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 Brandon Johnson over the 2025 budget for Chicago. The discussion covers challenges such as the proposed property tax increase, budget cuts, and finding new revenue sources. See Privacy Policy at h…

Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman interviews Kennedy Bartley, Mayor Brandon Johnson's Chief of External Affairs, about Chicago's progressive revenue needs, the upcoming city council vote on a $300 million property tax, and the broader budget process. Bartley discusses the mayor's commitment to transparency, collaboration, and values-focuse…

Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by political experts Lynn Sweet, Tina Sfondeles, and Mitch Armentrout to dissect the surprising reelection of Donald Trump. The discussion delves into Trump's performance among various voter demographics, Kamala Harris' campaign challenges, and the broader ideological shifts at play. The panel al…

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…

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…

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). See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Californi…

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 in…

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. See Privacy Policy at https:…

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 improvement…

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privac…

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…

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 c…

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…

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, potentia…

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com…

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 re…

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 histori…

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Califor…

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 upco…

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 h…

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 s…

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. See Privacy Policy at https://ar…

Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by SoundThinking, Inc. CEO Ralph Clark to discuss ShotSpotter's future in Chicago. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 importanc…

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. See Privacy Policy a…

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 a…

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 land…

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 their own in the mayor's office, union president Stacy Davis Gates said Thursday. "We're a labor union. We're not a political party Leven though] people...want to redefine the Chicago Teachers…

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 deal won’t last” sales pitch. “We need to slow down...Involve a lot of stakeholders…We need a lot of scrutiny because this isn’t just about the lakefront…It’s about public financing. It’s about…

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 transition of Chicago Public Schools to a hybrid elected school board, emphasizing the potential for chaos and political misuse. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Priva…

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 in Highland Park this summer. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman welcomes colleagues Sun-Times political reporter Tina Sfondeles and WBEZ state and government reporter Dave McKinney to discuss the races to watch ahead of Tuesday's election. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

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 from O’Hare and Midway Airports and turning vacant downtown retail space into a haven for digital advertising. Freshman Ald. William Hall (6th), Mayor Brandon Johnson’s handpicked chair, also …

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 reflections on the ceremonies, the movie industry's pandemic recovery, and the waning suspense of Oscars night as he joins cinephile and City Hall reporter Fran Spielman. See Privacy Policy at h…

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 faced by retailers in Chicago, including the decrease in foot traffic downtown and the impact of tax increases on businesses. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California P…

Eddie Johnson served as the city’s police superintendent when the ShotSpotter technology was integrated into the 12 district technology centers. He doesn’t blame ShotSpotter for declining the extension. Still, the former top cop told the Sun-Times he’s afraid about what will happen without the technology. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/pri…

Pretty pictures and rosy financial forecasts have piqued interest in building a new White Sox stadium in the South Loop, but it’s time to put some meat on the bone and talk about how to pay for it. That was the bottom line Thursday from Il. House Speaker Chris Welch, a key player in determining whether the dazzling renderings released by developer …

Anti-Defamation League Midwest Regional Director David Goldenberg joins Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman to discuss Chicago City Council's passing of a Gaza cease-fire resolution this week. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

Neighborhood Building Owners Association president Mike Glasser and executive director of the Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago Farzin Parang join Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman to discuss their arguments against Mayor Brandon Johnson's Bring Chicago Home referendum. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and …

Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by former United Working Families Executive Director Emma Tai to discuss her role in campaigning for Mayor Brandon Johnson's Bring Chicago Home referendum. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Chicago City Comptroller Chasse Rehwinkel. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Chicago Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Garien Gatewood to discuss the ongoing safety challenges facing the city and the steps he and the rest of Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration are taking. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.c…

Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by her colleagues to discuss the Burke trial as it approaches its end, the Northwestern scandal, and Mayor Brand Johnson's handling of the migrant crisis. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.…

Days after announcing his departure from the job growth agency known as World Business Chicago, Michael Fassnacht urged City Hall and the two major carriers to work out their differences on a massive project that started at $8.7 billion but has ballooned to $12.1 billion. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice…

City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Sun-Times colleague David Roeder to discuss his storied career after over a total of 20 years at the newspaper. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The stumbling start for Chicago’s temporary casino prompted an influential alderperson to warn Thursday that the city may be stuck with the gambling den at Medinah Temple indefinitely. Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd), chairman of the City Counci’s Public Safety Committee, said Bally’s was undercapitalized to begin with and he fears the company will run ou…

One day after Mayor Johnson’s tie-breaking vote spared Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa (35th) from a City Council censure, senior mayoral adviser Jason Lee said it was not a mistake for Johnson to empower the chair of the Democratic Socialist Caucus with the jobs of floor leader and Zoning Committee chair. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy a…

Budget Director Annette Guzman brought up the reserve funds when asked where Mayor Brandon Johnson would turn first if the $150 million Johnson has earmarked for the care and feeding of asylum-seekers in 2024 runs out. “The city has put forth a budget that includes the money that we are willing to contribute to this. But the city does have reserves…

The intelligence failure that “blind-sided” Israel and allowed Hamas to launch its surprise attack is “shocking” for a 70-year-old country with a “well-earned reputation for a security apparatus,” former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Monday. Now U.S. ambassador to Japan, Emanuel hinted strongly that public anger over an intelligence failure that …