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Today’s newsletter is 1,104 words — a 4-minute read.

Questions about a millionaire tax, a new gunshot detection system, a permanent fairgrounds space and compensation for Operation Midway Blitz damage round out Cook County residents' midterm ballots.

Why it matters: While these are nonbinding questions, their answers can help legislators gauge public opinion and decide which laws to pursue.

Gunshot detection

"Should the City of Chicago restart the use of gunshot detection technology that informs first responders when gunshots are detected?"

Context: After long battles with the Chicago City Council, Mayor Brandon Johnson fulfilled his campaign promise to shut down the controversial ShotSpotter program in the fall of 2024, but pledged to seek a better solution.

The latest: On Oct. 20, after the start of early voting, Johnson's office announced a pilot program to test an unspecified alternative in six police districts on the South and West Sides.

Millionaire tax

"Shall Illinois adopt the Millionaire Amendment for Property Tax Relief and Education, which would enact a 3% income tax surcharge only on millionaires."

By the numbers: The tax would apply to income over $1 million, affect about 41,000 Illinois residents and generate $3.8 billion in its first full year, according to a report by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute and UIUC.

Yes, but: Opponents warn it could drive businesses and revenue out of the state.

Festival space

"Should Chicago develop a permanent festival and outdoor event space for large-scale events?"

Zoom in: Supporters say a dedicated site could reduce the need to close parks, shut down streets, cancel softball games and mess up grass for private shindigs like Lolla and Riot Fest.

Keep reading

Chicago voters are casting early ballots at a faster pace than during the 2022 midterm elections, according to the Chicago Board of Elections Commissioners.

Why it matters: With a week until Election Day, early turnout is running 10% ahead of the same point in 2022, although that doesn't necessarily mean overall turnout will be higher.

By the numbers: As of Sunday, 126,349 Chicagoans had voted early in person or returned mail ballots, compared with 114,835 at the same point four years ago.

• In-person early voting was up 29%, with 67,914 ballots cast.
• Mail voting was down 6%, with 58,435 ballots returned.

State of play: The 19th Ward on the Far Southwest Side leads Chicago in early voting, with 2,429 ballots cast through Sunday.

• The 15th Ward recorded the fewest, with 518.

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Monday saw 10 more candidates file petitions to run in the 2027 mayor's race, bringing the total to 16.

Why it matters: The filings suggest our tough signature rules have already weeded out two hopefuls and could eliminate more before the ballot is finalized in December.

Shocking stats: Mayoral contenders in Chicago must turn in 12,500 unique signatures — and ideally twice that many to survive the signature challenges.

• But in New York, that number is 3,750 signatures and in Los Angeles it's 500.

State of play: Those who've filed and self-reported their signature counts include:

• Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, 60K
• U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, 42K
• Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, nearly 40K
• Lobbyist John Kelly, 36K

• Mayor Brandon Johnson, 33K
• Entrepreneur Joe Holberg, "over 32K"
• CHA commissioner and Wiener's Circle co-owner Matt Brewer, 32K
• Cardiologist and public policy adviser Lisa Nee, 31K
• Attorney and former general counsel to Rod Blagojevich, Bill Quinlan, 31K

• Cook County Board of Review Commissioner George Cardenas, 31K
• Businessman Willie Wilson, 30K
• Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, 26K
• Developer Zoe Ma, "over 17K"
• Co-founder of Chicago Flips Red Danielle Carter-Walters, "well-over 12.5K."

Ward wonders: Monday's filings suggest at least 10 wards, including the 4th, 10th, 11th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 40th, 41st, 47th and 50th, will see uncontested aldermanic races.

What's next: Challenges must be filed by Nov. 2, and the ballot will be finalized on Dec. 17.

Keep reading

📺 The White Sox have parted ways with TV play-by-play announcer John Schriffen after three seasons. (Sun-Times)

🛤️ The Federal Railroad Administration will conduct an environmental assessment of a proposed Amtrak facility in Bridgeport after local politicians and neighbors protested the project. (Block Club)

✉️ A Quincy man has been arrested on federal charges alleging he mailed letters containing a suspicious white substance to members of Congress. (ABC 7)

We're on a weeklong quest to crown the spookiest place in all of Chicagoland.

State of play: The first round was a smashing success, even if most matchups weren't particularly close.

• Biggest blowout: Old Cook County Hospital crushed Givins Castle (90%-10%).
• Closest contest: The Pedway edged out Hull House (59%-41%).
• Biggest surprise: Death Alley (Couch Place) demolished the Water Tower (79%-21%). We thought that one would be much closer.

Next up: Round two, where the matchups only get tougher.

Vote here! We'll keep the polls open until 4pm.

On most days, breakfast potatoes play a background role as a starchy mop for your eggs, but at Joe Donut in Niles, they steal the show.

🥔 The bite: Crunchy, bouncy, tender and crisp nubbins of shredded spud, dunked in batter and double-fried to perfection.

• I got the Mom Jeans ($14) with chicken sausage, avocado and grilled cheese curds, but you can also order them on their own ($5.50) if you have extra room.

Beware: These suckers are addictive, especially to those of us who like to wear mom jeans, too.

Share spuds with friends

Edited by Larry Graham.

📝 Carrie has been seeing signs for the Anne Frank exhibition at the Griffin MSI and recalls how devastating and fascinating it was when she saw it. It's a must-see.

📺 Justin loves that "Slow Horses" doesn't make us wait years between seasons, but he's not so sure about only getting six episodes at a time. CARTWRIGHT!

🎶 Monica is glad tickets remain for Sufi Qawwali musicians Fareed Ayaz and Abu Muhammed at the South Asia Institute this Saturday (yes, Halloween).

Editor's note: Yesterday's pumpkin spice latte story incorrectly identified the Pilsen coffee shop Spoke & Bird as "Smoke & Bird."

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