[♪♪♪] >> GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME TO "CHICAGO TONIGHT."

IMPAIRS PAIRS IN OR NORTHWEST SIDE STUDIO.

>> AND I'M BRANDIS FRIEDMAN REPORTING LIVE FROM NAVY PIER.

>> ON THE SHOW TONIGHT.

>> WE'RE POLICE OFFICERS PART OF THE TIME.

WE'RE HUMAN BEINGS THE WHOLE I AM TIME.

>> POLICE SAY THE SHOOTING OF ANTHONY ALVAREZ IS JUSTIFIED AND OTHERS SAY IT'S POLICE BRUTALITY.

WE'RE LIVE IN LITTLE VILLAGE.

>> LAST YEAR'S THEME CHAOTIC WE WERE CLOSED AND OPEN AND CLOSED AND OPEN.

>> BASKETBALL GAMES AND MORE DETAILS ON THE CITY'S LATEST REOPEN PLAN.

>> IN MY OWN HOME STATE OF ILLINOIS WHICH HAS MORE LEAD SERVICE LINES THAN ANY OTHER STATE IN THE COUNTRY.

>> ONE-ON-ONE WITH SENATOR TAMMY DUCKWORTH ON HER WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROPOSAL.

>> YOU GOT YOUR COVID SHOT BUT WHAT DO YOU DO WITH YOUR VACCINATION CARD?

A RUNDOWN OF THINGS TO KNOW.

>> I'M ANGEL IDOWU AND TONIGHT WE WILL BE TAKING A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE AS WE TALK ABOUT THE IMPACT OF CHICAGO'S BLUES LEGACY.

>> YOU GOT TO GET CREATIVE AND OPPORTUNISTIC.

>> THE NFL DRAFT IS NOW UNDERWAY.

WHAT CAN BEARS FAN EXPECT WITH ALL OF THE TEAMS PICKS?

AND PARIS I'M AT NAVY PIER WHERE I WILL BE COANCHORING AS PART OF OUR "CHICAGO TONIGHT" IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SERIES.

THE PIER BEGINS THE PARTIAL REOPENING ALONG WITH MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT'S ANNOUNCEMENTS, RETURN OF FESTIVALS AND GAMES AND SO MUCH MORE.

FOR NOW BACK TO YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

AND NOW TO SOME OF TODAY'S TOP STORIES.

ANOTHER ALDERMAN IS INDICTED BY THE FEDS WITH A HIGH PROFILE CHICAGO NAME.

11TH WARDAL MAN PATRICK DALEY THOMPSON GRANDSON OF RICHARD D. DALEY IS CHARGED WITH SEVEN COUNTS OF MAKING FALSE STATEMENTS AND FILING A FALSE TAX RETURN FROM A FRAUD SCHEME INVOLVING THE FAILED WASHINGTON FEDERAL BANK FOR SAVINGS AND OPERATED OUT OF THOMPSON'S HOMEWARD IN BRIDGEPORT.

10 DEFENDANTS HAVE BEEN CHARGED IN WHAT THE U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE SAYS IS AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION INTO THE FAILED BANK.

IN A STATEMENT THOMPSON DENIED THE CHARGES.

AND THE U.S. ATTORNEY'S OFFICE ALSO IS ANNOUNCING 16 CHARGES AGAINST FORMER 22nd WARD ALDERMAN RICARDO MUNOZ CHARGED WITH USING POLITICAL FUNDS TO PAY PERSONAL EXPENSES.

>> A REVIEW FINDS DEFICIENCIES IN THE CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT'S POLICY AND TRAINING ON SEARCH WARRANTS THIS IN THE WAKE OF BOTCHED 2019 RAID OF RESIDENT ANJANETTE YOUNG.

THE REPORT COMES FROM THE CIVILIAN OFFICE OF POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY.

OR C.O.P.A.

THE AGENCY SAYS IT'S BEEN IN CONTACT WITH C.P.D.

ABOUT FOURTH AMENDMENT AND SEARCH WARRANT POLICIES BUT WOULD NOT GET INTO SPECIFICS IN TODAY'S REPORT.

THE C.P.D.

HAS 30 DAYS TO DECIDE WHETHER TO TAKE ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION AGAINST THE OFFICERS INVOLVED IN THAT RAID.

>> FANS, FESTIVALS AND FARMERS MARKETS ARE BACK IN CHICAGO AT LEAST PARTIALLY.

IN A VIDEO ON SOCIAL MEDIA FEATURING TEAM MASCOTS THE MAYOR ANNOUNCED A LOOSENING OF RESTRICTIONS ON BULLS AND BLACKHAWKS GAMES ALLOWING FOR 25% CAPACITY FOR GAMES AT THE UNITED CENTER.

OFFICIALS SAY THEY WILL CAP THE CROWDS TO 20%.

THE MAYOR ANNOUNCED THE RETURN OF OUTDOOR SUMMER FESTIVALS AND FARMERS MARKETS.

AND WE'LL HAVE MUCH MORE IN A BIT.

>> AND STATE PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS REPORT NEARLY 3400 NEW COVID CASES IN THE LAST 24 HOURS.

AND 38 ADDITIONAL DEATHS.

THAT MAKES FOR A TOTAL OF 1.331 MILLION CASES AND 21,927 DEATHS SINCE THE PANDEMIC BEGAN.

SO FAR MORE THAN 31% OF THE STATE'S POPULATION HAS BEEN FULLY VACCINATED.

>> THE FAMILIES OF A 22-YEAR-OLD LATINO MAN AND LATINO BOY SHOT AND KILLED BY CHICAGO POLICE OFFICERS ARE DEMANDING JUSTICE AND THEY WANT OTHERS TO JOIN THEM.

THE LEADERS OF THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE LOCAL LODGE CLAIMS BOTH SHOOTINGS WERE JUSTIFIED.

AMANDA VINICKY JOINS US NOW LIVE IN LITTLE VILLAGE.

AMANDA?

>> YES, PARIS, I AM NEAR A MURAL AND A MEMORIAL NEAR THE SITE WHERE ON MARCH 29, 13-YEAR-OLD ADAM TOLEDO TOOK HIS FINAL BREATH.

VIDEO RELEASED BY THE CITY CIVILIAN OFFICE OF POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY SHOWED TOLEDO RUNNING FROM A POLICE OFFICER AND AT THE OFFICER'S ORDER TOLEDO TOSSED THE GUN AND PUT HIS HANDS UP AND SHOT WITHIN SECONDS AFTER.

PRESIDENT JOHN CATANZARA STANDS BY THE OFFICER WHO FIRED THE SHOTS ERIC STILL MAN >> HIS RESPONSE WAS SO CALCULATED AND TEXTBOOK IT NEEDS TO BE A TRAINING VIDEO THOUGH PEOPLE WON'T LIKE ME SAYING THAT I DON'T GIVE A DAMN.

BUT THE TOTAL CONTROL HE HAD OF WHAT HE WAS DOING EVERY SPLIT SECOND THAT HE WAS DOING IT, SPEAKS VOLUMES FOR HOW WELL-TRAINED HE WAS.

>> MEANWHILE, JUST TWO DAYS AFTER THAT INCIDENT ON MARCH 31, 22-YEAR-OLD ANTHONY ALVAREZ WAS KILLED IN PORTAGE PARK.

VIDEO RELEASED YESTERDAY SHOWING HIM RUNNING FROM POLICE IT IS UNCLEAR WHAT PROVOKED THAT CHASE.

HE APPEARS TO HAVE A GUN IN ONE HAND WHEN THE OFFICER SHOT ALVAREZ SEVERAL TIMES.

JOHN CATANZARA DEFENDS THAT OFFENSER'S ACTIONS AS WELL.

>> WHY HE WAS INITIATING THE FOOT PURSUIT TO BEGIN WITH.

HE COULD CLEARLY SEE A WEAPON IN THE SUBJECT'S HAND.

IT DOES NOT MATTER THAT THE SUBJECT IS FACING AWAY FROM AN OFFICER WHEN THEY HAVE A WEAPON.

THERE HAS BEEN INSTANCES WHERE OFFICERS HAVE BEEN SHOT AND KILLED WITH OFFENDERS WHO HAD THEIR HAND UP IN THE AIR WITH A WEAPON IN THEIR HAND.

IT IS ONE BULLET.

>> HE SAYS THE OFFICER WAS CLEARLY FEARING FOR HIS LIFE.

>> HIS REACTION IS I'M GOING HOME TONIGHT.

THIS SUBJECT HAD MULTIPLE OPPORTUNITIES TO COMPLY AND DROP THE WEAPON AND STOP THE RUN STOP CHASING BEING CHASED I SHOULD SAY.

BUT THEY CHOSE YET AGAIN TO NOT COMPLY WITH LAWFUL ORDERS OF THE POLICE.

IT IS THE RECURRING THEME IN ALL THE INSTANCES.

A FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER'S LAWFUL, DIRECT ORDERS.

>> BUT ALVAREZ'S COUSIN SAYS SHE DOES NOT UNDERSTAND WHY A POLICE OFFICER WHO WAS PRESUMABLY WEARING A BULLET-PROOF VEST WAS SO FEARFUL.

POLICE ARE COWARDS NOT TENGERS.

AND -- PROTECTORS.

AND SAYS THE CITY NEEDS TO IMMEDIATELY CREATE AND FIX A FOOT CHASE POLICY FOR THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

THAT IS SOMETHING THAT MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT HAS PROMISED WILL COME OUT BY SUMMER.

>> I KNOW LORI SAID THAT BY THE SUMMER BUT IT DOESN'T TELL ME ANYTHING.

ANOTHER YOUNG INNOCENT PEOPLE COULD DIE TOMORROW.

BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE THOSE PROTOCOLS.

AND I MEAN, IT'S TOO LATE FOR US.

WE ALREADY LOST ANTHONY.

>> THE MAYOR TWO YEARS IN HER TERM TODAY REITERATED THAT THESE FOOT PURSUITS ARE DANGEROUS.

TEAR ALSO COMMENTS SHE SAYS ABOUT 7-10 OCCURRING DAILY IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO.

THE MAYOR DID TELL REPORTERS THAT SHE HAD CONSIDERED COMPLETELY SUSPENDING ORDERING THE POLICE TO STOP ALL FOOT CHASES PENDING A POLICY COMING OUT.

BUT SHE DECIDED AGAINST IT.

>> IT'S ALWAYS EASY TO SAY WHAT SHOULD STOP.

BUT I DON'T WANT TO SIGNAL TO INDIVIDUALS PARTICULARLY IN COMMUNITIES THAT ARE UNDER SIEGE BY VIOLENCE THAT YOU CAN AVOID ANY ACCOUNTABILITY BY RUNNING FASTER THAN THE POLICE.

THAT WOULD SEND A TERRIBLE MESSAGE.

>> A FOOT CHASE POLICY IS ONLY ONE OF THE VARIOUS CHANGES THAT ORGANIZERS, ACTIVISTS LIKE MOTHER OF FIVE, CELIA GARCIA SAY HAVE TO BE MADE.

SHE SAYS POLICE ACT WITH IMMUNITY WITH CARRYING OUT EXCESSIVE BRUTALITY AGAINST BLACK AND BROWN PEOPLE BECAUSE THERE IS A LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY.

>> HERE IN CHICAGO AND AROUND THE COUNTRY, THE POLICE CONTINUE TO GUN DOWN OUR YOUNG PEOPLE WITHOUT REPERCUSSIONS EVEN WHERE THEY ARE ASKED TO LEAVE.

YOU ARE BEING GUNNED DOWN WHILE WHITE CRIMINALS CAN COMMIT CRIMES OF VIOLENCE ARE HANDCUFFED AND TAKEN ALIVE.

WE WILL NOT STAND BY WHILE THIS INJUSTICE CONTINUES.

>> WE'LL GET BACK TO WHAT ACTIONS THEY ARE TAKING IN A BIT.

WE HAVE UIC JOHN MARSHALL DEAN SAM JONES SAYS COMMUNITIES OF COLOR CLAIMED THEY ARE SUBJECT TO POLICE BRUTALITY AND WHAT IS CHANGING NOW IS AWARENESS.

>> WHAT IS DIFFERENT TODAY IS THAT WE'RE ABLE TO SEE THE SLOW KILLING OF SOMEONE LIKE A GEORGE FLOYD.

WE'RE ABLE TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS TO A CHILD LIKE ADAM TOLEDO.

SO BECAUSE OF THIS AWARENESS WE ARE BECOMING COGNIZANT OF THE FACT THAT WE HAVE TOO MANY PROBLEMATIC POLICE OFFICERS SERVING IN OUR POLICE DEPARTMENTS AROUND THE COUNTRY.

>> JONES ALSO SAYS THAT SITUATIONS LIKE TOLEDO'S WHICH A SUSPECT APPEARS TO COMPLY WITH AND OFFICER'S ORDERS BUT STILL IS SHOT ARE PARTICULARLY PROBLEMATIC.

>> THIS ENDANGERS OUR SOCIETY BUT IT ENDANGERS POLICE OFFICERS.

BECAUSE IF WE REACH A POINT IN SOCIETY WHERE PEOPLE BELIEVE THAT THEY CANNOT SURRENDER TO POLICE OFFICERS SAFELY AND THAT THEY CAN'T LISTEN TO THE POLICE OFFICERS THEY ARE LESS LIKELY TO SURRENDER THEIR HANDS AND MORE LIKELY TO SHOOT AT THE POLICE OFFICERS OR TAKE OTHER INNOCENT PEOPLE HOSTAGES OR ENGAGE IN VIOLENT ACTS BECAUSE THEY BELIEVE THEY WILL BE KILLED ANYWAY.

>> MEANWHILE, THE 30-DAY MINIMUM TIME AFTER A SHOOTING HAS BEEN COMPLETED, OFFICER STILLMAN IS STILL ON LEAVE.

THE FOP PRESIDENT SAYING HE IS TRAUMATIZED BY THE DECISION HE HAD TO MAKE THAT DAY WHEN ADAM TOLEDO DIED.

C.O.P.A.

DOES RECOMMEND THAT OFFICER EVAN SOLANO BE PUT ON LEAVE THE ENTIRE TIME IT IS INVESTIGATING THE ALVAREZ SHOOTING.

>> AND IT JUST GOES TO SHOW YOU THE BIAS THAT COMES OUT OF C.O.P.A.

IT IS NOT SURPRISING TO US SADLY.

I SPOKE TO THAT OFFICER MYSELF SEVERAL TIME AND I TOLD HIM BE PREPARED THIS IS PROBABLY GOING TO HAPPEN BECAUSE C.O.P.A.

DOES NOT DO ANYTHING FAIR.

IT'S ALREADY SAY TO GO MADE A JUDGMENT THAT THE OFFICER WAS WRONG ON SOME LEVEL.

>> NOW, SOLANO'S DECISION IN TERMS OF POLICE POWERS IS UP TO C.P.D.

SUPERINTENDENT DAVID BROWN AND AS OF THIS AFTERNOON WHEN WE LAST HEARD FROM THE C.P.D.

BROWN HAD NOT YET MADE A DECISION.

MEANWHILE, ANTHONY ALVAREZ'S MOTHER WAS RIGHT HERE JUST HOURS AGO.

SHE WAS WEARING A SHIRT WITH HER SON'S NAME ON IT.

SHE AND OTHERS ARE CALLING FOR CHICAGOANS TO COME OUT TO PORTAGE PARK ON SATURDAY, THAT IS MAY DAY, WHERE THEY ARE SEEKING JUSTICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY FOR POLICE.

ORGANIZERS HERE SAYING THAT THEY BELIEVE THAT OFFICERS SOLANO AND STILLMAN SHOULD BE CHARGED WITH MURDER.

PARIS, BACK TO YOU.

>> AMANDA, THANK YOU.

CHICAGO'S LOOSENING THE PANDEMIC RESTRICTIONS JUST A BIT MORE.

THE MAYOR MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT AT NAVY PIER.

THE CITY WILL ENTER PHASE 4 REGULATIONS THAT COULD HAVE AN IMPACT ON RESTAURANTS AND BARS AND THEATERS AND PLACES OF WORSHIP.

BRANDIS FRIEDMAN AND QUINN MYERS SPENT THE DAY REPORTING AROUND NAVY PIER AS IT BEGINS A PHASED REOPENING STARTING TOMORROW.

BRANDIS, SPELL IT OUT WHAT DOES THIS ALL MEAN?

>> SO IMMEDIATELY IT MEANS INCREASED CAPACITY ACROSS A NUMBER OF INDUSTRIES IN CHICAGO AND WE'LL BREAK THOSE DOWN IN A BIT.

BUT THE COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC HEALTH Dr. ALLISON ARWADY SAYS THE REASON WE ARE HERE IS BECAUSE THE CASE NUMBERS AND POSITIVITY RATES AND HOSPITALIZATIONS AND ICU ADMISSIONS HAVE FALLEN OR STABILIZED.

>> SEEING THOSE NUMBERS GO DOWN OR BE STABLE IS THE TICKET TO REOPENING.

THIS IS HAPPENING, MAKE NO MISTAKE, BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE GETTING VACCINATED.

>> SO HERE IS WHAT THE LOOSENED RESTRICTIONS MEAN.

RESTAURANTS AND BARS CAN INCREASE INDOOR CAPACITY TO 50% OR 100 PEOPLE.

WHICHEVER IS SMALLER.

LARGE INDOOR THEATERS AND VENUES INCLUDING THE UNITED CENTER CAN OPEN AT 25% CAPACITY.

FESTIVALS AND OUTDOOR EVENTS LIKE NEIGHBORHOOD FOOD FESTIVALS CAN OPERATE AT 15 PEOPLE PER 1,000 SCARE FEET.

AND -- SQUARE FEET.

AND GUESTS WHO ARE VACCINATED WILL NOT BE COUNTED TOWARDS CAPACITY LIMITS LIKE WEDDINGS.

Dr. ALLISON ARWADY EMPHASIZES THE NEED TO GET VACCINATED AND ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO DO THE SAME FOR THE CITY TO KEEP TURNING THAT DIAL REOPENING.

WHILE THE CITY'S POSITIVITY RATE IS LOWER AT 4.7% SHE AND THE MAYOR WARN WE ARE NOT OUT OF THE WOODS.

>> WHAT WE'VE SEEN ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND PLACES IS THIS ENTHUSIASM TO REOPEN.

WE SAW THAT A LOT LAST SUMMER.

AND PEOPLE WENT TO VERY HIGH CAPACITY LEVELS ONLY TO HAVE TO SHUT EVERYTHING BACK DOWN VERY QUICKLY.

WE ARE IN A DIFFERENT PLACE THAN WE WERE LAST SUMMER BECAUSE WE HAVE THE VACCINE.

>> NOW, THE MAYOR AND HEALTH COMMISSIONER SAY IF THESE FALLING CASES AND STABILIZING RATES CAN HOLD STEADY FOR TWO WEEKS THE CITY COULD JOIN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS IN ENTERING THAT BRIDGE PHASE WHERE RESTRICTIONS ARE LOOSENED FURTHER.

THAT WOULD BE A WELCOME CHANGE FOR TOURISM BUSINESSES LIKE STEVE'S SEGWAY NEAR THE LAKEFRONT THE OWNER HAS BEEN IN BUSINESS 14 YEARS AND HE AND HIS TOUR GUIDES TAKE PRIDE IN BEING THE BEST.

MANY ARE PART OF THE GIG ECONOMY AND THEY WERE ABLE TO KEEP WORKING DURING THE PANDEMIC BUT HE FELT LIKE HE IS HEMORRHAGING MONEY WITH RARE SEGWAY TOURS HE LOST 90-95% OF HIS BUSINESS.

>> A GHOST TOWN.

PART OF A SCI-FI MOVIE IS HOW MY TOUR GUIDES DESCRIBED BEING ON CAMPUS AT TIMES TODAY.

>> SO, HE IS HOPEFUL TO SEE THAT RETURN.

MEANWHILE, THE CITY ARCHITECTURE CENTER IS REQUIRING MASKS ON OUTDOOR WALKING AND BOAT TOURS DESPITE THE CDC'S GUIDANCE FOLKS OUTSIDE AND VACCINATED DON'T NEED THEIR MASKS.

BUT THE CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE CENTER SAYS THEY ARE OPERATING AS A REDUCED CAPACITY AND NOTICING A RETURN IN INTEREST.

THEY HAVE RECEIVED CALLS FROM PEOPLE LOOKING TO MAKEUP RESERVATIONS AND WALK-UP BUSINESS IS STEADY.

LYNN OSMOND EXPLAINS THAT ARCHITECTURE IS THE BACKBONE OF CHICAGO'S TOURISM.

>> IT REALLY SIGNALS THE REBIRTH OF WHAT IS GOING ON AFTER THE GREAT FIRE AND NOW THE REBIRTH AS WE LOOK POST PANDEMIC AND IT'S FUN TO SEE BUILDINGS LIKE THE ST. REGENT GIST OPENING UP.

ON THE RIVER CRUISE THERE ARE LOTS OF BUILDINGS THAT CREPT UP OVER THE PANDEMIC YEAR.

>> OSMOND IS THE VICE-CHAIR OF CHOOSE CHICAGO THE CITY'S TOURISM INFORMATION CENTER.

AND THE CAC AVERAGED MORE THAN 80% SOLD CAPACITY OF ITS TOURS IN APRIL, HOTELS ARE AT 50% CAPACITY ON WEEKENDS AND SURVEY OF CONSUMERS SAYS 32% OF THOSE SURVEYED ARE READY TO TRAVEL AGAIN.

STILL A LITTLE BIT OF ROOM TO GROW FOR A COUPLE INDUSTRIES.

PARIS, WHEN WE COME BACK, AS WE MENTIONED WE WILL HEAR MORE ABOUT NAVY PIER'S PLANS FOR REOPENING THIS WEEKEND AND WHAT IS IN STORE HERE.

FOR NOW, BACK TO YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN MADE SWEEPING PROPOSALS IN HIS ADDRESS BEFORE A JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS LAST NIGHT.

AMONG THEM A PLEDGE TO TACKLE A PROBLEM FELT ACUTELY HERE IN CHICAGO AND ILLINOIS, ACCESS TO CLEAN, LEAD FREE DRINKING WATER.

>> AND TODAY UP TO 10 MILLION HOMES IN AMERICA AND MORE THAN 400,000 SCHOOLS AND CHILDCARE CENTERS HAVE PIPES WITH LEAD INCLUDING DRINKING WATER.

A CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER TO OUR CHILDREN'S HEALTH.

AMERICAN JOBS PLAN CREATES JOBS REPLACING 100% OF THE NATION'S LEAD PIPES AND SERVICE LINES SO EVERY AMERICAN CAN DRINK CLEAN WATER.

>> ILLINOIS REPORTEDLY HAS MORE LEAD SERVICE PIPES THAN ANY OTHER STATE IN THE NATION.

CHICAGO MORE THAN ANY U.S. CITY.

TAMMY DUCKWORTH HAS PROPOSED 35 BILLION DOLLARS TO UPDATE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE AND IMPROVE DRINKING WATER ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

AND JOINING US TO DISCUSS THIS EFFORT AND MUCH MORE IS SENATOR TAMMY DUCKWORTH.

SHE IS CHAIR OF THE SENATE ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS SUBCOMMITTEE ON FISHERIES, WATER AND WILDLIFE.

WELCOME BACK TO "CHICAGO TONIGHT."

AS WE UNDERSTAND YOUR BILL IS IS PASSING OUT OF THE SENATE TODAY.

THAT $35 BILLION WATER INFRASTRUCTURE BILL.

WHAT CHICAGOANS WANT TO KNOW WILL THERE BE ENOUGH FEDERAL FUNDS TO COVER 100% OF LEAD SERVICE LINE REPLACEMENT HERE IN THE CITY?

>> WELL, I DON'T KNOW THAT ALL GOING TO BE FEDERAL BUT COMBINATION BETWEEN FEDERAL, STATE AND CITY, THERE SHOULD BE ENOUGH TO REPLACE 100% OF THE LEAD SERVICE LINE IN THE CITY YES.

WE HAVE 23% TOTAL OF THE LINES IN CHICAGO IN ILLINOIS AND MOST IS IN CHICAGO.

AND THE GOAL IS TO PROVIDE AS MUCH FEDERAL FUNDING AS POSSIBLE.

THERE WILL BE SOME LOCAL MATCH BUT THE GOAL IS TO REPLACE 100% OF THE LEAD SERVICE PIPELINES.

>> WE'RE TALKING AS THIS BILL IS BEING VOTED ON IN THE SENATE, EXPECTED TO PASS WITH BIPARTISAN SUPPORT AS I UNDERSTAND?

>> YES VERY MUCH SO.

IT CAME OUT OF COMMITTEE UNANIMOUSLY.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU HEARD OF THAT IN POLITICS?

IT GOT 100% OF THE REPUBLICANS ON THE COMMITTEE TO VOTE FOR IT.

THEY SUPPORTED IT.

IT'S BEEN VERY BIPARTISAN.

WE WERE CAREFUL WHEN WE WERE WRITING THE BILL TO INCLUDE A LOT OF CONCERNS FROM RURAL COMMUNITIES, AGRICULTURAL CONCERNS.

WE INCLUDED VERBIAGE TO COVER TRIBAL WATER TREATMENT FACILITIES AND SO THIS IS GOING TO HELP AMERICANS ALL ACROSS OUR GREAT NATION.

>> RARE MOMENT OF BIPARTISAN UNITY HERE.

THE PRESIDENT AS YOU KNOW LAST NIGHT UNVEILED SWEEPING PROPOSALS THE WATER PART OF IT AND ALSO THE $1.8 TRILLION AMERICAN FAMILIES PROPOSAL THAT WOULD PROVIDE COMMUNITY COLLEGE, UNIVERSE TALL PRESCHOOL, CHILDCARE, PAID IN PART BY HIGHER TAXES ON WEALTHY EARNERS AND CORPORATIONS.

COULD THAT TAX PART TO HAVE DERAIL BIPARTISAN HOPES ON THAT PLAN?

>> WELL, YOU HAVE TO ASK THE REPUBLICANS THAT ONE.

I HOPE THAT THEY WILL SEE A WAY TO SUPPORT THE LEGISLATION.

I THINK THAT THE HUMAN INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS AS MUCH INVESTMENT IN THIS COUNTRY AS OUR REGULAR TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE AND WATER INFRASTRUCTURE.

WE HAVE TO HAVE INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUPPORT FAMILIES AND THE HUMAN CAPITAL OF THIS COUNTRY.

THAT MEANS KIDS SHOULD BE ABLE TO HAVE UNIVERSAL PRE-K AND WE KNOW HOW WELL A CHILD DOES IN THE FOURTH GRADE IN READING AND MATH STARTS WITH WHETHER OR NOT THEY WENT TO PRE-K AND WHETHER OR NOT THEY GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL AND GO TO COLLEGE PREDICTS WHAT THEY WERE DOING IN FOURTH GRADE.

IT'S ABOUT HELPING FAMILIES TO BE PRODUCTIVE OUTSIDE OF THE HOME AND TAKE CARE OF FAMILIES AS WELL.

AND WE NEED TO MAKE THOSE VOF OF INVESTMENTS AS WE DO TO FIX OUR ROADS AND BRIDGES.

>> DO YOU BELIEVE THAT TAX HIKES ON HIGHER EARNERS AND CORPORATIONS SHOULD PAY FOR THIS AS OPPOSED TO TAKING OUT MORE DEBT?

>> I THINK CORPORATIONS AND WEALTHY INDIVIDUALS HAVE GOTTEN A GOOD RIDE THE LAST FOUR YEARS.

THE REPUBLICAN TAX CUTS GAVE BACK TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO LARGE CORPORATIONS WHO IN TURN WENT ON A BUYING SPREE THEY BOTH BACK STOCKS THEY TOOK THAT MONEY AND BOUGHT BACK STOCK.

PEOPLE WHO MAKE MORE THAN $400,000.

MANY OF THEM IN THE 40 MILLION A YEAR BECAME WEALTHIER DURING THE PANDEMIC.

THE WEALTHIEST AMERICANS THOSE WHO HAVE THE NET WORTH MADE MORE MONEY WHILE HARD-WORKING FAMILIES WERE BEING LAID OFF FROM WORK AND FALLING BEHIND ON MORE TAJES AND -- MORTGAGES.

IT'S TIME THAT GENERAL ELECTRIC HAS NOT PAID INCOME TAXES.

MAYBE THEY SHOULD PAY A LITTLE BIT IN ORDER TO EDUCATE THE WORKFORCE THAT WILL ONE DAY WORK IN GE FACTORIES.

>> IT SEEMS THAT IS BECOMING A BIPARTISAN NOTION AS WELL.

THERE ARE A LOT OF PRIORITIES FOR DEMOCRATS, INFRASTRUCTURE THAT 1.9 TRILLION PROPOSAL.

VOTING RIGHTS, IMMIGRATION, CLIMATE LEGISLATION.

DO ANY OF THESE THINGS HAVE A CHANCE OF GETTING DOWN WITHOUT MODIFYING OR GETTING RID OF THE FILIBUSTER.

YOU ARE PERHAPS FOR THE TALKING FILIBUSTER?

>> LOOK, I WOULD RATHER NOT HAVE TO MODIFY THE FILIBUSTER.

BUT IF YOU TOLD ME MY CHOICE WAS TO PROTECT PEOPLE'S VOTING RIGHTS OR PROTECTING THE FILIBUSTER TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF 100 SENATORS TO OBSTRUCT ONE ANOTHER I WILL VOTE ON BEHALF OF THE VOTERS.

I SPENT 23 YEARS IN UNIFORM DEFENDING OUR CONSTITUTION AND OUR DEMOCRACY.

NOWHERE IN OUR CONSTITUTION IS THE RIGHT TO THE FILIBUSTER ENSHRINED IN OUR CONSTITUTION THE RIGHT TO VOTE IS EN SHINED SO I WILL VOTE TO SUPPORT THE RIGHTS OF PEOPLE'S ABILITY TO VOTE.

I HOPE THERE CAN BE BIPARTISANSHIP.

I WAS DISAPPOINTED WITH THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN THAT NOT A SINGLE REPUBLICAN VOTED FOR THAT AND THAT BILL WAS NEEDED BY WORKING FAMILIES.

WE PUT MONEY IN PEOPLE'S POCKETS TO PAY THEIR ELECTRICITY BILL AND GAS BILL AND BACK RENT AND BACK MORTGAGE IT PAID FOR VACCINATIONS AND CLEANING OF OUR SCHOOLS THE KIDS GO BACK TO SCHOOLS.

IT REALLY YOU KNOW, ASTONISHED ME THAT NOT A SINGLE REPUBLICAN SENATOR VOTED FOR THAT WHEN IT WAS NEEDED BY THE COUNTRY.

>> AND IT SEEMS CLEAR TO MODIFY THE FILIBUSTER IT HINGES ON SENATOR JOE MANCHIN FROM WEST VIRGINIA WHO SAID HE IS NOT IN FAVOR OF GETTING RID OF THE FILIBUSTER.

HAVE YOU HAD CONVERSATIONS WITH HIM ON THIS SUBJECT?

DO YOU THINK HE WOULD MODIFY HIS POSITION ON IT?

>> YOU READ THE OP-ED HE WROTE HE LAID OUT HIS THINKING AND I WILL LET PEOPLE READ THAT.

HE MADE IT CLEAR.

HE SAID LISTEN, IF YOU ARE GOING TO OBSTRUCT, OBSTRUCT, OBSTRUCT, DON'T'S BE SURPRISED THIS IDEA OF FILIBUSTER REFORM IS COMING UP.

HE DOES NOT SUPPORT IT RIGHT NOW ENDING THE FULL BUSTER BUT THAT IS -- FILIBUSTER BUT THAT IS DEPENDENT ON REPUBLICANS NOT BEING THE PARTY OF NO AND NOT GETTING ANYTHING DONE.

HE SAID HE WILL CONSIDER TALKING FILIBUSTER, YOU KNOW I THINK THAT IS A GOOD STEP.

MOST PEOPLE WHEN THEY THINK OF A FILIBUSTER THEY THINK OF Mr. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON.

THE FILIBUSTER TODAY ANY SENATOR CAN SAY I'M GOING TO FILIBUSTER THIS AND THEY CAN GO TO CANCUN IF THEY WANT TO AND THEY DON'T HAVE TO BE ON THE FLOOR SPEAKING UNTIL THEY RUN OUT OF ENERGY TO DO SO.

A TALKING FILIBUSTER MIGHT BE A STEP.

>> I WONDERING WHAT ARE YOU REFERRING TO.

YOU CALLED OUT THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION FOR A LACK OF ASIAN-AMERICAN PACIFIC ISLANDER REPRESENTATION IN HIS CABINET TO WHICH THE ADMINISTRATION RESPONDED.

ARE YOU SATISFIED THAT THEY HAVE SOLVED THAT PROBLEM?

WHY IS THAT SO IMPORTANT TO YOU?

>> WELL, THE PROBLEM IS NOT COMPLETELY SOLVED.

BUT I AM PLEASED THAT THEY WORKED WITH ME AND RESPONDED LITERALLY WITHIN HOURS OF ME INDICATING THAT I WOULD NOT VOTE FOR ANYMORE NOMINEES AND I HAD VOTED FOR EVERY NOMINEE UP UNTIL THAT POINT.

EVEN BEFORE THEY WERE SWORN IN TO OFFICE, AND SINCE BEING SWORN IN I HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH THEM.

MOVING FORWARD AND FORWARDING NAMES OF PEOPLE WELL QUALIFIED AND SOMETIMES MORE QUALIFIED THAN THE PERSON WHO WAS NOMINATED.

I VOTED FOR EVERY WHITE PERSON, EVERY WOMAN, MAN, LGBTQ, EVERY LATINO, BLACK AMERICAN THAT HAD COME TO THE SENATE I VOTED YES ON EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM.

AND AT THIS POINT IN TIME DO NOT HAVE A SINGLE API PERSON NOMINATED TO A CABINET POSITION I FELT WAS A DISSERVICE TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.

PRESIDENT BIDEN PROMISED A CABINET THAT WOULD LOOK LIKE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE AND THERE IS NOT A SINGLE API IN A CABINET SECRETARY POSITION.

>> YOU WANT MORE MOVEMENT ON THAT IT DID LEAD TO THE APPOINTMENT OF ERIKA AS A DEPUTY ASSISTANT ON AAPI ISSUES.

I WANT TO GET TO THE ISSUE OF GUN VIOLENCE IMPORTANT HERE IN CHICAGO EXPERIENCING A TERRIBLE YEAR FOR HOMICIDES.

THE PRESIDENT BROUGHT UP HIS SUPPORT FOR BANNING ASSAULT WEAPONS, AND CLOSING THE GUN SHOW LOOPHOLE.

IS THERE LEGISLATION ON THAT FRONT THAT HAS ANY CHANCE AT ALL OF BIPARTISAN SUPPORT?

>> WELL, THAT DEPENDS WHERE THE REPUBLICANS ARE.

SO MUCH OF THIS LEGISLATION IS ACTUALLY SUPPORTED BY THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.

UNIVERSAL BACKGROUND CHECKS ARE SUPPORTED BY 95% OF AMERICANS CLOSING THE GUN SHOW LOOPHOLE.

IF YOU ARE A GUN STORE OWNER TODAY YOU CAN CHOOSE TO GO OUT OF BUSINESS AND SAY YOU WANT TO RETIRE AND TURN YOUR GUN STORE TO PERSONAL USE WEAPON AND THEN A YEAR LATER YOU COULD SAY I DON'T WANT TO HANG ON TO THE GUNS AND SELL THOSE THOUSANDS OF WEAPONS AT GUN SHOWS WITHOUT DOING ANY BACKGROUND CHECKS.

SELLING THEM PERSON TO PERSON.

WE NEED TO CLOSE THAT LOOPHOLE AND THAT IS VERY MUCH SUPPORTED BY THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.

I HAVE A BILL THAT WOULD HAVE A UNIVERSAL FOID CARD TO HAVE YOUR ID CARD.

I HAVE ONE OF THOSE MYSELF.

I DON'T OWN A FIREARM BUT I HAVE ONE OF THOSE BECAUSE I LIKE TO TARGET PRACTICE.

BUT THERE ARE A LOT OF THIS LEGISLATION IS VERY BIPARTISAN.

THE QUESTION IS WILL REPUBLICAN SENATORS VOTE FOR IT?

OR WOULD THEY CONTINUE TO BE BEHOLDEN TO THE NRA.

>> A FOID CARD APPLIED TO THE NATION AT LARGE.

SENATOR DUCKWORTH THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> THANK YOU.

>> AND UP NEXT HARMONICA LESSONS WITH A CHICAGO BLUES LEGEND SO STAY WITH US.

THERE'S MUCH MORE AHEAD INCLUDING WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR VACCINATION CARD AND A PREVIEW OF THE NFL DRAFT.

>> BUT FIRST, CHICAGO'S MUSIC SCENE IS SLOWLY REOPENING AND ONE LOCAL ARTIST IS WASTING NO TIME GETTING BACK ON THE STAGE.

ANGEL IDOWU INTRODUCES US TO CHICAGO BLUES LEGEND BILLY BRANCH AND SHARES LIFE HIGHLIGHTS AHEAD OF ONE OF BRANCH'S FIRST LIVE PERFORMANCE SINCE THE PANDEMIC.

[♪♪♪] >> BLUES HARMONICA PLAY ERBIL BILL HAS BEEN PLAYING THE MOUTH HARP SINCE HE BOUGHT HIS FIRST ONE AT 11 YEARS OLD.

>> AS SOON AS I PUT IT IN MY MOUTH I COULD PLAY ANY FOLK MELODY OR SMIS CAR ROLL.

WHEN THAT HARMONICA WORE OUT BECAUSE I WOULD PLAY IT ALL THE TIME I WOULD BUY ANOTHER ONE.

>> IT TURNED INTO A PASSION.

BRANCH WENT ON TO PLAY FOR BLUES LEGEND WILLIE DIXON AND THE ALL-STARS FOR SIX YEARS.

[♪♪♪] >> IT WAS AFTER PLAYING AT THE JAZZ FESTIVAL IN 1977 WITH DICKSON AND OTHERS THAT BRANCH'S OWN GROUP BILLY BRANCH AND THE SONS OF BLUES WAS BORN.

[♪♪♪] >> I CONSIDERED IT AMAZING TO HAVE PLAYED WITH SUCH LEGENDARY GREATS, WILLIE DIXON AND BO DIDDILY AND OTIS RUSH AND JUNIOR WELLS.

THESE ARE THE GUYS THAT LAID THE GROUND WORK FOR THE BIG ROCK SCENE AND ROCK 'N ROLL.

[♪♪♪] >> BRANCH CONTINUED HIS COMMITMENT TO THE MUSIC GENRE BY STARTING HIS INTERNATIONAL BLUES AND SCHOOLS INITIATIVE IN 1978 THAT IS STILL ACTIVE TODAY.

>> I'VE ALWAYS SEEN PART OF MY ROLE AS A PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN TO AS KIND OF SOW THE SEEDS.

BECAUSE WHEN I DISCOVERED THE BLUES THE BEAUTY OF IT AND THE DEPTH OF IT I FELT LIKE EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT THIS.

>> DESPITE HIS NATIONAL OUTREACH, BRANCH SAYS THERE'S MORE WORK TO BE DONE.

>> IT NEEDS TO BE EMBRACED BY ITS CREATORS, BY ITS ORIGINATORS.

BECAUSE WE HAVE SITUATIONS NOW WHERE THERE ARE FESTIVALS WITH NO BLACK PERFORMERS, BLUES FESTIVALS IS LIKE AN OXYMORON.

>> WHAT MORE DO YOU THINK THE CITY COULD BE DOING TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND HONOR THE IMPACT THAT BLUES HAS HAD ON THE CITY?

>> THE CITY AS A WHOLE SHOULD EVEN MORE FIERCELY EMBRACE THE BLUES.

IN A PERFECT WORLD I WOULD LIKE TO SEE COMMON AND CHANCE WHO ARE RIGHT HERE IN CHICAGO, DIRECT SOME OF THEIR ENERGIES AND ATTENTION TO THE BLUES.

AND MAKE IT RELEVANT TO THE 21ST CENTURY.

>> BRANCH RECEIVED A NUMBER OF ACCOLADES ACKNOWLEDGING HIS WORK AS ACTIVIST AND MUSICIAN.

LAST YEAR HE WAS INDUCTED INTO THE 2020 BLUES HALL OF FAME AND RECENTLY CREATED A SONG ENTITLED THE BALLAD OF GEORGE FLOYD THAT WILL BE AT THE GRAMMY MUSEUM.

>> CAN YOU MAKE IT TALK?

[♪♪♪] >> AS BRANCH CONTINUES TO EDUCATE AND ADVOCATE, HE SAYS HIS MISSION REMAINS THE SAME... TO GIVE BLUES THE RECOGNITION IT DESERVES.

[♪♪♪] >> EVERYONE CAN RELATE TO THIS BECAUSE IT IS THE SOUNDTRACK FOR THE HUMAN CONDITION.

EVERYBODY GOES THROUGH STRUGGLES, EVERYBODY HAS PROBLEMS.

AND THE BLUES IS A WAY OF RELEASING AND EXPRESSING THIS AND MAKING IT NOT FEEL SO BAD.

[♪♪♪] >> FOR "CHICAGO TONIGHT" I'M ANGEL IDOWU.

>> AND BILLY BRANCH AND SONS OF BLUES WILL BE CELEBRATING THE BIRTHDAY OF LITTLE WALTER FRIDAY AND SATURDAY AT ROSA'S BLUES LOUNGE.

AND STILL TO COME ON "CHICAGO TONIGHT", SHOULD YOU CARRY YOUR COVID VACCINATION CARD WITH YOU OR WHAT IF YOU LOST IT?

WE HAVE A RUNDOWN OF THINGS TO KNOW.

AND LIVE FROM NAVY PIER ON THE REOPENING PLANS AND THE RETURN OF LIVE THEATRE.

AND AFTER THE BEARS FAILED TO IMPRESS WHAT REINFORCEMENTS CAN HEAD COACH MATT NAGY EXPECT FROM THE NFL DRAFT?

LAKE SHORE DRIVE IS ONE STEP CLOSER TO GETTING A NEW NAME.

A CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE PASSED AN ORDINANCE TO RENAME THE DRIVE IN HONOR OF JEN BAPTIST DuSABLE.

THE CHANGE WOULD COVER 17 MILES OF THE DRIVE FROM HOLLYWOOD NORTH TO 67TH.

MAYOR LIGHTFOOT HAS BEEN CHILLY TO THE NAME CHANGE INSTEAD NAMING THE RIVERWALK AFTER DuSABLE.

IT FACES A FULL CITY COUNCIL VOTE.

>> HEALTH OFFICIAL REPORTS 3400 NEW COVID CASES AND 38 ADDITIONAL DEATHS.

THAT MAKES FOR A 1.331 MILLION CASES AND 21,927 DEATHS SINCE THE PANDEMIC BEGAN.

MORE THAN 31% OF THE STATE'S POPULATION HAS BEEN FULLY VACCINATED.

>> SHADES OF THE 1980s IN THE LOOP.

CITY LEADERS SAY STATE STREET WILL BE SHUTDOWN TO VEHICLE TRAFFIC ON AS MANY AS 12 SUNDAYS THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER STARTING JULY 11.

DUBBED SUNDAYS ON STATE BY THE CHICAGO LOOP ALLIANCE AND IT WILL BRING OUTDOOR DINING, RETAIL PERFORMANCES AND FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES TO THE STREET.

THE SHUTDOWNS WILL TAKE PLACE BETWEEN LAKE AND MADISON AND SEEN AS A WAY TO GET PEOPLE EXCITED ABOUT COMING BACK TO THE LOOP.

>> IF YOU'VE RECEIVED THE COVID-19 VACCINE YOU PROBABLY GOT A VACCINATION CARD THAT INCLUDES THE NAME DATES YOU RECEIVED YOUR SHOTS.

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH IT?

KRISTEN THOMETZ JOINS US TO ANSWER THAT QUESTION AND MORE.

KRISTEN, YOU ASKED OUR NEWSROOM STAFF AND FOLKS WHAT QUESTIONS THEY HAVE ABOUT THE COVID VACCINATION CARD LET'S LOOK AT SOME OF THOSE BEGINNING WITH THAT FIRST QUESTION.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY VACCINE CARD?

SHOULD I CARRY IT WITH ME?

>> HI, PARIS.

NO YOU SHOULD NOT CARRY YOUR VACCINE CARD WITH YOU AFTER YOU HAVE BEEN FULLY VACCINATED.

YOU WILL NEED TO BRING THAT CARD TO YOUR SECOND APPOINTMENT IF YOU ARE GETTING A TWO-DOSE SHOT.

BUT OTHER THAN THAT EVERYONE SAID KEEP THAT CARD IN A SAFE PLACE WITH IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS LIKE YOUR PASSPORT.

>> EASY TO LOSE THAT.

ANOTHER QUESTION, I DID NOT GET A VACCINATION CARD AT MY APPOINTMENT?

>> CONTACT THE VACCINATION PROVIDER WHERE YOU GOT THE SHOT.

AND THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO GIVE YOU A CARD.

CAN YOU ALSO REQUEST PROOF OF VACCINATION FROM THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH WHICH KEEPS A RECORD OF EVERY PATIENT'S IMMUNIZATIONS IN A DATABASE.

FILL OUT A FORM TO REQUEST THAT.

>> AND HOPEFULLY MOST FOLKS HAVE THEIR CARD.

HOW CAN I PROVE MY VACCINATION STATUS WITHOUT CARRYING MY CARD?

>> GOOD QUESTION.

THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION SAYS TO TAKE A PHOTO OF THE CARD THAT WAY YOU HAVE A COULD COPY BUT THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH IS SAYING PROOF IS VACCINATION IS NOT BEING REQUIRED AT MOST PLACES BUT THE STATE AGENCY IS WORKING ON WAYS TO COME UP WITH A WAY SO PEOPLE CAN SHOW THEY ARE VACCINATED.

CHICAGO OFFICIALS ARE LAUNCHING THEIR OWN PASSPORT THAT WILL BE ROLLED OUT FOR VACCINATED FOLKS TO GO TO CONCERTS AND SUMMER EVENTS.

>> WE HAVE TO SEE WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE.

MY VACCINE CARD IS IN MY PASSPORT FUNNY THAT YOU SAID THAT.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> AND YOU CAN READ THE FULL STORY ON OUR WEBSITE AND READ MORE ABOUT VACCINE CARDS WHAT TO DO IF YOU LOSE IT.

ALL AT WTTW.COM/NEWS.

>> AND NOW WE'RE JOINED BY BRANDIS FRIEDMAN WHO SPENT THE DAY AT NAVY PIER AS PART OF OUR "CHICAGO TONIGHT" IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SERIES.

>> YOU CAN TELL THE WEATHER PICKED UP A LITTLE BIT SINCE THE LAST TIME WE SPOKE.

EARLIER TODAY AS WELL WE STOPPED BY THE CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATRE AND SPOKE WITH BARBARA GAINES AND I ASKED HER WHAT THE PAST YEAR HAS BEEN LIKE FOR THE COMPANY?

>> ALL THEATERS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD THAT WAS BEEN SHOULDERED.

IT'S SHUTTERED.

IT'S BEEN CHALLENGING AND THE BEST WAY TO EXPLAIN IT WOULD BE THAT THEATRE PEOPLE, PEOPLE IN THE PERFORMING ARTS HAVE NOT HAD ANY OXYGEN FOR 14 MONTHS.

IT'S BEEN TOUGH.

>> WHAT IT LIKE FOR THE ARTISTS?

>> THE ARTISTS ARE SUFFERING THE MOST ACTORS ON STAGE, THERE'S NO ON STAGE TO BE.

SO OUR TECHNICIANS OUR DESIGNERS, ARE ALL BLESSED ACTORS.

IT IS REALLY BEEN A CHALLENGE FOR ALL OF THEM INDIVIDUALLY AND AS A GROUP.

>> YOU'VE BEEN ABLE TO PIVOT A LITTLE BIT WITH YOUR SOME VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING.

TELL US ABOUT THAT?

>> WE'VE HAD A BLAST DOING VIRTUAL PROGRAMMING I MUST SAY.

THE MOST RECENT PROGRAMMING WE HAD AND THEY ARE STILL ON RIGHT NOW IS DIRECTED BY TYRON AND MARTY AND THE JOY OF THE ONE-PEOPLE SHOWS, IS THAT IT'S COMPLETELY CREATIVE.

IT IS A FULL PRODUCTION LESS THAN AN HOUR BOTH OF THEM.

AND THEY ARE SO INVENTIVE AND IMAGINATIVE AND LANGUAGE IS SO IMPORTANT.

AND THE PERFORMANCES TRULY ARE SPECTACULAR.

AND WE HAVE TREMENDOUS EXCITEMENT OUT THERE IN THE WEB LAND IN TERMS OF APPRECIATION FOR THESE TWO SHOWS.

WE HAVE JUST AS YOU KNOW, TO BE 423 WHICH WAS A CELEBRATION OF LIFE RETURNING TO THE PERFORMING ARTS WHICH WE PERFORMED ON THE ROOF OF THE PARKING GARAGE AT NAVY PIER.

AND THAT WAS A BLAST.

YOU HAD SINGERS AND DANCERS.

THERE WERE GREAT INTERVIEWS.

AND AGAIN THIS IS STILL YOU CAN JUST GET ON 0 OUR WEBSITE, CHICAGO SHAKES.

>> AND TODAY THE MAYOR ANNOUNCED FOR THEATRE VENUES ASKER PART OF THE REOPEN CHICAGO PLAN INCLUDING THE UNITED CENTER CAN HOST 25% OF CAPACITY.

BUT WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR YOU?

>> WELL, I THINK FOR ALL OF THE PERFORMING ARTS IT IS A BIT OF A STRUGGLE TO ONLY HAVE 25%.

I HAVE TO SAY THE ONLY THING THAT MATTERS TO US AT CHICAGO SHAKES RIGHT NOW IS SAFETY.

AND HEALTH OF EVERYONE OF OUR STAFF, OF AUDIENCE MEMBERS OF YOU.

THAT IS EVERYTHING.

AND ONCE WE ARE ALLOWED TO GATHER AND SLIGHTLY LARGER GROUPS, I THINK WE WILL BE GATHERING WITH JOY AND WE WILL BE THRILLED TO SEE PEOPLE BACK IN THIS BEAUTIFUL THEATRE.

LOOK AT ALL THOSE EMPTY SEATS.

>> WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR THE SUMMER?

WE ARE USED TO SEEING CHICAGO SHAKES IN THE PARK AND THEN OBVIOUSLY THE PLANS FOR THE FALL WHEN HOPEFULLY THINGS ARE BETTER?

>> WE ARE DOING A SPECIAL PROJECT IN THE SUMMER WE'RE JUST WORKING ON NOW.

I WILL KEEP THAT A LITTLE TEASE BUT IT WILL BE GREAT.

AND THEN IN THE FALL, WE HAVE A REALLY EXCITING PRODUCTION OF AS YOU LIKE IT WITH WITHIN THE ENTIRE SHOW ARE THE BEATLES SONGS.

SO THE SONG LIKE COME TOGETHER, COME TOGETHER RIGHT NOW CAN BE OUR MANTRA.

>> HOPING THAT WILL BE IN-PERSON?

>> IT WILL BE.

>> THAT'S THE PLAN.

>> THAT'S THE PLAN FOR EVERYBODY TO BE IN PERSON AND HEAR THE MUSIC OF THE BEATLES AND THE MUSIC OF SHAKESPEARE AND PHENOMENAL CAST HAVING A BLAST TOGETHER.

WHAT A WONDERFUL WAY TO WELCOME PEOPLE AS I LOOK AROUND HERE.

I KNOW THERE WILL BE LAUGHTER AND BRILLIANT HAPPY MUSIC FROM THE FABULOUS FOUR.

AND THIS OPENING OF NAVY PIER RIGHT NOW IT IS A MARKER IT IS A SYMBOL OF LIFE COMING BACK TO ALL OF OUR LIVES OF SEEING YOUR FAMILIES AGAIN.

OF GOING OUT AND ENJOYING LIFE AND WE COULDN'T BE MORE THRILLED THAT THIS MOMENT IS HERE.

>> AND PARIS THAT WAS CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATRE'S ARTISTIC DIRECTOR BARBARA GAINES WHEN WE COME BACK MAYBE FROM A LESS WINDY LOCATION WE WILL HAVE MORE INFORMATION ON THIS LOCATION AND WHAT IS IN STORE FOR NAVY PIER.

>> GET PROTECTION FROM THE SQUALL.

AND GREAT TO SEE BARBARA GAINES.

UP NEXT, WE DIVE INTO THE NFL DRAFT WITH JAMES "BIG CAT" WILLIAMS.

BUT FIRST, A LOOK AT THE WEATHER... >> JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS SELECT TREVOR LAURENCE, QUARTERBACK CLEMSON.

>> AND THE NFL DRAFT IS UNDERWAY AND BEARS FANS ARE OPENING FOR GAME READY REINFORCEMENTS AFTER A DISAPPOINTING END.

THEY HAVE EIGHT PICKS INCLUDING THE 20TH PICK IN THE FIRST ROUND WILL THEY GET THAT FRANCHISE QUARTERBACK?

JOINING US TO GIVE HIS TAKE IS JAMES "BIG CAT" WILLIAMS.

FORMER OFFENSIVE LINEMAN FOR THE BEARS FROM 1991-2002.

JAMES GREAT TO SEE YOU.

>> HEY, PARIS HOW ARE YOU >> I'M EXCITED HERE BUT THE OTHER EXCITEMENT HAPPENING IN THE NFL AARON RODGERS IS NOT GOING TO RETURN TO THE PACKERS NEXT YEAR?

ARE YOU HEARING THAT?

>> THAT'S WHAT I'M HEARING THAT IS WHAT HE IS SAYING RIGHT NOW.

THE PACKERS STILL HOLD ALL THE POWER.

HE IS UNDER CONTRACT.

IF HE CHOOSES NOT TO PLAY HE HAS A LOT OF MONEY TO GIVE BACK.

I DON'T THINK IT IS ABOUT THE MONEY I THINK IT'S ABOUT WHAT HE IS DOING AS FAR AS BEING DISRESPECTED AS FAR AS BRINGING JORDAN LOVE IN, TO BE A BACKUP QUARTERBACK OR TO BE THE PERSON THAT IS GOING TO TAKEOVER FOR RODGERS.

AND RODGERS NOT KNOWING ANYTHING ABOUT IT.

YOU ARE A TWO-TIME NFL MVP AND YOUR ORGANIZATION CANNOT COME TO YOU AND TELL YOU THAT WE'RE GOING TO PICK UP A YOUNG QUARTERBACK TO GROOM FOR THE FUTURE?

>> COULD BE GOOD NEWS FOR THE CHICAGO BEARS AND THE RUMORS ARE THAT HE MIGHT LAND IN DENVER WITH FORMER COORDINATOR VICK.

WITH THE 20TH PICK IN THE NFL DRAFT THE BEARS SELECT... >> I WOULD LIKE TO SAY TEVEN JENKINS.

A TACKLE.

SOMEONE THAT CAN COME IN RIGHT NOW AND PLAY AND CONTRIBUTE TO WHAT THE TEAM NEEDS TO HAVE DONE.

BUT YOU ALSO HAVE OTHER NEEDS YOU HAVE WIDE RECEIVER.

A GUY LIKE TERRANCE MARSHALL FROM LSU THAT COULD STILL BE THERE AROUND THE 20TH PICK.

THERE ARE A LOT OF OPTIONS.

AND THE ONE THING ABOUT THE DRAFT IS THINGS CHANGE EVERY SECOND.

SO A GUY THAT MIGHT BE ON THEIR BOARD THAT MIGHT BE HIGH ON THEIR BOARD AT THE 15TH PICK MIGHT BE GONE BY 16.

YOU JUST NEVER KNOW WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN UNTIL IT IS YOUR TURN.

>> AND EVERYBODY KNOWS THE BEARS WANT TO GET A FRANCHISE QUARTERBACK AT SOME POINT THIS MAY NOT BE THE DRAFT TO DO IT.

DO YOU ANTICIPATE A BIG CRAZY TRADE WHERE THE GENERAL MANAGER RYAN PACE TRADES UP 15 PICKS SO HE CAN LAND A QUARTERBACK?

>> NO, I DON'T SEE THAT HAPPENING.

I THINK THAT THERE IS FIRST OF ALL I DON'T THINK THEY HAVE ENOUGH CAPITAL TO MOVE UP HIGH ENOUGH IN THE DRAFT TO GET ONE OF THE BIG FIVE QUARTERBACKS.

AND ONCE YOU START TALKING ABOUT THE QUARTERBACKS AFTER THAT, YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT QUARTERBACKS THAT CAN GO AT THE END OF THE SECOND ROUND, EARLY THIRD ROUND.

FOR THEM TO MOVE UP JUST TO TAKE A GUY THAT THEY COULD PROBABLY GET IN THE SECOND OR THIRD ROUND WE'VE HEARD THE STORY BEFORE AND I DON'T THINK WE WANT TO SEE IT HAPPEN AGAIN.

>> IS THERE A GOOD GUY IN THE SECOND OR THIRD ROUND THEY SHOULD BE TARGETING.

>> THERE IS A A KID NAMED DAVIS DAFS DAVIS OUT OF STANFORD -- DAVIS MILLS, 600 3, 215 POUNDS.

STANDS WELL IN THE POCKET.

AND THEY WILL TALK ABOUT A FEW ISSUES THAT HE HAD AS A SENIOR COMING OUT OF HIGH SCHOOL HE HURT HIS KNEE.

AND HURT IT AGAIN AFTER THAT SEASON WAS OVER.

AND THEN HAD ISSUES WITH IT IN COLLEGE.

HE HAD A COUPLE SURGERIES ON IT.

BUT HE IS THE TYPE OF QUARTERBACK YOU ARE LOOKING FOR.

BIG, ATHLETIC, HE HAS BEEN THROUGH A LOT SO HE CAN DEAL WITH A LOT AND SEEMS TO BE A GOOD LEADER FOR THAT STANFORD TEAM.

>> LIKE A BROKEN CLOCK BEING RIGHT, THE BEARS HAVE TO DRAFT A QUARTERBACK THAT WORKS OUT HERE.

AND TO THAT END, THE BEARS ARE NOT JUST ON THE CLOCK ISN'T RYAN PACE, THE GENERAL MANAGER ON THE CLOCK?

HE NEEDS TO PROVE SOMETHING HERE BECAUSE IT JUST HASN'T BEEN SUCH GOOD GOING LATELY?

>> I THINK THE WHOLE BUILDING IS ON NOTICE.

I THINK EVERYONE THAT IS A DIAGNOSE MAKEER IN THAT BUILDING -- DECISION MAKEER IN THAT SETTLE ON NOTICE.

TAKEN OFF A AS TACKLE AT 20 THAT HELPS SOLIDIFY THAT OFFENSIVE LINE UNLESS YOU WIN GAMES DURING THE SEASON, NONE OF IT IS GOING TO MATTER FOR THESE GUYS.

>> SOLIDIFY THAT OFFENSIVE LINE AND GET A GOOD RUNNING GAME GOING.

ANDY DALTON IS THE BEARS STARTING QUARTERBACK BARRING SOME CRAZY MOVE.

WHAT CAN FANS EXPECT OUT OF ANDY DALTON?

>> I AM REALLY NOT SURE.

ANDY DALTON WAS A GUY THAT WAS LOW ON THE LIST LAST YEAR LOOKING AT QUARTERBACKS.

THEY ENDED UP GETTING FOLES.

AND DALTON GOES TO DALLAS AND PLAYS A COUPLE DALLAS AND HE GETS HURT.

IT'S KIND OF CYCLING THROUGH OLD QUARTERBACKS RIGHT NOW OR QUARTERBACKS THAT HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BE A STARTING BLOCK FOR A YOUNG GUY.

BUT AS OF RIGHT NOW THEY DON'T HAVE THAT YOUNG GUY IN THE RANKS TO TEACH.

>> BUT IT COULD BE A DIFFERENT LANDSCAPE AGAIN IF AARON RODGERS DOESN'T COME TO THE PACKERS IT DOESN'T SEEM THAT SCARY.

I WANTED TO ASK YOU YOUR REFLECTIONS WE HEARD THE NEWS THAT FORMER BEARS GREAT DEFENSIVE TACKLE, STEVE McMICHAEL ANNOUNCED HE IS STRUGGLING WITH ALS.

YOUR REACTION TO THAT?

>> I'M SAD.

SAD.

WHEN I FIRST GOT HERE IN '91 AS A DEFENSIVE LINEMAN, STEVE McMICHAELS WAS ONE OF THE GUYS THAT TOOK ME UNDER HIS WING.

RICHARD AND STEVEN MICHAELS.

THOSE GUYS TAUGHT ME WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO BE IN THE NFL THINGS THAT I NEEDED TO DO.

THE WAY I NEEDED TO ACT.

AND IT'S HARD TO SEE WHERE HE IS NOW AND YOU LISTEN TO HIM AND HE STILL SOUNDS LIKE THE SAME OLD STEVE.

BUT THEN YOU GET TO SEE HIM AND IT'S LIKE EVERYTHING'S CHANGED.

HE IS NOT THAT BIG MUSCULAR GUY THAT WASN'T SCARED TO SAY ANYTHING.

>> AND YOU DON'T TALK TO ANYBODY IN THIS INDUSTRY THAT DOESN'T SAY HE IS JUST A GREAT GUY.

QUICKLY YOU'VE GOT A HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON UNDERWAY AT LAKE FOREST HOW IS THAT GOING?

>> WE'RE DONE.

WE'RE DONE.

FORTUNATELY WE WERE ABLE TO GO 6-0.

SO.

>> CONGRATS.

>> YEAH.

CONGRATULATIONS TO LAKE SPORT SCOUTS.

>> AND JUST FOR OUR VIEWERS, YOU ARE A COACH THERE AT LAKE FOREST AND IT WAS A SPRING SEASON BECAUSE OF THE STRANGE SITUATION WITH COVID.

AARON RODGERS IF YOU ARE WATCHING CHICAGO IS A GOOD PLACE IT IS.

SO WHO KNOWS.

LET'S NOT GIVE UP HOPE.

OUR THANKS TO JAMES "BIG CAT" WILLIAMS HIM.

THANKS PARIS.

>> UP NEXT, BRANDIS FRIEDMAN JOINS US LIVE FROM NAVY PIER HOPEFULLY IN A SAFER SETTING WITH MORE ON THE CITY'S REOPENING PLAN.

SO STICK AROUND.

>> AND NOW WE CHECK BACK IN WITH BRANDIS FRIEDMAN WHO IS COANCHORING FROM NAVY PIER AS PART OF OUR "CHICAGO TONIGHT" IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SERIES.

YOU GOT OUT OF THE ELEMENTS.

>> WE FOUND A BETTER SPOT.

IT'S SURPRISINGLY BETTER HERE.

RIGHT NOW WE ARE JOINED BY PAYAL PATEL THE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR FOR NAVY PIER AND THANK YOU FOR MEETING US OUT HERE.

FIRST, TELL US ABOUT THIS LOCATION AND WHERE WE ARE ON THE PIER.

>> WE ARE OFFSHORE ROOFTOP AND BAR THIS IS THE LARGEST ROOFTOP BAR IN NORTH AMERICA AND THE LARGEST ROOFTOP IN THE WORLD AND DOCUMENTED BY GUINESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS THIS IS A TREASURED PLACE FOR US AT THE PIER.

NEWLY REOPENED.

>> A PHASED REOPENING IS BEGINNING FOR NAVY PIER.

WHAT IS IN THE WORKS?

>> THE FIRST PHASE OF THE PIER'S REOPENING IS OUTDOOR SPACES NORTH AND SOUTH DOCK, THE PARK, PIER PARK AND WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT PIER PARK'S REOPENING IS THAT THE RIDES AND ATTRACTIONS WILL BE PART OF THE REOPENING.

IT WASN'T LAST YEAR AFTER THE PANDEMIC HIT IN MARCH WE WERE NOT REABLE TO OPEN OUR RIDES LIKE THE WHEEL THEY WILL BE REOPENED AND WE'RE EXCITED TO GET PEOPLE BACK SAFELY.

AND WE WILL BE DOING THOROUGH CLEANING AND ONLY PEOPLE THAT YOU CAME WITH WILL ENTER THE GONDOLA WITH YOU.

>> WHAT WON'T BE OPEN?

>> NORTH FACES THE INSIDE FOOD COURT AREAS.

THE SECONDFACE PHASE WILL INCLUDE THEM WE ARE EASING BACK IN.

SEEING HOW THINGS GO IN THE NEXT COMING WEEKS AND SOMETIME IN MAY WE ANTICIPATE REOPENING ALL INDOOR SPACES.

>> HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE IMPACT ON SOME OF THE BUSINESSES HERE OVER THIS PAST YEAR IN REGARDS TO RESTAURANTS?

>> THERE ARE NEARLY SO MANY BUSINESSES ACROSS THE PIER INCLUDES RETAIL SHOPS, RESTAURANTS, TOUR BOATS AND CRUISES HAVE BEEN IMPACTED BY THAT CLOSURE WAS DONE WITH THEM IN MIND WITH THE INTENTION OF GETTING THEM TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PANDEMIC.

THE OPERATIONAL COSTS WOULD HAVE BEEN TOO HIGH.

SO WE'VE HELPED A LOT OF THEM MAKE IT TO THE OTHER SIDE.

MOST ARE COMING BACK AND WE ARE THRILLED TO SEE THEM COME BACK.

THE RESTAURANTS SOME OF THE RESTAURANTS WILL BE OPENING AS PART OF THE FIRST PHASE.

THE OUTDOOR PATIOS AND THOSE THAT HAVE CAPACITY TO MANAGE PEOPLE INSIDE CAN DO SO.

AND THE RETAIL SHOPS WILL BE PART OF THE SECOND PHASE.

IT'S GREAT TO SEE THEM COME BACK.

>> NAVY PIER YOU HOST CONVENTIONS AND ART SHOWS AND MAJOR EVENTS.

ANY IDEA WHEN THOSE MIGHT BEGIN TO RETURN?

>> TODAY'S GREAT NEWS THAT THE MAYOR ANNOUNCED WILL BE SO GREAT FOR NAVY PIER BECAUSE NAVY PIER IS A POPULAR PLACE FOR PRIVATE EVENTS.

WHILE THE PRIVATE CONSUMER SHOWS WILL TAKE A LITTLE BIT OF TIME.

TODAY'S NEWS WILL HELP US MOVE IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION FOR PRIVATE EVENTS THAT RELATE TO WEDDINGS AND CORPORATE EVENTS AND THE GREAT NEWS ABOUT NOT HAVING THOSE WHO ARE FULLY VACCINATED NOT COUNT AGAINST YOUR CAPACITY LIMIT THAT WILL BE SO GREAT FOR US TO HOST THOSE PEOPLE THAT WANT TO HAVE THOSE PRIVATE SPACES INCLUDING AT OFFSHORE YOU COULD HOST YOUR WEDDING HERE AND NOW THE CAPACITY WILL BE MORE FLEXIBLE TO ACCOMMODATE.

>> AND YOU OPENED A NEW HOTEL.

PAYAL PATEL COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR FOR NAVY PIER THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

AND PARIS WE WILL SEND IT BACK TO YOU FOR NOW.

>> AND BE CAREFUL OUT THERE.

LOOKS LIKE IT'S CALMED DOWN BUT YOU KNOW HOW THE WEATHER IN CHICAGO ESPECIALLY ON THE LAKEFRONT CAN CHANGE.

>> WAIT FIVE MINUTES.

>> FIVE SECONDS EVEN.

>> AND THAT IS OUR SHOW FOR THIS THURSDAY NIGHT.

STAY CONNECTED BY SIGN UP FOR YOUR DAILY BRIEFING.

AND YOU CAN GET "CHICAGO TONIGHT" STREAMED ON Facebook, YouTube AND OUR WEBSITE WTTW.COM/NEWS.

>> AND YOU CAN GET THE SHOW VIA PODCAST AND THE VIDEO APP.

AND JOIN US TOMORROW NIGHT AT 7:00 P.M. FOR "THE WEEK IN REVIEW".

>> AND WE LEAVE YOU WITH MORE FROM CHICAGO BLUES LEGEND BILLY BRANCH FOR ALL OF US HERE AT "CHICAGO TONIGHT" I'M PARIS SCHUTZ.

>> I'M BRANDIS FRIEDMAN STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE AND HAVE A GOOD NIGHT.

[♪♪♪]