The Fran Spielman Show

Fran Spielman interviews Ald. Marty Quinn of Chicago’s 13th Ward, who announces he will not seek re-election after four terms and 15 years on the City Council, citing the demands and unpredictability of ward service, sacrifices to family life, and readiness for new challenges with no job lined up. Quinn reflects on the council’s evolution from a seniority- and ward-focused body under Rahm Emanuel...

Fran Spielman interviews attorney Matthew Brewer, former interim CHA CEO and current board chair, who announces his first run for Chicago mayor and argues Brandon Johnson has made residents feel unseen, framed false either/or choices between business and communities, and failed at collaborative leadership amid agency vacancies and budget conflicts.

Fran Spielman interviews Dr. Lisa Nee, a Chicago-born cardiologist and MBA who is preparing to run for mayor to deny Brandon Johnson a second term, arguing voters want a non-insider with real-life experience. She recounts whistleblowing at the Hines VA over unread cardiac tests, facing retaliation while pregnant, and later helping secure bipartisan protections, while also battling breast cancer an...

Fran Spielman interviews Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza about her renewed bid for Chicago mayor, revisiting her 2019 loss and associations with Ed Burke and Mike Madigan, which she says she condemned. Mendoza calls Mayor Brandon Johnson’s tenure a “blizzard of incompetence,” citing credit downgrades, heavy borrowing, TIF “raids,” staffing vacancies, and strained Springfield relations, and say...

Fran Spielman interviews Emmanuel Andre, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s newly appointed deputy mayor for community safety, about preparing for Chicago’s summer public safety challenges as CPS ends the school year. Andre discusses fears about tragedies, cycles of revenge, and key dates like Juneteenth and July 4th, describing a “full-of-government” approach with CPD, OEMC, Streets and Sanitation, elected...

In the final days of the Illinois General Assembly’s spring session, host Fran Spielman interviews State Rep. Kam Buckner about last-minute legislating, the $59 billion budget, and the House-passed Megaprojects Bill aimed at keeping the Chicago Bears in Illinois by allowing negotiated property tax payments. Buckner discusses mayor–governor tensions, other pending bills on housing, school cell phon...

Fran Spielman interviews newly confirmed Chicago transportation commissioner William Cheaks Jr. about Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed EV-charging-only parking spaces pilot with Cheaks Jr. noting autonomous vehicles are not authorized in Chicago and saying demand is uncertain. 

Fran Spielman and WBEZ’s Mariah Woelfel mark Brandon Johnson's three-year anniversary as Chicago mayor. Mayor Johnson discusses his family milestones and argues his administration has improved its messaging while citing a 60-year low in homicides, reopened public mental health clinics, increased downtown visitors, and stabilizing census trends. Pressed on CPS’s $732 million deficit and potential c...

Fran Spielman interviews Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th), the new chair of Chicago’s City Council Zoning Committee, about how the council ended a months-long zoning stalemate without Mayor Brandon Johnson’s backing after leadership turmoil and failed mayoral picks. Villegas says the council is acting more independently, criticizes the mayor’s “100% or nothing” approach, and emphasizes collaboration a...

Fran Spielman interviews Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara after Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew was fatally shot and his partner critically wounded at Swedish Hospital by Alphanso Talley, a suspect apprehended after a theft and assault who requested hospital transport. 

Fran Spielman reunites with longtime City Hall rival and friend John Kass to discuss his latest health crisis and rehabilitation after what she describes as his third stroke. He reviews earlier medical emergencies including a stroke during open-heart surgery and a near-fatal diabetes episode, and reflects on how smoking, weight, stress, and conflict at the Chicago Tribune may have contributed to h...

Fran Spielman interviews retiring Chicago Inspector General Deborah Witzburg, who explains why she chose not to seek a second term, arguing watchdog credibility requires independence and that new legislation strengthening OIG protections made it the right time to pass the baton; she plans to remain in public service but won’t disclose her next role yet. 

Fran Spielman interviews Steve Mahr, Chicago’s newly appointed acting Chief Financial Officer, who shares his background in public service and public finance investment banking. They discuss Chicago’s recent budget stalemates, the rejection of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s corporate head tax, and warnings of a possible $160 million midyear shortfall, as well as the city’s decision to split the advanced...

Fran Spielman interviews Chicago Public Media’s Tina Sfondeles and Dave McKinney about Illinois’ St. Patrick’s Day election, focusing on surprises and the role of money and endorsements. They discuss Juliana Stratton defeating big-spending Raja Krishnamoorthi in the U.S. Senate primary, aided by JB Pritzker’s $5 million and popularity, and argue debates and messaging on ICE mattered more than fund...

Fran Spielman interviews Ravinia Festival president and CEO Jeff Haydon about the final stages of a $75 million, two-year renovation of the 75+ year-old Hunter Pavilion, including new seating, improved visibility, an expanded stage, and enhanced acoustics. They also discuss major headliners and debuts (including Paul Simon, Hugh Jackman, Ricky Martin, Chance the Rapper, Miranda Lambert, Billy Idol...

Fran Spielman talks Oscars with film critic Richard Roeper, host of The Movie of Your Life podcast, focusing on the tight Best Picture race between ‘Sinners’ (a record 16 nominations) and Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘One Battle After Another.’ Roeper predicts major category splits (including Best Actor, Best Actress, supporting races), discusses what makes ‘Sinners’ work beyond the vampire premise, pra...

Fran Spielman interviews State Rep. Kam Buckner about efforts to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois amid an Indiana proposal to finance a Hammond stadium. Buckner argues Indiana would shrink the Bears’ market and brand and notes potential contamination concerns at the proposed Indiana site.

Fran Spielman interviews Neil Steinberg about the death of Rev. Jesse Jackson at 84 and the challenge of capturing his long, complicated life in a definitive obituary. They review Jackson’s rise from segregated Greenville, South Carolina (including the Greenville Eight library protest), his work with Martin Luther King Jr., and his Chicago impact through Operation Breadbasket boycotts and decades...

Fran Spielman welcomes Chicago's Commissioner of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection, Ivan Capifali. They discuss vital initiatives to support small businesses, including Mayor Johnson's 'Cut the Tape' program aimed at reducing bureaucratic red tape. Capifali emphasizes the importance of streamlining the business licensing process and highlights the city's efforts to enhance small business su...

In this episode, Fran Spielman hosts a discussion between two Chicago City Council members, Ald. Anthony Beale (9th) and Ald. Walter "Red" Burnett (27th), who are on opposing sides of the debate over legalizing video gaming terminals (VGTs) in the city. Beal advocates for lifting the current ban, citing the potential for significant revenue generation to alleviate budget deficits and support local...

In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Cristina Pacione-Zayas, former Illinois lawmaker and the current Chief of Staff to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. Pacione-Zayas discusses the challenges and pressures of her role, focusing on key city issues such as affordability, safety, and infrastructure. The conversation also touches on the political tensions surrounding Mayor Johnson's administration,...

Fran Spielman hosts a conversation with Kristen Reynolds and Guy Chipparoni, the President & CEO, and Chairman of the Board of Choose Chicago, respectively. The discussion covers the financial challenges Chicago faces in competing with cities like Las Vegas and Orlando for conventions and tourism. Reynolds and Chipparoni emphasize the importance of marketing Chicago as a destination, regardles...

Fran Spielman is joined by former Sun-Times sports columnist Rick Telander and sports stadium consultant Marc Ganis to analyze the Bears' gripping Wild Card victory against the Green Bay Packers, driven by the late-game heroics of quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver DJ Moore. The trio also examines the potential long-term impact of Bears' newfound success on their plans for a new stadium,...

Fran Spielman interviews Northside Congressman Mike Quigley about his decision to run for Mayor of Chicago. Quigley discusses the city's fiscal challenges, including the substantial budget allocation to debt and pensions, which he believes interfere with addressing critical issues like mental health, homelessness, and public safety. He underscores the need for fiscal reforms, efficient management,...

In this episode, Fran Spielman hosts David Greising, CEO of the Better Government Association, to discuss the intense budget conflict in Chicago between Mayor Brandon Johnson and a renegade group of conservative and moderate aldermen. The debate centers around Johnson's push for a corporate head tax and the alternative budget that seeks efficiencies and cost cuts. The discussion covers the implica...