Chicago's dollars & sense, ICE invasion, and the scooter dilemma
Release Date: 09/15/2025
The Slots, The Stocks, and a Fragile Middle East Peace
Chicago Power Poll
Welcome to the October 2025 edition of the podcast with . Our power pollers have packed some big thinking into their responses six new questions. Thom will analyze the results with veteran Chicago political journalist This month's special guest is former Illinois State Senator . 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...
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Chicago's dollars & sense, ICE invasion, and the scooter dilemma
Chicago Power Poll
Welcome to the September 2025 edition of the podcast with . 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 This month's special guest is Illinois State Comptroller . 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...
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The gerrymandering game, a Bears mega-tax break, and D.C. guard duty
Chicago Power Poll
Welcome to the August 2025 edition of the podcast with . Our power pollers have levied their thoughts on five new issues. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist This month's special guest is , veteran statehouse reporter, Chicago Tribune alum, and author of the book — 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...
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NASCAR's Chicago future, the most influential Illinoisans, and the vibe on crime
Chicago Power Poll
Welcome to the July 2025 edition of the podcast with . Our power pollers have poured their wisdom into 5 new topics. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist This month's special guest is , 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...
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The National Guard Debate, Sin Taxes, and Transit's Fiscal Cliff
Chicago Power Poll
Welcome to the June 2025 edition of the podcast with . Our power pollers have spoken their minds on 5 new topics. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist This month's special guest is , 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...
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Pope Leo XIV's hometown, snap curfews, and funding freezes
Chicago Power Poll
Welcome to the May 2025 edition of the podcast with . Our power pollers have spoken their minds on 5 new topics. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist We also welcome special guest John Dempsey, an award-winning Chicago journalist who has graced the newsrooms of WBEZ, Fox32, WBBM NewsRadio, WMAQ, and WLS-AM. John is now the host of the podcast This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions: What's the best way for Chicago to welcome Pope Leo XIV, the next time he visits his hometown? Should Chicago police be authorized to issue...
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The tangle of tariffs, Chicago exits, and the EV averse
Chicago Power Poll
Here are April's showers. Welcome to another edition of the podcast with . Our power players answer 5 new questions, that impact work and play. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist We also welcome special guest , seven-time Emmy winner, and former host of "U & Me in the Morning on Chicago's WCIU-TV. Jeanne is a well-known radio radio personality (WGCI & V103), and just published her first book, . This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions: Do you agree with the Trump administration's recent tariff announcements? ...
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The Mayor goes to Washington, Trump's report card, and "so long" cell phones
Chicago Power Poll
Beware the queries of March. Welcome to another edition of the podcast with . Our power players answer 5 new questions, with Illinois on a collision course with our nation's capital. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist We also welcome special guest , a seasoned storyteller and story chaser, as a Chicago journalist. The veteran radio host (WGN & WBEZ) now writes daily at Axios.com. This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions: Do you think Chicago's government needs a city charter? Should cell phones be banned in Chicago...
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Blago's pardon, the penny's demise, and Kendrick Lamar's halftime score
Chicago Power Poll
Buckle up for the February 2025 edition of the podcast with . The month brings 5 new questions, and with some breaking news on Illinois' former governor. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist We also welcome special guest , a Southwest Side civic treasure. Mr. Sheahan is former Director of the Mayor's Office of Special Events, and a self-described Irish thoroughbred. This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions: How would you rank Chicago's most pressing civic issues? Who is most likely to run against Brandon Johnson in...
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Madigan's big bet, the burning in California, and Panama's canal?
Chicago Power Poll
Welcome to Season 2 -- the January 2025 edition of the podcast with . The new year brings 5 new questions, and some fascinating conversation about the poll results. Joining Thom, once again, is veteran Chicago political journalist We also welcome a special guest who spent ten years in the U.S. Congress representing the citizens of Illinois' 17th District. is a Springfield native and partner at Mercury Public Affairs. This month, we asked our Power Pollers to answer these questions: Should the United States take back the Panama Canal? Do you believe the California fires could...
info_outlineWelcome 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:
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How would you rate Mayor Brandon Johnson's handling of Chicago's fiscal crisis?
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Do you support potential federal deployment of National Guard troops to aid ICE operations in Chicago?
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Should the Democratic Party prioritize including a downstate native on future tickets to appeal to rural voters?
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Do you believe Governor J.B. Pritzker's approach with the Trump administration serves Illinois' interests?
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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.