The Chicago Department of Transportation completed installation of the new west leaf of the Lake Street Bascule Bridge, restoring normal Green and Pink line train service after weeks of disruptions. The 110-year-old bridge is undergoing a two-year rehabilitation, with full reopening of its lower level expected in January 2028.
The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office presented oral arguments before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals defending the county’s sanctuary ordinance against a federal challenge. The three-judge panel did not issue a ruling, with a decision expected in the coming weeks or months.
In-person early voting in Chicago has surpassed 126,000 ballots, a 35 percent increase over the same point in the 2022 general election, with suburban Cook County also seeing a 30 percent jump. The Nov. 3 election is historic, marking the first time Chicago residents will elect a fully voted 21-member Board of Education.
The International Manufacturing Technology Show and McCormick Place announced an extension of their partnership through 2034, locking in the Western Hemisphere’s largest manufacturing trade show for two additional editions with an estimated $500 million in combined economic impact for Chicago.
Chicago-based Exelon Corp. reported third-quarter adjusted operating earnings of $0.87 per share, beating expectations, and narrowed its full-year 2026 guidance upward to $2.85 to $2.91 per share. ComEd, its Illinois subsidiary, posted earnings of $412 million for the quarter, up from $373 million a year earlier.
Chicago Public Schools has scheduled districtwide parent-teacher conferences for Monday, Nov. 2, with no classes Monday or Tuesday in observance of Election Day. Superintendent Dr. Macquline King urged families to engage with teachers and eligible voters to cast ballots in Tuesday’s historic board election.
Metra released a draft Systemwide Network Plan outlining a path to transform its commuter rail network into a regional rail system with more frequent, all-day service, carrying a price tag of $2.7 billion for initial improvements and up to $9.1 billion for the highest service tier. A virtual public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 16.
Buckingham Fountain will shut down for the winter at 11 p.m. Saturday, ending the 2026 season on Halloween night, with its next activation planned for May 2027 to mark the landmark’s 100th anniversary. The closure coincides with the 77th Annual Junior Bear Football Mum Bowl Championship at Soldier Field.
Chicago Fire FC heads to Commerce City, Colorado, for its final road match of the 2026 MLS regular season Saturday, taking on the playoff-chasing Colorado Rapids at 8:30 p.m. CT. The Fire enter the match fourth in the Eastern Conference with 52 points and their postseason berth largely secured.
Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed “Fair Share Budget” revives a per-employee corporate head tax to help close an $882 million deficit, but the levy risks driving jobs and investment out of Chicago at the worst possible time. Aldermen should hold the line and demand revenue tools that do not punish hiring.