The second installment of the 2021 Cook County property taxes is expected to be delivered by Dec. 1, with a due date of Dec. 31.

Why it matters: Technical problems and internal squabbles delayed the second installment this year from August to December.

• If property taxes are delayed into 2023, homeowners won't be able to write them off on their income tax.

Flashback: The Cook County Assessor's office reportedly modernized its technology this year, but the process slowed to a crawl after the Cook County Board of Review did not.

• With the process completed, the Cook County Clerk and Treasurer's office should be able to send out bills.

The intrigue: This will be the first tax bill for Chicago residents based on Assessor Fritz Kaegi's new formula.

• Some Republicans have alleged the county has purposefully held the bills until after the election.

Zoom in: The Cook County Board President's Office says 49 taxing districts have applied for loans through the Cook County Bridge Fund program to cover costs until the tax money is collected.

• For residents, the delay is skewing escrow accounts and savings plans and jeopardizing securing home loans.

What they're saying: "This impacts sellers buying new homes, because they have to put more funds into escrow for taxes until bills are released," mortgage broker David Hochberg tells Axios.

• "People will have less funds to purchase new homes."

What we're watching: Some worry the delay will cascade into next year's first bill, which usually comes out in February. Could the county delay the tax bill again?

• Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said on the Steve Cochran Show last week that the bill will probably be pushed to April, which could cause a ripple effect through year-end.

What they're saying: "Taxpayers are encouraged to continue budgeting for anticipated taxes owed," a spokesperson for the Cook County Board President tells Axios.

• "The president's office supports a coordinated communication strategy so that taxpayers understand the timing of tax bills as soon as the information is available."

Student test scores plunged nationwide during the pandemic, according to new academic assessment figures.

Yes, but: Illinois scores held fairly steady, except in eighth-grade math, where they fell by about 8 points, the national average.

• Chicago fared worse than the rest of Illinois.

The intrigue: CPS says graduation rates have hit a record high.

Fifty more early-voting locations — one in each ward — opened this week, and you don't even have to be registered there to vote early.

Why it matters: These spots let culture nerds visit cool historical buildings while doing their civic duty.

Three intriguing spots:

• North Park Village Administration Building: This huge room lined with tall windows was a dining hall for Chicago's old tuberculosis sanitarium, a facility that relied on fresh air as a cure.
• Check out the municipal symbols embedded in the walls.
• The historic Goldblatt's Building at 1615 W. Chicago Ave. housed the eponymous department store a century ago. It now serves many functions, including public art space.
• The American Indian Center at 3401 W. Ainslie St. helped Native Americans forced to adjust to urban life 70 years ago after relocation programs brought them to Chicago. It now offers exhibits, social services and classes.

📬 Where do you vote? Reply to tell us why you love your polling place.

🏨 Mayor Lori Lightfoot is asking alderpeople to identify large, vacant buildings that could help house the 3,600-plus migrants bused here from Texas since August. (WTTW)

🪧 Faculty and staff at City Colleges of Chicago say they will strike next week if there's no new contract in place. (Tribune)

🚨 Humboldt Park experienced at least 12 armed robberies early Sunday morning. Police sources say one crew might have committed them all. (Block Club)

🌎 Find a job that’s out of this world with our Local Job Board.

1. Director, Corporate Health and Safety at Cardinal Health.
2. Creative Strategist at Axios.
3. Digital Marketing Manager at AllCampus.

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Breaking news: One of Chicago's most famous sandwiches got a facelift — or at least a bun lift — during the pandemic.

• The results are scrumptious.

What's happening: The Billy Goat burger shed its puffy, dry-ish, kaiser roll for a pliant brioche bun that hugs the greasy patties and offers just a hint of sweetness.

• Justin and Monica noticed the delicious change last week as they devoured double cheeseburgers ($5.99 "the best") at the Goat on lower Michigan.

What they're saying: Billy Goat cook Bouchaib Khribech tells Axios they switched buns after 50 years because their "kaiser roll baker stopped making the buns in the middle of the pandemic."

💭 Monica's thought bubble: I eat a Billy Goat burger about once a year, but with this tasty new bun, I might double that!

💭 Justin's thought bubble: Double the Double cheese? (shouting) Two double cheese!

Those who guessed Justin was at Chicago Costume on Fullerton in Lincoln Park were correct!

• The costume shop, operating since 1976, is among the city's best.
• They've helped Justin find wigs and sketch comedy props for years.

👏 Congrats to Michelle C. & Bailey Q.! We pulled your names out of the Elmo head.

We also have news! You can pick up your swag at our Open Office Hours event Wednesday, Nov. 2, at Revolution Brewpub in Logan Square from 6-8pm.

• Enjoy free drinks and a lively discussion about the midterm elections with local politicos.