Fran Spielman is joined by Bob Reiter, President of the Chicago Federation of Labor, focusing on the significant budget stalemate in Chicago. They discuss Mayor Brandon Johnson's rejected $600 million spending plan and the various revenue options and tax strategies on the table to address the city's financial challenges.

In this special Veterans Day episode, Fran Spielman interviews Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36th), a retired Marine and current chair of the City Council's Committee on Economic and Capital Development. Villegas shares personal stories about his family's military service, his own experiences in Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and the sacrifices that come with serving one's country. He discusses veteran issues in Chicago, including employment, housing, and support programs, while highlighting the initiatives he has championed to help veterans integrate into civilian life. 

In this week's episode, Fran Spielman interviews Nora Leerhsen, the acting president of the Chicago Transit Authority. They discuss the recent $1.5 billion mass transit bailout by the Illinois General Assembly and its impact on CTA's services. Leerhsen outlines plans for service expansion, including 24-hour Orange Line service and the extension of bus routes with frequent service. They also delve into security measures to address rising crime on transit systems, and the significance of keeping fares affordable amidst financial challenges. 

In this episode, host Fran Spielman interviews Illinois House Speaker Chris Welch following the passage of a transformative $1.5 billion mass transit bailout package. Welch discusses the collaborative efforts with Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly to avoid service cuts, layoffs, and fare hikes in the CTA, Metra and PACE. 

In this episode, Fran Spielman invites Chicago City Council veterans Matt O'Shea and Scott Waguespack to discuss Mayor Brandon Johnson's recently unveiled $16.6 billion budget proposal aimed at addressing a $1.15 billion shortfall. The proposed budget includes significant tax and fee increases targeted at businesses and wealthier residents, a controversial head tax, and a $1 billion tax increment financing (TIF) surplus. The discussion covers the potential consequences of these measures for Chicago's economy and residents, challenges posed by the council's resistance, and the lack of communication and transparency from the mayor's administration. 

In this episode, Fran Spielman discusses the contentious budget plan proposed by Mayor Brandon Johnson, which includes nearly $600 million in progressive taxes targeting wealthy corporations and individuals. Joined by senior mayoral adviser Jason Lee, the conversation delves into revived corporate head taxes, cloud computing taxes, and a new social media tax, intended to fund community safety and other essential services. Lee defends these measures, emphasizing shared sacrifice and the need to adapt taxation to a digital economy. 

In this episode, Fran Spielman hosts a discussion with Chicago Alderpersons Jesse Fuentes (26th), Julia Ramirez (12th), and Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th) about the significant impact of President Donald Trump's severe immigration crackdown on their wards. They share firsthand accounts of ICE raids, the excessive use of force, and the resulting fear and disruption in their communities. The conversation delves into the rapid response efforts by local volunteers, the challenges of maintaining their regular duties amid the crisis, and the implications of Trump's actions for the city's budget and safety.

In this episode, Fran Spielman interviews Crane Kenny, President of Business Operations for the Chicago Cubs, celebrating the team's recent victory over the San Diego Padres, which advanced them to the National League Divisional Series against the Milwaukee Brewers. They discuss the importance of team chemistry, pivotal managerial decisions, standout player performances, and memorable moments in Cubs history. Crane Kenny shares insights into the business side of the Cubs’ operations, the significance of Wrigley Field, and future plans, including the All-Star game in 2027.

In this episode, Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman interviews downtown Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd) who is now running for Cook County Board president. Reilly discusses his critiques of current County Board President Tony Preckwinkle, highlighting issues like the mismanagement of federal pandemic funds, 'failed social experiments' in the state's attorney's office, and the county's technological upgrade failures. He also underscores his belief that the county's budget has tripled with little to show for it and addresses his personal journey of quitting drinking and its positive impacts on his life. 

In this in-depth interview, Fran Spielman welcomes Bill Kurtis, a legendary figure in journalism, to discuss his 60-year career. Kurtis shares captivating stories from his new memoir, 'Whirlwind: My Life Reporting the News,' reflecting on pivotal moments that shaped his path, including a life-changing broadcast during a tornado in Kansas.