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 ShowAld. Michelle Harris (8th)
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Mayor Lori Lightfoot's floor leader, Ald. Michelle Harris (8th). Topics include the effects of the…
The Fran Spielman ShowJohn Kass
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by her long-time competitor and friend, former Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass. Topics include their…
The Fran Spielman ShowAld. Brian Hopkins (2nd)
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd) to discuss remapping of Chicago wards and the upcoming vote to rename Lake…
The Fran Spielman ShowAld. Sophia King (4th)
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Ald. Sophia King (4th). King says she has the votes to rename Outer Lake Shore Drive for DuSable over…
The Fran Spielman ShowIllinois House Speaker Chris Welch
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Il. House Speaker Chris Welch to discuss the priorities he and the Democrats’ super-majority intend to…
The Fran Spielman ShowBusiness Affairs and Consumer Protection Commissioner Rosa Escareno
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Commissioner Rosa Escareno to discuss Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s…
The Fran Spielman ShowDavid Axelrod
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by President Obama's former senior strategist David Axelrod to discuss mental health awareness and his…
The Fran Spielman ShowDavid Greising, president and CEO of the Better Government Association
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by David Greising, president and CEO of the Better Government Association, to discuss Mayor Lightfoot's…
The Fran Spielman ShowSun-Times reporters Nader Issa & Lauren FitzPatrick on CPS CEO Janice Jackson
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by education reporter Nader Issa and investigative reporter Lauren FitzPatrick to discuss the latest…
The Fran Spielman ShowCultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner Mark Kelly
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Cultural Affairs and Special Events Commissioner Mark Kelly to discuss the future of Chicago events as…
The Fran Spielman ShowCook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx to discuss the veteran prosecutor she put on administrative leave…
The Fran Spielman ShowRegional Transit Authority Chairman Kirk Dillard
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by RTA Chairman Kirk Dillard to discuss the effect the pandemic has had on transit, the safety of riding…
The Fran Spielman ShowCubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg to discuss his new role, reflect on his time in baseball and what he…
The Fran Spielman ShowMarySue Barrett, retiring president of the Metropolitan Planning Council
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by MarySue Barrett, retiring president of the Metropolitan Planning Council. Barrett said something…
The Fran Spielman ShowDonald Lassere, incoming CEO of the Chicago History Museum
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Donald Lassere, who is returning to his hometown of Chicago, with a plan to make the Chicago History…
The Fran Spielman ShowDeputy Inspector General for Public Safety Deborah Witzburg
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Deborah Witzburg, the city’s deputy inspector general for public safety, to discuss rebuilding public…
The Fran Spielman ShowAld. Maria Hadden (49th)
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Ald. Maria Hadden (49th). Hadden, whose ward encompasses Rogers Park and parts of West Ridge, discusses…
The Fran Spielman ShowRetiring Chicago Fire Commissioner Richard Ford II
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Chicago Fire Commissioner Richard Ford II. Ford said he fully expects to take over another big-city…
The Fran Spielman ShowTalking snow with Streets & Sanitation Commissioner John Tully and Deputy Commissioner Cole Stallard
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Chicago Department Commissioner John Tully and Deputy Commissioner Cole Stallard to discuss the…
The Fran Spielman ShowCTU President Jesse Sharkey & VP Stacy Davis Gates
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Chicago Teachers Union President Jesse Sharkey and Vice President Stacy Davis Gates to discuss the most…
The Fran Spielman ShowRetired Chicago Cultural Historian Tim Samuelson
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Tim Samuelson, the city’s first and only cultural historian. Samuelson, 69, worked for the city since…
The Fran Spielman ShowAld. Anthony Beale (9th)
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Ald. Anthony Beale (9th) to discuss his "cop house" initiative in Roseland. Mayor Lori Lightfoot cited…
The Fran Spielman ShowChicago White Sox radio play-by-play announcer Len Kasper
Sun-Times City Hall reporter and avid baseball fan Fran Spielman is joined by former Chicago Cubs TV voice Len Kasper, who is leaving to fill the vacant…
The Fran Spielman ShowFraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara. Catanzara argued that the sympathetic remarks he…
The Fran Spielman ShowFormer Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by former Mayor Rahm Emanuel to discuss Wednesday's storming of the U.S. Capitol by “a riotous mob —…
The Fran Spielman Show2020 year in review with Sun-Times reporter Tim Novak and columnist Mark Brown
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by her colleagues Tim Novak and Mark Brown to discuss a tumultuous year in local and state politics…
The Fran Spielman ShowDr. Allison Arwady | Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Chicago’s health commissioner, Dr. Allison Arwady, to discuss the city's vaccine plan and when we can…
The Fran Spielman ShowChicago City Clerk Anna Valencia
Arguing that it’s time for a “new generation of leaders,” City Clerk Anna Valencia said Tuesday she’s forming an exploratory committee to run to succeed…
The Fran Spielman ShowCPS CEO Janice Jackson
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Chicago Public Schools CEO Janice Jackson to discuss school re-openings and what a safe return will…
The Fran Spielman ShowMarcus Lemonis
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by businessman, philanthropist and host of CNBC's "The Profit," Marcus Lemonis, to discuss his recent…
The Fran Spielman ShowBob Reiter | President, Chicago Federation of Labor
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Chicago Federation of Labor president Bob Reiter who voiced unwavering support for embattled Illinois…
The Fran Spielman ShowAld. Pat Dowell (3rd) | Budget Committee Chairman
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Budget Committee Chairman Pat Dowell (3rd) to discuss this week's virtual budget meeting and what is in…
The Fran Spielman ShowFormer Mayor Rahm Emanuel
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by former Mayor Rahm Emanuel to discuss the presidential election, why he thinks Biden will be victorious…
The Fran Spielman ShowCook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by incumbent Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx to discuss her campaign against challenger Pat O'Brien…
The Fran Spielman ShowMayor Lori Lightfoot | 100th Episode
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman celebrates 100 episodes as she is joined by Mayor Lori Lightfoot to discuss the current state of the pandemic and…
The Fran Spielman ShowChicago Chief Marketing Officer Michael Fassnacht
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Chicago's first Chief Marketing Officer, Michael Fassnacht. Together they discuss Fassnacht's role in…
The Fran Spielman ShowCivic Federation President Laurence Msall
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Civic Federation President Laurence Msall. He argues that beleaguered Chicago taxpayers and business…
The Fran Spielman ShowChicago Sun-Times Executive Editor Chris Fusco
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by outgoing executive editor Chris Fusco in his final days after 20 years with the paper. The former…
The Fran Spielman ShowSamir Mayekar, Deputy Mayor for Economic and Neighborhood Development
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Samir Mayekar, deputy mayor for economic and neighborhood development to discuss Chicago's plan to…
The Fran Spielman ShowCarol Marin | Award-winning journalist on the next chapter of her career
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by legendary journalist Carol Marin to discuss why she's stepping down from on-camera reporting and what…
The Fran Spielman ShowWelz Kauffman, retiring Ravinia president and CEO
Sun-Times City Hall reporter and longtime Ravinia attendee Fran Spielman is joined by Welz Kauffman, who will be stepping down as CEO and president of the…
The Fran Spielman ShowChicago City Budget Director Susie Park & Chief Financial Officer Jennie Huang Bennett
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Chicago's City Budget Director Susie Park and Chief Financial Officer Jennie Huang Bennett to discuss…
The Fran Spielman ShowMayor Lori Lightfoot on The Democratic National Convention
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Mayor Lori Lightfoot to discuss her role in the national Democratic stage and why she's throwing her…
The Fran Spielman ShowSydney Roberts, chief administrator of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Sydney Roberts, chief administrator of the Civilian Office of Police Accountability. Of nearly 1,000…
The Fran Spielman ShowHow students will return to Northwestern | Luke Figora, Senior Associate Vice President and Chief Risk and Compliance Officer
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Senior Associate Vice President and Chief Risk and Compliance Officer Luke Figora to discuss what…
The Fran Spielman ShowAld. Chris Taliaferro (29th), chairman of the Committee on Public Safety
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by City Council Committee on Public Safety chairman Ald. Chris Taliaferro (29th) to discuss the demands of…
The Fran Spielman ShowChicago Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Chicago Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney to discuss games without fans in the stands…
The Fran Spielman ShowCTU President Jesse Sharkey and Vice President Stacy Davis Gates
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Chicago Teachers Union President Jesse Sharkey and Vice President Stacy Davis Gates to discuss what…
The Fran Spielman ShowFormer U.S. Secretary of Education and former CPS CEO Arne Duncan
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by former United States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to discuss Chicago's ongoing violence and the…
The Fran Spielman ShowChicago Cubs play-by-play announcer Pat Hughes
Sun-Times City Hall reporter and longtime Chicago Cubs fan Fran Spielman is joined by play-by-play announcer Pat Hughes. Topics include Hughes’ long career…
The Fran Spielman ShowCommissioner Rosa Escareno | Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection Commissioner Rosa Escareno to discuss the…
The Fran Spielman ShowAld. Michael Scott Jr. (24th)
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Chicago City Council Education and Child Development Committee chairman Ald. Michael Scott Jr. (24th)…
The Fran Spielman ShowChicagoland Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Jack Lavin
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by president and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce to discuss the city’s reopening plan, economic…
The Fran Spielman ShowChicago Department of Transportation commissioner Gia Biagi
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined remotely by Chicago Department of Transportation commissioner Gia Biagi to discuss a long-awaited mayoral…
The Fran Spielman ShowFOP President John Catanzara
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by newly elected Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7 President John Catanzara to discuss the union contract…
The Fran Spielman ShowReflecting on Mayor Lightfoot's first year in office with BGA President David Greising
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Better Government Association President David Greising to discuss Mayor Lightfoot’s handling of former…
The Fran Spielman ShowMayor Lori Lightfoot | The plan to reopen Chicago
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined remotely by Mayor Lori Lightfoot to discuss Chicago’s reopening plan and how restaurants, schools and our…
The Fran Spielman ShowFOP President Kevin Graham
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Fraternal Order of Police President Kevin Graham to discuss challenging Supt. David Brown’s decision to…
The Fran Spielman ShowAld. Gilbert Villegas (36th) | Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s City Council floor leader
Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined remotely by Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s City Council floor leader Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th) to discuss the…