Jeremy Gorner

Jeremy Gorner is a beat reporter for the Tribune's Metro staff, covering Illinois state government from the Statehouse in Springfield. He previously covered the Chicago Police Department for the newspaper, and he joined the Tribune in 2006 to cover breaking news for its online news desk.

Illinois comptroller candidate and state Sen. Karina Villa greets attendees before a Democratic candidate forum at the Des Plaines Public Library on Feb. 6, 2026. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Bernie Sanders endorses state Sen. Karina Villa for Illinois comptroller

March 9, 2026 at 5:04 p.m.

Illinois state Sen. Karina Villa is in a four-person race to replace longtime Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, who decided last year not to run for another term.

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias greets public service representatives at the new Illinois
secretary of state office at 125 W. Monroe St. in the Loop on March 31, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Two low-funded Republicans battle to run against Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias in the fall

March 7, 2026 at 5:00 a.m.

For the GOP nomination for secretary of state, Diane M. Harris is going up against Walter Adamczyk for the right to compete against the current officeholder, Democrat Alexi Giannoulias.

State Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, from left, state Rep. Margaret Croke, state Sen. Karina Villa and Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim gather for pictures following a Democratic comptroller candidate forum at the Des Plaines Public Library on Feb. 6, 2026. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Illinois comptroller race 2026: Democratic primary field angles for votes as Susana Mendoza steps down

March 5, 2026 at 8:50 a.m.

With Mendoza eyeing a potential run for Chicago mayor, Illinois voters must choose her successor for the first time in a decade.

Comptroller Susana Mendoza, left, talks to the media about her endorsement of Holly Kim, right, to be her successor while at a Pulaski Day Celebration on March 2, 2026, in Chicago. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

Susana Mendoza endorses Holly Kim to replace her as Illinois comptroller

March 2, 2026 at 4:49 p.m.

The endorsement brings a significant boost to Kim, the Lake County treasurer, over three Democratic rivals vying for their party’s nomination in the March 17 primary election.

Amy Hicks on Jan. 30, 2026, after an interview about a lawsuit filed on her behalf against the Illinois Department of Corrections, in downstate East Alton. Hicks said she was forced to undergo an induced childbirth at a medical facility while incarcerated for a nonviolent drug offense at Logan Correctional Center in 2024. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Ex-Illinois inmate’s lawsuit over forced labor induction tests Gov. JB Pritzker on reproductive rights

March 1, 2026 at 1:41 p.m.

Illinois has positioned itself as a national safeguard for reproductive rights. But a new case raises questions about how those principles are applied behind state prison walls.

Indiana State Sen. Ryan Mishler, R-Mishawaka, author of the Chicago Bears stadium bill, speaks with other lawmakers at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis Feb. 26, 2026, shortly before the Senate passed a bill that outlines a financial structure for a Chicago Bears stadium in Hammond. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

Indiana governor signs Chicago Bears stadium bill into law as Illinois inches closer to a tax deal

February 26, 2026 at 7:23 p.m.

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun signed a bill Thursday that outlines a financial structure for a Chicago Bears stadium in Hammond, while Illinois lawmakers inched closer to a tax deal to...

Dusk falls on the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield on Feb. 17, 2026. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Illinois lawmakers approve Christopher Meister as state’s new auditor general

February 25, 2026 at 6:02 p.m.

The executive director of the Illinois Finance Authority will succeed Frank Mautino, who is retiring.

Soldier Field sits in front of the Chicago skyline on a cold day on Jan. 22, 2026. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Park District pushes $630M plan to revamp Soldier Field post-Bears

February 23, 2026 at 8:08 p.m.

The Park District pitched state officials on converting the 61,500-seat venue to a destination for concerts and other special events once the Bears leave.

Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. gestures after the House Ways and Means Committee passed Senate Bill 27, a stadium authority bill that will create the financial structure for a Chicago Bears stadium, at the Indiana State House in Indianapolis on Feb. 19, 2026. The bill still needs to be approved by the Indiana House. (Andy Lavalley/for the Chicago Tribune)

Next stop Hammond? Indiana lawmakers approve Chicago Bears stadium bill, taking a big step.

February 19, 2026 at 8:58 p.m.

Indiana lawmakers took another step Thursday toward potentially luring the Chicago Bears to the state, as a key committee approved a plan to create an agency that would build a...

Gov. JB Pritzker greets lawmakers before delivering his annual State of the State and budget address Feb. 18, 2026, at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

In State of the State address, Gov. JB Pritzker pitches affordability and Illinois resilience to Trump

February 18, 2026 at 8:09 p.m.

Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker said the Trump administration’s actions cutting federal funding for various programs have cost the people of Illinois $8.4 billion.

All Stories