The Fran Spielman Show

Fran Spielman is joined by Chicago Public Media colleagues Tina Sfondeles and Dave McKinney to analyze a lopsided election they describe as a broad repudiation of Donald Trump, with Democrats winning the House and Senate, flipping five governorships, and expanding Illinois majorities. They discuss Democrats balancing accountability hearings with affordability-focused legislation, and note Illinois down-ballot “bloodbath” losses for Republicans alongside J.B. Pritzker’s gains in places like McHenry County. 

Fran Spielman interviews 11th Ward Alderman Nicole Lee, running unopposed for re-election, about why the aldermanic job has become more contentious and time-consuming and why Mayor Brandon Johnson has struggled with City Council. 

Host Fran Spielman discusses Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed $17.6 billion Chicago budget with Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd) and Civic Committee President Derek Douglas. 

Host Fran Spielman interviews newly appointed Chicago Inspector General David Glockner about his background, decades as a federal prosecutor under Patrick Fitzgerald, and lessons from major corruption cases including Rod Blagojevich, as well as his later compliance work helping Commonwealth Edison implement controls after the Madigan-related scandal. Glockner describes the IG’s role as delivering uncomfortable but objective facts and recommendations, says his relationship with Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office has been constructive so far, and explains why he’s prioritizing operational areas like city procurement, CPD overtime, and accountability for violence-intervention funding rather than revisiting the revised parking meter deal. 

Fran Spielman interviews Chicago City Council Finance Committee Chair Pat Dowell about a newly approved parking meter transfer agreement. Dowell argues the added revenue should be placed in a lockbox to help reduce the city’s $36 billion pension liability over the remaining 57 years. 

Fran Spielman interviews Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s senior advisor Jason Lee about Johnson’s path to reelection, defending his record, and navigating City Council and union tensions. Lee argues the election will hinge on whether working people or wealthy corporate interests control the city, citing claims of historic public-safety improvements, expanded mental health services, major developments, and 31,000 youth jobs.

In an interview with Fran Spielman, Chicago Alderman Michael Rodriguez, chair of the City Council’s Committee on Workforce Development, announces he will not seek re-election in the 22nd Ward, citing a desire to be more present for his family while continuing as Democratic committeeperson and staying active in community organizing. He highlights accomplishments including the Fair Workweek ordinance, a paid leave policy, wage gains for tipped workers, and support for violence reduction efforts, noting violence declines in Chicago and Little Village. 

Fran Spielman interviews Chicago lobbyist and first-time candidate John Kelly about his run for mayor. Kelly says Chicago is in decline due to crime, high taxes, failing schools, and poor leadership, arguing residents don’t trust official crime stats and calling for restoring ShotSpotter, hiring 1,000 more police officers, shortening the police academy timeline, and cutting the mayor’s security detail to bolster CTA safety. He discusses firefighter concerns about equipment shortages and a need for more ambulances, suggesting budget reprioritization and possible private sponsorship.

Fran Spielman interviews Congressman and mayoral candidate Mike Quigley, beginning with Cubs and hockey talk before turning to his Lake Michigan suit jump meant to highlight sewage control, shoreline restoration, and invasive-species threats. Quigley explains why he’s running for mayor now, citing fiscal, housing, public safety, and CPS crises, and argues the next mayor must make tough choices without worrying about reelection; he defends running for Congress and mayor concurrently and outlines fundraising and campaign plans. 

Fran Spielman interviews political strategist and CNN analyst David Axelrod, who discusses widespread public disillusionment with politics and previews Chicago’s upcoming mayoral race after Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias enters with major funding and front-runner scrutiny.