🤤 Chicago's must-try fall bites

Illinois DCFS Chief Out

After years of scrutiny while leading the state’s child welfare agency, Marc D. Smith is stepping down at the end of the year. DCFS faced a series of crises under Smith — including abuse and neglect complaints, a lack of investigators, and deaths of children in the agency’s care. [Illinois Answers Project]

NASCAR Churned Out $108.9M for City

The two-day summer street race generated a quarter of what Lollapalooza makes for the city, according to a new study. The 2024 races are set for July 6 and 7. [Crain’s 🔒; WGN]

• Plus, the race divided Chicagoans. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

CTA President’s Pay Bump

Dorval Carter’s salary has gone from $230,000 to $376,065 in the eight years he’s led the transit agency. Carter makes more than Mayor Brandon Johnson, CPS CEO Pedro Martinez, and other high-ranking city officials. [Block Club]

• Carter’s 60% pay bump comes as riders have struggled to get reliable and consistently safe service. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

New Chief Homelessness Officer

The Johnson administration announced the creation of the new senior-level role to address homelessness in the city. Nearly 70,000 Chicagoans are unhoused, according to one estimate. [WBBM]

• As the weather changes, one Pilsen resident is supplying unhoused Chicagoans with ice fishing tents. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Plant a Tree in Grand Crossing 🌳 Thursday | 2–4 p.m.

Learn about the benefits of trees at the Chicago Public Library Avalon Branch and sign up to get one planted at your home. [Free]

Elmwood Park Chili Bowl Game 🏈 Thursday | 6:30–10:30 p.m.

Head to Club Elmwood Park to watch the Bears take on the Commanders while chowing down on chili. [Free]

Campfire Horrors at Northerly Island 💀 Friday | 7 p.m.

Bring the family out to roast marshmallows and watch “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” [Free]

Secret Ninja Restaurant in the Loop 🥷 All Weekend | Varies

The Asian fusion pop-up will feature martial arts performances by ninja entertainers at an undisclosed location on North LaSalle Street. [$125]

Chicago’s Fall Theater Season is Back

It’s no secret Chicago is a theater town, but how do you narrow down which shows to see? Reader theater and dance critic Kerry Reid puts us onto big productions, smaller shows, and theater fests.