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. 

In this episode, Fran Spielman hosts a discussion with Chicago Alderpersons Jesse Fuentes (26th), Julia Ramirez (12th), and Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th) about the significant impact of President Donald Trump's severe immigration crackdown on their wards. They share firsthand accounts of ICE raids, the excessive use of force, and the resulting fear and disruption in their communities. The conversation delves into the rapid response efforts by local volunteers, the challenges of maintaining their regular duties amid the crisis, and the implications of Trump's actions for the city's budget and safety.

In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Crane Kenny, President of Business Operations for the Chicago Cubs, celebrating the team's recent victory over the San Diego Padres, which advanced them to the National League Divisional Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. They discuss the importance of team chemistry, pivotal managerial decisions, standout player performances, and memorable moments in Cubs history. Crane Kenny shares insights into the business side of the Cubs’ operations, the significance of Wrigley Field, and future plans, including the All-Star game in 2027.

In this episode, Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman interviews downtown Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) who is now running for Cook County Board president. Reilly discusses his critiques of current County Board President Tony Preckwinkle, highlighting issues like the mismanagement of federal pandemic funds, 'failed social experiments' in the state's attorney's office, and the county's technological upgrade failures. He also underscores his belief that the county's budget has tripled with little to show for it and addresses his personal journey of quitting drinking and its positive impacts on his life. 

In this in-depth interview, Fran Spielman welcomes Bill Kurtis, a legendary figure in journalism, to discuss his 60-year career. Kurtis shares captivating stories from his new memoir, 'Whirlwind: My Life Reporting the News,' reflecting on pivotal moments that shaped his path, including a life-changing broadcast during a tornado in Kansas. 

In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Walter "Red" Burnett, the 29-year-old son of former City Council Ald. Walter Burnett, who has been selected by Mayor Brandon Johnson to join the Chicago City Council. Burnett discusses his desire to continue his father's legacy, stressing the importance of community engagement and addressing pressing issues like the city's budget crisis, political violence, and affordability. Burnett emphasizes the need for financial acumen, gleaned from his eight years in New York finance, to steer the city through challenging times. He addresses the significance of adapting political communication to younger generations and leveraging social media effectively. With a commitment to public service and inspired by a family deeply embedded in politics, Burnett sheds light on future plans for housing, development projects, and youth engagement, aiming to bring innovative solutions to Chicago's evolving landscape.

In this week's episode, Franz Spielman interviews Congressman Mike Quigley from Illinois' Fifth District. Quigley critiques President Trump's proposal to deploy the National Guard, labeling it an ineffective misuse of resources. The conversation touches on the broader problems of governance, corruption, and financial stability in Chicago. 

In this episode of the Fran Spielman Show, Fran interviews Michael McMurray, the Commissioner overseeing O'Hare and Midway Airports. They discuss the recent groundbreaking of the $730 million Concourse D project at O'Hare, McMurray's background, and the future plans for the airports. McMurray shares his vision for O'Hare's expansion, addressing financial concerns, tariffs, and the importance of innovation and amenities to enhance the passenger experience. Additionally, they touch on topics such as the potential for slot machines at the airports, the American Airlines lawsuit, and prospects for a high-speed train from downtown to O'Hare.

Fran Spielman interviews former University of Illinois defensive lineman and current State Representative Kam Buckner. Buckner shares his insights on a variety of topics, including the importance of growing the tax base and fostering local talent in sports. He reflects on his college football career and the lessons it taught him about teamwork and diversity. The conversation also delves into Buckner's views on the challenges facing the University of Illinois' football team, the necessity of transit and infrastructure improvements, and the need for a balanced approach to taxing and funding.

Senior mayoral advisor Jason Lee discusses the various challenges Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration faces in balancing Chicago's budget. Topics include progressive revenue strategies, potential cost-cutting measures, environmental justice initiatives, and affordable housing policies. Lee also addresses the controversy around Aldermanic prerogative, the impact of pension costs, and the contentious proposals to raise the garbage collection fee and introduce video gaming at airports. Additionally, he touches on the mayor's approach to Chicago Public Schools' financial crisis, transit funding, and future development projects such as the proposed stadium for Chicago Fire at the 78.