Welcome to Season 3: the January 2026 edition of the Chicago Power Poll podcast with Thom Serafin. Our power pollers have downloaded their wisdom on seven revealing questions. Once again, Thom will tap into the quick wit of veteran Chicago political journalist Mike Flannery. This month's special guest is a 30-year veteran of Crain's Chicago Business. Greg Hinz is also the former political editor at Chicago Magazine, and the Lerner Newspapers.

This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions:

• What's your opinion on immigration enforcement and civil liberties?

• How should the U.S. respond to the protests in Iran?

• Was the capture of Venezuelan president Nicolàs Maduro necessary?

• What priorities should Chicago set for the city to truly thrive?

• Where should the city put its hands and heart when it comes to community service?

• If the Bears make it all the way to the Super Bowl, do you plan to make the trip?*

• Why have hundreds of Chicago restaurants closed their doors in recent years?

Thom, Mike, and Greg will share our Power Poll results and get into their analysis of the answers here on this month's episode.

*NOTE: This month's power poll was conducted prior to the Bears' loss to Los Angeles in the divisional round of the NFL playoffs.

Let's unwrap our December 2025 edition of the Chicago Power Poll podcast with Thom Serafin. Our power pollers have spoken loudly on five fresh questions, put high expectations on themselves for 2026. Once again, Thom will harness the wisdom of veteran Chicago political journalist Mike Flannery. This month's special guest is an award-winning journalist who has graced the newsrooms of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago Tribune, and WBEZ -- Monica Eng now works the Chicago beat for Axios.

This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions:

• Do you favor raising Chicago's revenue through a corporate head tax or alternative fees?

• Which city priority should be protected most when considering budget cuts?

• How safe have you felt when holiday shopping in Chicago's downtown hot spots?

• What should legislators do to prevent mass shooting events?

• Let's hear your New Year's resolution for 2026.

Thom, Mike, and Monica will share our Power Poll results and get into their analysis of the answers here on this month's episode.

Here's our November 2025 edition of the Chicago Power Poll podcast with Thom Serafin. Our power pollers have packed some gratitude and gravitas into our Thanksgiving week episode. Once again, Thom will feast on the results with veteran Chicago political journalist Mike Flannery This month's special guest is nine-time Emmy winning journalist Anne Kavanagh.

This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions:

• What was your take on the resolution that ended the recent government shutdown?

• How do you interpret the impact of the recent ICE enforcement actions in Chicago?

• What would be the business effect of Mayor Johnson's proposed employee head tax?

• In 2026, which business priority is most urgent for your organization?

• When someone close to you is struggling through the holidays, how do you offer support?

Thom, Mike, and Anne will share our Power Poll results and get into their analysis of the answers here on this month's episode.