Hibernian Radio May 9, 2026

This week on Hibernian Radio, Mike Houlihan welcomes educator and public administrator Paul Vallas for a wide-ranging conversation on Chicago politics, education, and public safety, with a focus on the city’s current direction and the challenges facing its leadership. Vallas discusses his work with the Urban Center, a grassroots political organization focused on supporting local candidates and influencing policy at the city and school board level, as well as the broader landscape of the Chicago mayoral race and low voter turnout across key wards. He offers sharp criticism of the Chicago Teachers Union, arguing that it has become overly politicized and has negatively impacted schools and underserved communities, particularly during and after the COVID-19 shutdowns. The conversation also turns to public safety, where Vallas breaks down the effects of the consent decree, the SAFE-T Act, and evolving bail and policing policies, pointing to increased litigation, operational strain on police, and what he sees as unintended consequences for street-level enforcement. He also addresses the role of the media, the rise of alternative news outlets, and the influence of figures like Kim Foxx in shaping the current criminal justice environment. It’s a direct and pointed discussion on the intersection of politics, education, and policing in Chicago, and what Vallas sees as the urgent need for structural change and stronger civic engagement.

Sponsored By: Fox’s Pizza (Orland Park and Mokena), Flood Bros. Disposal, Madden Funds and Local 150 Engineers