil immigration arrests in or near courthouses, said critics who argued their appearance Thursday fit a troubling pattern.

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