>>> GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME TO "CHICAGO TONIGHT", I AM BRANDIS FRIEDMAN.

PARIS SCHUTZ WILL JOIN US IN A MOMENT.

ON THE SHOW TONIGHT -- >> THAT LOOKS TO ME LIKE A PRETTY FLAGRANT VIOLATION.

>> AND APPEARANCE IN A CAMPAIGN AD GIVES A WINDOW INTO POLITICS.

>>> AN AREA THAT HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED FOR 60 YEARS, NOW IS BEING CONNECTED.

>> BIG NEWS FOR ALTGELD GARDENS.

THE REDLINE EXTENSION PASSES CITY COUNCIL.

>>> IS COOK COUNTY'S DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAX BILLING PROCESS LEGAL?

DETAILS ON A JUST FILED LAWSUIT.

>>> THE LAST TWO WEEKS OF THE YEAR CAN BE A DEADLY TIME IS HEART ATTACK SPIKE.

WHY THAT IS THE CASE AND WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR.

>>> COMING UP TONIGHT, I AM TAKING YOU UP IN THE SKIES TO ONE OF THE CITY'S MOST VISIBLE PUBLIC ART MURALS.

>>> HE HAS BEEN IN SPORTS BROADCASTING FOR 60 YEARS, CALLING PLAY-BY-PLAY FOR NBA GAMES.

CHUCK SWIRSKY IS HERE TO TALK ABOUT THAT AND HIS NEW BOOK, ALWAYS A PLEASURE.

>>> LIVE FROM ALTGELD GARDENS ON THE FAR SOUTH SIDE, WHERE THE NEW TERMINUS STATION FOR THE REDLINE STOP WOULD BE IF THAT EXTENSION DOES, INDEED, COME INTO FRUITION.

THE CHANCES OF THAT HAVE INCREASED EXPONENTIALLY AFTER YESTERDAY'S CITY COUNCIL VOTE TO APPROVE NEARLY $1 BILLION IN CITY SUBSIDIES FOR THAT PROJECT.

SO WE WILL GET INTO THE HISTORY OF ALTGELD GARDENS, AND THERE IS A LOT OF IT, AND HOW THE REDLINE SOUTH EXTENSION COULD IMPACT THE COMMUNITY.

FIRST, BACK TO YOU.

>> PEREZ, THANK YOU.

>>> NOW TO SOME OF TODAY'S TOP STORIES.

ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS HEARD FROM RESEARCHERS TODAY AS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONSIDERS NEW GUN CONTROL MEASURES.

THE PROPOSED BILL WOULD BAN ASSAULT STYLE WEAPONS AND LARGE CAPACITY MAGAZINES.

>> BECAUSE OF THE ACCESSIBILITY OF MAGAZINES THAT ALLOW KILLERS TO MOW DOWN 13 WOMEN AND CHILDREN AND ONE MAN ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT IN GARFIELD PARK, MORE THAN 50 PEOPLE IN HIGHLAND PARK.

OFTEN TIMES COMMUNITIES ARE BLAMED AND SHAMED.

SOMETHING FOR US TO CONSIDER, WHAT KIND OF COMMONSENSE SOCIETY ARE WE CREATING FOR OUR CHILDREN NOW THAT GUN VIOLENCE IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF THEIR DEATH?

>> HE SAYS CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOODS ARE SEEING A REDUCTION IN GUN VIOLENCE AS COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS COLLABORATE AGAINST IT, BUT IS CALLING ON LAWMAKERS TO, QUOTE, PULL THEIR WEIGHT.

>>> A FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE MIDWEST, A CANNABIS RESEARCH INSTITUTE.

THE CITY AND STATE ARE PARTNERING WITH DISCOVERY PARTNERS INSTITUTE, PART OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS SYSTEM.

THE GOAL IS TO ADVANCE PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE ON THE IMPACT OF CANNABIS USAGE AND PRODUCTION.

MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT SAID IN A STATEMENT, QUOTE, THIS IS A TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITY TO NOT ONLY PROMOTE CHICAGO FOR CANNABIS RESEARCH, BUT EXPAND THE KNOWLEDGE AND SCIENCE NEEDED TO SHAPE POLICY.

COORDINATING RESOURCES TO CREATE A TOP-TIER CANNABIS RESOURCE CENTER WILL MAKE WAVES IN THE NEW INDUSTRY AND SET THE PRECEDENT ON CANNABIS RESEARCH NATIONALLY.

>>> AS WE NEAR A BELOW FREEZING STREAK STARTING TOMORROW, THE CITY'S EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT IS WARNING RESIDENTS TO GET PREPARED AND STAY ALERT.

FOR UPDATES ON HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS AND EMERGENCY ALERTS, CHICAGOANS CAN SIGN UP AT NOTIFY CHICAGO.

FOR NOTICES INCLUDING FLOODING, TEXT.

MEANWHILE THE CITY WILL CONTINUE OPERATING WARMING CENTERS WHENEVER TEMPERATURES ARE 30 DEGREES OR BELOW AND WARMING AREAS ARE OPEN MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY.

LIBRARIES AND PARK FACILITIES CAN BE USED ON THE WEEKENDS.

>>> UP NEXT, AFTER THE CEO OF ROSELAND COMMUNITY HOSPITAL RAISED QUESTIONS REGARDING INVOLVEMENT WITH POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS.

WTTW NEWS INVESTIGATES, RIGHT AFTER THIS.

>>> "CHICAGO TONIGHT" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY -- >>> ROSELAND COMMUNITY HOSPITAL HAS LONG STRUGGLED TO KEEP ITS DOORS OPEN.

THE FACILITY HAS FACED SHUTDOWN THREATS AND FINANCIAL SHORTFALLS.

IT IS ALSO FACING A WHISTLEBLOWER LAWSUIT IN FEDERAL COURT CLAIMING IT WAS COMPLICIT IN A SCHEME TO BUILD MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN UNNECESSARY OR FRAUDULENT COVID CARE.

THE HOSPITAL AND CEO DENY WRONGDOING, BUT THERE ARE OTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT HOSPITAL LEADERSHIP.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PROPUBLICA, NICK BLUMBERG HAS BEEN INVESTIGATING HOW POLITICS HAS BEEN INCREASINGLY ENTWINED.

>> Reporter: HOSPITAL BUSINESS GOING TO FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES.

EMPLOYEES AND CONTRACTORS DONATING TO THE CEOS POLITICAL FUND, USING THE HOSPITAL'S NAME IN A POLITICAL CAMPAIGN.

THAT IS SOME OF WHAT WE FOUND LOOKING INTO ROSELAND AND PRESIDENT AND CEO TIM EGAN.

EGAN ALSO HOLDS THE POSITION OF SECOND WARD FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY.

A SPOKESPERSON TOLD US THAT EGAN HAS AN EXCELLENT RELATIONSHIP WITH THE BOARD AND KEEPS BOARD MEMBERS FULLY APPRISED OF MAJOR CONTRACTS AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS, OFTENTIMES TO SEEK THEIR ADVICE AND APPROVAL.

SIMILARLY THE BOARD MEMBERS WERE UPDATED ON THE EFFORTS TO ESTABLISH STRONG CONTEXTS FOR THE MISSION OF THE COMMUNITY HOSPITAL.

BUT NONPROFIT EXPERTS SAY EGAN'S APPEARANCE IN A CAMPAIGN COMMERCIAL LAST MONTH APPEARS TO VIOLATE FEDERAL LAW.

>> SUSANNA IS A GIANT FOR SAVING THE NEW ROSELAND COMMUNITY HOSPITAL.

>> Reporter: THAT IS ROSELAND COMMUNITY HOSPITAL PRESIDENT AND CEO TIM EGAN APPEARING IN A CAMPAIGN AD FOR SUSANA MENDOZA.

HE IS REFERRING TO SPEEDING UP MEDICAID AND MEDICARE REIMBURSEMENTS.

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY LAW PROFESSOR SAM BRONSON SAYS IN THE TAX CODE COVERING NONPROFITS -- >> THERE IS A PROHIBITION ON ENDORSING CANDIDATES.

>> Reporter: EGAN IS IDENTIFIED AS THE CEO, STANDING IN A HOSPITAL SETTING, IN FRONT OF PEOPLE IN LAB COATS.

>> IT IS NOT HIM SAYING THE HOSPITAL ENDORSES HER, BUT IT'S HIM SAYING, I AM THE CEO OF THE HOSPITAL.

I'M SPEAKING IN MY CAPACITY AS THE CEO.

THAT LOOKS TO ME LIKE A PRETTY FLAGRANT VIOLATION.

>> Reporter: IN A STATEMENT, ROSELAND HOSPITAL PLAYS A CRITICAL ROLE PROVIDING HEALTHCARE TO THE UNDERSERVED COMMUNITY ON THE SOUTH SIDE.

SO WE ASKED EGAN TO APPEAR IN THE VIDEO SPOT THIS FALL.

WE WOULD NOT HAVE ASKED THEM TO DO ANYTHING WITH I WOULD POSE A PROBLEM FOR HIM OR THE HOSPITAL.

EGAN'S SPOKESPERSON DID NOT SPECIFICALLY RESPOND TO A QUESTION ABOUT THE AD.

THE COMMERCIAL WAS NOT THE FIRST TIME EGAN USED HIS POSITION AS PART OF THE MENDOZA CAMPAIGN.

HE HOSTED A FUNDRAISER IN MAY AT WHAT WAS ONCE THE JOHN HANCOCK CENTER.

AN INVITATION BILLED THE EVENT AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN ROSELAND COMMUNITY POSSIBLE TIM EGAN FOR A HEALTH CARE HERO'S RECEPTION IN SUPPORT OF MENDOZA.

>> THAT IS AN ENDORSEMENT.

>> Reporter: NEITHER EGAN NOR MENDOZA SPOKESPEOPLE RESPONDED TO A QUESTION ABOUT THAT EVENT.

EGAN HAS LONG BEEN ACTIVE IN POLITICS.

HE WAS ELECTED IN 2015.

BEFORE THAT HE MADE UNSUCCESSFUL RUNS FOR 43rd WARD ALDERMAN IN 2007 AND 2011.

AT THE TIME HE WORKED FOR WHAT WAS KNOWN AS NORWEGIAN AMERICAN HOSPITAL, WHICH HE CITED IN AN INTERVIEW AS PART OF HIS MOTIVATION FOR ENTERING PUBLIC SERVICE.

>> WHAT I DO ON A DAILY BASIS AT OUR HOSPITAL IS THE NEXT STEP.

I LIVE A LIFE OF SERVICE TO OTHERS.

>> Reporter: HE CAME TO ROSELAND DURING A PERIOD OF TURMOIL, SERVING FIRST AS CHIEF RESTRUCTURING OFFICER AND THEN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER.

>> WHEN I FIRST CAME YOU COULD NOT GET THE EMPLOYEES TO LOOK UP.

EVERYONE WAS SO DEPRESSED AND THERE WAS NO HOPE.

NOW EVERYONE IS TRYING TO MOVE THE HOSPITAL FORWARD.

>> Reporter: AMONG THE MOVE, CHANGING THE MANAGEMENT OF THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT FROM A CONTRACTOR TO A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF ROSELAND IN OCTOBER, 2020.

THEN, THAT SEPTEMBER, THE SUBSIDIARY SIGNED A THREE-YEAR, $10,000 PER MONTH CONTRACT WITH A COMPANY REGISTERED WITH THE STATE A MONTH EARLIER.

THE MANAGER HAS NO APPARENT EXPERIENCE IN HEALTHCARE.

A LAWYER AND POLITICAL CONSULTANT WHO HAS WORKED FOR AT LEAST ONE OF EGAN'S POLITICAL CAMPAIGNS.

PHOTOS ON SOCIAL MEDIA SHOW THEM EXCHANGING GIFTS AND A LINKEDIN ENDORSEMENT CALLS AMOUNT AS DETAIL ORIENTED, DETERMINED, AND DESTINED TO SUCCEED IN LIFE.

HE DID NOT RESPOND FOR A REQUEST FOR COMMENT.

EGAN SPOKESPERSON DID NOT ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT THE POLITICAL RELATIONSHIP, SAYING ONLY THAT THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT'S CONTRACT WITH P2C SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER THE COST TO ROSELAND, INCLUDING LOWERED SECURITY COST.

THIS WAS ARRIVED AT IN COLLABORATION WITH AND APPROVAL OF THE ROSELAND COMMUNITY HOSPITAL BOARD.

DURING THE THROES OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, ROSELAND COMMUNITY HOSPITAL WAS HIT HARD.

>> WE ARE SAVING LIVES AND WE HAVE GURNEYS.

WE HAVE PEOPLE OVERWHELMING OUR EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT.

WE ARE DOING THE BEST WE CAN AND I CAN'T COMMEND OUR STAFF ENOUGH.

>> Reporter: THE HOSPITAL WAS A HUB FOR TREATMENT.

ROSELAND ALSO DID OFF-SITE TESTING.

IN AT LEAST TWO INSTANCES IN 2020, THE HOSPITAL OFFERED COVID TESTING IN THE SECOND WARD, EGAN'S POLITICAL HOME BASE.

A MORE AFFLUENT PART OF TOWN THAN THE SERVICE AREA THE HOSPITAL COVERS.

ONE OF THOSE WAS HERE IN THE GOLD COAST AND ANOTHER IN WICKER PARK.

IN THE STATEMENT, ROSELAND AND EGAN'S SPOKESPERSON SAID ROSELAND COMMUNITY HOSPITAL MAKES NO APOLOGIES FOR ITS EFFORT TO ASSIST THE CITY OF CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND OTHER HEALTH AUTHORITIES IN MAKING COVID-19 TESTING AVAILABLE TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE.

IN ADDITION, POLITICAL FUNDS EGAN CONTROLS HAVE TAKEN AND $100,000 IN DONATIONS, LOANS, AND IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS SINCE 2006 FROM PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES ASSOCIATED WITH ROSELAND AND NORWEGIAN.

THE FORMER EMERGENCY DIRECTOR DONATED $14,000.

THE CPA THAT PRODUCES THE HOSPITAL TAX RETURNS HAS GIVEN, TOO, AND ENRIQUE LOPEZ AND HIS COMPANIES IS MADE MORE THAN $7000 IN DONATIONS.

IN ADDITION, LOPEZ SERVES AS TREASURER FOR ONE OF EGAN'S CAMPAIGN FUNDS.

ANGEL CHATTERTON SAYS THOSE POLITICAL AND FINANCIAL TIES CAN MAKE OUTSIDE OBSERVERS QUESTION WHETHER THE AUDITS CONDUCTED BY THE FIRM ARE SWAYED BY UNDUE INFLUENCE FROM HOSPITAL LEADERSHIP.

>> AUDITORS NOT ONLY NEED TO BE OBJECTIVE, THEY NEED TO BE PERCEIVED AS OBJECTIVE AS WELL.

THAT'S AT THE HEART OF OUR CREDIBILITY OF OUR PROFESSION.

>> Reporter: PATTERSON SAYS THE RELATIONSHIP MAY WELL BE ABOVEBOARD, BUT CAUTIONS -- >> WHEN YOU ARE DEALING WITH ANY TYPE OF POLITICAL SITUATIONS LIKE THIS, I WOULD SAY SAFEGUARDS NEED TO BE PUT INTO PLAY.

>> Reporter: LOPEZ DID NOT RESPOND TO A REQUEST FOR COMMENTS.

A SPOKESPERSON SAID EGAN IS GRATEFUL FOR THE WORK OF THE AUDITOR, WHO HOLDS HIS FIRM TO THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONALISM.

EGAN COMPLIES WITH ROSELAND COMMUNITY BOARD POLICIES AND PROCEDURES, INCLUDING THOSE ADDRESSING DISCLOSURE AND POTENTIAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST.

EGAN'S APPARENT ENDORSEMENTS AND THE BLENDING OF HIS POLITICAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIVES COULD CROSS ETHICAL LINES.

AS FOR WHETHER HAVING AN ACTUAL ELECTED OFFICIAL AS CEO IS UNUSUAL -- >> UNUSUAL IN THE UNITED STATES?

YEAH.

UNUSUAL IN CHICAGO, NO.

JUST ON THE FACE OF IT THINK IT IS INAPPROPRIATE AND IT LIKELY IS INAPPROPRIATE.

>> Reporter: HE ALSO SAYS GIVEN THE IMMENSE PRESSURE HOSPITALS ARE FACING, HAVING AN EXPERIENCED POLITICAL OPERATOR AT THE HELM COULD BE BENEFICIAL.

BRUNSON SAYS TYPICALLY THE ONLY PUNISHMENT AT THE IRS'S DISPOSAL FOR A NONPROFIT VIOLATING THE RULE BARRING POLITICAL ENDORSEMENTS IS REVOKING ITS TAX-EXEMPT STATUS.

HE SAYS THAT ESSENTIALLY NEVER HAPPENS, BUT DOES WARN THAT AN ENDORSEMENT POSES A RISK IF THAT CANDIDATE DOES NOT GET ELECTED.

>> NOW THEY ARE WITH WHOEVER GOT THE OFFICE, SO THERE IS POTENTIALLY HARM TO THE HOSPITAL ITSELF.

>> Reporter: IN A STATEMENT, THE CHAIR OF THE HOSPITAL BOARD TOLD WTTW NEWS AND PROPUBLICA THAT THE BOARD IS FULLY AWARE OF THE POLITICAL ACTIVITIES AND THEY DON'T CAUSE ANY CONFLICT OF INTEREST.

>> THIS FOLLOWS UP ON YOUR PREVIOUS REPORTING FROM OCTOBER.

REMIND US OF THAT STORY.

>> Reporter: THAT'S RIGHT, WTTW NEWS AND PROPUBLICA REPORTED THAT FEDERAL INSPECTORS FOUND ERRORS HAD CONTRIBUTED TO THE DEATHS OF AT LEAST SEVEN PATIENTS, INCLUDING ONE WHO WAS PREGNANT.

WATCHDOGS ORDERED THE HOSPITAL TO TAKE CORRECTIVE ACTION, WHICH RECORDS SHOW IT DID.

A SPOKESPERSON AND TOP HOSPITAL OFFICIAL TOLD US THAT THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC EXACERBATED MANY OF THE ISSUES THAT ROSELAND HAS BEEN DEALING WITH.

WE HAVE MORE ABOUT THAT STORY AND MUCH MORE ABOUT THE HOSPITALS TIES TO POLITICS ON OUR WEBSITE.

>> GREAT REPORTING, THANK YOU.

>>> IT COULD BE A GAME CHANGER FOR SEVERAL COMMUNITIES ON THE FAR SOUTH SIDE.

CITY COUNCIL'S APPROVAL OF $950 MILLION IN MONEY FOR THE REDLINE SOUTH EXTENSION MEANS THE TERMINUS COULD MOVE FROM 95th DOWN TO 130th, ADJACENT TO THE HISTORIC HOUSING COMMUNITY CALLED ALTGELD GARDENS.

THE MOVEMENT TO DESEGREGATE PUBLIC HOUSING AND WHERE A YOUNG COMMUNITY ORGANIZER NAMED BARACK OBAMA STARTED WHEN HE FIRST ENTERED POLITICS.

IT IS WHERE PARIS SCHUTZ SPENT THE DAY AS PART OF "CHICAGO TONIGHT" IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

HE JOINS US NOW OUTSIDE THE PUBLIC LIBRARY BRANCH.

PARIS.

CAN YOU HEAR ME?

>> Reporter: BRANDIS, ORGANIZERS AND RESIDENTS HERE IN ALTGELD GARDENS WERE JUMPING FOR JOY YESTERDAY WHEN THE VOTE CAME DOWN TO APPROVE UP TO $950 MILLION IN CASH AND FINANCING FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE REDLINE SOUTH FROM 95th TO 130th.

THIS IS A PROJECT TALKED ABOUT AS FAR BACK AS THE 1950s AND RESIDENTS SAY IT IS A GAME CHANGER FOR THIS COMMUNITY.

RIGHT NOW IF YOU WANT TO GO FROM ALTGELD GARDENS TO THE LOOP, YOU HAVE TO TAKE THE 34 MICHIGAN BUS TO THE REDLINE.

THAT IS A HALF AN HOUR JOURNEY ON THIS WILL SHORTEN NOT A WHOLE LOT.

NOW, THE FAR SOUTH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION SAYS THE GROUPS LIKE HIS HAVE FOUGHT FOR THIS FOR GENERATIONS.

>> AN AREA THAT HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED FOR 60 YEARS.

NOW IS BEING CONNECTED TO THE CITY.

IT IS MONUMENTAL.

ONE, BECAUSE ALTGELD WAS SET UP TO BE SEGREGATED FOR RESIDENCES AND ABLE TO PUT MORE OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY AWAY FROM THE CITY AND FROM DOWNTOWN.

TO HAVE THAT THERE IS GOING TO ALLOW THEM TO GET TO JOBS THAT THEY COULD NOT APPLY FOR BEFORE THAT WOULD TAKE FOREVER TO GET TO.

>> Reporter: THERE IS THE ADDED BENEFIT OF BUILDING THE NEW TRAIN STATIONS AT 130 F AND OTHER INTERSECTIONS, HOPEFULLY SPURRING ON BADLY NEEDED DEVELOPMENT.

HERE AT 130th AT ALTGELD GARDENS, THERE IS NEARLY NOTHING IN THE WAY OF RETAIL OR FOOD OPTIONS IN THE COMMUNITY OR SURROUNDING AREA.

LOU TURNER, WHO HAS BEEN STUDYING PUBLIC HOUSING AT ALTGELD GARDENS FOR DECADES, SAYS HE HOPES THE EXTENSION CHANGES ALL OF THAT.

>> THE REDLINE EXTENSION WOULD ACTUALLY GENERATE NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT, COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT, WHICH WOULD CIRCULATE THOSE DOLLARS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY SO THAT PEOPLE DON'T HAVE TO GO OUTSIDE OF THE COMMUNITY.

AT ALTGELD GARDENS, THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING THERE.

GROCERY STORES OR ANY KINDS OF AMENITIES.

>> Reporter: THAT DEVELOPMENT IS EXACTLY THE PLAN AND THE HOPE ACCORDING TO LEE MOONEY, THE CTA PROJECT MANAGER FOR THE REDLINE EXTENSION PROJECT.

>> WHAT WE NEED IS BALANCE DEVELOPMENT.

SO ONE OF THE MESSAGES WE HAVE GOTTEN THROUGH COMMUNITY OUTREACH IS THAT WE NEED TO BE BRINGING A NEW DEVELOPMENT AND ECONOMIC INVESTMENTS, SPURRING THAT GROWTH.

WE ALSO NEED TO BE CAREFUL AND MINDFUL THAT WE ARE CREATING OPPORTUNITIES.

>> Reporter: ALTGELD GARDENS IS RICH WITH HISTORY, HERE ON THE SOUTH SIDE.

IT WAS FIRST BUILT TO HOUSE INDUSTRY WORKERS, VETERANS, AND MIGRANTS.

IT INCURRED THE NICKNAME, THE TOXIC DONUT, AND THAT IS BECAUSE INDUSTRY IS ALL AROUND US.

NOT ONLY INDUSTRY, BUT LANDFILL.

NOT ONLY LANDFILL, BUT THIS LANDFILL HAD ASBESTOS.

THAT LED TO ACTIVISTS WHO TOOK THE FIGHT FOR ECONOMIC JUSTICE TO THE CITY AND THEN TO THE NATION.

AND AFTER THAT CAME A RESIDENT WHO SUED THE CHA FOR DISCRIMINATORY HOUSING PRACTICES.

THAT LAWSUIT ALLEGES POLICIES WENT ON FOR YEARS AND YEARS AND YEARS.

THE SETTLEMENT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CHANGE PUBLIC HOUSING IN CHICAGO AND ACROSS THE NATION FOR GOOD.

TURNER SAYS THE LEGACY OF ENVIRONMENTAL RACISM STILL PERSIST FOR RESIDENTS HERE TODAY.

>> SO, WHAT BEGAN AS A MODEL CITY BY THE 1960S AND 1970S, REALLY, 60s AND 70s HAD BECOME A TOXIC WASTE SITE.

>> Reporter: IT IS NOT JUST A TRANSIT DESERT AND FORMER TOXIC WASTE SITE, BUT A FOOD DESERT AS WELL.

DOLORES LUCAS RUNS AN ORGANIZATION CALLED WE KEEP YOU ROLLING, A BIKE AND WELLNESS GROUP.

SHE SAYS THE NEAREST PLACE TO GET FRESH FOOD IS THE WALMART AND IT IS A LABYRINTH TO GET THERE.

>> NOW YOU NEED THREE BUSES TO GET TO WALMART.

THAT DOESN'T MAKE GOOD SENSE.

WE ARE ON 130th.

WALMART IS ON 109th.

WE COULD HAVE A WALMART SHUTTLEBUS THAT COULD SHUTTLE NOT JUST ALTGELD, BUT GOLDEN GATE, CONCORDIA, RIVERSIDE VILLAGE.

THESE ARE ALL NEIGHBORHOODS ALONG THE ROUTE THAT THEY COULD SERVICE.

AND THEN TAKE US TO WALMART TO SHOP.

>> Reporter: AND SHE HAS NOT ONLY FOUGHT FOR THE REDLINE EXTENSION AS OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS HAVE, BUT SHE FOUGHT FOR A NEW BIKE PATH.

SHE FOUGHT FOR NEW PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS.

ALL OF THOSE THINGS AS PART OF AN ALL OF THE ABOVE TRANSIT STRATEGY.

THE REDLINE EXTENSION WILL HELP, BUT FOLKS HERE NEED WAYS TO GET TO STORES, TO GET TO SCHOOL, TO GET TO FRESH FOOD OPTIONS AND HOPEFULLY THAT IS COMING.

WHEN WE COME BACK WE WILL SPEAK WITH THE DAUGHTER OF THAT LEGENDARY ACTIVIST, CHERYL JOHNSON, CONTINUING THE WORK HER MOTHER STARTED 40 YEARS AGO.

BACK TO YOU.

>> A LOT OF HISTORY, THANK YOU.

>>> A JUST FILED LAWSUIT CLAIMS THAT THE COOK COUNTY PROCESS OF DEALING WITH HOMEOWNERS WHO FAILED TO PAY PROPERTY TAXES IS NOT ONLY RACIST, BUT ALSO ILLEGAL.

AMANDA VINICKY JOINS US NOW.

>> Reporter: HOMEOWNERS WHO CAN'T OR DON'T PAY PROPERTY TAXES COULD CAUSE THE COUNTY TO HOLD WHAT IS KNOWN AS A PROPERTY TAX SALE.

A LAWSUIT BROUGHT BY TWO HOMEOWNERS CAUGHT UP IN THE SYSTEM ALLEGES THAT THE PROCESS VIOLATES THE CONSTITUTION AND BOTH FEDERAL AND STATE CIVIL RIGHTS LAW.

A QUICK TIMELINE ON WHAT EXACTLY THE SYSTEM IS.

GOVERNMENTS DEPEND ON PEOPLE PAYING THEIR PROPERTY TAXES.

THAT IS WHAT FUND SCHOOLS, LIBRARIES, AND POLICE.

COOK COUNTY SELLS THE OVERDUE TAXES TO BUSINESSES AND OFTEN A HEDGE FUND THAT PAYS THE BILLS.

THE HOMEOWNER THEN HAS TO PAY BACK THAT TAX BUYER.

NOT ONLY THE OVERDUE TAXES, BUT ALSO 18% IN INTEREST AND FEES.

IF THEY DON'T DO THAT THEY CAN LOSE THE TITLE TO THEIR HOME, AS WELL AS THE EQUITY THEY BUILT.

AS THE LAWSUIT POINTS OUT, NEITHER THE COUNTY NOR THE TAX BUYER HAS TO PAY THE HOMEOWNER FOR THE LOSS OF EQUITY.

UNLIKE A BANK MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE WHERE AN EXCESS OF DEBT IS RETURNED TO THE HOMEOWNER, A PROPERTY TAX SALE CAN ULTIMATELY RESULT IN A TOTAL LOSS TO THE HOMEOWNER OF NOT JUST THE HOME, BUT ALSO THE ENTIRE VALUE OF THE HOME OVER AND ABOVE THE TAXES AND CHARGES.

ATTORNEY JOHN BOWMAN, REPRESENTING THE PLAINTIFFS, IS HONING IN ON THAT LOSS OF EQUITY.

HE SAYS HOMEOWNERS HAVE A RIGHT TO THEIR EQUITY.

>> THING ON THE EQUITY, TOO.

THIS IS WHAT YOU ENSURE WHEN YOU BUY HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE.

IT IS THE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY AND BY TAKING THIS AWAY FROM PEOPLE, WITHOUT ANY COMPENSATION, IT VIOLATES PROVISIONS OF THE CONSTITUTION.

>> Reporter: HE ALLEGES SEVERAL CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES.

TAKING PROPERTY WITHOUT COMPENSATION.

GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE AND PROPERTY RIGHTS WITHOUT DUE PROCESS AND THE GOVERNMENT UNDULY PUNISHING PEOPLE, WHICH HE SAYS IS EXACTLY WHAT THIS IS.

>> YOU ARE UNABLE TO PAY YOUR TAXES, FINE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR HOUSE, BUT YOU SHOULDN'T HAVE TO ALSO LOSE THE EQUITY IN THE HOUSE.

>> Reporter: HE SAYS THAT IS PARTICULARLY THE CASE FOR PEOPLE OF COLOR, WHO ARE MOST IMPACTED.

>> IT IS ANOTHER IN A LONG LINE OF THINGS THAT HAVE PREVENTED HOMEOWNERSHIP AND WEALTH PASSING FROM ONE GENERATION TO THE NEXT.

WHAT IS KNOWN AS THE GENERATIONAL WEALTH GAP, WHICH IS SOMETHING LIKE 10 TO 1 IN TERMS OF NET WORTH OF WHITE FAMILIES COMPARED TO BLACK FAMILIES.

THIS IS ONE OF THE PILLARS OF IT.

>> Reporter: HE SAYS IT IS A VIOLATION OF THE FEDERAL HOUSING ACT AND CIVIL RIGHTS ACT.

HE SAYS THE LAWSUIT IS NOT GOING AFTER THE COUNTIES RIGHT TO TAKE ACTION TO GET TAXES GOVERNMENTS ARE OWED, BUT IT DOES SEEK TO COMPENSATE THOSE IMPACTED FOR WHAT HE CALLS THE NEEDS OF THE SYSTEM AND LOSS OF EQUITY.

>> ON THE SUIT HAS BEEN FILED, WHAT IS THE REACTION?

>> Reporter: IN HER OFFICIAL CAPACITY AS THE TREASURER OF COOK COUNTY.

SHE IS ESSENTIALLY COMPELLED TO GO THROUGH THE TAX SALE MOTIONS.

IT IS A STATE LAW FOR THIS PROCESS AND UNSURPRISINGLY IT IS A FEDERAL LAWSUIT AFTER ALL.

HER OFFICE DID NOT HAVE MUCH OF A REACTION.

SHE MADE A STATEMENT SAYING WE DO NOT COMMENT ON PENDING LITIGATION.

THE MATTER WILL BE HANDLED BY THE COOK COUNTY STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE.

BUT SHE HAS BEEN OPENLY CRITICAL OF THE TAX BILL PROCESS.

IN A STORY BY PARIS SCHUTZ JUST LAST MONTH, SHE SAYS THEY WERE PRAYING ON THE MOST VULNERABLE RESIDENTS AND SHE SAYS SHE WANTS STATE LAWMAKERS TO MAKE CHANGES.

>> IT IS A LEGALIZED PRACTICE THAT WE NEED TO BREAK UP AND WE'RE GOING TO DO IT.

>> Reporter: SHE HAS SPECIFIC IDEAS FOR CHANGING THE PROCESS, BUT THERE IS NO FIRM LEGISLATION YET.

THE PROPOSAL LAST MONTH WOULD NOT SPECIFICALLY TACKLE THE ISSUE.

CRITICISM OF THE SYSTEM IS NOT NEW.

BUT THAT HAS NOT LED TO REFORM.

>> THE REASON WE FILED A LAWSUIT IS THAT THIS IS BEEN HANGING OUT THERE FOR A LONG, LONG TIME AND THERE HAS NOT BEEN, YOU KNOW, TALKING ABOUT IT IN PUBLIC.

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY HAS NOT TAKEN ANY ACTION.

PEOPLE ARE LOSING THEIR EQUITY YEAR IN AND YEAR OUT AND WE WANT IT TO STOP AND TO GET AT LEAST THAT PART, THE HOME-EQUITY PART OF THE SYSTEM, UNDER SCRUTINY IN FEDERAL COURT.

>> Reporter: HE SAYS HE IS HOPEFUL FOR A CHANGE BECAUSE HE SAYS THE LAWSUIT COULD BRING MORE ATTENTION TO THE ISSUE.

HE ALSO SAYS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY HAS BEEN GIVING MORE ATTENTION TO ISSUES OF RACIAL DISPARITIES.

FOR THOSE WHO MAKE MONEY OFF OF THE SYSTEM, THEY ARE OFTEN NOT KEEN TO LOSE THAT ABILITY AND ARGUE THAT NEEDS TO BE A MECHANISM FOR PEOPLE TO PAY PROPERTY TAXES, OTHERWISE WHO WOULD?

BECAUSE NOBODY LIKES TO PAY THEIR PROPERTY TAXES, REGARDLESS OF WHAT HAPPENS FOR THE TWO PLAINTIFFS IT COULD BE TOO LATE.

AGAIN, THEY ARE SEEKING COMPENSATION.

THE LAWSUIT SAYS BOTH INDIVIDUALS WERE UNABLE TO PAY THEIR PROPERTY TAX BILL DUE TO HEALTH ISSUES THAT CAUSED THEM TO LOSE THEIR JOBS.

BOWMAN SAYS ONE OF THE PLAINTIFFS LOST HER HOME IN MAYWOOD.

THE OTHER HAS NOT YET BEEN EVICTED.

>> AMANDA, THANK YOU.

>> Reporter: THANK YOU.

>>> UP NEXT, WHAT IS BEHIND THE WINTRUST MURAL BUILDING AS SEEN FROM THE KENNEDY EXPRESSWAY?

STAY WITH US.

>>> YOU THINK THERE HAS BEEN A RETHINKING IN CHICAGO?

>> I MADE A PROMISE THAT EVERY YEAR I WOULD MAKE A PIECE OF ART DEDICATED TO MEMORY.

>> IN THE ZONE OF MENTORING CHILDREN.

SEE WHAT WE CAN DO TO ELEVATE EACH OTHER.

>> PUSH FORWARD TO BUILD A MOVEMENT TO CREATE THE WORLD THAT WE ALL WANT TO SEE.

>> HAVE YOU EVER BEEN DRIVING DOWN THE KENNEDY EXPRESSWAY AND WONDERED WHO IS BEHIND THE ARTWORK SEEN ON THE WINTRUST BILLBOARD?

WE SURE EXACTLY HOW WINTRUST BEING PARTNERS WITH ORGANIZATIONS AROUND THE CITY TO BRING THESE CREATIONS TO LIFE.

>> Reporter: IT IS ONE OF THE CITY'S BIGGEST AND MOST VISIBLE FORMS OF PUBLIC ART, EASILY SEEN FROM THE KENNEDY EXPRESSWAY.

WITH A THREE YEAR WAITING LIST, THE WINTRUST BILLBOARD IS EXCLUSIVE TO CHICAGO NONPROFITS THAT HAVE A PARTNERSHIP WITH THE BANK.

DECEMBERS PARTNERSHIP IS WITH THE DANIEL MURPHY SCHOLARSHIP FUND.

THE NONPROFIT IS CHOSEN AND THEN THEY PICK WHICHEVER ARTIST THEY WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH.

>> NOTICE ON THE VERY TOP ON THE WATER TOWERS THE WINTRUST LOGO.

>> Reporter: THIS MONTHS WINTRUST MURAL BUILDING WAS DESIGNED BY KAREN SPEARS.

HER BRIGHT AND ENCOURAGING MESSAGES BLOWN UP TO MATCH THE SIZE OF THE BILLBOARD.

WITH ALL THREE SIDES WEIGHING A TOTAL OF NEARLY 1500 POUNDS OF VINYL MESH.

>> THIS MOMENT FEELS SO GREAT, NOT JUST TO REPRESENT DANIEL MURPHY, BUT TO REPRESENT MY CITY.

THE CITY THAT MADE ME.

AND BEING ABLE TO SHARE MY ART WITH HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE DRIVING PAST EVERY DAY.

IT IS SO REWARDING.

THIS IS A HUGE OPPORTUNITY.

I WOULD HOPE THAT IT OPENS UP MORE DOORS NOT ONLY FOR MY ARTISTRY, BUT FOR MILLIONS OF OTHER PEOPLE WHO NOW KNOW WHO AND WHAT THEY DO.

>> WE ARE CHICAGO'S LARGEST HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP GRANT AND AWARD AGENT.

KAREN IS AN AWESOME REPRESENTATION OF WHAT WE HOPE OUR SCHOLARS BECOME.

SHE HAS AN ARTIST, AN ENTREPRENEUR, A BUSINESS WOMAN.

SHE REALLY IS JUST AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT WE HOPE THESE SCHOLARS BECOME.

THEY ARE BORN LEADERS AND WE HELP THEM CULTIVATE THAT PASSION AND INTEREST.

>> WORDS HAVE POWER AND ART HAS THE ABILITY TO INSPIRE.

SO, IN DESIGNING THIS WINTRUST MURAL, THE BIGGEST THING I WANTED TO INCORPORATE INTO THE DESIGN ARE POWERFUL WORDS AND EYE-CATCHING COLORS.

>> Reporter: IT IS THE EYE-CATCHING COLOR GRAFFITI THAT SETS THE TONE FOR A THREE-PART STORY THAT DEPICTS THE ORGANIZATION AND LIFELONG SUPPORT.

>> THE SECOND PANEL FEATURES THREE SCHOLARS, YOUNG PEOPLE GOING THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL AND REPRESENTS THE SUPPORT THAT DANIEL MURPHY OFFERS THROUGHOUT THE PROGRAM.

THE LAST PANEL REPRESENTS THEM EMBARKING IN THE BIG CITY.

THEY ARE ADULTS NOW AND THEY HAVE GONE THROUGH THE PROGRAM WITH THE PEOPLE THEY STARTED WITH AND NOW THEY ARE EMBARKING ON THIS JOURNEY OF CAREERS TOGETHER.

SO THAT'S REALLY SUMMED UP MY PERSONAL JOURNEY.

AND WHAT I REQUESTED IN THE PIECES.

>> Reporter: WHILE THIS MURAL IS ONLY UP FOR A MONTH, WINTRUST SAYS IT HAS SEEN THE SUPPORT EACH ORGANIZATION SEES EXTEND BEYOND THE DURATION OF THE BILLBOARD.

>> I THINK IT IS A GREAT CHANCE TO CATCH PEOPLE.

THEY ARE NOT IN THE MUSEUM.

THEY ARE KIND OF CAPTIVE.

IT IS A GREAT CHANCE TO SHOW PEOPLE ART ON AN OTHERWISE DAILY DRUDGE.

>> EVEN ENCOURAGE MORE YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE LIKE ME, BRIGHT-EYED KAREN IN EIGHTH GRADE, WANTING MORE FOR HER FAMILY.

THIS IS TRULY A PIVOTAL MOMENT AND I HOPE MORE PEOPLE GET INVOLVED WITH THE ORGANIZATION.

>> Reporter: FOR "CHICAGO TONIGHT", I AM ANGEL IDOWU.

>> YOU CAN CATCH THE UPLIFTING TOMORROW LEADERS BILLBOARD FROM THE KENNEDY EXPRESSWAY NOW THROUGH THE END OF THE YEAR.

>>> STILL TO COME ON "CHICAGO TONIGHT", RESIDENTS IN ALTGELD GARDENS ARE UNDERTAKING ENVIRONMENTAL EQUITY FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

THAT AND MORE FROM CHICAGO'S FAR SOUTH SIDE.

>>> IT IS THAT TIME OF YEAR.

HOLIDAYS, PRESENCE, AND A RISE IN HEART ATTACKS.

A LOOK AT WHY THAT IS AND HOW YOU OR SOMEONE YOU LOVE CAN AVOID A TRIP TO THE HOSPITAL.

>>> AND HE HAS BEEN IN SPORTS BROADCASTING FOR 50 YEARS AND CALLED PLAY-BY-PLAY FOR NBA GAMES FOR 25.

CHUCK SWIRSKY TALKS ABOUT HIS CAREER.

ALWAYS A PLEASURE.

>>> FIRST, MORE OF TODAY'S TOP STORIES.

TODAY MARKS THE TWO-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE FIRST COVID-19 VACCINES ADMINISTERED IN CHICAGO.

MORE THAN 5.6 MILLION VACCINES HAVE BEEN ADMINISTERED IN THE CITY AND MORE THAN 2 MILLION CHICAGOANS HAVE RECEIVED AT LEAST ONE DOSE.

BUT CHICAGO'S TOP DOCTOR SAYS THE PANDEMIC IS FAR FROM OVER.

>> WE ARE ON THE INCREASE AGAIN, FROM COVID-19.

WE ARE SEEING ABOUT 600 CHICAGOANS A DAY BEING DIAGNOSED WITH COVID-19 INFORMAL SETTINGS.

>> THE CITY HEALTH DEPARTMENT SAYS UNVACCINATED CHICAGOANS ARE TWICE AS LIKELY TO GET COVID COMPARED TO THOSE WHO ARE UP-TO-DATE WITH VACCINES AND BOOSTERS AND THREE TIMES MORE LIKELY TO BE HOSPITALIZED.

>>> THE LATEST REPORT ASSESSING THE CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT FINDS IT IS MAKING SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS FOR REFORM.

THE REPORT FINDS PRELIMINARY COMPLIANCE IN 78% OF THE PARAGRAPHS TO DATE.

THIS INCLUDES CRITICAL UPDATES TO POLICY AND TRAINING.

THE CONSENT DECREE REQUIRES THE DEPARTMENT TO CONTINUE TO TRAIN OFFICERS AND PERSONNEL, PROVIDE MEANINGFUL SUPERVISION AND DEMONSTRATE REFORMS INGRAINED IN THE DAILY PRACTICES AND TRANSPARENT DATA.

>>> GOVERNOR JB PRITZKER ISSUED A PROCLAMATION MAKING THE NEW CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT OFFICIAL.

>> I SAID WE WERE GOING TO BAN THREE WORDS FROM THE DICTIONARY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, RIGHT-TO-WORK.

TODAY WE ARE GETTING THAT DONE.

EVERY WORKER FROM CHICAGO TO EAST ST. LOUIS NOW HAS THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS TO ORGANIZE THE WORKPLACE, NO MATTER WHAT.

>> WHAT ADVOCATES CALL THE WORKERS RIGHT AMENDMENT GUARANTEES A CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING.

A PEST OF 55.4% OF TOTAL BALLOTS AND LAST MIDTERM ELECTION.

THE GOVERNOR MUST ISSUE A PROCLAMATION AFTER IT IS CERTIFIED BY THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS.

>>> CHICAGO EXTENDS THE DEADLINE FOR ITS RESILIENCY POLICE PROGRAM.

THE PROGRAM IS PROVIDING $500 RELIEF PAYMENTS UP TO 4000 ELIGIBLE CHICAGOANS.

MORE THAN 2000 AWARDS ARE STILL AVAILABLE AND CHICAGOANS NOW HAVE UNTIL THE END OF THE MONTH TO APPLY.

THOSE WHO CLAIMED ON THE 2019 TEXAS MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY.

>>> AND NOW BACK TO PARIS SCHUTZ IN ALTGELD GARDENS AS PART OF OUR IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SERIES.

>> Reporter: WE TALKED ABOUT THE HISTORY AND PERHAPS WE FAILED TO TALK ABOUT THE MOST FAMOUS PART OF THE HISTORY.

A YOUNG COMMUNITY ORGANIZER CAME TO ALTGELD GARDENS.

HIS NAME WAS BARACK OBAMA.

BUT HE MIGHT NOT BE THE MOST FAMOUS ORGANIZER HERE, BECAUSE EVERYWHERE YOU GO, STREET SIGNS AND PAINTINGS.

JOHNSON REALLY MADE THE CAUSE FAMOUS THROUGHOUT THE NATION.

EARLIER TODAY WE SPOKE WITH HER DAUGHTER, CHERYL JOHNSON, WHO IS KEEPING THAT LEGACY ALIVE.

I BEGAN BY ASKING HER TAKE ON THE REDLINE EXTENSION NEWS.

>> IT IS GOING TO BE A POSITIVE GAME CHANGER FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

WE HAVE BEEN SO DISINVESTED IN FOR DECADES, SO TO HAVE A MAJOR DEVELOPMENT LIKE THIS COME DOWN TO OUR COMMUNITIES, IT IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY.

IT WILL REDUCE THE TREMENDOUS OVERLOAD WE HAVE ON THE BUS THAT TAKES PEOPLE.

>> MORE OPTIONS HERE.

YOU TALK ABOUT THIS INVESTMENT.

ALTGELD GARDENS GOING WAY BACK HAS A HISTORY OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS.

ASBESTOS PROBLEMS IN THE GROUND.

LANDFILL OVER THERE.

INDUSTRY EVERYWHERE.

HAS ANY OF THAT IMPROVED OVER THE YEARS?

>> OVER THE YEARS I CAN SAY IT IMPROVED BECAUSE WE HAVE NO ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES THAT WERE PASSED.

THERE ARE A LOT OF ISSUES OF COMMUNITY IMPACT THAT WE ARE ADDRESSING FROM ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT.

SO WHEN YOU LOOK AT ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES, QUALITY OF LIFE, OF EXPOSURES, YOU KNOW, WE TALK ABOUT PARTICULAR MATTERS.

THE EMISSIONS FROM THE SMOKESTACKS.

WE DON'T HAVE THAT AS MUCH AS THE TONNAGE OF THE POLLUTANTS IN THE AIR.

WE HAVE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS, BUT WE DON'T HAVE THE MILLIONS ANYMORE.

>> Reporter: SO A HUGE IMPROVEMENT.

OBVIOUSLY THE WORK THAT YOU DO, IT IS A FAMILY BUSINESS.

YOUR MOTHER, A LEGEND DOWN HERE.

REMIND VIEWERS WHAT HER LIFEWORK WAS ABOUT.

>> ABOUT CONNECTING INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION TO PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES.

SHE WAS ABLE TO SAY THAT DURING THE TIME THAT WE GOT STARTED IN THE 1970S, THERE WAS A MOVEMENT AROUND EARTH DAY.

EXPOSED TO INDUSTRIAL POLLUTION.

SHE REALLY SPEARHEADED LOOKING AT URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND NEGATIVE IMPACT ON COMMUNITY AND PARTICULARLY COMMUNITY OF COLOR.

ASTHMA, CANCER.

WE LEARNED THAT WE HAD THE HIGHEST RISK OF CANCER OF ANY AREA IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO BASED ON THIS AND WE WERE NUMBER ONE.

WE MADE THE CONNECTION AND SHE CALLED OUR COMMUNITY THE TOXIC DONUT.

WE ARE LIKE THE CITY CENTER OF THE DONUT.

350 POLLUTING ENTITIES.

UNDERGROUND LEAKING STORAGE TANKS.

JUST A HOST OF 19 MILES OF WATER WAS CONTAMINATED.

>> Reporter: IT WAS A PERFECT STORM OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION.

IN FACT WE HAVE A CLIP OF YOUR MOTHER TALKING ABOUT WHAT IT WAS LIKE TO LIVE IN ALTGELD GARDENS AT THE TIME.

>> IT WAS LIKE LIVING IN HELL BECAUSE IT MAKES YOU SICK ALL THE TIME AND IT IS SICK TO KNOW THAT PEOPLE IN OUR AREA, AND ISOLATED AREA , A FORGOTTEN AREA THAT NO ONE CARES ABOUT.

>> Reporter: WHAT HAS CHANGED AS A RESULT OF THE WORK THAT SHE DID OVERALL AND THE AWARENESS THAT SHE RAISED?

>> WELL, ACTUALLY, WORKING FROM A NATIONAL LEVEL TO SEE THAT PRESIDENT BIDEN MENTIONED ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND THE DISINVESTMENT THAT IS ASSOCIATED IN OUR COMMUNITY, THAT IS HUGE.

BECAUSE THE ALLOCATED RESOURCES TO HAVE FRONT-LINE COMMUNITIES TO GET THE RESOURCES NEEDED TO MAKE CHANGES IN THEIR COMMUNITY.

IT IS A PROCESS.

THE EXPERIENCE IN WORKING FOR NEARLY 40 YEARS, I CAN SEE THAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT ALTERNATIVE ENERGY, FOR EXAMPLE.

SOMETHING MY MOTHER TALKED ABOUT.

WE CALL THEM WIND TURBINES.

YOU KNOW, SHE WOULD TALK ABOUT THAT WE NEED TO CHANGE THE WAY, WITH ALTERNATIVE ENERGY.

WE NEED TO START USING FOSSIL FUEL, FOR EXAMPLE.

SHE DIDN'T SAY SOLAR PANELS, BUT SHE SAID WE NEED ALTERNATIVES.

THE THINGS SHE TALKED ABOUT 30 YEARS AGO ARE THE THINGS WE ARE TRYING TO ADDRESS TODAY.

>> Reporter: THAT WAS OUR CONVERSATION WITH CHERYL JOHNSON AND WE WILL BE BACK WITH MORE ON LIFE IN ALTGELD GARDENS, PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE, IN JUST A BIT.

FIRST WE TOSS IT BACK TO YOU.

>> PARIS, WE WILL SEE YOU SOON.

>>> IT IS THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR BUT ALSO A TIME WHEN HEART ATTACKS AND STROKES SPIKE.

RESEARCH SHOWS HEART ATTACKS SPIKE IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS OF THE YEAR ALONE.

HERE TO EXPLAIN WHAT IT IS THAT CAUSES THIS INCREASE AND WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR IS DR. JONES, CHAIR AT NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> THANK YOU.

>> EXPLAINED FIRSTLY THE COLD WEATHER AND HOW THAT IS A FACTOR.

>> IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT.

THERE ARE OVER 1.2 MILLION HEART ATTACKS IN THE UNITED STATES EACH YEAR.

25,000 PER WEEK.

IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS OF THE YEAR WE DO SEE A SPIKE.

IT IS SHORT AND SHARP AND SOME OF IT IS PROBABLY RELATED TO THE WEATHER.

COLD AIR POOLS COOLS THE BLOOD AND CAN CAUSE ARTERIES TO CONSTRICT.

WITH YOU ALREADY HAVE COMPROMISED BLOOD FLOW TO YOUR HEART MUSCLE AND IT IS CONSTRICTED MORE, THAT CAN LIMIT THE BLOOD TO THE HEART.

>> I IMAGINE SOME OTHER FACTORS AROUND THE HOLIDAYS, STRESS, EATING, DRINKING.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

THE HOLIDAYS CAN OFTEN KNOCK US OFF OF OUR ROUTINE.

PEOPLE ARE TRAVELING AND THEY MIGHT FORGET THE MEDICATIONS WERE FORGET TO TAKE THE MEDICATIONS ON TIME.

OVERINDULGING IN FOOD OR ALCOHOL, BUT ALSO THE STRESS OF BEING WITH IN-LAWS ARE NOT GETTING AS MUCH SLEEP AS USUAL.

GETTING KNOCKED OFF ROUTINE IS A STRESS TEST FOR THE HEART.

>> ALL OF THE THINGS WE HAVE TO DO AROUND THE HOLIDAYS.

WHAT ARE THINGS TO LOOK OUT FOR?

>> CLASSIC SYMPTOMS ARE HEAVY, CRUSHING PRESSURE IN THE CHEST OR SUDDEN ONSET OF SEVERE SHORTNESS OF BREATH.

SOMETIMES IT IS PROFOUND FATIGUE.

IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THOSE SYMPTOMS IT IS NOT WORTH MESSING AROUND WITH.

CALL 911 OR GET YOURSELF TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.

>> IN ADDITION TO SYMPTOMS BEING DIFFERENT FOR WOMEN, WHY IS THAT?

>> WE DON'T UNDERSTAND ALL OF THEM FOR SURE, BUT WOMEN'S ANATOMY IS DIFFERENT AND SOMETIMES CHANGES THE WAY THEY REPORT BACK TO THE BRAIN.

>> IS A RESULT OF A HEART ATTACK IN WOMEN MAY BE MISTAKEN OR MISSED.

>> PEOPLE DISMISS SYMPTOMS AS WELL.

THAT COULD BE HEART DISEASE.

>> STROKES ALSO SPIKE THIS TIME OF YEAR, WHY IS THAT?

>> THE THINGS THAT UNDERLIE HEART ATTACK AND STROKE RISK ARE IDENTICAL.

SO, THEY DO TRAVEL TOGETHER.

PEOPLE NEED TO LOOK OUT BECAUSE EVERY SINGLE MINUTE COUNTS WHEN YOU'RE HAVING A STROKE.

SO, WEAKNESS IN ONE ARM OR LEG THAT IS NEW.

SPEECH DIFFICULTIES.

THESE ARE THE THINGS THAT TELL YOU IT IS TIME TO CALL 911.

>> IS THERE AN ACRONYM TO REMEMBER THAT?

>> THERE IS.

FACE DROOPING.

ARM ON ONE SIDE.

SPEECH DIFFICULTY.

T, TIME TO CALL 911.

>> HOW DO WE AVOID SORT OF ALL OF THE FACTORS?

>> TIME FOR SELF-CARE.

MAKE SURE YOU ARE GETTING PLENTY OF SLEEP.

DON'T OVERINDULGE IN ALCOHOL.

DON'T OVERINDULGING TOO MUCH FOOD.

REALLY JUST TRY TO AVOID SOME OF THOSE STRESSORS.

>> DOCTORS ORDERS?

THERE YOU GO.

ALL RIGHT, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US.

WE APPRECIATE IT.

>> THANK YOU.

>>> UP NEXT, A FAMILIAR VOICE TO FANS.

>>> CHICAGO FANS WILL RECOGNIZE OUR NEXT GUEST, SINCE HE HAS BEEN THE RADIO PLAY-BY-PLAY VOICE FOR THE TEAM SINCE 2008.

CHUCK SWIRSKY'S BROADCASTING CAREER SPANS 50 YEARS AND 26 AS AN NBA BROADCASTER.

THIS PIONEER HAS COVERED MANY ICONIC MOMENTS IN SPORTS HISTORY AND CHUCK SWIRSKY JOINS US NOW TO TALK ABOUT HIS CAREER AND HIS NEW BOOK, CALLED "ALWAYS A PLEASURE".

IT IS A PLEASURE TO HAVE YOU HERE ON "CHICAGO TONIGHT", WELCOME BACK.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> BEFORE WE GET INTO SPORTS AND SPORTS BROADCASTING, LET'S LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR MOTHER BECAUSE YOU DESCRIBE HER AS THE SINGLE BIGGEST INFLUENCE IN YOUR LIFE.

>> SHE WAS A SCHOOLTEACHER WHO RAISED THREE CHILDREN.

MY FATHER DIED IN SIXTH GRADE.

SHE TOOK ON TWO ADDITIONAL JOBS.

SHE WAS WORKING THREE JOBS SIMULTANEOUSLY AND WAS AN UNBELIEVABLE HUMAN BEING.

SHE NEVER COMPLAINED.

HER WORK ETHIC WAS OFF THE CHARTS.

SHE HAD A BIG PERSONALITY.

SHE HAD THE ITALIAN FIRE IN HER AND IT WAS A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE, IT REALLY WAS.

>> WHAT OF HER AND OF ALL OF THAT DID YOU TAKE?

>> GOOD QUESTION.

I WOULD SAY, SHE WAS UNIQUE.

I WILL SAY THIS.

SHE WAS COMPASSIONATE, SHE WAS KIND, SHE WAS GIVING.

SHE WAS SELFLESS.

>> ONE OF THE THINGS THAT STANDS OUT IS HOW FORTUNATE YOU WERE TO HAVE A POSITIVE MENTOR AS YOU ARE FINDING YOUR WAY IN THE WORLD.

>> A COUPLE OF THEM, VINCE BAGLEY, ATV SPORTS ANCHOR IN BALTIMORE.

I TRAVELED TO SEATTLE WHERE I GREW UP TO BALTIMORE, EVERY SUMMER.

STAYED WITH THE FAMILY.

EVERY SINGLE GAME.

FOX SPORTS.

THE ORIOLES GAMES.

WE WOULD GO TO PRACTICES.

AND I MEAN IT WAS UNBELIEVABLE.

THE VOICE OF THE DETROIT TIGERS, I MEAN, JOE TATE, WHO WAS AN INCREDIBLE BASKETBALL PLAY-BY-PLAY ANNOUNCER FOR THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS.

OTHER INDIVIDUALS OUTSIDE OF SPORTS BASICALLY SAID, GUESS WHAT?

YOU NEED GUIDANCE, YOU NEED DIRECTION AND I AM HERE TO HELP.

WITHOUT THAT MENTORSHIP AND LEADERSHIP, I WOULD NOT BE WHERE I AM TODAY.

>> FAST FORWARD TO YOUR FIRST SET IN CHICAGO.

LET'S START WITH BECOMING A PIONEER IN SPORTS TALK RADIO AND HOW DID THAT COME ABOUT?

>> THAT CAME ABOUT BECAUSE A HEADLINER CALLED ME.

FROM COLUMBUS, OHIO.

OUT OF THE BLUE I GET A CALL.

HEY, WE HAVE AN OPENING AND I SAID, WHAT?

I THOUGHT IT WAS A FRIEND AND I HUNG UP.

I WAS READY TO GO ON RADIO AND I THOUGHT IT WAS A PRANK CALL.

HE GOES BACK AND SAID, GOOD LUCK TO YOU.

SO, THE FIRST NIGHT ON THE AIR, WE GOT TWO CALLS.

A FOUR-HOUR PROGRAM.

WE WERE THE LOWEST RATED IN AMERICAN BROADCAST HISTORY.

WE HAD NO COMMERCIALS.

SO I ENDED UP INTERVIEWING MYSELF.

CHUCK, WHAT YOU THINK OF THE CUBS?

GOOD QUESTION.

WE HAD TWO COLORS AND ONE WAS THE WRONG NUMBER.

I KEPT HER ON THE LINE FOR 20 MINUTES.

THE OTHER WAS ORDERING PIZZA AND THAT IS HOW I LEARNED ABOUT DEEP DISH PIZZA.

NOT BEING FROM CHICAGO, I WAS UNFAMILIAR WITH DEEP DISH PIZZA AND THAT WAS MY FIRST NIGHT ON THE AIR.

>> WHAT WAS IT LIKE WORKING WITH STEVE DALL?

>> STEVE WAS INTERESTING FROM THE STANDPOINT THAT HE WAS A PIONEER IN ROCK AND ROLL RADIO.

HE WAS HOWARD STERN, BEFORE HOWARD STERN.

AND I TELL YOU WHAT, I HAD A LOT OF RESPECT FOR STEVE, BECAUSE HE WOULD PUT HIS MARK ON THE MAP.

IT WAS UNCHARTED WATERS AND STEVE, TO THIS DAY, IF YOU TALK ABOUT THE HISTORY OF ROCK 'N ROLL RADIO, THE HISTORY OF COMMUNICATORS IN OUR BUSINESS, STEVE DALL WOULD BE IN THE FIRST CHAPTER.

>> YOU ARE THEREFORE THE CHICAGO BEARS SUPER BOWL WIN AND IT MUST'VE BEEN AN INCREDIBLE TIME TO BE A SPORTS BROADCASTER IN CHICAGO.

HOW DO YOU REMEMBER IT?

>> I REMEMBER THE 1985 BEARS WITH WALTER PAYTON.

YOU CAN GO DOWN THE LIST.

THERE WERE SO MANY CHARACTERS.

THE FRIDGE.

MIKE SINGLETARY AND ON AND ON AND ON AND OF COURSE, THE COACH.

THE 1985 BEARS, AS FAR AS CHICAGO SPORTS IS CONCERNED, YOU WILL BE ABLE TO TALK ABOUT THEM IN 85 YEARS.

THAT IS WHAT THEY DID FOR THIS CITY.

THEY REPLACED DALLAS AS AMERICA'S TEAM DURING THAT WINTER.

>> WE DON'T HAVE TO WAIT ANOTHER 85 YEARS.

>> AGREED.

>> SO AGAIN, WHAT TEMPTED YOU BACK TO CHICAGO, BECAUSE AT TIMES YOU WERE IN TORONTO AND FAIRLY HAPPY?

>> YES, LOVED TORONTO, LOVED THE OWNERSHIP, BUT IT IS ONE CALL.

I LOVE JERRY, LOVE MICHAEL.

IT IS A GREAT FAMILY AND NOT BECAUSE OF X'S AND O'S AND CHAMPIONSHIPS AND WHATNOT, IT IS BECAUSE OF WHAT THEY ARE DOING IN THE COMMUNITY.

FOR FAMILIES.

FOR CHILDREN.

FOR SCHOOLS.

FOR CHARITIES.

TO ME, THAT SPEAKS VOLUMES.

SO, WHEN THE BULLS CALLED, I SAID LISTEN -- >> NOW IN YOUR 25th SEASON AS AN NBA BROADCASTER AND YOUR ENTHUSIASM FOR THE GAME, AS I'M TALKING TO YOU RIGHT NOW, HAS NOT DIMINISHED.

A LOT OF FOLKS WHO HAVE KNOWN AND WORKED FOR YOU AND WITH YOU WILL TALK ABOUT HOW POSITIVE YOU ARE.

WHERE DOES THAT POSITIVITY COME FROM?

>> IT STARTED WITH MY MOM AND MY GRANDMOTHER.

AND MENTORS ALONG THE WAY.

BUT HERE IS THE THING.

IF YOU FIND SOMETHING THAT YOU ARE VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT, WHETHER IT IS BROADCASTING, WHETHER IT IS TEACHING, WHETHER IT IS LAW, WHATEVER THE CASE MAY BE.

IF YOU EMBRACE THAT AND YOU GRAVITATE TO SOMETHING THAT YOU TRULY, TRULY LOVE, EACH AND EVERY DAY LIKE I DO, CALLING BULLS BASKETBALL AND BEING AROUND THE GAME AND PLAYERS.

BEING AROUND THE COACHES.

I LOVE IT.

SO HERE I AM, 25 YEARS LATER, READY TO CALL MY 2000 NBA GAME NEXT MONTH AND I AM STILL FIRED UP LIKE I WAS A 7-YEAR-OLD CALLING A GAME OFF THE TV IN MY HOUSE.

>> WE'VE GOT ABOUT 30 SECONDS.

WHAT ARE THEY?

>> POSITIVITY.

PASSION.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, PERSEVERANCE.

BECAUSE LIFE IS NOT A STRAIGHT LINE.

YOU ARE GOING TO GET KNOCKED DOWN, BUT YOU ALWAYS BOUNCE BACK UP.

>> WORDS OF WISDOM.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> THANK YOU.

>> AND CHUCK SWIRSKY'S NEW BOOK IS CALLED "ALWAYS A PLEASURE".

YOU CAN READ AN EXCERPT ON OUR WEBSITE.

>>> THERE IS MORE "CHICAGO TONIGHT" JUST AHEAD, STICK AROUND.

>>> AND NOW WE CHECK BACK IN WITH PARIS SCHUTZ WHO IS IN ALTGELD GARDENS AS PART OF OUR IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SERIES.

PARIS.

>> Reporter: RESIDENTS HERE KNOW ABOUT CHUCK SWIRSKY, BECAUSE THEY GET KNOCKED DOWN AND KEEP GETTING BACK UP.

NOW I AM JOINED BY A LONGTIME RESIDENT AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZER, NATHANIEL JENKINS.

HE HAS LIVED HERE FOR 32 OF 37 YEARS.

HAVE THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IMPROVED AND WHAT STILL REMAINS A PROBLEM?

>> I THINK THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS IMPROVED A LITTLE BIT BECAUSE OF PEOPLE LIKE CHERYL JOHNSON.

JUST THROUGH THE YEARS YOU CAN TELL IT IS GETTING A LITTLE BIT BETTER, BUT IT IS STILL A PROBLEM BECAUSE THERE ARE STILL PEOPLE, GRANDPARENTS DYING NOW OF CANCER.

RIGHT NOW I HAVE BRONCHITIS AND THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE OUT HERE WITH ASTHMA.

A LOT OF IT IS BECAUSE OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE INDUSTRIES AND THE WASTELAND THAT WE ARE AROUND, THAT WE LIVE AROUND.

>> Reporter: ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT YOUR FUTURE, GIVEN WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO?

>> YES, I AM WORRIED ABOUT MY FUTURE AND THE KIDS AND THE COMMUNITY'S FUTURE.

EVERYBODY ELSE'S FUTURE OUT HERE.

I GO TO THE DOCTOR, TO CHECK ON MY HEALTH.

AND I WOULD HOPE THAT EVERYBODY ELSE DOES, BECAUSE IT IS A PROBLEM THAT CAN BECOME A BIGGER PROBLEM.

>> Reporter: WHEN WE TALKED TO RESIDENTS, THE NUMBER ONE THING THEY ARE SAYING, THEY FEEL LIKE THEY ARE ON AN ISLAND.

NOT A LOT OF FOOD OPTIONS OR PUBLIC TRANSIT.

DOES IT FEEL LIKE AN ISLAND, FORGOTTEN A LITTLE BIT?

>> YES.

BACK IN THE DAY IT USED TO REALLY FEEL LIKE AN ISLAND.

NOW HAVING YOUR OWN TRANSPORTATION IS REALLY A MUST.

THE FARM, WE HAVE THAT IS A STORE WHERE WE COULD GET FOOD PRODUCTS AND STUFF LIKE THAT.

IT IS NOT THERE ANYMORE.

SO YOU NEED TO GET ON A BUS OR TRAIN.

IT DOES FEEL LIKE AN ISLAND IF YOU DON'T HAVE TRANSPORTATION.

>> Reporter: AND THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF FUNDING FOR THE REDLINE EXTENSION, IF IT HAPPENS IT WILL BE A FEW YEARS AWAY, BUT DO YOU THINK THAT WILL HELP, THOUGH?

>> I THINK IT WILL HELP A WHOLE LOT.

IF YOU CAN JUST GET ON THE TRAIN AND GO DOWNTOWN AND GO TO OTHER PLACES, IT GIVES YOU OPPORTUNITY TO JUST DO DIFFERENT THINGS AND CREATE A BETTER LIVING FOR YOURSELF.

>> Reporter: MUCH NEEDED AND EVERYONE JUMPING FOR JOY WITH THAT VOTE YESTERDAY.

WE MENTIONED BARACK OBAMA.

WHEN HE CAME TO CHICAGO, HE CAME TO ALTGELD GARDENS TO ORGANIZE.

YOU HAVE BEEN HERE FOR 32 YEARS.

WERE YOU AROUND FOR THAT?

>> YES, HE WAS A SENATOR THEN.

I DID NOT GET A CHANCE TO SHAKE HIS HAND, BUT I WAS CLOSE.

I DID GET A CHANCE TO SEE HIM AND IT WAS GOOD TO KNOW THAT I THANKED HIM AND HE BECAME THE PRESIDENT.

>> Reporter: IT STARTED RIGHT HERE.

THIS IS WHERE THE JOURNEY BEGAN.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US, STAY WARM.

ALL THE BEST.

ALL RIGHT, BRANDIS, THAT IS IT FROM ALTGELD GARDENS.

WE WILL CLOSE THE SHOW WITH YOU IN JUST A BIT, BUT I WILL POSIT BACK TO YOU NOW.

>> PARIS, THANK YOU.

>>> WE ARE BACK TO WRAP THINGS UP AFTER THIS.

>> "CHICAGO TONIGHT" TONIGHT IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY -- >>> THAT IS OUR SHOW FOR THIS THURSDAY NIGHT.

DON'T FORGET TO STAY CONNECTED WITH US BY SIGNING UP FOR OUR DAILY BRIEFING.

AND OUR WEBSITE, WTTW.COM.

>>> AND YOU CAN GET THE PODCAST IN THE PBS VIDEO APP AND JOIN US AS ALWAYS TOMORROW NIGHT FOR THE WEEK IN REVIEW.

FOR ALL OF US AT "CHICAGO TONIGHT", I AM PARIS SCHUTZ.

>> AND I AM BRANDIS FRIEDMAN.

THANKS FOR WATCHING.

I HOPE YOU ARE SAFE AND HAVE A GOOD NIGHT.