The corruption trial for the longest-serving, most powerful alderperson in City Council history begins today at the Dirksen Federal Building.

Why it matters: Former Ald. Ed Burke was the so-called "Dean of the City Council" and spent decades defining Chicago's style of politics. This long-awaited trial is expected to shed light on those practices.

What's happening: He's facing a slew of corruption charges after federal prosecutors accused him of extorting campaign contributions, business for his property tax appeals firm and other favors. Burke was indicted in 2019.

• The feds' case is largely based on wiretaps worn by Burke's former ally and alderperson Danny Solis. Solis once chaired the zoning committee, while Burke helmed the finance committee.

Context: Burke became the youngest person to hold the position of alderperson in 1969 when he won a special election to fill the 14th Ward seat previously held by his father, Joe Burke.

• Once elected, the alder stayed in his position for 53 years. He chose not to run for reelection this year.
• Burke was also a tax appeal lawyer and once a Chicago police officer.

The big picture: Burke's political lineage ties him to other powerful families like the Daleys and the Madigans, both considered royalty in the history of the Chicago machine.

• Although childhood friends, Burke and former Mayor Richard M. Daley were adversaries during Daley's time in office.
• Not unlike Rep. Mike Madigan, who has also been indicted for corruption, Burke is accused of creating a political machine on the Southwest Side that doled out jobs and favors in exchange for political (and alleged financial) loyalty.

Flashback: Burke will be forever remembered for his role in leading alders against Mayor Harold Washington during a political battle that became known as "Council Wars."

• Burke and Ald. Ed Vrdolyak eventually lost their attempts to thwart Chicago's first Black mayor, which some alleged were driven by racism.

Reality check: Burke has eluded federal investigations for years, but because of his lucrative property tax appeal business and serving clients that did business with the city, he has long faced ethical scrutiny.

The bottom line: This is a huge trial in the history of Chicago politics, right up there with the trials of former Illinois governors Rod Blagojevich and George Ryan.

Justin's thought bubble: Get out the popcorn, folks. This is it.

About 18% of pending home sales fell through in September, as mortgage rates kept inching up, according to new Redfin data.

Why it matters: It's another sign of how steep rates are squashing sales activity, Axios' Emily Peck reports.

The big picture: We aren't the worst city in the country, but we are above the national average of roughly 16% of sales that fell through.

Tyson Bagent and the Bears faltered late in New Orleans, losing to the Saints 24-17.

What happened: In his third start, Bagent played well early but fell apart in the second half, turning the ball over three times in crucial situations.

• In the fourth quarter, Bagent threw two interceptions and lost a fumble.

MVP: Tight end Cole Kmet caught two touchdown passes, while D'Onta Foreman continued to impress in the run game.

LVP: The offensive line committed costly penalties and couldn't stop the Saints' pass rush late in the game.

• The Bears are worst in the league for false starts.
• Also, kicker Cairo Santos missed a field goal.

Bottom line: The Bears were competitive early, but their late-game woes continue as they drop to 2-7 on the season.

Five word review: First three quarters were promising.

What's next: The Bears host the Carolina Panthers at Soldier Field on Thursday Night Football.

As we approach holiday potluck season, Midwest Axios reporters are gathering heartland potluck faves — and not just so our coastal colleagues can marvel at our quaint foodways.

• But sort of.

The ask: Please send a picture and recipe for a favorite Midwest potluck dish — like puppy chow or Twix salad — to include in a hearty holiday list next week.

⚾️ After a tumultuous season, the White Sox have let go of their former All-Star shortstop Tim Anderson. (Axios)

🐶 When the Burke trial starts this week, don't be surprised to see two Bernese mountain therapy dogs in the courtroom to help attendees stay calm. For real. (Sun-Times)

💧Chicago has taken out a $336 million loan from the EPA to help remove some of our lead water lines, per the Tribune. If completed throughout Illinois, the removal could save the state $89 billion in health care costs over the next 35 years. (NRDC)

⚖️ An appeals court Friday voted to uphold the Illinois "assault weapons" ban. (Reuters)

When LITE-FM announced it was launching around-the-clock holiday music last week, we had to know what you thought of the move.

• It was, after all, the earliest the station had switched over since 2007.

🎅 The results: Folks may not be ready yet for the holidays, but they will be soon.