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 Susana Mendoza greets people attending a news conference at Los Comales restaurant in Little Village, July 16, 2025, after announcing that she would not run for re-election in 2026 as the state’s top fiscal officer. Her announcement opens the door for her to challenge Brandon Johnson in what would be her second bid for Chicago mayor. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza won’t run for reelection but ‘not done serving’ as she leaves door open to run for Chicago mayor

July 16, 2025 at 6:18 p.m.

During a sometimes-emotional speech, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza had harsh words for Mayor Brandon Johnson and said she's "definitely not done serving."

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza cheers former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Aug. 19, 2024, during the Democratic National Convention at the United Center. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Susana Mendoza may bypass reelection as Illinois comptroller for potential Chicago mayoral bid

July 15, 2025 at 7:26 p.m.

Several Democratic sources said Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza has told them she will not run for a fourth term, opening the door for a possible Chicago mayoral bid.

Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch, center, announces his endorsement of Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, left, for U.S. Senate at Iron Workers Local 63 in Broadview, July 14, 2025. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)

Juliana Stratton’s US Senate bid endorsed by House Speaker Emanuel ‘Chris’ Welch

July 14, 2025 at 6:22 p.m.

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton added endorsements from Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch and others in her bid for a U.S. Senate seat.

The sun sets on the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield on April 29, 2025. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Illinois lawmakers have mixed results in efforts to rein in AI

July 8, 2025 at 4:42 p.m.

Illinois legislators had mixed results this spring in efforts to regulate AI, with Republicans arguing those measures could stymie innovation.

Christian Mitchell, Gov. JB Pritzker’s pick for lieutenant governor, on July 1, 2025, in the Loop. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Gov. JB Pritzker taps running mate with experience in government and a life story different from his own

July 2, 2025 at 6:11 a.m.

A former lawmaker and deputy governor, Christian Mitchell now oversees civic engagement at the University of Chicago. Current Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton is running for US Senate.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, left, talks with senior adviser Jason Lee between meetings with lawmakers in Springfield on April 30, 2025. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Mayor Brandon Johnson’s ‘pending’ Springfield lobbyist team draws ethics questions

July 1, 2025 at 6:15 a.m.

Mayor Brandon Johnson's new lead Springfield IGA director John Arena argued those lobbyists did not need to register because their contracts with the city were still "pending."

A vape sign lights up outside of Lincoln C Mart in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood on June 18, 2025. Tax increases will begin July 1 on various tobacco and vaping products. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Taxes on vapes, Zyn and most tobacco products go up July 1

June 23, 2025 at 5:00 a.m.

State taxes on wholesale of vapes, Zyn nicotine pouches and most tobacco products will go up on July 1, and consumers figure to pay the price.

Gov. JB Pritzker speaks during the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce annual meeting at the Hyatt Regency on June 3, 2025. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Gov. JB Pritzker signs budget amid federal funding uncertainty, unaddressed transit issues

June 16, 2025 at 11:35 p.m.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed his seventh annual budget, balanced as promised with spending cuts, taxes and one-time revenue boosts,.

Shamyia Phillips stands in Palmer Park in Chicago on June 13, 2025. Phillips was arrested in November 2023 on a felony gun charge that new legislation could address. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)

Measure before Gov. JB Pritzker would streamline firearms ID process for low-level gun offenders

June 14, 2025 at 10:35 a.m.

A measure Illinois lawmakers sent to Gov. JB Pritzker would streamline firearms ID process for low-level gun offenders.

Then-Speaker Michael Madigan, left, greets then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich during the Governor's Day at the Illinois State Fair on Aug. 18, 2004. (Michael Tercha/Chicago Tribune)

Republicans, some Democrats and even ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich weigh in on ex-Speaker Michael Madigan’s sentence

June 13, 2025 at 9:22 p.m.

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich said ex-Speaker Michael Madigan's conviction underscores the systemic problems in politics and government in the state Capitol.

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