Claim OwnershipThe Fran Spielman Show
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Join veteran City Hall reporter Fran Spielman as she interviews Chicago’s biggest movers and shakers. Each week, Fran sits down with a local leader, politician or policymaker to get the inside scoop on the latest news in Chicago.
348 Episodes
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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, Rod Stewart, and Kool & the Gang).
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, praises ‘Hamnet’ and ‘Song, Song Blue,’ and weighs in on concerns that the Paramount-Skydance bid for Warner Bros. Discovery could reduce competition and jobs in the creative industry.
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 of political influence and clashes with mayors.
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 support amidst economic challenges.
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 businesses. Conversely, Walter Burnett argues against VGTs, focusing on public safety risks, potential cannibalization of casino revenue, and the adverse effects of increased gambling accessibility, particularly on younger men.
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, including budget disputes with the City Council and efforts to hold ICE agents accountable for their actions.
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, regardless of season, highlighting winter activities, restaurant and theater weeks, and the potential of future significant events like the opening of the Obama Presidential Center.
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, debating whether it will be built in Arlington Heights, Illinois, or possibly Northwest Indiana.
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, and collaboration with state and federal governments. Quigley also critiques the current mayor's handling of the city's budget and emphasizes his own experience in making tough decisions.
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 implications for Chicago's bond rating, the potential financial and political fallout, and Johnson's strategy leading up to his re-election campaign.
In the final weeks of 2025, Fran Spielman hosts a year-end discussion on Chicago and Illinois politics with Sun-Times national political reporter Tina Sfondeles and reporter Mitchell Armentrout as they share insights on major events, including the surprise election of Chicago's Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo, Trump's impact on local politics, and ongoing challenges in the city and state.
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Civic Federation President Joe Ferguson to discuss the alternative budget proposal developed by a group of alderpersons. They discuss the city's current financial challenges and the rejection of Mayor Brandon Johnson's $600 million revenue package. Ferguson outlines the importance of balancing the budget to avoid a downgrade to junk bond status and discusses the need for collaboration between the City Council, the Mayor’s office, labor unions, and the business community.
Fran Spielman interviews Eleanor Gorski, President and CEO of the Chicago Architecture Center, discussing the complex history and future plans for Chicago’s stadiums. The dialogue covers the renovation of Wrigley Field, challenges faced by various sports teams looking for new stadiums, and Gorski's comprehensive report on creating a win-win situation for both the city and its teams. They explore the potential for development around existing and proposed stadium sites, the importance of coordinated government efforts, and the necessity for infrastructure improvements to benefit both the community and the sports franchises.
Fran Spielman is joined by Bob Reiter, President of the Chicago Federation of Labor, focusing on the significant budget stalemate in Chicago. They discuss Mayor Brandon Johnson's rejected $600 million spending plan and the various revenue options and tax strategies on the table to address the city's financial challenges.
In this special Veterans Day episode, Fran Spielman interviews Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th), a retired Marine and current chair of the City Council's Committee on Economic and Capital Development. Villegas shares personal stories about his family's military service, his own experiences in Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and the sacrifices that come with serving one's country. He discusses veteran issues in Chicago, including employment, housing, and support programs, while highlighting the initiatives he has championed to help veterans integrate into civilian life.
In this week's episode, Fran Spielman interviews Nora Leerhsen, the acting president of the Chicago Transit Authority. They discuss the recent $1.5 billion mass transit bailout by the Illinois General Assembly and its impact on CTA's services. Leerhsen outlines plans for service expansion, including 24-hour Orange Line service and the extension of bus routes with frequent service. They also delve into security measures to address rising crime on transit systems, and the significance of keeping fares affordable amidst financial challenges.
In this episode, host Fran Spielman interviews Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch following the passage of a transformative $1.5 billion mass transit bailout package. Welch discusses the collaborative efforts with Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly to avoid service cuts, layoffs, and fare hikes in the CTA, Metra and PACE.
In this episode, Fran Spielman invites Chicago City Council veterans Matt O'Shea and Scott Waguespack to discuss Mayor Brandon Johnson's recently unveiled $16.6 billion budget proposal aimed at addressing a $1.15 billion shortfall. The proposed budget includes significant tax and fee increases targeted at businesses and wealthier residents, a controversial head tax, and a $1 billion tax increment financing (TIF) surplus. The discussion covers the potential consequences of these measures for Chicago's economy and residents, challenges posed by the council's resistance, and the lack of communication and transparency from the mayor's administration.
In this episode, Fran Spielman discusses the contentious budget plan proposed by Mayor Brandon Johnson, which includes nearly $600 million in progressive taxes targeting wealthy corporations and individuals. Joined by senior mayoral adviser Jason Lee, the conversation delves into revived corporate head taxes, cloud computing taxes, and a new social media tax, intended to fund community safety and other essential services. Lee defends these measures, emphasizing shared sacrifice and the need to adapt taxation to a digital economy.
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