>> Hello, and thanks for joining us on Chicago tonight.

Why Poice is I'm Brandon.

Here's what we're looking at.

A national civil rights organization is declaring a state of emergency for civil rights response to the Trump administration.

When sisters who grew up on the city's south side are making their debut at Lollapalooza this weekend.

>> Because we are the cav a little world.

>> And we step out on the floor of the popular Chicago dance style known as step in.

>> And now to some of today's top stories, the Illinois secretary of state says insurance companies are using several factors to decide what you pay for car insurance.

And much of it has nothing to do with your driving record.

>> The horrible, hard truth is that car insurance companies?

Charging more for auto insurance based on.

Your credit rating.

The neighborhood you live in.

And your age.

>> Alexei Giannoulias is planning a town hall meetings around the state to hear from drivers about their experiences with car insurance companies.

He's planning to use that public input to create legislation for the next General Assembly to address rate making practices.

But organizations representing insurers argue they are not allowed to use factors like race or income in setting rates.

But the other criteria they do use are necessary to determine driver risk.

The Chicago Transit Authority leader says the agency's efforts to crack down on smoking are having an effect.

Cta acting president nor Ali Irsan told the City Council's transportation committee today that the agency has increased enforcement efforts to target smokers.

>> The anti smoking missions which Launced in March are done in coordination with the Chicago Police Department and CTA security resources.

They've occurred.

24 times to date and have resulted in the issuance of over 200 citations for smoking and other violations.

Just as a result of those missions.

>> Last week, Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order to eliminate smoking on the CTA that despite smoking already being banned on the transit system.

And another day to celebrate about a story that we've been following over the years.

2 of the men who have served Illinois's longest wrongful conviction sentence at 42 years.

Our tonight holding their official certificates of innocence.

>> what it's a long commute should have happened a long time ago.

separate court needs kind of hard very affordable for our what we with our DC and then to try to some 70's cause.

takes so long for that to happen.

It's so many people that are unsafe situation.

It should be a better profit.

>> David E Allah and his cousin Jimmy Soto were both exonerated about a year and a half ago of the 1981 murders of 2 teens on Chicago's southwest side while in prison.

Soto was among the first cohort of men to earn a bachelor's degree from the Northwestern University Prison Education program since their release in late 2023.

Both men have been working as advocates for the wrongfully incarcerated and so do plans to retake the else at next month to attend law up next, a conversation with the head of the National Urban right after this.

>> Chicago tonight, black voices he's made possible in part by the support of these donors.

>> One of the country's oldest civil rights organizations is urging people across the country to resist the Trump administration.

The National Urban League's new report, the state of Black America accuses the federal government of harming black in underserved communities with federal spending cuts and diversity, rollbacks.

The group says President Trump's agenda could put democracy and decades of civil rights progress at risk.

Joining us now with more is Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League Mayor.

I'm still going mayor has he worked for the mayor of New Orleans?

But I was a student there.

it's good to have you in the state for joining us So this this is an annual report.

And this year the plan had been to focus on the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Why the pivot?

We had to pivot because at the beginning of the Trump administration, became apparent.

>> That there was a determination to roll back the progress of the last 70 years.

Brown versus Board of Education and the Civil Rights era changed America profile.

It changed America African-Americans for women, for Latinos, for Asian-Americans, it changed America profoundly and it was clear and the first several days of the 47th president's administration that he was determined to roll back that progress through executive orders.

Case in point the attack on diversity, equity and inclusion is an attack on the Civil Rights Act and the way in which we enforce it and the way in which we follow it and therefore, you saw something interesting in March, you saw a record number of African-American women laid off from their jobs in last month.

You saw Africa, the African American unemployment rate tick up while the unemployment rate for white Americans take down troubling warning signs of the impact and the effect of these policies on on Black America.

I think it's so important to understand why this also undercuts American democracy.

We value the process of selecting elected officials to the voting process.

When you seek to suppress when you seek to undermine the process, it indeed anti Democratic.

So resigning early warning signal on these policies.

And I I would add to that the big ugly bill.

That's what I call it.

He's going to strip away health care, education, support for libraries, support for veterans across the board and the impact of that may not be felt today, but it's going to be felt in the fall in the spring and in the years to come talk about those policies.

Your report, you make the case for how you believe what were once you know?

All right.

Ideas they go from being fringe to being policy.

>> How does that work?

Well.

>> Many of these far-right ideas like the excessive use of executive.

Power to change policy and ignoring the role of the Congress in changing the laws is an idea that is sort of circulated in the alternative right on the far right for years.

The idea that diversity, equity and inclusion is somehow a preference program has circulated in the far right for years.

Now its got a champion in the White House and these ideas extremely dangerous because it and the cut.

What I call the general consensus that has existed in this country for years that we have to make progress when it comes to including everyone and the economic future of America.

If we do not, we can't compete with China.

We do not.

We cannot compete with India.

>> You also write that the black community has been here before in efforts to make progress.

For example, after reconstruction say more.

We're strong.

>> After reconstruction, you saw the right to vote stripped away the right to own property, stripped away, use black elected officials wiped out on a wholesale basis in the 18 80's.

It will maybe.

25 23.

24 black members of Congress by 1900.

There were none for 30 years.

Hence there are no black members of Congress from 1931.

And so the 1960's and we're only 3 of 4 African-American members of Congress, even though African-Americans with 13, 14% of voters in the Aurora, Elle eligible eligible voters in the United States voter suppression.

Voter discrimination kept African-American, some participating in the political process and they having a meaningful chance to run for office.

The Voting Rights Act change that.

Now we see and south on the Voting Rights Act.

It's being you know, led by the Supreme Court.

The Shelby case, a number of other cases undermining this very important law.

So we have to sign a warning, some what I really want people also understand is we also embracing alternative vision.

You know, there's a vision of America that talks about white supremacy, a White Christian ideology, our vision for America is a multicultural, multiracial, American democracy.

And that is what is at the heart of this battle competing visions for what the future of this country ought to be about.

>> What do you say to those people who might be disillusioned by the Democratic Party right now, especially in the way that they are responding think there's a lot of legitimacy and that I think people want from the Democratic Party that's going to be a legitimate opposition.

>> For us to be more assertive to me to be more aggressive, to be forthright.

You know, I don't represent any party even though I'm a registered Democrat.

I represent the interest of civil rights and economic opportunity in this country.

That's what we're all about.

We approach the entire public policy space se.

We have no permanent friends.

We have no permanent enemies.

We simply a permanent interest.

>> The report calls for a, quote, new resistance.

What does that look like?

And how is how is it different?

Got operate on every single front.

So there's been 250 to 300 lawsuits filed.

They've been many, many, many mass protests in the streets and these mass protests have not been cover that widely by the mainstream media.

But if you follow them online, people mobilizing all across the nation.

And then as the 2026 election cycle, which I think is going to be very important, which is going to put these policies on the ballot.

So I and now the people is to begin getting registered to begin preparing we have to get ready because we're going to need to vote in record numbers.

Those that do not support these policies have to make their voice heard at the ballot box in the streets online and also in the court that said, there are those who do support the policies of the current administration.

They're getting plenty of folks will read your report, agree with it.

But there are a lot of folks who will never read it.

And if they did, they would not have agreed with what you calling for.

A from the from the Urban League.

>> How do you reach out to those folks?

How do you bridge the divide?

I think that within the Republican.

within the conservative movement, there's silent number of people.

>> Who do agree?

With most of what we say.

And that's because there was a long-term consensus.

Look, George W Bush, a Republican president signed Voting Rights Act extension.

2000 and 6, Ronald Reagan signed Voting Rights Act.

Extension in 1982.

And I'm not going to say they will aggressive champions voting rights.

But what I will say is that there was a consensus in this country around civil rights that after 400 years of slavery and segregation, 40 years, a slave in another 100 years of segregation, that somehow 400 years a slave integration.

He was important for the nation to move in another direction when it comes to its communities of color and their treatment and their in the family's quotient that America believes in.

So I just believe that there's there's a silent.

group of people, even Republican ally who do is support this.

But he's with the polling show.

The polling shows that the majority, American people support diversity, equity and inclusion when they clearly understand it is equal opportunity.

They supported by large numbers.

If you ask people, do you believe that America's institutions as corporations, universities need to do a better job for its employees and its leadership to look like America.

The answer is yes.

So we feel and I feel strongly that while loud voices maybe against us public opinion is in our favor.

10 seconds left.

What gives you hope?

Young people.

The energy, the animation, the spirit of the young.

And thing that always gives me hope is the wisdom of the elders.

>> All right.

from from one another use to be in and he could.

were both so young people are saying we're building a when you're going to claim a new day.

Mark Morial, president of the national early.

We thank you for joining us.

And we're back with more right after this.

Twin sisters, Rachel and a call Henderson, aka DJ duo.

Rae Cola are about to have a very special homecoming.

>> The South Side natives may now live in LA, but this Sunday, they'll be making a try on return to their hometown to DJ at this year's Lollapalooza Music Festival.

Joining us now via zoom to tell us more in Chicago.

We have Nicole Henderson and from LA, but at the airport so she can come to Chicago.

The other half of the DJ duo, Rachel Henderson, thanks you both for joining us.

>> having So.

>> yes, I You've got that that winter, gee, we're going to get to that in a So growing up in Chicago, you know, did you ever think you'd be playing Lollapalooza?

>> Nicole, we'll start with >> Not all.

This >> been such a dream within the past few years.

But growing up, I wasn't really someone who is going out festivals and parties and things like that.

So it feels very unreal.

Yeah, Rachel, did you ever attend it?

No, we actually haven't been before.

So I feel like it's kind of surreal that the first time will be attending will be performing.

>> Nicole, you mentioned that.

You know, it's been a dream over the last few years.

Tell me about that dream white came to >> Yeah, we started long ago 10 years ago or so.

And sorry evening.

We had all these streams, the like the types of festivals and things we could play.

So this was one that was on the list.

But even though it's been 10 years or so, it still felt like such a big So for it to happen, even that soon.

It's yeah.

Sooner than I >> So let's talk a little bit about your musical style because I know you probably don't want to put in a box.

It can be a little bit hard to and we don't want to limit you, but I'm gonna use the phrase that I never got to say on television before Budi Base.

>> Good Same >> Yeah, I mean, overall we played dance music, House music being from Chicago.

We have so much inspiration from the sounds that we would hear even just, you know, on the radio growing up and in the background in different areas.

So I would say it's jack >> you in Yeah, thank you.

What I think pretty faith has always been a has like a low and make you want to Makes you want to shake your You can't help but move make those beads that like he can't stay still.

You have do.

I will.

>> Yeah, not me dampen my office was getting ready for this segment to What do you want your listeners to to feel to hear when they're listening?

>> I would connection overall.

I think need to get something that always can unite and just feeling sense of community.

It's always important to us.

More prominent shows.

And thank all of our lyrics to her.

I just inspiring confidence.

Making people feel like you're not in your head when you're at the show, you're moving your body.

You're not thinking too much.

Just like a natural >> Movement confidence.

Dance.

Like nobody's watching.

What are some of, you know, your musical influences?

What's you know?

Who are your, you know, sort of musical idols, but and how to be influenced you.

But do you know where else to take your inspiration?

which to go >> I see Prince babies like are parents.

Birth date was to go see purple rain.

Every group is listening to Christmas music and I'm so inspired by the way, that he would perform the way that he showed him.

So untouchable.

Number way, that maybe wasn't the norm, you know, going outside of the green.

And I think we both kind of move that way as well as taking risking just trying to be true to ourselves.

Even at that with or without the brain.

Yeah.

Are you going write?

I was going to say it growing up.

We both love Kashmir, slash rebuild it.

His music was always really big inspiration.

even past week, we just came from a child playing with them.

And it's a freebie.

Would.

I don't know.

The biggest inspirations.

That you have like see our talent and one has to perform with as Feels like a full moment.

>> So as we know you both, you grew up in Chicago.

You attended Marist High School and then you move to LA to study fashion.

Actually.

How did you end up pivot into music full time.

>> I mean, we both are pretty I don't know.

Shy growing.

No, I didn't really go out and party in high school.

didn't do anything like that.

So once we went to college, we're in that way.

We have to go around to all these places in try music for the first time in.

This fell in love with the club scene of LA and.

Kind of do head like we just wanted to learn how to DJ.

we learned.

We just couldn't stop.

I it.

Thank you.

>> Yeah.

I definitely think the was something that started off with more of a hobby, it slowly became everything from both the >> How does how would you say your hometown influences your sound?

>> I mean, Chicago like the birthplace of House music that I think there's no way you be doing that without that.

But I feel like from will, like what and your music?

I think important for locking their have that kind of like debate bill.

So hearing that growing up in Chicago definitely had a big important for aid.

Just like the pioneers of to begin with that thing during their messages learning ways that we can incorporate that in turn, is that as well?

>> Nicole, what's what's next for you all Lollapalooza?

I know you're you're doing, you know, sort of the festival circuit a bit this summer.

But what else is we're also going to see you.

>> It's a exciting shows coming up the next few Literally so excited.

We have Splash House that we're doing in Palm Springs next weekend.

And they were playing tropics in Nashville the weekend after.

And that's a really exciting.

Want get to speak panels about the Black Underground are hosting a panel community in Plano.

That's there as Lots lots of opportunity for a call of fans then to rally around the country to see you.

looking forward to your set this weekend at Lollapalooza.

Congrats to Re Cola Sisters, Rachel and Henderson.

Thanks for joining us.

>> Thank you >> And we're back with more right after this.

Summer festivals are in full swing.

And if there's music playing, chances are there's dancing.

One of the dance styles you may see is called step And Chicago is known as the step in capital of the world.

That's, of course, if you ask the godfather of stepping himself DJ Sam Chapman, who's credited with coining the term and though the dance crazes popularity has spread across the country, no one can do it quite like the hometown originators.

We recently explored the local culture and history of step.

And here's another look.

>> A site on the West that Bob and Lauer, MGM grand from there.

It just exploded.

>> Before stepping became step in, it was known as bopping.

But DJ.

Sam Chapman coined the phrase in the 1960's after admiring a friend's moves on the dance floor.

Great.

It would be dancing with the lady and he'd be.

>> And I would say step on.

Draper Don Draper and the word stepping.

thing I knew I would put on a flyer.

Its popularity expanded and other fellow West Siders became inspired to host parties to resist the disco era.

We had nowhere to go.

>> So I had this idea that, hey, I'm going to keep music alive.

A woman fondly known as Black Mary Harris hosted 7 events for more than 60 years.

>> At 17 years old, she says she became a residential sweetheart for a social club and the environment inspired her to host her own party's.

We almost got shut down.

Because we have so many people up there before graduating to big venues in clubs across the South side, Harris and her crew used whatever location was available.

Anybody that had a basement that we could use.

>> We would pay them a certain amount of money and fill out those index Carr's pass some mild and had a DJ.

And we just danced all night.

It took me almost 4 years to get one party off the ground and look what that party has turned into.

We are all over the world map.

>> Paris says hosting a steppers event doesn't require much but a few essentials.

The music had to be off the chain and the venue had to be.

>> Bathrooms, good parking a good dance floor.

>> Back in the day where we've learned it was always.

If the man could do I can do it.

So you're not going out to me.

Because of you deliver baby.

I'm coming back step and requires a certain skill set.

They work on a practice.

These moves.

>> Over and over and they get them down it.

>> They perfected if he did something that did we did it together.

>> It was the Blinn, the man.

That was the footwork.

It was mannerism of how you move your body.

And though other cities have adopted Stepan, Chicagoans can always claim the original sets.

We are the cav a little world.

>> Nobody can do it like Chicago because first of all, Detroit.

>> But Chicago, we do it 7 days a week, every day and all of will be packed and in addition to their moves, steppers always have to bring their looks.

You go to a step you meant?

>> Everybody is sharp.

Outfits gets you had to be right.

You know, you because you know it by watching your feet.

>> And what's more 7 provided people with a space to let loose and relieve their worries ballot.

first time in my party.

>> Leave all that mess outside.

You come in here, free spirit have a good time to get up.

When you my part.

And even as new dances Emerge, Chapman remained confident that step will never leave the dance floor.

>> What it has the stepping and I said we haven't even scratched surface because I'm noticing.

And grandparents to teaching children babies to step.

>> It's generational.

And though it originated on the west side, of course, we know step in is just as popular throughout Chicago.

And that's our show for this Wednesday night.

You can stream Chicago tonight on our W T Tw YouTube Channel every evening and catching programs you may have missed in.

Join us tomorrow night at 5, 30 10 as violent crime drops in Chicago.

Anti-violence organizations are sounding the alarm about funding cuts.

Now for all of us here at Chicago tonight, Black Voices and bring Friedman.

Thanks for watching.

Stay healthy and safe and have a good night.

>> Those caps pass by law personal injury, law firm,