John Byrne
chicagotribune.com
Elgin Township, IL, United States
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Past articles by John:
City Ethics Board to seek changes to contractor oversight following Tribune report
The proposal comes after Tribune found aldermen used expense accounts to pay ex-Park District official who resigned amid lifeguard scandal. → Read More
While DNC coming to Chicago might provide good vibes, experts say economic boost might be overhyped
Boosters predict a $150 million economic return for Chicago hosting the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Similar estimates have been overblown. → Read More
Mayor Brandon Johnson to new City Council: Congrats, now let’s collaborate
The tone was notably friendlier than the one set four years ago by Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who blasted aldermanic corruption. → Read More
Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson pushes his own plan to reshape City Council
Johnson’s Unity Plan to switch up council committee leadership is an early key test of the new mayor’s strength and savvy. → Read More
FBI searched Ald. Jim Gardiner’s text messages amid probe into alleged $5,000 cash payment from developer, court records show
There is no indication in the unsealed documents that Gardiner will be charged in connection with the alleged conduct. → Read More
Brandon Johnson’s win as mayor furthers Democratic leftward tilt as party examines big tent philosophy
This year's election laid bare fundamental splits within the state’s Democratic Party that go deeper than just Chicago’s most recent mayoral contest. → Read More
Democrats place big bet on Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson by tapping Chicago for ’24 convention
Democrats are placing a bet on Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson by selecting Chicago as the site of the party's 2024 national convention, hoping his progressive, labor-friendly policies will allow the city and the party to shine. → Read More
Brandon Johnson has spent four years on the Cook County Board. Does his record there stand up to the achievements he touts?
Brandon Johnson leans heavily on his experience on the Cook County Board, but his record there is complicated. → Read More
What will happen to Soldier Field without the Chicago Bears?
The divorce is far from a foregone conclusion, but what might the area around the historic lakefront stadium look like if the Bears go? → Read More
Facing indictment, Ald. Ed Burke will end his run as the longest-serving City Council member ever, won’t seek reelection
Burke has been on the Chicago City Council more than 50 years but faces trial for wide-ranging allegations of corruption. → Read More
Progressives looking to expand amid Chicago City Council departures
Openings aplenty with at least 11 aldermen not running for reelection, plus others are looking to target incumbents. → Read More
With new map drawn to favor them, Democrats win 14 of Illinois’ 17 seats in Congress
Three downstate Republican incumbents won reelection in districts drawn in GOP-majority areas. → Read More
Rep. Sean Casten declares victory against GOP challenger Keith Pekau as Democrats sweep Chicago congressional districts
Democratic U.S. Rep. Sean Casten declared victory late Tuesday after fending off Republican challenger Keith Pekau to win a third term in a Chicago-area contest that drew high-profile national attention and money as it tightened up in recent weeks. → Read More
In campaign that has raised social issues, US Rep. Sean Casten looks to cement power against Keith Pekau
The suburban 6th District had a long history of GOP representation until Casten's victory against Republican U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam in 2018. → Read More
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stumps for US Rep. Sean Casten, with focus on reproductive rights
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was in Chicago's western suburbs Friday to support U.S. Rep. Sean Casten in his race against Republican Keith Pekau. → Read More
Challengers vie for seats in U.S. House with no incumbent on the ballot
Three congressional districts are connected by a lack of incumbents but still offer a study in contrasts. → Read More
US Rep. Sean Casten says his daughter died of sudden cardiac arrhythmia
DuPage County Coroner's office confirms Gwen Casten died due to natural causes. → Read More
In the fight for the US House, one of the most important battles is in northwest Illinois
Democrat Eric Sorensen and Republican Esther Joy King trying to drum up support for 17th District seat. → Read More
Mayor Lori Lightfoot will forgo election-year property tax increase that’s tied to inflation
The mayor announced she won't try to pass the unpopular, $42.7 million tax hike after earlier saying she'd only ask for half of the inflation-tied levy increase. → Read More
Chicago property taxes and aldermanic pay hikes are tied to inflation. Now both issues are coming to a head.
Issue taking focus as aldermen on Friday will be forced to decide whether to accept a nearly 10% salary bump for themselves. → Read More