Fran Spielman reunites with longtime City Hall rival and friend John Kass to discuss his latest health crisis and rehabilitation after what she describes as his third stroke. He reviews earlier medical emergencies including a stroke during open-heart surgery and a near-fatal diabetes episode, and reflects on how smoking, weight, stress, and conflict at the Chicago Tribune may have contributed to his decline. The conversation also covers Chicago politics, crime, the decline of legacy media, and Kass’s staunch support for Donald Trump.

Fran Spielman interviews retiring Chicago Inspector General Deborah Witzburg, who explains why she chose not to seek a second term, arguing watchdog credibility requires independence and that new legislation strengthening OIG protections made it the right time to pass the baton; she plans to remain in public service but won’t disclose her next role yet.

Fran Spielman interviews Steve Mahr, Chicago’s newly appointed acting Chief Financial Officer, who shares his background in public service and public finance investment banking. They discuss Chicago’s recent budget stalemates, the rejection of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s corporate head tax, and warnings of a possible $160 million midyear shortfall, as well as the city’s decision to split the advanced pension payment due to delayed Cook County property taxes.

Fran Spielman interviews Chicago Public Media’s Tina Sfondeles and Dave McKinney about Illinois’ St. Patrick’s Day election, focusing on surprises and the role of money and endorsements. They discuss Juliana Stratton defeating big-spending Raja Krishnamoorthi in the U.S. Senate primary, aided by JB Pritzker’s $5 million and popularity, and argue debates and messaging on ICE mattered more than fundraising. They cover key House primaries shaped by retirements and machine support (Jan Schakowsky backing Daniel Biss; Danny Davis backing LaShawn Ford), note influencer-driven candidate Kat Abughazaleh’s strong showing, and examine statewide races including Darren Bailey’s GOP gubernatorial nomination.

Fran Spielman interviews Ravinia Festival president and CEO Jeff Haydon about the final stages of a $75 million, two-year renovation of the 75+ year-old Hunter Pavilion, including new seating, improved visibility, an expanded stage, and enhanced acoustics. They also discuss major headliners and debuts (including Paul Simon, Hugh Jackman, Ricky Martin, Chance the Rapper, Miranda Lambert, Billy Idol, Rod Stewart, and Kool & the Gang).

Fran Spielman talks Oscars with film critic Richard Roeper, host of The Movie of Your Life podcast, focusing on the tight Best Picture race between ‘Sinners’ (a record 16 nominations) and Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘One Battle After Another.’ Roeper predicts major category splits (including Best Actor, Best Actress, supporting races), discusses what makes ‘Sinners’ work beyond the vampire premise, praises ‘Hamnet’ and ‘Song, Song Blue,’ and weighs in on concerns that the Paramount-Skydance bid for Warner Bros. Discovery could reduce competition and jobs in the creative industry.

Fran Spielman interviews State Rep. Kam Buckner about efforts to keep the Chicago Bears in Illinois amid an Indiana proposal to finance a Hammond stadium. Buckner argues Indiana would shrink the Bears’ market and brand and notes potential contamination concerns at the proposed Indiana site.

Fran Spielman interviews Neil Steinberg about the death of Rev. Jesse Jackson at 84 and the challenge of capturing his long, complicated life in a definitive obituary. They review Jackson’s rise from segregated Greenville, South Carolina (including the Greenville Eight library protest), his work with Martin Luther King Jr., and his Chicago impact through Operation Breadbasket boycotts and decades of political influence and clashes with mayors.