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.

Independent potential candidates Lindsay Church, second from left, and Mayra Macias embrace during a forum for the 4th Congressional District seat held at the University of Illinois Chicago on April, 29, 2026. Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez, 25th, stands behind on left. (Josh Boland/Chicago Tribune)

In 4th District, independents unite behind beating Democrat Patty García

April 30, 2026 at 7:18 p.m.

Five hopefuls for the 4th Congressional District seat agreed: Patty García, the Democratic nominee, needs to go down.

Amisha Patel, right, executive director of Grassroots Collaborative, speaks at a news conference regarding the Chicago Infrastructure Trust prior to a Finance Committee meeting at City Hall on April 16, 2012. (José M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago progressive leaders remember organizer Amisha Patel

April 28, 2026 at 6:43 p.m.

The way Amisha Patel, who died Friday at 50, lived her life offers a lesson to the Chicago progressive movement she fostered, her wife said.

Chicago’s Budget Director Annette Guzmán, center, answers questions during a news conference on the Fifth Floor of City Hall on Dec. 15, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Aldermen press Johnson administration over new budget consulting contract, revenue projections

April 27, 2026 at 5:50 p.m.

City revenues are “tracking very closely to budget” so far this year, Budget Director Annette Guzman told aldermen.

David Glockner answers questions at an Illinois Commerce Commission meeting in Chicago on July 29, 2020. At the time, Glockner was ComEd parent Exelon’s executive vice president for compliance and audit. Mayor Brandon Johnson has nominated him to be Chicago's next inspector general. (José M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune)

Mayor Brandon Johnson nominates former federal prosecutor to be Chicago inspector general

April 27, 2026 at 5:28 p.m.

Mayor Brandon Johnson nominated former high-ranking federal prosecutor David Glockner to be Chicago's next inspector general Monday.

Departing Chicago Inspector General Deborah Witzburg on South LaSalle Street near her office in the Loop on April 23, 2026. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Outgoing watchdog notes Chicago’s ‘deficit of legitimacy,’ Mayor Brandon Johnson considers successor

April 24, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

Deborah Witzburg faced bad odds of winning reappointment as inspector general from Mayor Brandon Johnson, a frequent target of her politically damaging investigations.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias arrives on March 25, 2026, during a ceremony marking Navy Pier as a symbolic starting point of Route 66. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Alexi Giannoulias dominates mayoral hopeful fundraising with $12 million haul

April 16, 2026 at 7:51 p.m.

In the crowded field of candidates committed to or flirting with a run for mayor of Chicago, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias again dominated fundraising, according to campaign finance records.

Charlotte Chung, 11, marches through the West Loop with other students during the May Day rally and march on May 1, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

Mayor Brandon Johnson says, ‘May 1 is happening,’ despite pushback from CPS CEO

April 16, 2026 at 6:15 p.m.

Chicago Public Schools is mulling Chicago Teachers Union's plan to make May 1 a half-day for students and staff to join a national day of protest.

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.

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