Journalist Sr

John Byrne

John Byrne is a senior content editor. Prior to joining the Tribune, he worked for the Post-Tribune in Northwest Indiana. He lives in Chicago.

Mayoral candidate and Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson greets people while accepting an endorsement from Polish community leaders, March 20, 2023, at Kosciuszko Park in Logan Square.

As he prepares to be mayor, Brandon Johnson steering through city rules and supporters’ expectations

April 25, 2023 at 12:30 p.m.

Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson is trying to navigate city rules and the expectations supporters have for his administration while he puts together his leadership team. As Johnson prepares to take office...

Ald. Gilbert Villegas greets people during a campaign event at Playas Nayaritas in Belmont Cragin on Jan. 8, 2023.

Brandon Johnson’s win as mayor furthers Democratic leftward tilt as party examines big tent philosophy

April 23, 2023 at 2:06 p.m.

Brandon Johnson's election as Chicago's next mayor represented a further leftward movement of the state's Democratic-led politics, fueled by generational and ideological changes that are stretching and sometimes straining the...

Chicago Mayor-Elect Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker have a laugh as Mayor Lori Lightfoot speaks during a news conference April 12, 2023, to celebrate Chicago's selection as the host for the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

Democrats place big bet on Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson by tapping Chicago for ’24 convention

April 16, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

Democrats, led by President Joe Biden, are making a big bet on Brandon Johnson. They're betting the Chicago that delegates and reporters pour into for their national presidential nominating convention...

Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, 35th, left, joins then-mayoral candidate Brandon Johnson as they campaign at the CTA Blue Line's California station on Feb. 15, 2023.

Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson will face early examination from newly emboldened City Council

February 15, 2024 at 1:07 p.m.

A new Chicago mayor always goes through an early courtship/face-off phase with aldermen, but Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson is walking into a particularly turbulent City Council. Following four years of often-rancorous...

Cornell Dantzler, left, and Ronnie Mosley are running for the 21st Ward seat.

Community organizer Ronnie Mosley with lead over Cornell Dantzler in 21st Ward race on South Side

April 5, 2023 at 11:25 a.m.

Community organizer Ronnie Mosley held a lead over retired firefighter Cornell Dantzler to become the 21st Ward's next alderman. With 98% of precincts reporting, Mosley had 52% of the vote...

Joe Dunne and Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth are facing off for Chicago's 48th Ward.

Progressive organizer leading affordable housing developer in lakefront 48th Ward

April 5, 2023 at 4:37 a.m.

In the North Side lakefront 48th Ward, which includes part of Uptown as well as Edgewater and Andersonville, small business owner and progressive organizer Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth's campaign declared victory over...

Brian Comer, left, is challenging Ald. Timmy Knudsen in the 43rd Ward.

Recently appointed Ald. Timmy Knudsen holding slight lead over Brian Comer in heated 43rd Ward race

April 5, 2023 at 4:32 a.m.

The race to represent the affluent 43rd Ward encompassing Lincoln Park and part of the Gold Coast was among the most heated aldermanic contests this cycle. Ald. Timmy Knudsen was...

Ruth Cruz, left, and Jessica Gutiérrez are in a runoff in the 30th Ward race.

Daughter of former Rep. Luis Gutierrez trailing college administrator for open 30th Ward seat

April 5, 2023 at 4:29 a.m.

In the race to fill the 30th Ward seat vacated by longtime Ald. Ariel Reboyras, Ruth Cruz, an assistant director of admissions at Roosevelt University was leading Jessica W. Gutiérrez,...

CB Johnson, left, is challenging Ald. Chris Taliaferro in the 29th Ward.

Ald. Chris Taliaferro in tight race with community activist C.B. Johnson in 29th Ward

April 5, 2023 at 4:36 a.m.

In the zigzagging 29th Ward, which includes parts of Austin, Galewood and Montclare, Ald. Chris Taliaferro, a former Chicago police sergeant, is seeking a third term in the face of...

Ald. Nicole Lee, 11th ward, thanks Cook County Commissioner John Daley during her victory speech at the New Furama Restaurant in the Chinatown neighborhood on April 4, 2023.

Ald. Nicole Lee elected to first full term in 11th Ward

April 5, 2023 at 2:56 a.m.

With Tuesday's runoff election, Chicago's 11th Ward alderman is set to fully step into her role representing Chicago's first Asian-majority City Council seat, though some familiar Irish power brokers are...

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