Shows / The Fran Spielman Show
The Fran Spielman Show
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.
Episodes
The Fran Spielman ShowWBBM's Craig Dellimore: Reflections on a Legendary Career in Journalism
In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Craig Dellimore, now retired City Hall reporter for WBBM News Radio 780. Craig reflects on his 25-year career…
The Fran Spielman ShowA Father's Day Special with Mayor Brandon Johnson, Rahm Emanuel, and Congressman Chuy Garcia
In a special Father's Day edition, Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by three notable Chicagoans - Mayor Brandon Johnson, Rahm Emanuel, and…
The Fran Spielman ShowChicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling
Fran Spielman is joined by Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling for an in-depth and candid conversation. Snelling discusses his journey leading one of…
The Fran Spielman ShowChicago's 44th Ward: Challenges, Changes, and Collaborations with Alderman Bennett Lawson
In this episode, Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman converses with Alderman Bennett Lawson of Chicago's 44th Ward, covering a range of topics including…
The Fran Spielman ShowNavigating Tourism Challenges in Chicago with Choose Chicago's New CEO, Kristen Reynolds
In this episode, Fran Spielman sits down with Kristen Reynolds, the new President and CEO of Choose Chicago. They discuss Reynolds' transition from Discover…
The Fran Spielman ShowHall of Fame right fielder and former Chicago Cub Andre Dawson
In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Hall of Fame right fielder Andre Dawson, discussing various topics from his illustrious career. They talk about his…
The Fran Spielman ShowMayor Brandon Johnson: Reflections on two years in office
In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Mayor Brandon Johnson as he approaches his midterm anniversary. Joined by WBEZ city government reporter Mariah…
The Fran Spielman ShowChallenges and Opportunities in Chicago's Development: A Conversation with Commissioner Ciere Boatright
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman interviews Chicago's Commissioner of Planning and Development, Ciere Boatright. They discuss the city’s development…
The Fran Spielman ShowGeneral Superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District Carlos Ramirez-Rosa
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman interviews Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, a ten-year veteran Alderman and the new general superintendent and CEO of the…
The Fran Spielman ShowA Conversation with Filmmaker John Block
In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews John Block, an independent producer and filmmaker from Chicago, about his moving and inspirational film, 'I Will…
The Fran Spielman ShowCTU President Stacy Davis Gates on the new teachers' contract
In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Stacy Davis Gates, President of the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU), discussing the recently approved teachers'…
The Fran Spielman ShowJeffrey Haydon Ravinia Festival CEO discusses renovations and exciting summer lineup
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman speaks with Jeffrey Haydon, CEO of the Ravinia Festival, about the upcoming $75 million renovation of Ravinia's…
The Fran Spielman ShowOutgoing Chicago Park District CEO Rosa Escareno
In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews soon-to-be former Chicago Park District Superintendent and CEO Rosa Escareno. Escareno discusses her recent…
The Fran Spielman ShowAnthony Driver, President of the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman and criminal justice reporter Tom Shuba, welcome Anthony Driver, president of the Community Commission for Public…
The Fran Spielman ShowFran Spielman on 50 Years in Chicago media | The 300th episode
In a special 300th episode of The Fran Spielman Show, Fran commemorates her 50 years in the news business and 40 years at the Chicago Sun-Times. She shares her…
The Fran Spielman ShowChicago Public Media CEO Melissa Bell
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman sits down with Chicago Public Media CEO Melissa Bell, who shares her path from San Diego roots to media leadership…
The Fran Spielman ShowOscars Preview with Richard Roeper
In this episode, Fran Spielman and renowned movie critic Richard Roeper delve into the 2024 Oscars, discussing the ten nominees for Best Picture and various…
The Fran Spielman ShowInside Chicago Politics: A Candid Conversation with Dick Mell
Fran Spielman interviews former Chicago alderman Dick Mell, focusing on recent history-making events in Chicago and Illinois politics. Mike Madigan, former…
The Fran Spielman ShowSun-Times sports columnist Rick Telander | Super Bowl preview & remembering Virginia McCaskey
In this special Super Bowl week episode, Fran Spielman and Chicago Sun-Times sports columnist Rick Telander discuss the evolution and significance of the Super…
The Fran Spielman ShowChicago's Response to Mass Deportation Efforts
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Beatriz Ponce de León, Chicago's Deputy Mayor for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, and Lawrence Benito…
The Fran Spielman ShowInvestigative Legacy: A Conversation with Tim Novak
In this week’s episode, Fran Spielman interviews Tim Novak, a distinguished investigative reporter at the Chicago Sun-Times, who recently announced his step…
The Fran Spielman ShowIllinois House Speaker Chris Welch Discusses State Challenges and Trump Era Strategies
In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch regarding a variety of pressing state issues as Illinois prepares for a new Trump…
The Fran Spielman ShowChicago news year in review
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by colleagues and investigative reporters Tim Novak and Robert Herguth to discuss the tumultuous year in…
The Fran Spielman ShowU.S. Ambassador to Japan and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel
In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Rahm Emanuel, the former Chicago mayor and outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Japan. They delve into Emanuel's reflections…
The Fran Spielman ShowBalancing Chicago's Budget: A City Council Perspective with Ald. Matt O’Shea (19th) & Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th)
In this episode, Fran Spielman talks with Southwest Side Alderman Matt O'Shea and North Side Alderman Andre Vazquez about the ongoing conflict with Mayor…
The Fran Spielman ShowKennedy Bartley, Chief of External Affairs
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman interviews Kennedy Bartley, Mayor Brandon Johnson's Chief of External Affairs, about Chicago's progressive revenue…
The Fran Spielman ShowSun-Times reporters recap the 2024 election results
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by political experts Lynn Sweet, Tina Sfondeles, and Mitch Armentrout to dissect the surprising reelection…
The Fran Spielman ShowDiscussing Mayor Johnson's proposed Chicago budget | Ald. Anthony Beale (9th)
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…
The Fran Spielman ShowAld. Marty Quinn (13th)
In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Alderman Marty Quinn from Chicago's 13th Ward. They delve into the strained relationships within the city council…
The Fran Spielman ShowChicago School Board Resignation and Budget Crisis Explained
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…
The Fran Spielman ShowJordan Abudayyeh, departing Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications and Strategic Media for Gov. JB Pritzker
In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Jordan Abudayyeh, the outgoing Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications and Strategic Media for Illinois Governor…
The Fran Spielman ShowAld. Walter Burnett (27th), Zoning Committee Chair, Vice-Mayor and City Council Dean
Portraying himself as a "peacemaker" between an embattled mayor and an emboldened City Council, newly-confirmed Zoning Committee Chair Walter Burnett (27th)…
The Fran Spielman ShowAnthony Driver Jr. on Public Safety, Police Accountability, and Community Concerns
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman speaks with Anthony Driver Jr., President of the Community Commission on Public Safety and Police Accountability…
The Fran Spielman ShowAld. Brendan Reilly (42nd)
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…
The Fran Spielman ShowCity of Chicago Budget Director Annette Guzman
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman interviews Chicago's budget director, Annette Guzman, about the city's significant financial challenges. Guzman…
The Fran Spielman ShowChicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates
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 Fran Spielman ShowPost-Democratic National Convention Analysis: Sun-Times reporters Tina Sfondeles & Mitchell Armentrout
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman discusses the aftermath of the Democratic National Convention with chief political reporter, Tina Sfondeles, and…
The Fran Spielman ShowFormer CPS CEO Forrest Claypool reflects on Richard M. Daley's legacy
In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Forrest Claypool, discussing his extensive career in various roles in Chicago's public sector. Claypool talks about…
The Fran Spielman ShowRep. Mike Quigley, D-Ill
In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews veteran congressman Mike Quigley. The discussion covers Quigley's continued passion for playing hockey, his candid…
The Fran Spielman ShowFormer United States Senator Carol Moseley Braun
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…
The Fran Spielman ShowAnalyzing the Republican National Convention
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Washington Bureau chief Lynn Sweet, chief political reporter Tina Sfondeles, and reporter Mitch…
The Fran Spielman ShowBill Daley | Former U.S. Commerce Secretary and former White House chief of staff
In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews seasoned political strategist Bill Daley, discussing the uncertainties and dynamics surrounding the Democratic…
The Fran Spielman ShowJulie Giese, President of the NASCAR Chicago Street Course
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…
The Fran Spielman ShowPat Cleary, President of Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local 2
In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Pat Cleary, President of Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2. Cleary discusses the challenges the union faces…
The Fran Spielman ShowMickey Bergman International Hostage Negotiator
In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Mickey Bergman, a former Israeli paratrooper turned international hostage negotiator. They discuss his incredible…
The Fran Spielman ShowAlan Woinski, CEO of Gaming U.S.A. Corporation
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…
The Fran Spielman ShowLeslie Fox, former Executive Director of 1996 Democratic National Convention in Chicago
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…
The Fran Spielman ShowRalph Clark, CEO of SoundThinking, Inc., the company behind ShotSpotter
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by SoundThinking, Inc. CEO Ralph Clark to discuss ShotSpotter's future in Chicago.
The Fran Spielman ShowJoe Ferguson, President of the Civic Federation
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…
The Fran Spielman ShowMayor Brandon Johnson
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…
The Fran Spielman ShowFOP President John Catanzara
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…
The Fran Spielman ShowNew homes for the Bears and the White Sox? Sports business consultant Marc Ganis weighs in
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…
The Fran Spielman ShowCTU President Stacy Davis Gates
The Chicago Teachers Union is demanding an annual pay raise of 9% or the consumer price index-whichever is less—and won't rule out a strike, even with one of…
The Fran Spielman ShowGin Kilgore, acting executive director of Friends of the Parks
Gin Kilgore, acting executive director of Friends of the Parks, is not about to go along with, what she called Bears President Kevin Warren’s “Buy now. This…
The Fran Spielman ShowAld. Jeanette Taylor (20th)
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Education Committee chair Ald. Jeanette Taylor (20th) to discuss her concerns and outlook on the…
The Fran Spielman ShowJeffrey Haydon, president and chief executive officer of the Ravinia Festival
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Ravinia Festival president and CEO Jeffrey Haydon to discuss the guests and musical performers expected…
The Fran Spielman ShowPrimary election preview with Sun-Times' Tina Sfondeles & WBEZ's Dave McKinney
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman welcomes colleagues Sun-Times political reporter Tina Sfondeles and WBEZ state and government reporter Dave McKinney…
The Fran Spielman ShowAld. William Hall (6th)
A City Council subcommittee overseeing the search for new revenue will report back in 30 days with ideas that include video gaming, helicopter service to and…
The Fran Spielman ShowLet's talk Oscars 2024 with Richard Roeper
This week we spotlight the Oscars, with Jimmy Kimmel at the helm to host for a fourth time. Sun-Times film critic Richard Roeper shares exciting yet candid…
The Fran Spielman ShowRob Karr, President and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by the president and CEO of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association, Rob Karr, to discuss the challenges…