Chicago Contrarian, The Podcast

Restaurants in Chicago are suffering. A major part of the city's economy, what is provoking the decline? The industry barely recovered post-COVID.

Is there a pathway for restaurants to flourish again? Last week, Mayor Johnson defined law enforcement a "sickness. " What did the mayor mean? Was the mayor misunderstood, caught in an unscripted moment, or was the mayor revealing his true view of police, the prosecution of crime, courts and the prison system?

The mayor's comments caused a backlash from supporters of Chicago Police and evinced a response from State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke.

We will discuss. The Chicago Public Schools sacked its network chiefs and all assistants. Though this was presented as a cost-cutting measure to save millions in the troubled school system, employees can reapply for their jobs. Were the firings carried out in

The Financial Future Task Force has submitted its recommendations to solve Chicago's yawning budget gap. What are the suggestions the task force advanced? Are Contrarian's panelists surprised with the proposals? Paul Vallas wrote an essay on media bias in reporting on Chicago Police.

Is the Chicago media biased in its reporting on law enforcement issues? Who are the worst offenders? How does this perceived bias influence subscribers or news consumers? The mayor exploded at a mayoral press availability on Wednesday.

What did the mayor mean when he said "Jails and incarceration and law enforcement are a sickness that has not led to safe communities.?" We'll discuss.

After 24 years leading Cook County Courts, Timothy Evans was unseated as chief judge by fellow judges. What is the significance of his ouster? What changes can be expected with new leadership over Cook County courts? 42nd Ward alderman, Brendan Reilly, announced his campaign to challenge Toni Preckwinkle for president of the Cook County Board. Preckwinkle vulnerable? What does Reilly need to do to depose the all-powerful Boss Toni? Does Reilly have a pathway to victory?

The CTU is in court fighting one of its own members over annual Audit Reports. We will give some background on the matter and update the audience on the progress in court. Will the decision in this court case finally lead to the toppling of the CORE Caucus?

In response to President Trump considering sending the National Guard to Chicago, Democratic lawmakers respond. We will discuss how Gov. Pritzker, Mayor Johnson and state Democratic leaders reacted. The CTU is up to no good again. The union is now floating the idea of remote learning in response to federal agents arriving in Chicago.

Is remote learning necessary? How will it work? The race to replace long-time 9th District representative, Jan Schakowsky, is continuing to develop. Who are the candidates?

After a marathon meeting, the Board of Education passes a budget opposed by the CTU. With the passage of the budget, who were the winners and losers in the budget battle? M3 Strategies' new poll reveals Chicago residents are opposed to the National Guard, but a majority of black and Hispanicresidents want federal agents conducting law-enforcement operations here.

How does this poll conflict with Mayor Johnson's position on policing vs. CVIs? The possibility of Rep. Mike Quigley jumping into the 2027 mayoral race grew this week. Who are likely mayoral candidates? Finally, President Trump considers sending the National Guard to Chicago. Is this the best solution to Chicago's scourge of crime? What are the alternatives?

Paul Vallas is calling for a consent decree for the Cook County/City of Chicago justice system. Is this necessary? How could it work?

What would Mayor Johnson do to prevent the Trump DOJ from imposing a consent decree on Chicago? Toni Preckwinkle is seeking reelection. At age 78, is she still a viable candidate to return to lead Cook County for a fifth term? What is her legacy as Board president and Cook County Democrat leader? CPS funding fight. Who is at fault for CPS' budget deficit? Does the State of Illinois owe Chicago's schooling system $1.6B?

The Chicago Public Schools submitted its budget. How did the CPS cover its massive budget shortfall? Is CPS' fiscal dislocation a lost cause or can the schools recover? State's Attorney Judge Eileen O'Neill Burke will not bring charges against four officers in the fatal shooting of armed motorist, Dexter Reed. What does this mean for officers involved? Should the lawsuit filed on Reed's estate against Chicago move forward?