The World Series could last through the weekend, but that's not stopping the White Sox from deciding on a new manager.

Driving the news: Both MLB.com and ESPN are reporting that former Royals bench coach Pedro Grifol is being hired as the next Sox manager.

Why it matters: Former manager Tony La Russa stepped down because of health issues, but he also underachieved with a team that was supposed to compete for a championship.

• In 2022, the Sox had the 7th-highest payroll in baseball — one slot higher than the AL pennant-winning Houston Astros.

The intrigue: The Sox are the last of the six teams that had managerial vacancies to choose a new skipper.

• The delay was thought to be because the preferred candidate was still coaching in the World Series.

Yes, but: This week, reports ruled out Astros bench coach Joe Espada, who interviewed with the team before the World Series.

• The team also took a pass on former Sox manager Ozzie Guillén, Phillies bench coach Kevin Long and Braves third base coach Ron Washington.

What they're saying: Sox GM Rick Hahn said during his postseason press conference that "recent experience in the dugout with an organization that has contended for championships" is a big part of what the front office is looking for.

Zoom in: Grifol, the Royals bench coach for the last three years, has been in the Kansas City system for the last decade, including coaching catchers during their 2015 championship.

• Before that, he was director of minor league operations for the Seattle Mariners.

What's next: The Sox are expected to announce the hire this week.

A new analysis shows that Illinois protects access to abortion services and has seen an uptick since the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision in April.

• Our state had one of the largest increases in abortions from April to August, at 28%.
• Only three had a higher increase: North Carolina (37%), Kansas (36%) and Colorado (33%).

The big picture: In August, abortion services became completely unavailable in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin.

• Since the Dobbs decision, there were 5,270 fewer abortions in July and 5,400 fewer in August nationally.
• In states with bans or severe restrictions, there were 7,870 fewer abortions in July and 8,040 fewer in August for a total of 15,910.

⚖️ Indicted former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan pleaded not guilty to new corruption charges but skipped the arraignment hearing yesterday. (WGN-TV)

🏃🏽‍♂️ U.S. Rep. Chuy García took two key steps towards announcing a run for Chicago mayor. (Tribune)

Residents in East Garfield Park are speaking out about gun violence after the Halloween night mass shooting that wounded 14 people, including three children. (Sun-Times)

🏈 The Bears traded their 2023 second-round draft pick for Pittsburgh wide receiver Chase Claypool. Claypool was a star at Notre Dame. (CBS Sports)

It's down to the final six for the Chicago Sings Karaoke Competition.

State of play: Hundreds of Chicagoans took the stage at neighborhood bars throughout October.

• The city will crown a champion and winner of the $5,000 grand prize Sunday night at Park West.

The finalists are:

• Jaleel Amir, Grand Crossing
• Rashada Dawan, South Shore
• Brandon Dodson, Rogers Park
• Lauren "Elle Michelle" Gaines, Galewood
• Erendira Izguerra, West Lawn
• Jason E. Jackson, Edgewater

What they sang: To get to the finals, Jaleel Amir sang "What You Won't Do for Love" by Bobby Caldwell.

• Lauren Gaines belted out "Tennessee Whiskey" by Chris Stapleton, and Brandon Dodson serenaded the crowd with "If I Ever Fall in Love" by Shai.

The intrigue: The singers are not revealing their song choices for the big final at Park West on Sunday.

• Doors open at 5pm, and admission is free.

Full disclosure: The Axios Chicago team performed but for some reason didn't make it out of the first round. They must have lost our number. 🤣

🔥 Hot and fresh local job listings.

1. Employee Communications Manager at Morningstar.
2. Sr. Specialist, Corporate Communications at West Monroe.
3. Public Relations Fellow at Hill + Knowlton Strategies.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

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👋 Hey, it's Monica. I was at the Park District's Lincoln Park Archery Range, home to the North Side Archery Club and the nearly century-old Lincoln Park Archery Club.

• I stumbled on the site last month after I turned off my usual lakefront bike path to explore the Belmont Harbor isthmus near the Irving Park totem pole.
• What a lovely expanse of water, woods, paths and amazing trees for hammocking.
• And what a nice spot for archers to hone their skills.

👏 Congratulations to Kristina S. and Steven M., whose names we pulled from an arrow quiver to pick up Axios swag tonight!

Join us tonight from 6-8pm at Revolution Brewing in Logan Square for a night of free drinks and free-spirited conversation! Register here.

We'll be mingling and interviewing politicians about the upcoming election, including:

• Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi
• State Representative Theresa Mah
• Cook County Board president candidate Bob Fioretti

The intrigue: This will (probably) be our last Office Hours of 2022, so come on by and say hi!