The Fran Spielman Show

In this episode, Fran Spielman is joined by Ald. Anthony Beale (9th) to discuss Chicago's looming budget crisis. With Mayor Brandon Johnson proposing a $17.3 billion budget and a contentious $300 million property tax increase, Beal critiques the Mayor's policies and governance style. The episode delves into the political dynamics within the Chicago City Council and explores potential paths forward...

In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Alderman Marty Quinn from Chicago's 13th Ward. They delve into the strained relationships within the city council, challenges posed by Mayor Brandon Johnson's budget plans, and the need for a new police district. Additionally, they examine the legacy and trial of political figure Mike Madigan, the impact of losing political experience in Springfield, and s...

Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by WBEZ education reporter Sarah Karp and Sun-Times education reporter Nader Issa to discuss the recent mass resignation of the Chicago school board amidst a budget crisis and ongoing negotiations with the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU).

In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Jordan Abudayyeh, the outgoing Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications and Strategic Media for Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. They discuss Abadaya's experiences over seven years working with the governor, the challenges and stress of high-pressure political roles, and her future plans. They also delve into Governor Pritzker's leadership style, his ambit...

Portraying himself as a "peacemaker" between an embattled mayor and an emboldened City Council, newly-confirmed Zoning Committee Chair Walter Burnett (27th) said there is nothing to be gained by further "antagonizing and fighting" Johnson. Not after "every vote has been tight" during Johnson's first 17 months in office.

Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman speaks with Anthony Driver Jr., President of the Community Commission on Public Safety and Police Accountability (CCPSA) and Executive Director of SEIU State Council. He reflects on the challenges facing the Chicago Police Department under Superintendent Larry Snelling, emphasizing the need for improvements in response times, workforce allocation, and han...

Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Ald. Brendan Reilly of Chicago's 42nd Ward to discuss the city's critical financial issues and political landscape.

Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman interviews Chicago's budget director, Annette Guzman, about the city's significant financial challenges. Guzman explains the factors contributing to these shortfalls, including lagging revenues, escalating costs, and pension obligations.

In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Stacy Davis Gates, the president of the Chicago Teachers Union, about the challenges facing Chicago Public Schools at the start of the new school year. Gates shares her views on the leadership of CEO Pedro Martinez, emphasizing the need for a strategic vision to address funding deficits and urging resources for schools to ensure equity and opportunities fo...

Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman discusses the aftermath of the Democratic National Convention with chief political reporter, Tina Sfondeles, and reporter Mitchell Armantrout. The conversation covers Vice President Kamala Harris's historic nomination, her impactful acceptance speech, and the overall energy and excitement surrounding the convention. Our reporters analyze Harris's current...

In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Forrest Claypool, discussing his extensive career in various roles in Chicago's public sector. Claypool talks about his new book on Richard M. Daley. They delve into Daley's complex legacy, including episodes of corruption and his struggle with personal losses. Claypool emphasizes the significance of strong leadership in urban governance, citing Daley's te...

In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews veteran congressman Mike Quigley. The discussion covers Quigley's continued passion for playing hockey, his candid views on urging President Biden to drop out of the race, and the political landscape affecting the Democratic party. Quigley shares insights on Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign, potential vice-presidential picks, and the impact of feder...

Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by former United States Senator Carol Moseley Braun to discuss Biden’s decision to drop out of the presidential race and the endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris to be the democratic nominee.

Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Washington Bureau chief Lynn Sweet, chief political reporter Tina Sfondeles, and reporter Mitch Armentrout to discuss their coverage of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. The panel delves into the details of Donald Trump's lengthy and eventful acceptance speech, the audience's reaction, and the impact of the recent assassination...

In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews seasoned political strategist Bill Daley, discussing the uncertainties and dynamics surrounding the Democratic National Convention, the potential of President Biden's re-election campaign, the role and challenges of the Democratic Party, and the impact of potential contenders. Daley also reflects on historical political events, such as the Florida recount...

Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman speaks with Julie Giese, president of the NASCAR Chicago Street Race. They discuss the race's economic impact, community engagement through various programs, and the potential challenges and benefits of hosting such a significant event in Chicago.

In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Pat Cleary, President of Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2. Cleary discusses the challenges the union faces, including the lack of a contract for firefighters and paramedics, the fallout of the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, and the inadequate number of ambulances in Chicago. Cleary also outlines plans for upcoming protests to urge the city to address these is...

In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Mickey Bergman, a former Israeli paratrooper turned international hostage negotiator. They discuss his incredible career, emotional intelligence, specific hostage cases, and the intricate dynamics of international negotiations. Mickey shares fascinating stories from the field, the challenges he faces, and how he manages the stress of his high-stakes job.

As CEO of Gaming U.S.A. Corporation and editor of the Gaming Industry Daily Report, Alan Woinski has watched cities like Detroit and New Orleans struggle to complete their ambitious casino projects. He believes that the financial hurdles now confronting Bally’s—including an $800 million construction funding gap and a buyout offer from its largest shareholder that’s roughly half of what it was two...

It's been 28 years since the DNC was in Chicago, so this week, Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman welcomes Leslie Fox, former Executive Director of 1996 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, to discuss what we can expect from a convention in the city and what's changed in the nearly three decades since.

Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by SoundThinking, Inc. CEO Ralph Clark to discuss ShotSpotter's future in Chicago.

Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Civic Federation President Joe Ferguson to discuss Chicago's political culture, ethics reform, and the challenges facing the city from a fiscal and governance perspective. Ferguson shares insights from his transition from inspector general to overseeing city finances, underscores the importance of effective government service delivery, and cr...

Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman and WBEZ's city government reporters Mariah Woelfel and Tessa Weinberg, are joined by Chicago's Mayor Brandon Johnson to reflect on his first year in office. Mayor Johnson covers his progress, political struggles, and personal moments that have shaped his approach to governing Chicago.

Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara is lifting the curtain on the backstage maneuvering that culminated in Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. J.B. Pritzker behind told to stay away from the funeral of slain Chicago Police Officer Luis Huesca's funeral. The back-and-forth that only intensified the grieving family's anguish did not start and end with State Comptroller Susana Mendoza deliv...

Marc Ganis, co-founder and CEO of Chicago-based Sportscorp Ltd., joins Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman to discuss the Chicago Bears' ambitious plans to build a new dome stadium on Chicago's lakefront. They explore the potential economic and community impacts, the hurdles of financing a multi-billion-dollar project, and the political landscape that could shape the future of this signific...