🌶️ CPS boss vs. mayor

Will School Board Meeting Be Spicy?

The Chicago Board of Education is set to vote on a resolution committing to no school closures through 2027. The meeting comes after the Chicago Teachers Union claimed CPS CEO Pedro Martinez is planning closures, which the district leader has denied. [Chalkbeat]

• The meeting also comes days after Martinez said he will not step down despite Mayor Brandon Johnson’s reported request. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

McCormick Place Makes Glass Bird-Safe

The convention center has installed bird-safe window film as birds start to migrate for the winter. Advocates rallied for more bird protections after a thousand birds collided into the McCormick Place and died last year. [WGN]

Midway Airport Gets First Lounge

Flying out of the South Side airport? Travelers can now get a $50 day pass for The Club MDW to work, dine, or relax at Midway’s first lounge. [The Points Guy]

• Midway and O’Hare airports aren't exactly popular with travelers, according to a new survey. [Sun-Times]

Buckle Up: Here Are Your Midwest Fall Road Trips

Ready to hop in the car and take in some fall foliage? Or take in the culture of another city? The City Cast Chicago team rounded up road trips in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Wisconsin. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Chicagoans ate good this month at new restaurants around town. We’re recapping a few of our favs and sharing the ones on our radar!

Recent Openings

Nafsi in South Shore

The Black-owned soul food restaurant in the South Shore Cultural Center has range, from fancy dishes like lobster bucatini to comfort food like fried catfish with grits. Plus, the eatery is rewriting history: The former country club once banned Black and Jewish people from becoming members.

And She Bakes Too in Portage Park

What makes the new Northwest Side bakery even sweeter? The recipes have been passed down through generations of baker Paris Clark’s family 🥹

Petit Pomeroy in River North

Missing the Olympics? Waiting for the next season of “Emily in Paris?” The classic French bistro from the minds behind Pomeroy in Winnetka might just satiate all the Francophiles out there.

Shabu Plus Rotary Hot Pot in Chinatown

Like its Wicker Park outpost, the new spot in Chinatown features all-you-can-eat Japanese hotpot and dozens of toppings on a conveyor belt. Something else you should know? They don’t take reservations.

Anticipated Openings

Tavern on Rush in Gold Coast

The steakhouse is set to reopen Monday in the Thompson Hotel across the street from its original location. And don’t worry: Ladies Night on Mondays is coming back, too.

Il Carciofo in Fulton Market

Chicago is home to some of the biggest names to come out of the “Top Chef” franchise, including Joe Flamm. The South Side native’s new restaurant will celebrate Italian cuisine with Roman pizzas and a pasta lab.