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.