CTA's future: Funding, expansion, and security with acting president Nora Leerhsen

In the final weeks of 2025, Fran Spielman hosts a year-end discussion on Chicago and Illinois politics with Sun-Times national political reporter Tina Sfondeles and reporter Mitchell Armentrout as they share insights on major events, including the surprise election of Chicago's Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo, Trump's impact on local politics, and ongoing challenges in the city and state. 

Sun-Times City Hall reporter Fran Spielman is joined by Civic Federation President Joe Ferguson to discuss the alternative budget proposal developed by a group of alderpersons. They discuss the city's current financial challenges and the rejection of Mayor Brandon Johnson's $600 million revenue package. Ferguson outlines the importance of balancing the budget to avoid a downgrade to junk bond status and discusses the need for collaboration between the City Council, the Mayor’s office, labor unions, and the business community. 

Fran Spielman interviews Eleanor Gorski, President and CEO of the Chicago Architecture Center, discussing the complex history and future plans for Chicago’s stadiums. The dialogue covers the renovation of Wrigley Field, challenges faced by various sports teams looking for new stadiums, and Gorski's comprehensive report on creating a win-win situation for both the city and its teams. They explore the potential for development around existing and proposed stadium sites, the importance of coordinated government efforts, and the necessity for infrastructure improvements to benefit both the community and the sports franchises.

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.