Best Chicago Contrarian Podcasts (2025)

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Illegal aliens, Indoctrination, and Indictment. 59:19

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21h ago59:19

59:19

Mayor Brandon Johnson objected to the use of the term "illegal alien" at a press conference last weekend. After rebuking the reporter, Johnson followed days later by invoking slavery. What is Johnson's purpose? Students at two Chicago public schools staged a walkout last week over ICE immigration operations in Chicago. Where would students, some as…

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No Kings, Pritzker disses Johnson's Head Tax, Stacy Davis Gates takes charge over the IFT. 58:14

7d ago58:14

58:14

On today's episode, panelists will explore the meaning behind the "No Kings" rally in Chicago. What was the purpose, if any, and how many truly showed. Governor JB Pritzker poured cold water all over Mayor Johnson's proposed Head Tax. The governor, who is no fan of Chicago, claimed it's a job killer. Is Mr. Pritzker on to something? Chicago Teacher…

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Mayor Johnson rolled out his "Protecting Chicago" budget on Thursday. We'll unpack his tax proposals. Paul Vallas questions who is most responsible for drops to crime in Chicago. Is it affordable housing ... 1:02:17

16d ago1:02:17

1:02:17

Mayor Johnson unveiled his 2026 budget, the "Protecting Chicago" spending plan. Unsurprisingly, the budget is awash in tax increases. How will his proposals impact residents and businesses? The mayor has often stated his progressive policies are the singular reason for reductions in crime. While crime has fallen, the drops to crime Chicago has expe…

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Paul Vallas critiques the Chicago City Council's "apology for slavery" resolution. ICE shooting in Brighton Park creates a firestorm of controversy. Willie Wilson commentary in the Chicago Tribune says ... 1:07:22

23d ago1:07:22

1:07:22

The Chicago City Council weighed a resolution calling for an apology for slavery. In Paul Vallas' reasoned response, the former mayoral candidate says if any apology is to be delivered, it should be Democrats offering contrition for policies which have crushed Chicago's black community. ICE agents were assaulted by anti-ICE activists. What unfolded…

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Chicago Teachers Union social media post on Assata Shakur, media coverage of ICE/CBP operations in Chicago, the race to replace Representative Danny Davis. 58:36

29d ago58:36

58:36

The Chicago Teacher Union memorialized a convicted cop killer on its official X account. The union faced a heated backlash but did not delete the message. Chicago media is in the midst of publishing a cascade of pro-illegal immigration articles. How much influence does Chicago media have in shaping public opinion on this issue? Danny Davis will lea…

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Chicago restaurants are in decline, Mayor Brandon Johnson declares law enforcement a "sickness, "and the Chicago Public Schools dismisses Network employees. 57:33

1M ago57:33

57:33

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,…

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Mayor Johnson's Financial Future Task Force submits its final report. Paul Vallas' essay on media bias in its coverage of Chicago Police. Mayor Johnson has a tantrum at a weekly press conference. 59:53

1M ago59:53

59:53

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 i…

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Judge Timothy Evans is ousted as chief judge of the Cook County Circuit Court, CTU lawsuit, and Brendan Reilly announces bid for Cook County Board president. 59:32

2M ago59:32

59:32

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. Prec…

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Chicago prepares for Trump intervening in Chicago to address crime. Is the Chicago Public Schools considering permanent remote learning? We also take a look at candidates for the 9th congressional district ... 1:01:07

2M ago1:01:07

1:01:07

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 lear…

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CPS passes budget, M3 Strategies poll on crime, mayoral field continues to develop, Trump weighs National Guard to Chicago 1:01:42

2M ago1:01:42

1:01:42

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 o…

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Does Chicago need a Consent Decree for its justice system? Toni Preckwinkle's reelection bid. Stacy Davis Gates lashes out at Governor J.B. Pritzker over school funding. 53:21

2M ago53:21

53:21

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 f…

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CPS releases its budget; Cook County State's Attorney declines to charge Chicago Police in Dexter Reed case. 59:28

3M ago59:28

59:28

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 invol…