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.

Welcome to the October 2025 edition of the Chicago Power Poll podcast with Thom Serafin. Our power pollers have packed some big thinking into their responses six new questions. Thom will analyze the results with veteran Chicago political journalist Mike Flannery This month's special guest is former Illinois State Senator Bill Marovitz.

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

• Should Chicago legalize slot machines for all bars and at O'Hare and Midway airports?

• How seriously do you take predictions of a stock market crash or serious correction?

• Do you feel safer in the Chicago metro area now that city officials and the media are reporting declining crime rates?

• How personally invested were you in the Cubs' 2025 postseason run?

• Do you believe President Donald Trump deserves serious recognition for his role in advancing peace in the Middle East?

• Do you celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday in a special or meaningful way?

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

Welcome to the September 2025 edition of the Chicago Power Poll podcast with Thom Serafin. Our power pollers have packed some big thinking into their responses to five new questions. Thom will analyze the results with veteran Chicago political journalist Mike Flannery This month's special guest is Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza.

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

• How would you rate Mayor Brandon Johnson's handling of Chicago's fiscal crisis?

• Do you support potential federal deployment of National Guard troops to aid ICE operations in Chicago?

• Should the Democratic Party prioritize including a downstate native on future tickets to appeal to rural voters?

• Do you believe Governor J.B. Pritzker's approach with the Trump administration serves Illinois' interests?

• What is your view on the impact of scooters and eBikes on Chicago's streets?

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

Welcome to the August 2025 edition of the Chicago Power Poll podcast with Thom Serafin. Our power pollers have levied their thoughts on five new issues. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist Mike Flannery This month's special guest is Ray Long, veteran statehouse reporter, Chicago Tribune alum, and author of the book The House That Madigan Built — Ray is also a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist.

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

• Governor Pritzker has supported Texas Democrats fleeing Texas redistricting battles. What's your take on the Governor's actions?

• What do you think is the biggest reason people are moving out of Illinois?

• Should the Illinois legislature pass the 'Mega Projects' property tax-break bill for the Bears?

• President Trump has deployed the National Guard to Washington D.C. and placed the D.C. police under his control. What do you think of this decision by the President?

• Illinois and California Democrats, have announced they will gerrymander their congressional maps in response to Texas Republican plans to get rid of five Democrat-held seats. What do you think of this response?

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

Welcome to the July 2025 edition of the Chicago Power Poll podcast with Thom Serafin. Our power pollers have poured their wisdom into 5 new topics. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist Mike Flannery This month's special guest is Linda MacLennan, long-time anchor of the CBS2 10pm news and an award-winning journalist.

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

• Should the City of Chicago sign a new agreement with NASCAR for more street races?

• If former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Governor J.B. Pritzker both run for President in 2028 -- who has the strongest ability to succeed?

• How satisfied are you with the city's efforts to reduce crime?

• Which Illinoisan has had the greatest influence on the state's national reputation?

• What's more likely to happen: The White Sox have a worse season than last year, The Cubs win the World Series, or the Bears move to Arlington Heights?

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

Welcome to the June 2025 edition of the Chicago Power Poll podcast with Thom Serafin. Our power pollers have spoken their minds on 5 new topics. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist Mike Flannery This month's special guest is Joan Esposito, a veteran television journalist for over two decades. Joan now guards the topics of the day, as the host of afternoon drive on WCPT Radio in Chicago.

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

• Do you approve of President Trump's decision to call the California National Guard into federal service?

• How concerned are you about massive service cuts to public transit, since Illinois' new budget ingored the RTA's $771 million fiscal cliff?

• What do you think is the primary reason for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's declining popularity?

• Should taxpayers provide financial support to the Chicago Bears for their new stadium?

• The U.S. Justice Department has launched an investigation into Chicago's hiring practices. What do you think about the Mayor's hiring for city positions?
• Do you support the State of Illinois' new taxes on sports betting, tobacco, and other items as a means to balance the budget?

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