>>> GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME TO CHICAGO TONIGHT.

I AM BRENDA FREEMAN.

>> ON THE SHOW TONIGHT, WINTER WEATHER APPROACHING CHICAGO COULD SMELL HER WINTER WEATHER PLANS.

>>> WE ARE BEING BLAMED FOR EVERY MADMAN.

>> GUN RIGHTS GROUPS ARE REJECTING BANS ON CERTAIN CLASSES OF GUNS.

>>> HEATING HOMES AND WHAT THAT COULD MEAN FOR THE FUTURE OF ENERGY.

>>> POLICE SCANNERS ACROSS THE CITY ARE GOING QUIET.

>>> SOME ARE CALLING FOR THE DEMOLITION OF UNAUTHORIZED CONSTRUCTION NEXT TO A LANDMARK BUILDING IN HUMBOLDT PARK.

>>> AS THE HOLIDAYS APPROACH, WE WILL TALK ABOUT HEALTH AND NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS WITH A HEALTH SPECIALIST.

>>> LONGTIME ACTOR ISAIAH WASHINGTON SHARES THOUGHTS ABOUT HIS NEW FILM.

>>> BEHIND IN YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING?

BAKE THROUGH WHAT IS ON OFFER AT CHICAGO TRADE FOR LAST-MINUTE GIFTS.

>>> MORE TRAGEDY INSIDE THE CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT IS ANOTHER OFFICER APPEARS TO HAVE TAKEN THEIR OWN LIFE.

THE DEPARTMENT SAYS THAT THE OFF-DUTY OFFICER WAS DISCOVERED INSIDE A RESIDENCE LOCATED IN THE 25th DISTRICT ON THE WEST SIDE EARLY THIS MORNING.

IN A STATEMENT, CPD SAYS THE CAUSE AND MANNER OF DEATH WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE MEDICAL EXAMINER, HOWEVER AT THIS TIME IT APPEARS TO BE AN APPARENT SUICIDE.

THE CHICAGO SUN-TIMES REPORTS THAT THE OFFICER HAS BEEN ON THE POLICE FORCE FOR FIVE YEARS AND WAS WORKING AS A TECHNICAL OFFICER DOWNTOWN.

AT LEAST SEVEN CHICAGO POLICE OFFICERS ARE REPORTED TO HAVE COMMITTED SUICIDE THIS YEAR.

>>> ALMOST 3 MILLION TRAVELERS ARE EXPECTED TO PASS THROUGH O'HARE AND MIDWAY AIRPORTS OVER THE HOLIDAY.

THE DEPARTMENT OF AVIATION SAYS THAT BASED ON PROJECTIONS FROM THE AIRLINES, 2.9 MILLION FLYERS ARE EXPECTED TO TRAVEL BETWEEN THE 21st AND JANUARY 2nd.

O'HARE IS EXPECTED TO SEE A 4.7 MILLION PASSENGER INCREASE, WHILE MIDWAY IS SEEING A 26% SURGE.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22nd IS EXPECTED TO BE THE BUSIEST TRAVEL DAY.

>> WE WILL SEE HOW THAT GOES.

HOLIDAY TRAVEL COULD BE DELAYED BY APPROACHING BAD WEATHER.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IS WARNING OF DANGEROUS TRAVEL CONDITIONS WHICH TAKE EFFECT THURSDAY THROUGH LATE FRIDAY NIGHT.

THESE INCLUDE WIND GUSTS OF UP TO 55 MILES PER HOUR WITH POSSIBLE WHITEOUT CONDITIONS AND POWER OUTAGES.

>>> COMING UP IN THE PROGRAM, GUNOWNERS WEIGH IN ON A POTENTIAL ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN.

>>> PLUS MORE ON WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT WITH THE WINTER STORM ANTICIPATED FOR LATER THIS WEEK.

IT IS RIGHT AFTER THIS.

>>> WE MAY GET A WHITE CHRISTMAS BUT THAT IS NOT THE BIGGEST WEATHER NEWS.

WEATHER FORECASTERS ARE PREDICTING POSSIBLE BLIZZARD CONDITIONS STARTING THURSDAY.

THEY EXPECT HIGH WINDS, POOR VISIBILITY AND EXTREME COLD TO ARRIVE JUST AS THE CITY ANTICIPATES A SURGE IN HOLIDAY AIR TRAVEL.

JOINING US NOW WITH MORE ON THIS IS THE CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER AND SCOTT COLLINS, AN ATMOSPHERIC SCIENTIST AND DEPARTMENT HEAD AT ARGONNE NATIONAL LABORATORY.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

SCOTT, HAVE BEEN STOCKING THIS FORECAST FOR THE PAST SEVERAL DAYS.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT?

>> THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM WATCH BEGINNING AT NOON ON THURSDAY AND GOING THROUGH FRIDAY AND CHRISTMAS EVE.

THIS IS DUE TO THE LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM, WHICH IS GOING TO RIP THROUGH TEXAS AND ILLINOIS, SORRY, ILLINOIS, OHIO AND MICHIGAN.

ONE HITS MICHIGAN IT WILL INTENSIFY RAPIDLY, THEN CREATE A STRONG PRESSURE GRADIENT OVER ILLINOIS WHICH WILL BRING DOWN REALLY COLD WIND FROM OUR NEIGHBORS TO THE NORTH.

THOSE FLAKES WILL BE FLYING SIDEWAYS.

IT WILL REDUCE VISIBILITY AND MAKE TRAVEL THROUGHOUT OUR REGION VERY HAZARDOUS.

>> JUST TO BE CLEAR, YOU SAID A WINTER STORM WATCH, NOT A WINTER STORM WARNING.

AT SOME POINT I IMAGINE THIS WILL GET CONVERTED?

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

ALL THE INGREDIENTS ARE THERE FOR A WINTER STORM.

A WINTER STORM WARNING MEANS WE ARE HAVING A WINTER STORM.

SO WATCH AS WE GO INTO THURSDAY.

THEY WILL EITHER ISSUE THE STORM WARNING OR PERHAPS A BLIZZARD WARNING, AND THAT IS WHEN WE EXPECT THIS ABILITY TO GET DOWN TO ONE QUARTER MILE.

WIND GUSTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE OVER 35 MILES PER HOUR.

>> HOW DO YOU SUGGEST PEOPLE PREPARE THEMSELVES FOR THIS?

>> WE WORRY WITH THE COLD WEATHER.

PEOPLE ARE AT RISK FOR EXPOSURE TO COLD.

THE AIR BETWEEN THE LAYERS HELPS TO KEEP PEOPLE WARM.

WE WANT PEOPLE TO BE MINDFUL OF FROSTBITE AND EXPOSURE TO EXTREME TEMPERATURES.

IT IS NOT JUST YOUR FINGERS AND TOES.

IT IS YOUR CHEEKS AND YOUR EARS.

COVER-UP.

WE WANT YOU TO BE CAREFUL OUTSIDE BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO SHOVEL SNOW WHILE IT IS COMING DOWN.

THAT WILL CAUSE SOME PROBLEMS.

SO WITH THE COLD EXPOSURE IT CAN TAKE LESS THAN 30 MINUTES TO GET FROSTBITE WHEN THE WIND IS BLOWING LIKE THAT.

THEN IF YOU ARE OUT THERE TRYING TO SHOVEL SNOW YOU CAN CAUSE INCREASED DIFFICULTY.

BEING OUT THERE IN THE COLD INCREASES YOUR HEART RATE AND BLOOD PRESSURE.

SO WE WANT PEOPLE TO TAKE IT EASY AND TAKE FREQUENT BREAKS.

GO INSIDE.

BASICALLY, IF YOU ARE GOING TO SHOVEL SNOW, TAKE YOUR TIME.

IF YOU ARE REALLY FIT AND YOU CAN LIFT THAT SNOW, MAYBE YOU SHOULD CHECK ON YOUR NEIGHBORS.

BE CAREFUL WITH STOVES AND HEATERS.

CHECK ON YOUR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS.

WE WANT PEOPLE TO BE MINDFUL.

THE BIGGEST RISKS ARE THE COLD EXPOSURE, THE RISK OF CARDIAC EVENTS AND THE CARBON MONOXIDE.

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS WORKING IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD AND PAY ATTENTION TO THEM.

IF THEY GO OFF, YOU NEED TO LEAVE.

IF YOU ARE OUTSIDE FEELING LIGHTHEADED AND DIZZY, IT MIGHT BE A CARDIAC EVENT.

YOU NEED TO PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR BODY AND THE SIGNS THAT YOUR BODY IS TELLING YOU.

>> SCOTT, HOW DO WE THINK IT WILL IMPACT AIR TRAVEL?

>> SO YEAH, AIR AND ROAD ARE THE WORST.

AIRLINES DON'T LIKE STRONG WINDS, ESPECIALLY CROSSWINDS.

THEY LIKE TO SEE THE RUNWAY.

ALSO WITH THIS BLOWING SNOW IT CAN BE DIFFICULT TO CLEAR.

AS YOU CLEAR IT IT WILL JUST BLOW BACK IN AND WASH AWAY THOSE CHEMICALS.

ALSO, THE COLD AIR CAN GET DOWN TO ZERO AND EVEN NEGATIVE DEGREES.

IF YOU HAVE A PLAN B AND YOU CAN AND ACTED, NOW IS THE TIME TO ENACT IT.

>> BY FRIDAY IT IS TOO LATE.

>> EXACTLY, IT IS TOO LATE.

THERE WILL BE NO WAY YOU CAN GET IN OR OUT.

>> WHAT DRIVES PEOPLE MOST TO THE E.R.?

>> WELL , WHEN YOUR FINGERS START TO TURN COLORS LIKE RED AND BLUE, YOU WANT TO PAY ATTENTION TO THAT.

CERTAINLY IF THE SKIN BECOMES FIRM OR WAXY THAN YOU ALREADY HAVE FROSTBITE.

SO PAY ATTENTION.

NUMBNESS AND TINGLING ARE THE EARLY SIGNS OF FROSTBITE.

WITH CARDIAC THINGS, I CANNOT MINIMIZE THIS.

THEY MIGHT NOT HAVE CHEST PAIN.

THEY MIGHT HAVE JOB PAIN OR SHORTNESS OF BREATH.

IF YOU DON'T FEEL RIGHT, THEN IT IS TIME TO STOP!

>> ALSO, SYMPTOMS FOR WOMEN ARE DIFFERENT TO MEN.

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

WOMEN SOMETIMES TRY TO PUSH THROUGH.

>> LET'S TALK ABOUT THE PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE THAT WILL ARRIVE IN THE MIDWEST LATER THIS WEEK.

IS THERE ANYTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY FOR THIS SYSTEM?

>> YEAH.

THE WAY IT GETS DOWN AND SUCKS UP THAT MOIST, WET AIR AND THE SPEED AT WHICH THE LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM INTENSIFIES, WE ACTUALLY HAVE A WORD FOR THIS.

IT IS CALLED CYCLE GENESIS.

THAT IS WHY YOU ARE SEEING THE LENGTHS THAT HAVE BEEN USED.

WE ARE BEING VERY CAUTIOUS.

IT IS ACTUALLY THE INTERACTION WITH THE WARM AIR FROM THE GREAT LAKES CAUSING THE RAPID INTENSIFICATION AND MAKING IT SO HARD TO PREDICT.

>> IT SOUNDS LIKE THAT IS WHERE THE MODELS HAVE BEEN CHANGING WITH THE SNOW PREDICTION.

>> THAT'S EXACTLY RIGHT.

THE WIND AND THE VISIBILITY.

>> FINALLY, THANK YOU BOTH FOR JOINING US.

>> THANK YOU.

>> AND NOW, PARIS, BACK TO YOU.

>>> ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS ARE PRESSING FORWARD WITH A PLAN TO BAN WHAT THEY DESCRIBE AS ASSAULT WEAPONS, BUT GUN ADVOCATES SAY THAT IT WILL BE TOSSED BY THE COURTS, THEY BELIEVE.

AMANDA, THIS IS THE SECOND HEARING ON THIS BILL.

WHAT WENT DOWN TODAY?

>> Reporter: WE ARE GOING TO HAVE MORE.

WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW IS THAT THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO BAN SO-CALLED ASSAULT WEAPONS AND ILLINOIS WENT NOWHERE.

A GUNMAN ALLEGEDLY USED AN AR-15 STYLE RIFLE TO INDISCRIMINATELY SHOOT UP AND INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE IN HIGHLAND PARK HEARD SINCE THEN, THE EFFORTS TO BAN SUCH GUNS HAS GAINED MOMENTUM.

LAWMAKERS ARE EXPECTED TO VOTE NEXT MONTH ON A PROPOSAL TO BAN THIS TYPE OF GUN, AS WELL AS WHAT EXPERTS HAVE DESCRIBED AS HIGH-CAPACITY MAGAZINES.

LAST WEEK, MASS SHOOTING VICTIMS SHARED THEIR STORIES AND GAVE THEIR REASONS FOR WANTING TO PREVENT THE SHOOTING OF THESE GUNS.

TODAY, GUN RIGHTS ADVOCATES GOT THEIR TURN.

TODD IS A LONG TIME GUN RIGHTS ADVOCATE.

HE SAYS THAT THE SECOND AMENDMENT IS NOW A SUPERCHARGED RIGHT AND THAT GROUPS LIKE THE NRA WILL USE THAT TO PREVENT ANY ATTEMPT AT BANNING SO-CALLED ASSAULT WEAPONS.

>> GUN OWNERS ARE TIRED OF BEING BLAMED FOR EVERY MADMAN, EVERY CRIMINAL AND EVERY OTHER DEPRAVED ACT THAT ALL THE LAW-ABIDING GUN OWNERS DIDN'T DO.

WE ARE NOT HERE TO NEGOTIATE.

WE ARE HERE TO TELL YOU THAT OF HOUSE BILL 5855 OR ANYTHING REMOTELY LIKE IT PASSES, WE WILL SEE YOU IN COURT.

>> Reporter: GUN RIGHTS ADVOCATES EVEN TAKE ISSUE WITH THE TERM ASSAULT WEAPONS.

HE SAYS THAT MANY OF THE STATS SHOW THESE FIREARMS ARE COMMON.

SOME 20 MILLION AMERICANS OWN AND AR-15-STYLE GUN.

THE LEGISLATION WOULD ALSO BEEN MAGAZINES THAT CARRY MORE THAN 10 ROUNDS.

>> ANYTIME WE OWN HANDGUNS, WE DO NOT HAVE HANDGUN MAGAZINES WITH A LOWER CAPACITY.

THESE MAGAZINES ARE WIDELY USED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AND ARE EFFECTIVE TOOLS FOR SELF DEFENSE.

BANNING STANDARD CAPACITY MAGAZINES WOULD ONLY ALLOW CRIMINALS TO HAVE THE UPPER HAND AGAINST LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS IN SELF-DEFENSE SITUATIONS.

>> Reporter: THEY ALSO HAVE AN ISSUE WITH BANNING THOSE UNDER THE AGE OF 21 FROM HAVING THE ABILITY TO GET A FIREARMS LICENSE, THEREBY LOSING THE ABILITY TO BUY OR OWN GUNS.

>> THIS VIOLATES THE RIGHTS OF THOSE WHO ARE LEGALLY CONSIDERED ADULTS.

>> Reporter: SO IT WAS JUST THAT.

THIS WAS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR TESTIMONY.

IT IS HARD TO SAY HOW THIS IS GOING TO GO DOWN.

BUT CERTAINLY THERE ARE LEGISLATORS WHO TAKE THE SIDE OF THE NRA.

THE DEMOCRATS ARE ALSO PUSHING BACK ON THAT.

AT ONE POINT THE COMMITTEE CHAIR TOLD THE GUN RIGHTS LOBBYIST THAT HE WAS SICK OF THEIR UNWILLINGNESS TO NEGOTIATE.

AND HE RESPONDED WITH THE QUESTION OF HIS OWN, ASKING HOW LAWMAKERS WOULD BRING JOBS BACK TO CHICAGO SOUTH AND WEST SIDES, SO THAT SOMEBODY WITHOUT A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA CAN EARN A LIVING.

>> HOW DO YOU BRING THOSE JOBS BACK SO THAT YOU CAN FIX AN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM THAT NOT THAT LONG AGO HAD 50% GRADUATION RATE?

SOLVE THOSE PROBLEMS AND YOU WILL BEGIN TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF VIOLENCE YOU SEE ON THE STREET.

>> Reporter: ADVOCATES OF BANNING ASSAULT GRADE WEAPONS ALSO HAD THE CHANCE TO SHARE THEIR PERSPECTIVE, AS DID MEMBERS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT.

THE COOK COUNTY SHERIFF SAYS THAT HIS OFFICES ARE CONTINUALLY GREETED WITH ASSAULT WEAPONS, ROVING GUNS OUTFITTED WITH SWITCHES THAT TURN OTHER GUNS INTO AUTOMATIC WEAPONS.

>> IF YOU EVER TRIED TO WITNESS SOMEBODY SHOOTING WITH ONE OF THESE THINGS WHEN THEY PUT IT ON AUTOMATIC, THE CHANCES OF THEM HITTING THE PERSON THEY ARE AIMING AT IS IMPOSSIBLE.

WHAT HAPPENS IS THE PEOPLE AROUND THEM GET SLAUGHTERED.

THAT IS WHAT HAPPENS.

THESE THINGS ARE DESIGNED FOR THAT.

THERE IS NO SANE PERSON WHO IS GOING TO SIT THERE AND SAY, IN OUR SOCIETY WE SHOULD HAVE THESE.

>> Reporter: THE CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT SAYS THAT THE RISE OF THESE WEAPONS PUT OFFICERS IN DANGER.

>> I WORRY FOR THEIR WELL-BEING.

THEIR MORALE , KNOWING THAT THEY ARE OUT THERE IN THE VERY STREETS THEY ARE TRYING TO PROTECT.

THE ONLY THING STOPPING THAT ROUND IS PROPERTY OR PERSON IN OUR COMMUNITIES.

BANNING ASSAULT WEAPONS IS A MUST.

>> Reporter: AS ONE WITNESS SAID, EACH SIDE IS COMING FROM SUCH A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE THAT IT IS HARD TO SEE ANY MIDDLE GROUND HERE.

THEY ARE LIKELY TO HAVE A VOTE WHEN LEGISLATORS RETURN.

>> ALL RIGHT, AMANDA, WE ARE LIKELY TO FOLLOW THIS.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>>> UP NEXT, MOVING AWAY FROM USING NATURAL GAS IN HOMES.

STAY WITH US.

>>> HEATING BILLS ARE GOING TO SKYROCKET.

MORE THAN EIGHT IN 10 ILLINOIS HOUSEHOLDS USE NATURAL GAS FOR HEATING.

THAT IS A VOTING TO THE U.S. CENSUS BUREAU.

HOUSEHOLDS ARE EXPECTED TO SPEND MUCH MORE ON HEATING THIS WINTER THAN LAST.

THIS PROMPTS SOME CONSUMER AND ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATES TO CALL FOR HOMES TO GO ALL ELECTRIC WITH THEIR HEATING.

THE CENTER FOR ELECTRICITY AND INNOVATION, AND ANN McKIBBEN, PRINCIPAL DIRECTOR OF POLICY ADVOCATES FOR AFFORDABLE HEAT, WEATHER AND POWER.

AND THEY GAVE US A STATEMENT WHICH WE WILL GET TO IN A BIT IN OUR DISCUSSION.

THANK YOU, ALL OF YOU FOR BEING HERE.

THERE WAS AN EDITORIAL IN THE TRIBUNE YESTERDAY CALLING FOR CHICAGO HOUSEHOLDS TO GO ALL ELECTRIC WITH THEIR HEATING.

AND McKIBBEN, DO YOU BELIEVE THAT THAT IS A WISE ROUTE TO GO?

>> THERE ARE A LOT OF BENEFITS.

THE NEW HEATERS WORK REALLY WELL IN COLD TEMPERATURES.

FOLKS CAN SAVE MONEY, IMPROVE AIR QUALITY AND REDUCE EMISSIONS.

>> WILL GET TO SOME OF THESE BENEFITS IN A SECOND.

THIS COMES AS RATES ARE SKYROCKETING.

WHAT IS BEHIND THE INCREASE THIS YEAR?

>> YOU HAVE TO CONSIDER ALL THE GAS IN THE UNITED STATES.

THE ISSUES IN UKRAINE DID NOT HELP.

COVID-19 DID NOT HELP.

YOU SHOULD EXPECT TO SEE HIGHER PRICES ON NATURAL GAS.

I BELIEVE THAT WE NEED TO LOOK INTO A MORE HOLISTIC SOLUTION.

WE SHOULD CONSIDER ALL THE ALTERNATIVES.

>> SETH WHITEHEAD, IS THERE A BENEFIT TO GOING TO ALL ELECTRIC OR STAYING WITH NATURAL GAS?

>> I THINK ONE OF THE THINGS THAT IS MOST IMPORTANT IS AFFORDABILITY AND ENERGY.

ALTHOUGH NATURAL GAS PRICES ARE UP THIS YEAR, THEY HAD BEEN PRIOR TO THIS YEAR LOW FOR MANY, MANY YEARS.

THE ENERGY REMAINS BY FAR THE CHEAPEST HEATING OPTION.

SO YOU KNOW, THERE ARE MORE THAN 1.5 MILLION ILLINOISANS LIVING BELOW THE POVERTY LINE.

THOSE FOLKS, THE LAST THING THEY NEED IS HIGHER ENERGY PRICES.

NATURAL GAS REMAINS THE CHEAPEST OPTION FOR HOME HEATING.

THAT IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT AND IT IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT TO HAVE RELIABLE HOME HEATING.

>> AND ANNE McKIBBEN, YOU ALLUDED TO THIS EARLIER, BUT WHAT ARE THE PUBLIC HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH GAS?

>> ANYTIME YOU ARE USING GAS FOR BURNING, YOU ARE BURNING FOSSIL FUEL IN YOUR HOUSE.

THAT RELEASES CERTAIN POLLUTANTS.

FOLKS TALKED ABOUT CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING.

CARBON MONOXIDE IS ONE OF THOSE.

ALSO POLLUTANTS THAT ARE BAD FOR LUNG HEALTH.

SO THOSE ARE THE CONCERNS.

WHEN YOU USE ELECTRIC APPLIANCES IN YOUR HOUSE YOU ARE NOT USING THE SAME COMBUSTION GASES IN THE HOME.

>> I DO WANT TO GET YOU A STATEMENT FROM PEOPLE'S GAS.

THEY SAID THAT ELECTRIC HEAT PUMPS MIGHT HELP KEEP CHICAGO WARM IN THE FUTURE BUT THEY CANNOT BE RELIED UPON TODAY.

NOT ONLY DO THEY STRUGGLE TO WORK IN COLD CLIMATES BUT AT A COST OF $60,000 FOR A SINGLE HOME, ARE THESE SIGNIFICANT BARRIERS HERE?

CONVERTING FROM GAS TO ELECTRIC HEAT?

>> IN MANY STATES THEY ARE LOOKING INTO ELIMINATING THE USE OF NATURAL GAS IN THE HOME.

I BELIEVE THAT WE SHOULD NOT FORGET ABOUT ELECTRIFICATION.

WE NEED TO CONSIDER THAT.

SO I THINK THAT WE SHOULD CONSIDER HYBRID SOLUTION.

I DON'T KNOW ABOUT THOSE FIGURES, HOW ACCURATE THEY ARE.

BUT THAT SHOULD DEFINITELY BE AN OPTION IF YOU ARE LOOKING INTO GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS.

>> YOU SAID THAT RIGHT NOW NATURAL GAS IS BY FAR THE MOST ECONOMICAL.

IS THAT GOING TO BE THE CASE YEARS DOWN THE ROAD?

>> WELL, IF WE CONTINUE TO PRODUCE THE AMOUNT OF NATURAL GAS THAT THE COUNTRY DEMANDS, I BELIEVE THE PRICES WILL REMAIN LOW.

THERE ARE OF COURSE BARRIERS TO THAT THAT HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED, BUT IF YOU LOOK AT THE WORLD , EUROPE IS IN DIRE NEED OF NATURAL GAS.

IT IS NOT EASILY REPLACED.

ACTUALLY NEITHER IS THE BACKUP OF RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION.

SO THERE IS GREAT INCENTIVE FOR US TO CONTINUE NATURAL GAS PRODUCTION IN THE UNITED STATES.

I BELIEVE THAT IT WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE MOST AFFORDABLE HOME HEATING OPTION.

>> IN A TIMELY ASK ABOUT THE HEALTH ISSUES THAT ANNE McKIBBEN BROUGHT UP, ARE THOSE LEGITIMATE CONCERNS?

>> YEAH.

I THINK SHE MENTIONED NOX EMISSIONS, AND THOSE HAVE DECLINED DRAMATICALLY AS WE HAVE USED MORE NATURAL GAS.

I USE NATURAL GAS TO HEAT MY HOME.

I AM NOT AWARE OF ANY SORT OF EMISSIONS CONSENT.

I DO HAVE A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR UPSTAIRS AND DOWNSTAIRS.

80% OF THE FOLKS IN ILLINOIS AND IN CHICAGO USE NATURAL GAS TO HEAT THEIR HOMES.

I THINK THIS WAS A WIDESPREAD ISSUE, BUT I BELIEVE THAT THAT 80% FIGURE SPEAKS FOR ITSELF.

THE VAST MAJORITY OF FOLKS FEEL THAT IT IS THE BEST OPTION.

IT HAS DEFINITELY KEPT A LOT OF FOLKS WARM IN THE WINTER.

>> TO THAT 80% FIGURE, ANNE McKIBBEN, THERE ARE SOME MUNICIPALITIES AROUND THE COUNTRY THAT HAVE TALKED ABOUT ORDINANCES THAT WOULD REQUIRE NEW CONSTRUCTION TO BE ELECTRIC.

WOULD THAT BE A WISE ROUTE FOR CHICAGO, TOO?

>> CERTAINLY AN OPTION.

I THINK THAT WITH THE NEW, IT IS SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT WITH THE NEW COLD CLIMATE HAVING IMPROVED DRAMATICALLY OVER THE LAST DECADE.

THAT MIGHT BE PART OF WHY SOME HAVEN'T GONE ELECTRIC BEFORE.

BUT CERTAINLY WITH THE NEW TECHNOLOGY DO SOMETHING TO CONSIDER.

ALSO, THE COST OF THAT TECHNOLOGY IS COMING DOWN.

WE THINK IT IS IMPORTANT, THIS SEEMS TO BE A TREND IN BUILDINGS AND IN THE ENERGY INDUSTRY.

WE THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THAT FOLKS, ESPECIALLY FOLKS WHO ARE VULNERABLE ARE FOLKS WHO HAVE LOW INCOMES AND ARE ABLE TO MAKE THIS TRANSITION FIRST SO THAT THEY ARE NOT LEFT BEHIND.

>> HOWEVER YOU HEAT YOUR HOME AS WE HOPE YOU DO STAY ONE OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US TONIGHT.

OUR THANKS TO SETH WHITEHEAD AND ANNE McKIBBEN AS WELL.

>>> AND NOW WE TOSS IT BACK TO YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

ACTOR AND DIRECTOR ISAIAH WASHINGTON'S NEW FILM CORSICANA EXPLORES THE LIFE OF A BLACK LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.

OUR CORRESPONDENT SAT DOWN WITH WASHINGTON WHILE HE WAS IN CHICAGO PROMOTING THE FILM DID.

>> Reporter: IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO EDUCATE PEOPLE.

IN THIS CASE, EDUCATE THE PEOPLE ON A HISTORIC ICON WHO WORKED TO BE THE FIRST BLACK U.S. DEBBIE MARSHALL TO SERVE WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER.

SHOT IN CORSICANA, TEXAS DURING THE PANDEMIC, ACTOR ISAIAH WASHINGTON FOUND HIMSELF PICKING UP HIS FIRST DIRECTING ROLE.

THIS WAS AFTER MOST OF THE PRODUCERS QUIT.

>> I WAS LIKE, WHERE DID YOU GO?

THIS IS IMPORTANT.

I WALKED INTO THE PRODUCTION SHOP AND SAID, I AM DIRECTING.

TOOK 120 PAGES AND RIPPED THEM ALL OUT.

THEN I STARTED RESHOOTING UNTIL I HAD REWROTE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT.

>> FOR NEARLY THREE DECADES , WASHINGTON CREDITS THE CAST FOR THEIR ROLE TO PROPERLY ACKNOWLEDGE.

>> HE IS A GOOD GUY.

HE IS A MASTER OF FIREARMS.

HE IS A LAW MAN.

AND HE IS DIVERSE WITH HOW HE WORKS.

I HOPE THAT CORSICANA IS THE SPARK THAT UNITES NOMINATED PEOPLE IN A BEAUTIFUL WAY AND DOES NOT FALL ON DEAF EARS.

>> Reporter: FOR CHICAGO TONIGHT, I AM ANGEL ITO.

>> YOU CAN SEE CORSICANA AT SEND THEM A CHATHAM THROUGH THE END OF THE YEAR.

>>> WHY THE CITY IS ENCRYPTING POLICE SCANNERS AND WHAT THAT MEANS FOR NEWS ORGANIZATIONS COVERING CRIME AND THE PUBLIC.

>>> SOME ARE CALLING FOR DEMOLITION OF AN UNAUTHORIZED BUILDING BUILT NEAR HUMBOLDT PARK.

>>> HOW TO BUILD A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH FOOD THIS HOLIDAY SEASON AND SET REALISTIC WEIGHT GOALS FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR.

>>> ARE YOU BEHIND ON YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING?

>>> FIRST FOR MORE OF TODAY'S STORIES.

FEDERAL REGULATORS ORDERED WELLS FARGO TO PAY A $1.7 BILLION FINE FOR WIDESPREAD MISMANAGEMENT.

THEY WERE ALSO ORDERED TO COMPENSATE CONSUMERS.

REGULATORS SAY THAT THE BANK FORECLOSED ON HOMES, ILLEGALLY REPOSSESSED VEHICLES AND CHARGED SURPRISE OVERDRAFT FEES.

IN A STATEMENT, THE CONSUMER PROTECTION BUREAU SAYS THAT THE CYCLE OF VIOLATING THE LAW HAS HARMED MILLIONS OF AMERICAN FAMILIES.

THIS IS AN ADDITIONAL STEP FOR ACCOUNTABILITY AND LONG-TERM RESOLUTION.

THIS ALLOWS THE BANK TO, QUOTE, PUT THESE ISSUES BEHIND US.

>>> THE U.S. HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE VOTED TO RELEASE FORMER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP'S TAX RETURNS.

THE RETURNS ARE EXPECTED TO SHED LIGHT ON HIS PERSONAL WEALTH AND PRACTICES.

IT IS ALSO THE CULMINATION OF A THREE-YEAR LEGAL BATTLE THAT WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE SUPREME COURT.

THAT IS WHY THE SUPREME COURT UPHELD THE RULING OF A PANEL THAT CLEARED THE WAY FOR THE COMMITTEE TO GET THOSE TAX RETURNS.

TRUMP BROKE WITH MODERN PRESIDENTIAL PRACTICE WHEN HE REFUSED TO RELEASE HIS PERSONAL TAX INFORMATION.

>>> FACULTY AT THE CHICAGO PUBLIC UNIVERSITY ARE ASKING J.B. PRITZKER TO STEP IN AND REPLACE THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

FACULTY MEMBERS FROM NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY MET WITH A LOCAL STATE SENATOR TODAY ASKING HIM TO ASK THE GOVERNOR TO INTERVENE IN THE SITUATION.

THIS IS AFTER A MAJORITY OF FACULTY VOTED NO-CONFIDENCE IN THE BOARD, SAYING THAT PLUMMETING ENROLLMENT AND POOR MANAGEMENT ARE THE CAUSE.

THE PRESIDENT'S CONTRACT WAS NOT RENEWED, AND THE GOVERNOR WILL BE ASKED TO BE INVOLVED.

>> IT IS CLEAR TO ME THAT MORE WORK NEEDS TO BE DONE TO ENSURE THAT THIS CONTINUES TO SERVE SO MANY , AND WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT IT IS WORKING.

>>> AND NOW TO CONTROVERSY OVER A NEWLY USED SUBSTANCE.

>> SOME MIGHT RECOGNIZE THE CAPSULE -LIKE BUILDING IN HUMBOLDT PARK.

IT HAS CHICAGO AND NATIONAL LANDMARK STATUS.

BUT NEW CONSTRUCTION NEXT TO THE BUILDING HAS SOME COMMUNITY MEMBERS UP IN ARMS.

WTTW NEWS REPORTER JOINS US NOW .

PATTY, TELL US MORE ABOUT THIS BUILDING AND WHAT IT IS USED FOR.

>> THIS IS ONE OF THOSE CASES OF THEY DEFINITELY DON'T BUILD THEM LIKE THIS ANYMORE.

THIS BUILDING DATES BACK TO 1896, AND IT WAS USED TO HOUSE HORSES, WAGONS AND LANDSCAPING TOOLS.

TODAY IT ENCAPSULATES THE PUERTO RICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ARTS AND CULTURE.

>> WHY ARE PEOPLE SO UPSET?

>> THEY ARE BUILDING AN ARCHIVE FACILITY TO POTENTIALLY HOUSE OTHER MUSEUM COLLECTIONS IN CASE SOMETHING HAPPENS TO THEIR FACILITY.

PEOPLE ARE UP IN ARMS FOR TWO REASONS.

THEY SAY THAT THE BUILDING OBSTRUCTS THE VIEWS OF THE LANDMARK BUILDING, THAT IT IS NOT COMPLEMENTARY AT ALL AND DETRACTS FROM IT.

THEY SAY THE MUSEUM DID NOT OBTAIN ANY PERMITS OR GET PERMISSION FROM THE CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT, WHICH IS THEIR LANDLORD.

SO THERE ARE MULTIPLE ISSUES ON MULTIPLE FRONTS HERE.

>> DID YOU HEAR FROM THE MUSEUM LEADER OR THE PARK DISTRICT?

>> THE FORMER ALDERMAN DID NOT RESPOND TO OUR REQUEST FOR COMMENT.

HE DID TELL OTHER MEDIA OUTLETS WHAT WAS AT STAKE, WHICH PEOPLE DO DISPUTE.

THE PARK DISTRICT SAYS THAT THEY ARE EVALUATING THEIR OPTION.

PEOPLE WHO ARE OPPOSED WOULD VERY MUCH LIKE THIS BUILDING TO GET TORN DOWN AND START OVER.

>> WELL.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EXPLAINING THIS TO US.

AND YOU CAN READ PATTY'S FULL STORY ON OUR WEBSITE.

>>> AND NOW TO PARIS, WHO WILL EXPLAIN WHY POLICE SCANNERS ACROSS THE CITY ARE GOING QUIET.

PARIS?

>> THIS IS SOMETHING THAT JOURNALISTS RELY ON TO COMMUNICATE EMERGENCY INFORMATION.

THEY ARE MOVING FORWARD WITH A PLAN TO DELAY POLICE COMMUNICATIONS FOR 30 MINUTES, CITING OFFICER AND VICTIM SAFETY.

LOCAL MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS SAY THAT THE MOOD WILL ENDANGER PUBLIC SAFETY.

JOINING US TO BREAK IT ALL DOWN IS ATTORNEY CHRIS TALIAFERRO, STEPHEN MANZO, AND TED JAHNKE.

WELCOME TO CHICAGO TONIGHT.

I WILL START WITH MR. TALIAFERRO.

TELL US WHY THE CITY IS MOVING TO ENCRYPT POLICE SCANNERS SO THAT PEOPLE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO HEAR THESE COMMUNICATIONS IN REAL TIME.

>> THERE IS A MOVE TO ENSURE OFFICER SAFETY AS WELL AS VICTIM SAFETY.

>> AND AS I UNDERSTAND, PEOPLE WILL BE ABLE TO GET THIS COMMUNICATION 30 MINUTES LATER ON AN APP CALLED BROADCAST AND LIVE, CORRECT?

>> THAT'S CORRECT.

>> LET'S LOOK AT WHAT THE CITY SAID IN RESPONSE.

ENCRYPTED RADIOS WILL ELIMINATE DISRUPTIVE AND DEROGATORY TRANSMISSIONS.

HAVING ENCRYPTED RADIOS WILL PROVIDE BETTER SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITIES AND COMMUNICATION FOR SUSPECTS AND RESPONDERS.

TED JAHNKE, HAVE THESE BECOME AN ISSUE?

>> NOT THAT I AM AWARE!

THERE HASN'T, FOR EXAMPLE, BEEN PUBLIC HEARINGS ABOUT THE NEED FOR THIS.

THERE HASN'T BEEN OUTREACH TO THE PUBLIC TO SEE HOW THIS WILL AFFECT THEM AND THE WAY THAT THEY FOLLOW POLICE TRAFFIC AND WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS.

THIS REALLY CREATES A WALL BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND THE POLICE WERE INTENDED TO SERVE THE PUBLIC.

>> AND STEPHEN MANZO, YOU WROTE AN ARTICLE ASKING THEM TO RETHINK THIS.

WHAT WILL THIS MEAN FOR JOURNALISTS THROUGHOUT THE CITY WHO COVER CRIME?

>> FIRST OF ALL, PARIS, I THINK IT IS A BLOW TO PUBLIC SAFETY.

THE 30 MINUTE DELAY, I MEAN COME ON.

WHEN YOU HAVE AN ACTIVE SHOOTER SITUATION OR A TORNADO OR ANY OTHER KIND OF SITUATION, 30 MINUTES AWAY, IS THAT GOING TO GIVE THE PUBLIC THE OPPORTUNITY TO WARN PEOPLE?

OF COURSE NOT.

EVEN MORE CONCERNING, IT IS A BLOW TO TRANSPARENCY.

ONE OF THE JOBS OF A GOVERNMENT ENTITY IS TO BE TRANSPARENT ON HOW PUBLIC SERVANTS DO THEIR JOBS.

>> HOW COULD THEY GET INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC IF THERE IS AN ACTIVE SHOOTER OR TORNADO WARNING OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT?

>> I THINK SAFETY HAS TO BE THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF WHAT WE ARE LOOKING AT.

I PROPOSED A MODEL THAT IS EVEN SIMPLER.

I WILL SAY THIS VERY QUICKLY.

I HEARD IT FOR MYSELF.

THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT CAN REALLY PUT THE LIVES OF POLICE OFFICERS IN DANGER.

WE SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO BROADCAST OVER POLICE RADIO.

HOWEVER, I DO BELIEVE THAT IT IS A PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUE WHEN WE CAN'T GET INFORMATION OUT IMMEDIATELY AS IT IS HAPPENING WHEN THERE IS AN EMERGENCY.

>> ARE YOU SAYING YOU ARE IN FAVOR OF COMPROMISE WHERE MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA COULD HAVE INFORMATION TO THIS EFFECT IN REAL TIME?

>> EXACTLY.

WITHOUT THEM BEING ON THE SCENE, WE WOULD NOT KNOW FOR 30 MINUTES.

LET ME GIVE YOU THIS EXAMPLE.

I LEARNED FROM THE MEDIA THAT THE EXPLOSION HIT A CURVE.

SO I AGREE THAT WE SHOULD ENCRYPT SOME INFORMATION, BUT WE SHOULD NOT ENCRYPT TO THE DEGREE THAT THE PUBLIC IS GETTING INFORMATION 30 MINUTES LATE.

>> TED JAHNKE, YOU WANT TO JUMP IN.

>> I THINK WE NEED TO THINK ABOUT WHO MEDIA IS THESE DAYS.

AS YOU KNOW, THERE ARE SEVERAL TWITTER ACCOUNTS AROUND THE CITY THAT REALLY KEEP PEOPLE UP-TO-DATE IN TERMS OF WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOOD AND ACROSS THE CITY.

PEOPLE REALLY COUNT ON THAT.

BUT REALLY AT THE END OF THE DAY, YOU KNOW, THIS TALK OF PUBLIC SAFETY, I THINK WE SHOULD ALWAYS BE CONCERNED ABOUT OFFICER SAFETY.

BUT WE HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT THE CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT IS UNDER A CONSENT DEGREE WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO REFORM THEIR POLICING TO A CONSTITUTIONAL STANDARD, AND PUBLIC TRUST IS SUPPOSED TO BE PART OF THAT.

SIMPLY ROLLING OUT THIS SYSTEM WITHOUT PUBLIC DISCUSSION DOESN'T HELP TO BUILD THAT CONFIDENCE.

>> MANY ZONES HAVE ALREADY GONE TO -- >> IT HAS ALREADY HAPPENED!

>> AND IT JUST SEEMS TO BUBBLE UP, AS YOU MENTIONED.

STEVE MANDEL, YOU SAY THERE IS A CARVEOUT HERE WHERE SOMEONE BE ABLE TO HEAR THE INFORMATION IN REAL TIME.

WHO SHOULD THAT INCLUDE?

>> THE MAYOR AND THE CITY ALREADY HAVE A PROTOCOL IN PLACE FOR THE MEDIA.

I THINK THAT WHAT WE HAVE PROPOSED IS THAT YOU USE THAT SAME CREDENTIAL.

I CAN'T IMAGINE A SITUATION WHERE THE MEDIA IS GOING TO GIVE THE BAD GUYS INFORMATION, BUT IF ANYBODY VIOLATES THE PROTOCOL THEY COULD LOSE THEIR CREDENTIALS.

SO I THINK TO GET THE DETAILS IRONED OUT, THE MAYOR HAS TO MEET WITH US FIRST.

I THINK ALL OF US ON THIS PROGRAM ARE IN AGREEMENT THAT WE JUST HAVE TO HAVE THE MAYOR MEET WITH US.

>> AND THAT WAS GOING TO BE MY NEXT QUESTION TO YOU.

HAS THERE BEEN ANY RESPONSE FROM ANY REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE MAYOR'S OFFICE OR CPD?

>> NO.

I THINK IT IS REALLY TROUBLING WHEN YOU HAVE EVERY MEDIA OUTLET IN THE CITY, INCLUDING NEWSPAPERS AND TELEVISION IN CHARGE OF THIS.

>> AND TED YUNKER, THERE ARE OTHER ORGANIZATIONS THAT ENCRYPT COMMUNICATIONS IN REAL TIME.

HOW DOES THIS WORK?

>> I THINK THAT PEOPLE DON'T HAVE INFORMATION IN REAL TIME SINCE THE MEDIA IS OFTEN LATE TO A STORY WHERE THERE ARE NO LONGER WITNESSES.

I JUST TALKED TO A NEWS DIRECTOR FROM THE QUAD CITIES LAST WEEK WHO MENTIONED THAT THEY ARE ROLLING IT OUT.

ONE OF THE THINGS HE IS CONCERNED ABOUT IS THAT THEY HAVE BEEN RELYING ON STATEMENTS AS BEING THE OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF WHAT HAPPENED, AND THEY KNOW THAT ALL TOO OFTEN THAT ISN'T WHAT ACTUALLY OCCURRED.

WITNESSES CAN HAVE A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE.

>> SO ALDERMAN TALIAFERRO, YOU ARE A COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC SAFETY.

HOW DO YOU MOVE THE DEBATE TOWARDS SOME KIND OF RESOLUTION?

>> I THINK WE SHOULD ENCOURAGE THE CONVERSATION WITH STEVE.

THERE IS NO REASON WHY THE CONVERSATION SHOULD NOT BE HAD ALREADY.

AND WE SHOULD HAVE A PUBLIC HEARING ON THIS MATTER.

JUST AS TED YUNKER HAD VERY ELOQUENTLY STATED.

>> SEEMS LIKE THERE IS A CONSENSUS ON THAT ISSUE.

MY THANKS TO YOU ALL.

>>> THERE IS MORE CHICAGO TONIGHT JUST AHEAD, BUT FIRST LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT THE WEATHER.

♪ >>> AS THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND APPROACHES, YOU MIGHT CATCH YOURSELF OVERTHINKING THE AMOUNT OF CALORIES ON YOUR PLATE.

SCIENTISTS APPEAR IN SOCIAL MEDIA WITH SUGGESTIONS ABOUT HOW TO AVOID HOLIDAY WEIGHT GAIN WITH WHAT YOU MIGHT CONSIDER SOME UNREALISTIC FOOD SUBSTITUTIONS.

A WEEK LATER, NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS MIGHT LEAVE YOU FEELING OVERWHELMED.

HERE TO TALK WITH US ABOUT A HEALTHY START FOR THE NEW YEAR IS SAMANTHA BRUNING.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US.

>> I'M HAPPY TO BE HERE.

>> HAPPY TO BE HERE.

>> WEIGHT GAIN AROUND THE HOLIDAY SEASON.

WHAT IS THE LIKELIHOOD THAT WE TACK ON THE POUNDS, AND HOW MUCH WEIGHT ARE WE TALKING ABOUT HERE?

>> ON AVERAGE, THE AVERAGE AMERICAN WILL NOT GAIN MORE THAN A POUND OR TWO.

IT IS NOT SOMETHING TO BE OVERLY CONCERNED ABOUT IN THE LONG RUN.

>> AND WEIGHT FLUCTUATE VERY QUICKLY?

>> IT CAN FOR DIFFERENT REASONS.

YOU HAVE TO EAT A WHOLE LOT MORE THAN YOU WOULD NORMALLY EAT IN A FEW DAYS TO GAIN WEIGHT SIMPLY FROM CALORIES.

BUT IF YOU ARE EATING A WHOLE OF SOMETHING LIKE SALT AND THEN BEING DEHYDRATED, YOU MIGHT BE GAINING WEIGHT IN THE FORM OF WATER WEIGHT.

>> SO HOW SHOULD WE THEN SORT OF SHIFT HOW WE THINK ABOUT FOOD AND EATING THIS SEASON?

>> I THINK THAT FOR THE MOST PART WE ONLY HAVE A DAY OR TWO DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON WHEN IT IS REALLY TEMPTING TO BE EATING A LOT OF MORE INDULGENT FOOD.

GENERALLY WHAT I TELL PEOPLE IS THAT THE AVERAGE RELATIVELY HEALTHY PERSON CAN GO AHEAD AND INDULGE IN THOSE HOLIDAY FAVORITES AND ENJOY THOSE THINGS THAT THEY ONLY EAT ONCE A YEAR, BECAUSE THAT IS UNLIKELY TO BE A CAUSE OF LONGER-TERM ILLNESS OR LONGER-TERM WEIGHT GAIN.

I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO THINK IN TERMS OF OUR HEALTH AS WHOLE PEOPLE AND ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAYS WITH FRIENDS AND FAMILY AND HAVING A GOOD TIME AND ENJOYING TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY FAVORITES.

>> HOW WOULD YOU SAY DIET CULTURE HAS INGRAINED OURSELVES IN OUR THINKING, ESPECIALLY DURING THIS TIME OF YEAR?

>> I THINK THERE IS A TEMPTATION, AND IT COMES FROM A GOOD PLACE, THAT WE TRY TO ALTER TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY FAVORITES TO MAKE THEM LIGHTER AND MORE HEALTHY AND DIET FRIENDLY SO THAT WE CAN KEEP ON THIS PLANET WE HAVE BEEN ON FOR WEEKS OR MONTHS DURING THE COURSE OF THE YEAR.

MORE AND MORE, I THINK A LOT OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS ARE RECOGNIZING THAT THERE IS SOMETHING DEEPLY IMPORTANT ABOUT HONORING THE TRADITION FROM WHERE THESE RECIPES AND DISHES COME FROM, AND MAKING THOSE CHANGES REALLY TAKES AWAY FROM THE HOLIDAY AND DOESN'T REALLY ENHANCE IT IN ANY WAY THAT IS GOOD FOR US IN THE LONG RUN.

>> TO CERTAIN FOODS GET A BAD RAP?

LOOKING AT YOU, CARBS.

>> I THINK YOU MAY LOOK AT THE HISTORY OF THINGS LIKE FAD DIETS, MOST OF THE DIFFERENT MACRONUTRIENTS HAVE FALLEN INTO THE BAD CATEGORY THROUGH TIME.

I KNOW GROWING UP IN THE 80s AND 90s IT WAS FATS, NOW CARBOHYDRATES TEND TO TAKE A SHOT.

ULTIMATELY, YEAH.

I THINK THERE ARE A LOT OF THINGS THAT ARE ACTUALLY VERY GOOD FOR US.

THINGS LIKE CARBOHYDRATES, I THINK SWEET POTATOES, BECAUSE THAT IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE DISHES AT THE HOLIDAYS.

AND YES, WE DO TEND TO LOAD IT UP WITH BUTTER AND MARSHMALLOWS AND OTHER INDULGENT THINGS.

BUT AT THEIR CORE, SWEET POTATOES ARE STILL A HEALTHY FOOD.

SO THAT IS SOMETHING WHERE WE DEFINITELY START TO SAY OH, SWEET POTATOES ARE TOO HIGH IN CARBS.

REALLY THEY ARE VERY HEALTHY FOOD.

>> SINCE YOU MENTIONED IT, SHOULD WE INTRODUCE ANY HEALTHY OPTIONS OR SHOULD WE SORT OF PICK WHAT WE KNOW?

SHOULD I USE LESS BUTTER IN THE SWEET POTATOES?

>> I THINK IT REALLY VARIES PERSON TO PERSON AND IT COMES DOWN TO WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU , YOUR FAMILY, YOUR LEVELS OF ENJOYMENT.

WHAT I RECOMMEND FOR PEOPLE MORE OFTEN THAN MAKING SWAPS A RECIPE THAT IS REALLY IMPORTANT IS JUST ADDING IN A FEW LIGHTER OPTIONS.

THAT WAY WE CAN KIND OF CREATE A PLATE THAT HAS SOME OF THOSE MORE INDULGENT FOODS THAT YOU LOVE, THEN YOU BALANCE IT OUT WITH SOMETHING THAT IS A LITTLE BIT LATER, WHETHER IT IS A FRUIT PLATE OR SALAD OR VEGGIE TRAY.

WHATEVER THAT LOOKS LIKE.

THERE ARE WAYS TO CREATE THAT BALANCE WITHOUT TAKING AWAY FROM WHAT MEANS SO MUCH TO US.

>> WE ARE LOOKING AT MY PLATE.COM FROM USDA ON HOW TO APPORTION THE PLATE, WHAT IT SHOULD LOOK LIKE.

THEN OF COURSE, JEN , THERE IS THE NEW YEAR.

PEOPLE GO INTO IT THINKING, THIS YEAR I'M GOING TO GET IT RIGHT.

I'M GOING TO DO IT RIGHT.

WHAT ARE THE MISTAKES THAT PEOPLE MAKE WHEN THEY ARE GOING INTO THE NEW YEAR THINKING NEW YEAR, NEW YOU?

>> I THINK THE PEOPLE WILL SET LOFTY GOALS WITHOUT HAVING FILLED IN THE STEPS TO GET THERE IN A SUSTAINABLE, MAINTAINABLE AND ACHIEVABLE WAY FOR THEIR LIFE.

SO YOU TALKED ABOUT THE GYM FILLING UP.

THAT HAPPENS IN MY GYM EVERY FIRST FEW WEEKS OF JANUARY.

I THINK WHAT HAPPENS IS PEOPLE WILL SET A GOAL.

PEOPLE THINK, I WILL LOSE 30 POUNDS BY MARCH.

THEY MAKE A LOFTY GOAL BECAUSE THEY MAY BE KNOW SOMEBODY ELSE WHO HAS BEEN ABLE TO ACHIEVE THAT.

THEN THEY DON'T REALLY LOOK AT THE STEPS TO TAKE TO GET TO THAT GOAL , THEN THAT LEADS TO FEELINGS OF FAILURE IF THEY DON'T MEET IT, OR EXTREME UNHEALTHY MEASURES TO MEET THIS GOAL THAT WASN'T REALLY ACHIEVABLE TO BEGIN WITH.

SO I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE ARE REALLY HONEST WITH OURSELVES ABOUT A REALISTIC GOAL, THEN WE TAKE STEPS THAT WE KNOW WE CAN MAINTAIN TO BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE THAT GOAL.

>> BOTTOM LINE, ENJOY THE SWEET POTATOES WITH YOUR FAMILY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US!

>>> THIS TIME OF YEAR WHEN TO DO LISTS ARE LONG AND TIME IS SHORT, LEAVING THE HOUSE FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPING MIGHT SEEM LIKE A DAUNTING TASK.

BUT CHICAGO FAIR TRADE VENDORS ARE HOPING THAT THE PROSPECT OF BUYING ARTISAN GIFTS IS ENOUGH TO LURE YOU OUT OF YOUR PAJAMAS AND INTO THEIR HOLIDAY POP UP SHOP.

OUR PRODUCER ERIKA GUNDERSON STOPPED IN TO CHECK OUT THEIR GOODS.

>> GO HOME, GET YOURSELF A NICE CANDLE AND LIGHT IT AND BE GOOD TO GO!

>> Reporter: THEY ARE AMONG THE DUDE GOODS ON OFFER.

>> WE HAVE 7500 FEET OF'S FAIR TRADE PRODUCTS SUCH AS COOKIES, SPICES, SALTS, HOME GOODS.

99% OF TRADE, THE BOTTOM LINE IS JUST TO MAKE AS MUCH MONEY AS YOU CAN.

WITH FAIR TRADE, EVERYONE ALONG THE SUPPLY CHAIN IS TREATED FAIRLY AND WITH RESPECT.

>> THEY OPERATE ON A SOCIAL ENTERPRISE MODEL.

>> FOR MOST, THIS IS THEIR FIRST JOB.

SO YOU REALLY GET THEM INTO A SAFE PLACE TO REALLY EXPAND THEIR WORKPLACE SKILLS AND REALLY LEARN ABOUT THE EXECUTIVE SKILLS.

THEY ARE PAID TO DO THAT WORK.

SO THAT PROMOTES ECONOMIC MOBILITY AND CAREER GROWTH.

>> THEY ARE AMAZING.

THEY SUPPORTED ME A LOT.

I CALL IT MY LITTLE MOTHERHOOD SISTERHOOD.

THAT IS WHAT YOU NEED TO GET GOING.

YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT SOMEONE IS GOING THROUGH.

WHEN YOU WALK THROUGH THE RIGHT ENDEAVOR DOORS, IT IS LIKE THE DOOR WAS OPENED.

>> Reporter: SIMILARLY, THEY OFFER YOUNG MEN SKILLS AS WELL AS SOCIAL ENDEAVORS.

>> THEY GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE SOMETHING WITH THEIR OWN HANDS AND SEE THAT THEY ARE CARED FOR AND THEY ARE THOUGHT OF.

THERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES.

WE TALK ABOUT FAIR TRADE.

WE THINK ABOUT HOW THE SAME THINGS COME INTO PLAY.

WE THINK ABOUT PEOPLE BEING HELD BACK.

OPPORTUNITIES BEING REALLY AND TRULY NOT AVAILABLE.

SO IF IT WASN'T FOR WORKFORCES LIKE THIS, THEY WOULDN'T HAVE THESE OPPORTUNITIES.

THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT THEY HAVE ARE SUSTAINABLE AND WELL-MADE, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, THAT IS WHAT THEY STAND FOR.

GIVING INDIVIDUALS WHO DON'T NECESSARILY HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY AND OPPORTUNITY.

SO IT MAY JUST BE A SIMPLE BAG TO SOME, BUT IT MEANS SO MUCH MORE TO OTHERS.

>> THE CHICAGO FAIR TRADE PARK IS ON NORTH HALSTED AND IS OPEN THROUGH DECEMBER 24th.

YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION ON THAT ON OUR WEBSITE.

AND WE ARE BACK TO WRAP THINGS UP AFTER THIS.

>> CHICAGO TONIGHT IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY ALEXANDER AND JOHN NICHOLS.

THE GYM AND K NAVY FAMILY.

THE POPE BROTHERS FOUNDATION.

AND THE SUPPORT OF THESE DONORS.

>> AND THAT'S OUR SHOW FOR THIS TUESDAY NIGHT.

DON'T FORGET TO STAY CONNECTED WITH US AND STAY UP ON THAT CHICAGO TONIGHT STREAM AT WTTW.COM.

>> PLEASE JOIN US TOMORROW NIGHT LIVE AT 7:00 FOR THE ISSUE OF CRIME AND VIOLENCE TAKING CENTER STAGE IN THE MAYOR'S RACE.

WE HAVE MORE ON THAT AND MUCH MORE.

>> AND LOOK AT VOLUNTEERING AHEAD OF THE EXPECTED BLIZZARD.

WILL BE TALKING ABOUT THAT.

NOW FOR ALL OF US HERE AT CHICAGO TONIGHT, I AM BRANDIS FREEMAN.

>> STAYED HAPPY AND HEALTHY.