Chicago magazine’s October issue hits newsstands Thursday, September 15th. To schedule an interview with one of our writers or editors, please contact Natalie Marquez at nmarquez@chicagomag.com.

The New Man on Five (Cover Story): The cover story takes a close look at Rahm Emanuel’s breakneck first few months as mayor—less than an hour after being sworn in he cut $75 million from the 2011 budget—and the battles that lie ahead for Chicago’s newest leader. Tackling long-neglected problems and shaking up the status quo, Emanuel has been rewarded with a 79 percent job approval rating (taken from an internal poll in late August), but does he have what it takes to save the city?

The New Rules of Real Estate: Seven tips from local real-estate pros for buyers and sellers looking to make a move in today’s troubled housing market. The story also includes Chicago’s annual survey of housing prices in nearly 300 neighborhoods and suburbs.

Loss of Innocence: David Protess spent the better part of a 29-year career crusading against wrongful convictions. The star professor at Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism just retired—but only after a bitter fight tarnished him and the school.

Lessons Learned: Across metropolitan Chicago, private elementary schools offer a wide range of educational options for young students and their parents—as shown in our statistical sampling of 70 area schools.