Good afternoon, Chicago.

A local planning think tank is blaming Chicago’s aldermanic tradition of hyperlocal control of what gets built and where for “standing in the way” of making housing more affordable, predictable and fair, ensuring “political infighting rather than common-sense policymaking.”

But getting members of the City Council to give up their “prerogative” — an unofficial system in which aldermen can give a thumbs-up or thumbs-down to projects within their wards and colleagues largely defer to their decisions by default — will be tough, according to the comprehensive report on proposed improvements to Chicago’s outdated zoning code by the Metropolitan Planning Council.

Here’s what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/latest-headlines and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices.

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Expansion of battery storage operation helps Illinois’ clean energy goals, but much more is needed

To keep up with artificial intelligence, Illinois needs batteries big enough to keep its air conditioners running on hot summer nights and to replenish its electrical grid during winter storms lasting for days.

More top news stories:

• CPD reaches milestone in consent decree compliance amid changes in leadership
• Democrat Daniel Biss aims to keep party’s hold on Illinois’ 9th District vs. GOP’s John Elleson, who raises $0
• Medical examiner ID’s bodies found decomposing in East Side funeral home

Endeavor Health and Rush University System for Health announce plans to merge

Two major Chicago-area hospital systems — Endeavor Health and Rush University System for Health — announced plans today to merge, a union that would create one of the largest health systems in Illinois. 

More top business stories:

• Chicago Bulls player Dailyn Swain rents River North unit
• Walgreens-anchored downtown Naperville property sells for $7.25 million

Deep Chicago Bulls bench could provide a boost — or a challenge — for a rebuilding roster

A lack of health at the start of the season is never ideal. But this is a welcome test for the Bulls, whose depth will be crucial this season. 

More top sports stories:

• Gold Glove finalists are announced, including 5 Cubs and 1 White Sox player
• Chicagoland high school football rankings: Get Mike McGraw’s Top 25 for Week 9

Tale of the tapes: Naked Raygun and Eleventh Dream Day create new albums from an essential Chicago archive

A 1985 Naked Raygun show has become a limited-edition vinyl album, released Oct. 16, along with a selection of Aadam Jacobs’ recordings of performances by Eleventh Dream Day, another Chicago band at the vanguard of the city’s 1980s indie rock scene. 

More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories:

• Column: The legendary Organic Theater is gone, ‘Scream! Bleed!’ brings memories roaring back
• Review: ‘Any Rebellion of Will’ is an absurdist breath of fresh air at Trap Door Theatre