The Fran Spielman Show

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-focused budgeting, addressing issues from tax proposals to police funding cuts, and referencing historical comparatives to past administrations. The conversation also covers Bartley's controversial past comments about the police, the challenges of collaboration within city government, and the mayor's strategy for progressive revenue generation.

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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 also explores the potential impacts on Chicago politics, future political strategies for Democrats, and the implications for both domestic and foreign policies.

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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 City Council and explores potential paths forward for addressing the budget deficit without overly burdening taxpayers.

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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 losing political experience in Springfield, and strategic advice for city officials.

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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).

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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 into Governor Pritzker's leadership style, his ambitions, and the dynamics between state and city leadership.

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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.

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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 improvements in response times, workforce allocation, and handling traffic stops. The conversation also touches on internal investigations at the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, the impact of public criticism on police personnel, and the evolving relationship between Chicago's city council and Mayor Brandon Johnson.

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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.

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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.

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