Chicago magazine's September issue hits newsstands Thursday, August 16th. To schedule an interview with one of our writers or editors, please contact Allison Roche at aroche@chicagomag.com.

Best Public Schools (cover story) – Despite the possibility of a teachers’ strike and other strains on area public schools, the best ones still deliver a terrific education. But which ones are the best? And if they’re within CPS, how do you get your kids into them? Chicago interviewed local education experts and pored through reams of data to rank the 133 top public elementary and high schools in the city and suburbs for our Best Public Schools feature, with particular attention paid to navigating the maze of CPS. Our authoritative education guide explains the types of schools and admission procedures within CPS, lays out concrete strategies for getting your child into one of its high-performing schools, and provides further resources for parents.

Fall Fashion 2012 – We translate the coming season’s top trends from the runways to the streets of Chicago. Our editors made over six stylish Chicagoans, ages 28 to 65, to illustrate how real women can wear this season’s powerful patterns, fierce furs, layers of leather, and other top trends while out for a day around town. Whether you aim to overhaul your wardrobe or add just a few key pieces, you’ll find all the inspiration you need in our fashion preview. Plus: 18 must-haves for your fall shopping list (starting from $80) and a fashion spread shot inside the Arts Club of Chicago.

Maywood Confidential – The murder of Maywood police officer Tom Wood sounds like the stuff of noir fiction. Nearly six years after he was gunned down, the killer is still at large and the investigation is in shambles. Who murdered him and why is the case still unsolved?

You Gotta Be Bleepin’ Me! – Hawk Harrelson may be the most polarizing broadcaster in baseball, but our in-depth profile of the White Sox announcer asks: could he also be one of the all-time greats?

Culture Trip –Whether your interest is architecture, design, visual arts, music, or simply a weekend away, hit the road for arts-themed fall getaways in three Midwestern towns: Columbus, Indiana; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Champaign-Urbana, Illinois.

Our Town – We assess the authenticity of four network TV shows set in the Windy City. Find out how The Good Wife, Happy Endings, Mike & Molly, and Whitney stack up in being true to Chicago.