Welcome back. After a too-brief reprieve, Petition Day is here again. Tuesday, Sept. 5 marks the first day 2018 campaigns can begin passing petitions, including: county clerk, treasurer, sheriff, assessor, commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, president of the Cook County Board, Cook County Board commissioners, and Cook County Board of Review commissioners. The first day to file nomination papers is Monday, Nov. 27, 2017.

Meanwhile, the wheels of government keep spinning. Even a day short, the week ahead is already packed with meetings. The following are some we’ll be keeping our eyes on.