💰 Did the state send you money?

New Board of Ed to Meet Today

The new Chicago Board of Education is set to meet today for the first time since the previous board resigned en masse earlier this month. Mayor Brandon Johnson appointed Rafael Yanez, a hate crimes investigator at the Chicago Police Department, to fill a final vacancy. [ABC7]

• They will not take action on CPS CEO Pedro Martinez, a point of tension between the old board and the mayor. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]
• Meanwhile, Chicagoans are voting on the city’s first elected school board *checks watch* now. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Red Stars Get a Rebrand

The city’s women’s soccer team will be called the Chicago Stars Football Club and sport a new crest for the upcoming 2025 season. [CBS Sports]

Check the Mail: The State Maybe Sent You Money

You might have a check in the mail for $50 to $100. That’s because the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office has sent almost 140,000 residents unclaimed cash — money you might not have collected from a business or government office. [NBC Chicago]

These Students Are Eating Plant-Based

After a law went into effect last year requiring Illinois public schools to provide plant-based meals for students who request the option, more than 1,000 students across 278 public school districts have opted into the program. Chase Elementary School in Logan Square has the highest concentration of students participating. [WTTW]

• CPS rolled out plant-forward options years ago, but it's been a bumpy road to healthier meals. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

Essential Chicago Rules

When you live in a city like Chicago, there are just some things you need to know. The City Cast Chicago team shares the most important rules for living in Chicago, what topics you need to have opinions on, and our biggest pet peeves. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

As October winds down, we’re sharing some of the best new bars and restaurants that opened this month. And, yes, we’re sharing seasonal pop-ups we’re looking forward to.

Recent Openings

Homewood Brewing Company in Homewood

Nearly five years after rapper Juice WRLD died, his mother, Carmela Wallace, opened a brewery this month in the south suburb he called home. Part of the proceeds will go toward the foundation she created to address mental health and addiction.

The Pink Polo Social Club & Bar on the Near North Side

Remote workers, looking to spruce up your work-from-home environment? Work hard and play hard at this new North Side spot that is a cafe by day and a cocktail bar by night.

Dicey’s Pizza in West Town

You already know the City Cast Chicago team stans tavern-style pizza, but we’re extra excited for the pizzeria because it’s at a former Parson’s where we first met years ago 😭

Classic Cobbler in Bronzeville

Wondering what to bring to upcoming holiday dinners and potlucks? Cobblers from this new South Side brick-and-mortar bakery are bound to be a hit. And don’t forget to add puddings and pies to your cart.

Anticipated (Seasonal) Openings

Walnut Room at Macy’s

There aren’t a ton of reservations left for the holiday meals at Macy’s Walnut Room, but you can probably still find a late lunch or early dinner some time between Nov. 2 and Jan. 12. Plus, Santa Claus and a fairy princess are coming on select weekends 🥺

Christkindlmarket in the Loop, Aurora

The German market returns to Daley Plaza and the west suburbs Nov. 22 to Dec. 24. Will we see you eating bratwurst and collecting this year’s Christkindlmarket mugs?