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

I'M BRANDIS FRIEDMAN.

>> I'M PARIS SCHUTZ.

ON THE SHOW TONIGHT... >> WE WILL MOSTLY CONCERNED AND WORRIED ABOUT PEER PRESSURE.

>> MASKS ARE NO LONGER MANDATORY IN ALL ILLINOIS SCHOOLS WHAT STUDENTS AND PARENTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT IT.

>> A TAX FRAUD TRIAL IS UNDERWAY FOR A SITTINGS ALDERMAN AND FAMILY MEMBER OF THE DALEY DYNASTY.

>> THE I.R.S.

ANNOUNCES AN ABOUTFACE SAY TO GO NO LONGER PLANS TO REQUIRE AMERICANS TO USE FACIAL RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY TO ACCESS THEIR TAX INFORMATION.

>> HARASSMENT AND ATTACKS AGAINST HEALTHCARE WORKERS WERE RISING BEFORE COVID.

HOW THE PANDEMIC WORSENED THEM AND WHAT IS BEING DONE ABOUT IT.

>> THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN IN THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE IN REGARDS TO HIRING MINORITIES AND BLACK COACHES.

>> ALLEGATIONS OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION AND BRIBES TO TANK GAMES ROCK THE NFL AHEAD OF SUNDAY'S SUPER BOWL.

>> HOW COULD A MAJOR AIRLINE MERGER IMPACT OPERATIONS AT CHICAGO'S AIRPORTS?

THAT AND MORE FROM CRAIN'S.

>> A MULTIMILLION DOLLAR CANCER CENTER COULD BE COMING TO THE CITY'S SOUTH SIDE.

A LOOK AT THE IMPACT IT MIGHT HAVE.

>> SPICY, AND HAS A LITTLE BIT OF SALT WHICH MEANS IT'S PURPOSEFUL FOR A HANGOVER.

>> A LOCAL HUSBAND AND WIFE TEAM ARE LEARNING TO BRING THE CLASSIC OF A MEXX CONTACT COCKTAIL TO YOUR REFRIGERATOR.

>> FIRST, SOME OF TODAY'S TOP STORIES... >> A PERSON WAS SHOT ON THE DAN RYAN EXPRESSWAY AS THE GOVERNOR ANNOUNCED A SPATE OF ARRESTS IN SIMILAR CRIMES.

GOVERNOR J.B. PRITZKER SAYS 20 PEOPLE ARE FACING CHARGES INCLUDING FIRST DEGREE MURDER, ATTEMPTED MURDER AND AGGRAVATED VEHICULAR HIJACKING.

>> BETWEEN THE STEPPED UP PATROLS AND THE NEW TECHNOLOGY WE BROUGHT TO BEAR, ANYONE, ANYONE, EVEN THINKING OF COMMITTING VIOLENT CRIMES ON OUR EXPRESSWAYS OUGHT TO BE ON NOTICE THAT THEY ARE MORE LIKELY TODAY THAN EVER BEFORE TO GET CAUGHT.

WE WILL HOLD NOTHING BACK TO KEEP THE PUBLIC SAFE.

>> ILLINOIS STATE POLICE SAY THERE WERE 260 SHOOTINGS ON CHICAGO AREA EXPRESSWAYS LAST YEAR.

THAT IS DOUBLE THE NUMBER IN 2020.

>> AFTER BURGLARS STRIKE A HIGH-END SHOP ON THE IMAGE MAGNT MILE, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL PROPOSES A NEW LAW.

FOUR ROBBERS TARGETED BURBERRY GRABBING MERCHANDISE AND TAKING OFF WITH THE STOLEN GOODS THROUGH A NEARBY ALLEY.

KWAME RAOUL AND THE ILLINOIS RETAIL MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION WANT A NEW CRIMINAL CHARGE ORGANIZED RETAIL CRIME TO MAKE ITS EASIER FOR PROSECUTORS TO INVESTIGATE AND PROSECUTE THE RINGS.

>> A CHICAGO BANKER IS SENTENCED FOR TRYING TO BRIBE THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FOR A JOB.

STEPHEN CALK SEEN HERE ON "CHICAGO TONIGHT" IN 2011 IS THE FORMER C.E.O.

OF FEDERAL SAVINGS BANK IN CHICAGO.

SENTENCED TO ONE YEAR IN PRISON AND FINED 1.125 MILLION AND COMMUNITY SERVICE FOR AUTHORIZING $16 MILLION IN LOANS TO CONVICTED FORMER TRUMP CAMPAIGN CHAIRMAN PAUL MANAFORT TO GET A JOB IN THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION.

STEPHEN CALK DID MEET WITH THE TRUMP TEAM BUT NEVER OFFERED A JOB HE WAS FOUND CON CONSPIRACYLY IN JULY.

UP NEXT, MASK CONFUSION IN SCHOOLS ALL OVER THE STATE.

STAY WITH US FOR THE LATEST.

>> Announcer: "CHICAGO TONIGHT" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY... >> MASKS ARE NO LONGER MANDATORY IN ALL ILLINOIS SCHOOLS.

THAT IS AFTER A COURT RULING LATE FRIDAY SUSPENDED THAT STATE-WIDE RULE CAUSING SCHOOL LEADERS AND FAMILIES TO SCRAMBLE.

AMANDA VINICKY JOINS US WITH THE LATEST.

HOW ARE STATE OFFICIALS RESPONDING TO THIS?

>> BRANDIS FRIEDMAN ILLINOIS ATTORNEY GENERAL KWAME RAOUL FILED AN APPEAL.

BUT THERE IS NO TELLING WHEN THAT WILL BE ACTED ON.

LEADING PARENTS UNSETTLED LIE MATEO FARZAHEH WHO REN IT DOES MAKE IT HARD TO HEAR THE REACHER AND YOU CANNOT READ THEIR LIPS.

SO, TODAY WHEN SHE WAS GIVEN THE CHOICE, SHE DIDN'T WEAR ONE.

SHE SAYS THAT THAT MADE HER THE TARGET OF A CLASSMATE WHO WARNED THAT HE DIDN'T WANT ANYONE GETTING NEAR HIM AND THEN SHE SAID HE WENT AFTER HER.

>> HE AGGRESSIVELY GOES YOU, ESPECIALLY YOU.

AND I GO, LIKE FREAK OUT FOR A SECOND AND THEN HE PULLS OUT A KNIFE AND POINTS IT AT ME.

AND HE SAYS YOU.

AND I'M FREAKING OUT.

AND HE LITERALLY GOES LIKE THIS WITH THE KNIFE AND I'M FREAKING OUT AND I IMMEDIATELY GO GET MY TEACHER BECAUSE THAT WAS SCARY.

AND WHEN I LOOKED AROUND I WAS THE ONLY ONE NOT WEARING A MASK AND THAT IS WHY.

>> THE SCHOOL DEALT WITH IT WELL AND SHE DOES PLAN TO PRESS CHARGES.

SHE SAYS THAT THE MASK ARGUMENT AND DEBATE HAS EVERYONE ON EDGE.

>> EVERYONE HAS STRONG OPINIONS THERE'S SO MUCH HATRED IN OUR SCHOOL IT'S EVERYWHERE.

YOU GET JUDGED WEARING OR NOT WEARING A MASK.

IT IS CHAOS.

HATRED ON HATRED.

IT'S TERRIBLE.

EVERYONE IS EXPERIENCING THIS.

AND EVERYONE IS INVOLVED.

>> TECHNICALLY THE JUDGE'S RULING APPLIES ONLY TO THE PLAINTIFFS.

THE JUDGE RULED THIS IS NOT A CLASS ACTION CASE.

EVEN SO, IT HAS BRED MASSIVE CONFUSION.

ALSO SPARKED PROTESTS SOME SCHOOLS HAVE GONE REMOTE IN THE INTERIM AND YOU HAVE SOME SUBURBAN DISTRICTS ARE PARENTS ARE RALLYING FOR THE DISTRICTS TO MAKE MASKS OPTIONAL.

A CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL IN ARLINGTON HEIGHTS MASKS ARE REQUIRED BUT 5% OF THE STUDENT BODY SHOWED UP TODAY NOT WEARING ONE.

AND THEY HAD A CONVERSATION WITH THE PRESIDENT ABOUT THAT AFTERWARD, SOME STUDENTS PUT ON FACE COVERINGS AND OTHERS CHOSE TO GO HOME AND OTHERS STAGED A PROTEST AND REMAINED IN THE GYM.

THE SCHOOL'S POLICY ON MASKING REMAINS UNDER REVIEW.

GOVERNOR J.B. PRITZKER SAYS THAT THAT CENTRAL ILLINOIS JUDGE'S RULING IS OUT OF STEP WITH OTHER LEGAL ANALYSIS.

>> MOST IMPORTANTLY IT CONSTRAINS THE ABILITY OF THE NAMED SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO MAINTAIN SAFE, IN-PERSON LEARNING REQUIREMENTS.

AS IF KIDS NEED A MINUTE MORE OF REMOTE LEARNING WHEN THERE ARE COMMON SENSE TOOLS THAT WE HAVE TO REDUCE AND PREVENT IT.

THE JUDGE'S DECISION CULTIVATES CHAOS FOR PARENTS, FAMILIES, TEACHERS AND SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS ACROSS THE STATE.

>> IT IS PRITZKER'S EXECUTIVE ORDER THAT IS IN QUESTION HERE.

HE HAS USED THE STATE'S EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ACT TO REQUIRE QUARANTINE GUIDELINES AS WELL AS MASKS IN SCHOOL DISTRICTS STATE-WIDE.

WHEN PRESSED ON WHEN HE WILL LIFT THAT ORDER HE SAYS IT DEPENDS ON HOSPITALIZATIONS GOING DOWN.

ACCORDING TO THE LATEST PUBLIC HEALTH DATA COVID PATIENTS ARE CURRENTLY OCCUPYING 511ICU BEDS STATE-WIDE.

AS I MENTIONED THE ATTORNEY GENERAL HAS FILED APPEALS SEEKING TO OVERTURN THE TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER.

>> USUALLY WHEN YOU MOVE FOR A TRO IT'S SOMETHING THAT HAS JUST BEEN DONE AND IT WILL HARM YOU IN THE MOMENT, THE REALITY IS THESE MASK MANDATES HAVE BEEN IN PLACE FOR MONTHS.

AND BASED ON THE EVIDENCE PUT FORTH THAT WAS UNCON TRO VENTED, IT WOULD SUPPORT MAINTAINING THEM GOING FORWARD.

THAT'S WHY THE JUDGE'S DECISION BAFFLES ME AND THAT'S WHY WE MOTIONED FOR A STAY AND FILED FOR AN APPEAL OF IT TODAY.

>> CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS MASK ORDER REMAINS IN PLACE PART PER A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT WHERE THE TEACHERS' UNION AND THE DISTRICT ARE ON THE SAME PAGE.

DEMOCRATIC GOVERNORS OF OTHER STATES OREGON, CONNECTICUT, NEW JERSEY AND DELAWARE ANNOUNCED THAT THEY WILL SOON BE ENDING THEIR OWN MASK MANDATES.

NEW YORK'S REMAINS IN PLACE.

WITH THAT BRANDIS, BACK TO YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

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

>> ALL RIGHT THANK YOU.

JURY SELECTION HAS BEEN COMPLETED IN THE FEDERAL TAX FRAUD TRIAL OF A MEMBER OF A PROMINENT POLITICAL FAMILY.

11TH WARD ALDERMAN PATRICK DALEY THOMPSON IS FACING SEVEN CHARGES THAT HE LIED TO BANK REGULATORS AND FILED FALSE TAX RETURNS.

HE IS THE GRANDSON AND NEPHEW OF TWO OF CHICAGO'S LONGEST SERVING MAYORS.

THE FIRST TRIAL FOR A SITTING ALDERMAN IN TWO DECADES.

WTTW NEWS REPORTER HEATHER CHERONE WAS AT THE COURTHOUSE TODAY AND JOINS US NOW WITH MORE.

JURY SELECTION TOOK ALL DAY.

WHO HAS BEEN SEATED ON THIS JURY NOW?

>> WELL, IT WILL BE EIGHT MEN AND FOUR WOMEN WHO WILL BE ASKED TO DECIDE THE FATE OF PATRICK DALEY THOMPSON A FURNITURE SALESMAN, AN EMERGENCY MEDICAL TECHNICIAN AND HIGH SCHOOL CHEMISTRY TEACHER THEY WILL BE ASKED TO DECIDE IF THE ALDERPERSON FILED FALSE TAX RETURNS KNOWINGLY AND LIED ABOUT IT TO FEDERAL BANK REGULATORS.

THE ALDERPERSON HAS PLEADED NOT GUILTY.

>> LARGE CROSS-SECTION OF CHICAGOANS THERE.

WHY DID IT TAKE SO LONG FOR JURORS TO BE SELECTED?

>> WELL, THE JUDGE IN THIS CASE FACED A QUANDARY.

HE HAD TO MAKE SURE THE JURORS WOULD NOT FAVOR PATRICK DALEY THOMPSON BECAUSE OF HIS STATUS AS AN ALDERPERSON AND MEMBER OF THE DALEY FAMILY BUT ALSO NOT BIASED AGAINST HIM.

IT WAS TRICKY LINE TO WALK AND IT TOOK LONGER.

SO WE WILL HEAR OPENING ARGUMENTS TOMORROW MORNING.

>> AND THE FEDERAL CHARGES ARE CLEAR.

I WILL LAID OUT.

WHAT DO YOU THOMPSON'S DEFENSE TO BE AND.

>> THEY WILL ARGUE THAT PATRICK DALEY THOMPSON DID NOT KNOW THE RETURNS WERE FALSE WHEN HE SIGNED THEM BECAUSE HE IS NOT GREAT WITH DETAILS AND PAYMENT WORK.

HIS ATTORNEY ARGUED DURING PRETRIAL HEARINGS HE IS RELATIVELY DISORGANIZED AND DIDN'T KNOW THAT HIS TAX RETURNS WERE FOR SEVERAL YEARS WERE INCORRECT.

>> THE I DIDN'T KNOW DEFENSE.

AND THOMPSON THE FIRST OF POSSIBLY THREE SITTING MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL TO FACE TRIAL.

HEATHER CHERONE THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> AND YOU CAN READ HEATHER'S STORY ON WTTW.COM/NEWS.

>> THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE IS DROPPING A CONTROVERSIAL PLAN TO USE FACIAL RECOGNITION SOFTWARE.

THE I.R.S.

ANNOUNCES IT WILL TRANSITION FROM USING THE SERVICE ID ME REQUIRING USERS TO SUBMIT A VIDEO SELFIE TO PROVE THEIR IDENTITY AND ACCESS ON-LINE TAX INFORMATION.

THE PLAN FACED CRITICISM WITH OPPONENTS CITING PRIVACY AND EQUITY CONCERNS AND VULNERABILITY.

THE I.R.S.

SAYS IT QUOTE TAKES TAXPAYER PRIVACY AND SECURITY SERIOUSLY AND WE UNDERSTANDED CONCERNS THAT HAVE BEEN RAISED.

EVERYONE SHOULD FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH HOW THEIR PERSONAL INFORMATION IS SECURED AND WE ARE PURSUING SHORT-TERM OPTIONS THAT DO NOT INVOLVE FACIAL RECOGNITION.

JOINING US WITH MORE, EDWIN YOHNKA, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC POLICY AT THE AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION OF ILLINOIS.

AND KRISTIAN HAMMOND A COMPUTER SCIENCE PROFESSOR AT NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY.

WHY DO YOU THINK THE I.R.S.

DECIDED TO CHANGE COURSE OR USING THIS FACIAL RECOGNITION SOFTWARE?

>> WELL, I THINK IT WAS JUST A BAD IDEA THAT EVERYBODY OBJECTED TO FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER.

BUT FUNDAMENTALLY AT THE END OF THE DAY YOU SEE THE EFFORT TO MOVE PEOPLE TOWARDS FACIAL RECOGNITION AND TO OPEN UP OUR DATA TO ALL KINDS OF INTRUSIONS.

IT'S SOMETHING PEOPLE ARE GOING TO REBELL AGAINST AT SOME LEVEL.

TONIGHT TURNS OUT WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT ALL OF THE PERSONAL DATA ONE SHARES WITH THE I.R.S.

THAT MAY HAVE BEEN THE LIMIT FOR MANY, MANY PEOPLE.

>> AND THIS I.R.S.

PLAN FOR PEOPLE TO USE FACIAL RECOGNITION TO ACCESS SERVICES INCLUDING FILE TAX RETURNS ON-LINE WAS VERY CONTROVERSIAL.

KRISTIAN HAMMOND IS THERE PROOF THAT FACIAL RECOGNITION DOES HELP IN TERMS OF SECURING PEOPLE'S DATA AND A THEN INDICATION FOR IDENTIFICATION?

>> THERE'S HARDLY PROOF.

I MEAN THE TECHNOLOGY -- THE THING THAT STRUCK ME WHEN I FIRST HEARD THE ANNOUNCEMENT WAS THE I.R.S.

WAS PUTTING TOGETHER A REPOSER TO OF INCREDIBLY VALUABLE INFORMATION AND PUTTING IT BEHIND A WALL AND SAYING COME ON, TRY TO BREAK IT DOWN.

AND EVERY HACKER IN THE KNOWN UNIVERSE WAS GOING TO GO AFTER IT.

I MEAN JUST AS THE FACIAL RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY HAS GOTTEN BETTER, THE FAKE TECHNOLOGY HAS GOTTEN BETTER.

ALL OF OUR FACES ARE ALREADY OUT THERE.

IT JUST WAS ASIDE FROM THE FACT THAT THE TECHNOLOGY IS FRAUGHT AND PEOPLE ARE UPSET IT WAS JUST A BAD IDEA FROM A PURE FUNCTIONAL POINT OF VIEW.

>> HOW FRAUGHT IS YOUR DATA WHEN YOU ARE USING FACIAL RECOGNITION SOFTWARE IN A PROGRAM LIKE THIS STORED BY A THIRD PARTY BY THE GOVERNMENT?

>> YOU KNOW ONE OF THE PROBLEMS IS OF COURSE WHEN IT'S STORED BY A THIRD PARTY, THERE IS NO REGULATION.

THERE'S NO CONTROL OVER IT.

AND CERTAINLY WE'VE SEEN ALL OF THE PROBLEMS THAT CHRIS REFERRED TO IN TERMS OF PEOPLE HACKING AND ACCESSING THAT DATA.

THE OTHER PART OF IS, OF COURSE, THE DATA YOU ARE SHARING WITH THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE PURPOSES OF REVENUE TAXES, THAT IT'S NOW BEING SHARED WITH A THIRD PARTY AND MADE AVAILABLE AND VULNERABLE IN THAT WAY, UNDERMINES THE BASIC CORE OF WHAT THE GOVERNMENT IS SUPPOSED TO DO TO PROTECT US.

>> KRISTIAN HAMMOND ARE THERE OTHER METHODS THAT COULD BE MORE EFFECTIVE AND LESS VULNERABLE THAT THE I.R.S.

COULD USE?

>> OH, CERTAINLY.

I MEAN, THE -- FOR MOST PEOPLE THEY DO MULTIFACTOR AUTHENTICATION.

YOU LOG IN AND YOU GET A PHONE CALL FROM THE SITE TO SEE IF IT'S YOU.

YOU HAVE TO KNOW YOUR USER, ID, PASSWORD AND HAVE TO HAVE A PHONE ASSOCIATED WITH THE ACCOUNT.

YOU WOULD LAYER I WILL ASK YOU FIVE QUESTIONS ABOUT WHERE YOU HAVE LIVED WHAT CARS YOU'VE OWNED, WHERE YOU WORKED, THAT I ALREADY KNOW ABOUT YOU AND WE'LL GO THROUGH THAT PROCESS.

YOU CAN HAVE LAYER UPON LAYER, UPON LAYER INCLUDING FACIAL RECOGNITION.

BUT FINGERPRINTS ARE A LITTLE BIT BETTER.

JUST THAT THE FACIAL RECOGNITION TECHNOLOGY ASIDE FROM THE FACT THAT SO MANY PEOPLE ARE ANGRY ABOUT IT BECAUSE MISTAKES WERE MADE ACROSS THE BOARD AS THE TEMPERATURE WAS BEING DEVELOPED.

AND YOU HAVE THE BY WAS AND TECHNOLOGIES WHICH FELT RACIST TO BEGIN WITH.

ASIDE FROM THAT, THE WHOLE POINT OF MECHANISMS FOR PROTECTING YOU, TO PROTECTING YOU AND YOUR DATA, THE WHOLE POINT IS TO HAVE THINGS THAT YOU AREN'T SHARING WITH THE WORLD.

AND IF YOU ARE USING THE ONE THING THAT YOU SHARE WITH THE WORLD ALL THE TIME, AS A WAY OF STOPPING PEOPLE FROM GETTING YOUR DATA, THAT IS JUST WAS A RIDICULOUS IDEA TO BEGIN WITH.

>> OPENING UP A NEW CAN OF WORMS.

I WANT TO PICK UP ON THE RACISM PART WHY IS FACIAL RECOGNITION UNDER SCRUTINY FOR RACE AND EQUITY PROBLEMS?

>> AGAIN AND AGAIN ONE OF THE THINGS SEEN AS FACIAL TECHNOLOGY HAS BEEN ROLLED OUT WHEN THEY CLAIMED IT'S IMPROVE SECOND THAT IT FAILS TO READ THE FACES OF PEOPLE OF COLOR WITH THE -- WITHOUT MISTAKES, WITHOUT ERRORS.

YOU MAY HAVE SEEN A FEW YEARS AGO, FOR EXAMPLE, THE FAMOUS THING DONE WHEN SOMEBODY USED ONE OF THE SYSTEMS TO RUN THEM AGAINST MUG SHOTS WHO ARE ALL THE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AND IT TURNED OUT YOU GOT A NUMBER OF POSITIVE HITS AND THEY HAPPENED TO BE ALL MEMBERS OF THE BLACK CAUCUS.

THERE ARE A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT PLACES AND TIMES IN WHICH THAT IS EXACTLY THE BIAS THAT THESE SYSTEMS HAVE EXHIBITED ON A SMALL LEVEL, IMAGINE THAT APPLIED TO THE ENTIRE COUNTRY?

>> KRISTIAN HAMMOND YOU MENTIONED FACIAL RECOGNITION IS FOISTED ON A LOT OF FOLKS HOW WIDESPREAD IS THIS BY PRIVATE OR PUBLIC COMPANIES?

>> I MEAN, THERE ARE CERTAINLY THINGS LIKE YOUR PHONE, FACIAL RECOGNITION FOR YOUR PHONE.

CERTAINLY BY SOME LEVEL OF IDENTIFICATION WHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO GET INTO SPACES.

AND THERE, THERE IS NOT A LOT OF DANGER TO THAT VERSION USING THE TECHNOLOGIES IN THAT WAY.

THE IMPORTANT THING HERE IS IT'S NOT JUST THE TECHNOLOGY WAS THE DATA USED TO TRAIN IT.

AND THE SECOND THING IS THAT THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE TECHNOLOGY ONLY BAD FUNCTIONALITY ONLY MATTERS WHEN IT'S IN AN APPLICATION WHERE THAT FUNCTIONALITY IS GOING TO CAUSE TROUBLE OR INEQUITY.

SO ON YOUR PHONE HAVING FACIAL RECOGNITION ON YOUR PHONE THAT IS JUST NOT -- THE BIAS IS UNINTERESTED.

IT DOESN'T MEAN ANYTHING IT'S RECOGNIZING YOU AND THAT'S IT.

FACIAL RECOGNITION FOR GETTING PEOPLE INTO BUILDINGS, IT'S ALL YOUR EMPLOYEES THERE.

AND IT'S DOING THAT.

THERE ARE GREAT WAYS YOU CAN USE THE TECHNOLOGY BUT YOU DON'T WANT IT USE IT IN THE PLACES WHERE IT'S DOING THAT LEVEL OF PROTECTION.

>> AND ILLINOIS HAS A TOUGH BIOMETRICS LAW WHICH PREVENTS OF SHARING OF THAT FACIAL RECOGNITION.

AND AS A SUBJECT FOR ANOTHER DAY.

THANKS TO EDWIN YOHNKA AND KRISTIAN HAMMOND.

>> THANK YOU.

>> THANKS.

>> AND UP NEXT, THREATS FACING HEALTHCARE WORKERS AND EFFORTS TO STOP THEM.

SO STAY WITH US.

>> DOCTORS, NURSES AND HEALTHCARE WORKERS ARE FACING INCREASING LEVELS OF THREATS AND VIOLENCE.

A LONGSTANDING PROBLEM THAT HAS GOTTEN WORSE DURING THE PANDEMIC.

THAT IS THE WARNING FROM THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION IN AN OP-ED THAT NOTES AS MANY AS 38% OF HEALTHCARE WORKERS FACE VIOLENCEDERING THEIR CAREERS AND PEOPLE IN THE FIELD WERE 50% MORE LIKELY TO BE HARASSED, THREATENED OR HURT DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

JOINING US ARE REGISTERED NURSE PER PER OF THE ILLINOIS NURSES KRISTEN PEREZ PRESIDENT OF THE ILLINOIS NURSES ASSOCIATION AND Dr. GERALD HARMON.

>> YOU WROTE THAT OP-ED, HOW HAS THIS PROBLEM BEEN EXACERBATED BY THE PANDEMIC?

>> GOOD QUESTION.

IT WAS PRESENT BEFORE THE PANDEMIC.

WE WERE NOTICING OVER THE PERIOD BETWEEN 2011 AND 2018 WE HAD LIKE A 68% INCREASE IN UNLESS AGAINST HEALTHCARE WORKERS BEFORE WE HAD THE COVID PANDEMIC.

I CAN TELL YOU WE'RE SEEING MORE AND MORE VIOLENCE ALMOST DAILY IN OUR HEALTHCARE ENVIRONMENT ALL TYPES OF HEALTHCARE WORKERS.

PHYSICIANS, REGISTERED NURSES YOU NAME IT WE ARE GETTING MORE NERVOUS ABOUT BEING ASSAULTED PHYSICALLY AND VERBALLY AND THREATENED.

IT IS A PANDEMIC OF VIOLENCE.

IT IS FRUSTRATING FOR US.

WE'RE JUST TRYING TO DO OUR JOBS.

>> KRISTEN PEREZ, IT IS NOT JUST BEEN DOORING R DURING THE PANDEMIC.

FEDERAL STATISTICS SHOW A 67% INCREASE IN INJURIES FROM 2011-2018.

AND THAT HEALTHCARE WORKERS ARE FIVE TIMES MORE LIKELY TO FACE WORKPLACE VIOLENCE.

WOULD YOU SAY THAT TRACKS WITH WHAT YOU'VE SEEN IN YOUR CAREER?

>> DEFINITELY.

WORKPLACE VIOLENCE IN THE HEALTHCARE SETTING IS RUNNING RAMPANT.

IT'S ALWAYS BEEN A PROBLEM.

I'VE BEEN A NURSE FOR 11 YEARS, AND I CAN'T SAY I EXPERIENCE VIOLENCE EVERYDAY BUT I EXPERIENCE IT OFTEN.

AND THAT IS RANGING FROM LIKE PHYSICAL CONTACT FROM A PATIENT OR FAMILY MEMBER BEING SLAPPED I'VE BEEN BITTEN BEFORE.

RECEIVING VERBAL THREATS AND SEXUAL HARASSMENT.

>> Dr. HARMON YOU PRO MOSTED SOLUTIONS INCLUDING BETTER TRACKING AND VIOLENCE AND BETTER SECURITY PROCEDURES.

ARE THESE IMPROVEMENTS ARE THEY IN THE PROCESS OF BEING MADE?

OR IS HEALTHCARE LAGGING BEHIND ON THIS?

>> I THINK THERE ARE WAYS WE NEED TO GATHER THE DATA.

WE HAVE DATA NO MORE CURRENT THAN 208.

WE NEED BETTER SUSPECTS.

WE ARE SCIENTISTS WE DEPEND ON THE SCIENCE TO MAKE DECISIONS.

WE'VE HAD TO HAVE SCIENCE LEAD US THROUGH THE PANDEMIC.

WE NEED DATA TO TAKE ACTIONABLE STEPS TO IMPROVE THE HEALTHCARE SAFETY FOR OUR HEALTHCARE WORKERS WORKPLACE SAFETY.

>> AND ANY THOUGHTS ON CAUSES OF THIS INCREASE?

AND OF THE VIOLENCE?

>> YOU KNOW I DON'T THINK PEOPLE ARE DELIBERATELY TRYING TO BE VIOLENT DURING THE COVID PANDEMIC.

WE'VE HAD TO RESTRICT ACCESS PUTS A LOT OF US NOT ONLY HEALTHCARE WORKERS AND PATIENTS AND FAMILIES AT RISK OF CONTRACTING THIS DISEASE.

WE'VE HAD TO LIMIT OVERNIGHT STAYS IN THE HOSPITAL AND VISITS.

AND IT PUTS US AT ODDS AND PEOPLE ARE STRESSED IF THEY ARE GOING TO GET COVID AND SURVIVE.

AND THEN WE LIMIT ACCESS TO THEIR LOVED ONES THEY ARE STRESSED WHEN YOU PUT THAT ON TOP OF THEM THEY ARE -- YOU CAN UNDERSTAND SOMEONE EMPAT THICK TO THEIR CONCERNS.

WHAT WE CAN NO ALLOW IS THE PHYSICAL VIOLENCE AND AGGRESSION.

WE'RE JUST DOING OUR JOBS.

WE NEED TO DO OUR JOBS.

AND WE NEED TO BE ALLOWED TO DO IT IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT.

>> AND WHAT ROLE DO YOU THINK STAFFING SHORTAGES PLAY IN HEALTHCARE WORKER SAFETY?

>> I THINK IT IS A HUGE ISSUE WITH ALL HEALTHCARE SETTINGS AND ESPECIALLY IN AN INPATIENT SETTING WHERE A NURSE MAY BE TAKING CARE OF UPWARDS OF SIX AND SEVEN PATIENTS IN SOME CASES.

THAT IT'S COMPLETELY UNTENABLE FOR THE NURSE AND COMPLETELY PUTTING THOSE PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES AT RISK OF HAVING ADVERSE EVENTS WHICH MAKES PEOPLE ANGRY OR WHEN PEOPLE FEEL LIKE THEY ARE NOT GETTING THE CARE THEY NEED AND DESERVE, YOU KNOW, THE PATIENTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS CAN BECOME NOT ONLY VERBALLY AGGRESSIVE TOWARDS YOU, WHICH RIGHTFULLY YOU CAN UNDERSTAND THEIR FEELINGS AND PHYSICALLY AGGRESSIVE.

I HAVE COWORKER OUT RIGHT NOW FROM MY HOSPITAL WHO HAS BASKETBALL OUT SINCE AUGUST AND HE NEEDS A SECOND SURGERY FROM AN JURY HE RECEIVED BY A VIOLENT PATIENT.

>> WHEN THEY ARE NOT GETTING THEIR NEEDS IN A TIMELY MANNER THAT CAN BE SOLVED WITH APPROPRIATE STAFFING WHICH THE ADMINISTRATORS ARE NOT DOING.

AND WE'RE WORKING ON PASSING SAFE LAWS HERE IN ILLINOIS TO HOLD HOSPITALS ACCOUNTABLE TO MAKE SAFE STAFFING A POSSIBILITY AND SOMETHING THAT WILL PROTECT PATIENTS AND NURSES.

>> AND Dr. HARMON YOU NOTE THE RACIAL COMPONENT OF THREATS AND ATTACKS.

HEALTHCARE HAS A TROUBLED HISTORY IN THIS RESPECT.

THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION ITSELF APOLOGIZED SOME YEARS AGO FOR ITS HISTORY OF DISCRIMINATION.

WHAT CAN THE HEALTHCARE FIELD DO TO IMPROVE EQUITY AND PROTECT PEOPLE OF COLOR?

>> WELL, IN 2020 THE AMA RECOGNIZED INCREASING VIOLENCE AGAINST HEALTHCARE WORKERS AS A PUBLIC HEALTH THREAT AND LAST YEAR THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES RECOGNIZED THAT RACISM IS A PUBLIC HEALTH THREAT AS WELL.

WE ARE RECOGNIZING AND FORMAL STEPS IN PROCESS WE HAVE A HEALTH EQUITY PLAN TO ADDRESS THAT THAT WE PUT FORTH.

AND BELIEVE THE CURRENT ACTS OF THEM AND MORE RECENTLY APPEAR TO BE ADDRESSED WITH A RACIAL COMPONENT AND THE TARGETS OF NEONAZI TYPE GROUPS THAT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE WE NEED TO IMMEDIATELY TAKE STEPS FROM PREVENT THAT.

THEY DON'T DESERVE THAT AS YOU HEARD FROM KRYSTEN, IS THIS OUR JOB WE HAVE TO DO IT IN A SAFE MANNER.

WE'RE TRYING OUR BEST TO BE PART OF THE SOLUTION.

>> AND KRISTEN PEREZ ON THAT NOTE WHAT SORT OF TOLL DO THE THREATS TAKE ON HEALTHCARE WORKERS WHEN YOU KNOW TO BE MAXED OUT?

>> YES, COVID IS MAKING US COMPLETELY ON THE EDGE AND CLOSE TO FALLING OFF THE CLIFF IN SOME WAYS PHYSICALLY AND EMOTIONALLY I CAN SAY THAT FOR MYSELF AND SO MANY OF MY COWORKERS WE ARE HANGING ON BY A THREAD IN SO MANY WAYS AND AN ACT OF VIOLENCE OR A THREAT TOWARDS YOU COULD BE THE ONE THING THAT MAKES YOU WALK AWAY FROM YOUR CAREER AS A NURSE FOR GIVING BEDSIDE PATIENT CARE.

AND I'VE SEEN THAT ALL TOO MUCH DURING THE PANDEMIC AND PRIOR TO OF PEOPLE WALKING AWAY BECAUSE OF THOSE REASONS, BECAUSE OF THE RISK TO THEIR HEALTH AND SAFETY AND NOT BEING ADDRESSED BY HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATORS.

>> WE THANK YOU FOR THE WORK YOU DO.

BEST OF LUCK TO YOU NURSE KRISTEN PEREZ AND Dr. GERALD HARMON THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> THANK YOU.

>> PARIS BACK TO YOU.

>> AND STILL TO COME ON "CHICAGO TONIGHT"...

THE FORMER HEAD COACH OF THE MIAMI DOLPHINS FILES A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT ALLEGING RACIAL HIRING PRACTICES IN THE NFL.

HOW THAT CONTROVERSY COULD IMPACT THE RACE FOR CHICAGO'S CASINO AND MORE BUSINESS HEADLINES FROM CRAIN'S.

A LOOK AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO MEDICINE'S PROPOSAL TO BUILD A 633 MILLION DOLLAR CANCER CARE FACILITY ON THE CITY'S SOUTH SIDE.

>> SPICY, AND HAS A LITTLE BIT OF SALT WHICH MEANS IT'S PURPOSEFUL FOR A HANGOVER.

>> AND A LOCAL HUSBAND AND WIFE TEAM IS LOOKING TO BRING THEIR VERSION OF A CLASSIC MEXICAN COCKTAIL TO YOUR REFRIGERATOR.

>> BUT FIRST, SOME OF TODAY'S TOP STORIES... >> CHICAGO'S CARJACKING TASK FORCE IS ADDING MORE STAFF TO HAVE 24 HOUR COVERAGE.

THE MAYOR AND CHICAGO'S POLICE SUPERINTENDENT ARE ANNOUNCING THE FOCUS ON ARRESTING CARJACKERS AFTER MORE THAN 1400 CARJACKINGS WERE REPORTED LAST YEAR.

CHICAGO POLICE SAID HALF OF CARJACKK ARRESTS ARE CHILDREN UNDER 18 AND SOME AS YOUNG AS 11.

MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT SAYS SHE BELIEVES THERE IS A CORRELATION BETWEEN REMOTE LEARNING AND CARJACKINGS.

>> A LOT OF PARENTS WENT TO WORK DURING THE DAY THINKING THEIR TEENAGERS WERE LOGGED ON FOR REMOTE LEARNING ONLY TO FIND SOMETHING ELSE.

I ASK IS THERE SOME NEW MARKET FOR STOLEN CARS?

AND UNFORTUNATELY THE ANSWER WAS NO.

THAT FOR MANY OF THE KIDS SOME OF WHOM HAD NO PRIOR INVOLVEMENT IN A CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, THIS WAS PURE BOREDOM.

>> THE CHICAGO TEACHERS' UNION PUSHES BACK AGAINST THAT ASSERTION BY THE MAYOR.

C.T.U.

SAYS QUOTE... >> BEARS FANS HAVE HIGH HOPES WITH A NEW COACH AND GENERAL MANAGER, THE TEAM IS ALSO RAISING PRICES.

THE BEARS SAY SEASON TICKET HOLDERS WILL PAY 6% MORE BECAUSE OF THE ADDITION OF A REGULAR SEASON HOME GAME.

THERE WERE EIGHT REGULAR SEASON GAMES AND TWO PRESEASON GAMES LAST YEAR.

THEY WILL BUY TICKETS FOR NINE GAMES AND ONLY ONE PRESEASON GAME.

THE TEAM SAYS THE INCREASE IS DUE TO QUOTE VARIABLE PRICING WHICH MAKES MORE DESIRABLE GAMES MORE EXPENSIVE.

THAT POLICY HAS BEEN IN EFFECT SINCE 2016.

>> AND BACK TO BRANDIS FOR TOP BUSINESS HEADLINES.

>> THANK YOU.

>> TWO LOW FARE AIRLINES ANNOUNCE A MULTIBILLION DOLLAR MERGER THE CONTROVERSY OVER THE MIAMI DOLPHINS MAY HAVE AN IMPACT ON THE RACE FOR CHICAGO'S CASINO AND IF YOU ARE IN THE HUNT FOR A MULTIMILLION DOLLAR HOME, SORRY, THREE LOCAL LISTINGS ARE NOW OFF THE TABLE.

BEHIND THE HEADLINES IS CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS HE HAD SHORE ANN DWYER.

FIRST, LOW FARE AIRLINES SPIRIT AND FRONTIER ARE ANNOUNCING PLANS TO MERGE AND THAT WOULD MAKE IT THE FIFTH LARGEST DOMESTIC AIRLINE.

WILL THIS IMPACT OPERATIONS AT O'HARE OR MIDWAY?

>> IT WILL SOMEWHAT.

NOBODY IS EXPECTING THE COMBINED AIRLINE IS GOING TO UPEND UNITED OR AMERICAN.

BUT THE TRANSPORTATION EXPERTS WE TALK TO DID SAY THAT THE COMBINED SPIRIT AND FRONTIER WILL CERTAINLY BE A MORE ABLE COMPETITOR AT THAT ECONOMY END OF THE MARKET.

LIKE THE WAY EASY JET DOMINATES IN EUROPE, THE VISION HERE IS THAT THESE TWO COMBINED COULD BE SIMILAR.

NOW, AT O'HARE, THESE TWO AIRLINES ARE GOING TO HAVE TO SORT OUT WHERE THEY WANT TO BE LOCATED THEY CURRENTLY OCCUPY TWO TERMINALS.

AT MIDWAY THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THEM TO EAT AWAY AT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES' DOMINANCE.

AND MOST TRANSPORTATION EXPERTS THINK ONE THING THEY WILL DO IS RAMPING UP MORE OFFERINGS TO THE CARRIBBEAN AND MEXICO TO BE COMPETITIVE IN THIS MARKET.

>> CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS' GREG BEHIND REPORTS THERE MAY BE A SHADOW CAST OVER THE CHICAGO CASINO RACE BECAUSE OF THE MIAMI DOLPHINS CONTROVERSY.

ANN, SPAIN TO US HOW THE TWO ARE LINKED?

>> THE LINK IS RELATED MIDWEST.

WHICH IS THE LOCAL OUTPOST OF RELATED COMPANIES AND ENTITY THAT IS CONTROLLED BY STEVEN ROSS WHO HAPPENS TO BE THE OWNER OF THE MIAMI DOLPHINS.

NOW, ROSS HAS FOUND HIMSELF AT THE CENTER OF CONTROVERSY ON TWO FRONTS; THIS FORMER COACH BRIAN FLORES HAS ALLEGED SYSTEMIC RACISM WITHIN THE NFL AND AT THE DOLPHINS ORGANIZATION.

AND MORE SHOCKINGLY, AND PERHAPS MORE RELEVANT TO THE CASINO BIDDING HERE IN CHICAGO, HE'S ALSO ALLEGING THAT ROSS HAD APPROACHED HIM TO THROW GAMES IN ORDER TO PUT THE DOLPHINS IN A BETTER POSITION FOR A DRAFT PICK.

NOW I SHOULD NOTE THAT ROSS VEHEMENTLY DENIES THE ALLEGATIONS.

THE REASON WHY THE ALLEGATION MIGHT BE RELEVANT IN CHICAGO IS THAT RELATED MIDWEST IS INVOLVED IN ONE OF THE FIVE BIDS FOR THE CHICAGO CASINO.

AND CITY HALL IS UNDERSTANDABLY WANTING TO BE SURE THAT WHATEVER COMPANY LINES UP WITH THE WINNING BID, IS SQUEAKY CLEAN.

THEY ARE SAYING SO FAR THAT EVERY BIDDER -- >> I WAS GOING TO SAY A LOT MORE TO KEEP AN EYE ON THERE.

AND I WANT TO TALK ABOUT THE THREE LOCAL MULTIMILLION DOLLAR HOMES NOW OFF THE MARKET AND NEITHER YOU NOR I BOUGHT THEM.

BUT THEY CAME OFF THE MARKET WITHOUT HITTING THE MARKET.

TELL US ABOUT THE HOMES BRIEFLY AND THE DEMAND FOR THAT MARKET SHARE?

>> IT TELLS US, BRANDIS, THAT THE HIGHEST END OF THE CHICAGO HOUSING MARKET IS CONTINUING TO BE ON FIRE.

TALKING ABOUT LOCATIONS AT NUMBER 9 WALTON STREET.

A LOCATION IN LINCOLN PARK AND ANOTHER ON MOHAWK.

ALL OF THE LOCATIONS ARE HIGH-END HOMES THAT SOLD NEAR $9 MILLION WITHOUT BEING LISTED.

SO THAT IS JUST A SIGN THAT THIS END OF THE MARKET AT LEAST DESPITE ALL THE DOOM AND GLOOM THAT YOU OFTEN SEE ABOUT CHICAGO, PEOPLE WHO CAN AFFORD TO SPEND AT THAT LEVEL AND PUTTING THEIR MONEY TO INVEST HERE.

>> SOMEBODY IS DOING OK. >> ANN DWYER AT CRAIN'S THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> THANKS.

>> TO PARIS WITH MORE ON THE CONTROVERSY OVER HIRING PRACTICES IN THE NFL.

>> FORMER CHICAGO BEARS HEAD COACH LUVVIE SMITH BEEN NAMED THE NEW COACH OF THE HOUSTON TEXANS AS THE NFL IS FACING FALLOUT OVER A LAWSUIT ACCUSING IT OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION IN HIRING AMID EXPLOSIVE ALLEGATIONS.

THE LAWSUIT WAS FILED BY FORMER MIAMI DOLPHINS HEAD COACH BRIAN FLORES RECENTLY FIRED BY THE TEAM.

FLORES EXPLAINED TO DON LEMON WHY HE FELT HE HAD TO BRO THE WHIFTEST.

>> THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN IN THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE IN REGARDS TO HIRING MINORITIES AND BLACK HEAD COACHES AND PEOPLE IN POSITIONS OF POWER.

I'M DOING IT BECAUSE I THINK ABOUT MY TWO BOYS AND MY DAUGHTER.

AND THERE IS NOT ENOUGH REPRESENTATION OF PEOPLE WHO LOOK LIKE THEM IN HEAD COACHING ROLES AND GENERAL MANAGER ROLES AND EXECUTIVE AND PRESIDENT ROLES IN THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE.

>> JOINING US ARE JAMES "BIG CAT" WILLIAMS, FORMER OFFENSIVE LINEMAN FOR THE CHICAGO BEARS.

AND EXAVIER POPE OWNER OF THE POPE LAW FIRM HOST OF SUIT UP NEWS AND CONTRIBUTOR TO ESPN LAS VEGAS.

WELLINGTON THOMAS TO "CHICAGO TONIGHT."

JAMES "BIG CAT" WILLIAMS YOUR REACTION TO THE BOMB SHELL LAWSUIT FROM BRIAN FLORES?

>> WHEN THE NEWS FIRST CAME OUT, WHEN THEY FARES STARTED TALKING ABOUT IT, I WAS VERY SURPRISED.

BUT VERY OPTIMISTIC.

JUST THE FACT THAT SOMEONE WAS GOING TO COME OUTSIDE OF THEIR COMFORT LEVEL KNOWING THAT THIS COULD NULLIFY THE REST OF THEIR NFL COACHING CAREER, BUT FELT STRONGLY ENOUGH TO COME OUT 0 AND PUT HIS FOOT DOWN AND SAY ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

AND WE'LL HAVE TO SEE HOW IT GOES.

>> AND EXAVIER POPE THERE ARE TWO BIG ALLEGATIONS.

ONE RACIAL DISCRIMINATION IN THE HIRING OF HEAD COACHES AND THIS ALLEGATION OF BRIBERY TO TANK GAMES.

STARTING WITH THAT FIRST ONE, WHAT WOULD HAVE TO BE SHOWN IN A COURT OF LAW TO PROVE THAT INDEED THERE IS RACIAL DISCRIMINATION IN NFL HIRING PRACTICE?

WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE FACT THAT SO FEW NFL COACHES ARE OF COLOR?

>> THE CAUSE OF ACTION AMOUNTS TO RACIAL DISCRIMINATION AMONG THE MULTIPLE TEAMS AND THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE.

THERE NEEDS TO BE SHOWN DISCRIMINATORY INTENT THAT LED TO THE STATISTICS BEING SO LOW ACROSS THE BOARD IN TERMS THE HIRING OF NFL TEAMS.

BUT I THINK THE BIG PART ABOUT THAT, THOUGH, IS INSTEAD OF LOOKING AT THE LIKELIHOOD OF SUCCESS, THE LIKELIHOOD OF THE NFL WANTING ANY COURT TO LOOK AT ITS DISCOVERY OF DOCUMENT, E-MAILS THAT NFL OWNERS SAID ABOUT PLAYERS, ABOUT COACHES, ABOUT HOW THE LEAGUE [INAUDIBLE] WE'VE SEEN THE WASHINGTON FOOTBALL TEAM THE INVESTIGATION NFL REFUSES TO MAKE PUBLIC THAT LED TO A HEAD COACH LOSING HIS JOB, THE JON GRUDEN WITH THE LAS VEGAS RAIDERS.

WHAT ELSE DOES THE NFL HAVE UNDER WRAPS THAT SEEKS TO THE PROBLEMS WITH DIVERSITY.

GETTING BRIAN FLORES AND HAVING A TEXT MESSAGE THAT BILL BELICHICK HAD THAT KNOWLEDGE OF ANOTHER TEAM'S HIRING PRACTICE COULD GET TO HIM A SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND TO TO A DISCOVERY PHASE AND THAT WOULD LEAD TO A SETTLE: THAT IS PROBABLY THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO ANALYZE THIS CASE.

>> YOU ARE SPEAKING OF THE NFL THEY SAID THAT FLORES CLAIMS QUOTE LACKED MERIT.

A FEW DAYS LATER COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL SAID THE LEAGUE'S RECORD ON HIRING BLACK HEAD COACHES WAS QUOTE UNEXCEPT AN.

>> HOW DO PLAYERS AND EXPLAYERS VIEW THE POWER STRUCTURE IN THE NFL?

>> AS AN EXPLAYER, I'M SHOCKED.

THE PEOPLE ARE SHOCKED.

THIS ISN'T THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS ROLLED AROUND.

THIS IS AN EVERY TWO TO THREE-YEAR SUBJECT THAT POPS UP.

AND NOTHING CHANGES.

SO HOPEFULLY WITH THIS LAWSUIT BEING OUT THERE AND OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE OPPORTUNITY TO PUT THEIR NAMES ON THIS LAWSUIT TO MAKE IT A LOT BIGGER THAN IT IS RIGHT NOW, HOPEFULLY IT WILL EFFECT CHANGE.

THERE HAS TO BE CHANGE.

>> AND THE NFL COMMISSIONER GOODELL AGREES THERE HAS TO BE CHANGE.

EXAVIER POPE NOT JUST THAT SO FEW NFL HEAD COACHES ARE NONWHITE BUT THE ALLEGATION IS ALSO THAT NON-WHITEHEAD COACHES DO NOT GET THE SAME LATITUDE THEY GET FIRED QUICKER LIKE FLORES.

IS THERE EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THAT?

>> STEVE WILKES, FORMER COACH OF THE ARIZONA CARDINALS HAS ONE SEASON AND GETS FIRED AFTER THAT SEASON.

WE JUST DAVID GULLY THE HOUSTON TEXANS FRANCHISE LUVVIE SMITH GETTING THE JOB.

WHEN YOU SEE OVER AND OVER.

THE HOUSTON TEXANS HIRED LOVEVIE BECAUSE [INAUDIBLE] THEY WANTED TO HIRE HIM AND STRONGLY ABOUT HIRING.

SO LAWSUITS SOMETIMES CHANGE RESULTS.

BIG CAT WAS BAY RESULT, BENEFITED FROM THE LEAGUE JESSE WHITE SUING THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE FOR FREE AGENCY.

AND JOHNNY COCHRAN SUING TO GET THE RIGHT IN THE FIRST PLACE.

LAWSUITS MOVE ALONG AND MAKE THINGS HAPPEN IN THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE.

>> I WANT TO PICK UP ON THAT ROONEY RULE THAT TEAMS HAVE TO INTERVIEW TWO COACHING CANDIDATES OF COLOR BEFORE THEY MAKE A HIRE.

BIG CAT, WHY HASN'T THAT WORKED TO INCREASE DIVERSITY AMONG HEAD COACHES?

>> IN MY OPINION IT'S JUST THE BOX FOR THEM TO CHECK NOW.

YOU KNOW THEY CAN BRING A COUPLE MINORITY COACHES IN AND SAY WE TALKED TO THEM AND CHECK THAT BOX.

AND THEIR OPINION THAT MAKES EVERYTHING OK.

THINGS AREN'T GOING TO CHANGE AS FAR AS THE ROONEY RULE GOES UNTIL THE HIGHER UPS THAT MAKE THE DECISIONS TO MAKE THE CHANGES THE PEOPLE THAT OWN THE ORGANIZATIONS.

AND RIGHT NOW IT IS A GOOD OL BUOYS CLUB.

>> AND THE OTHER BOMBSHELL IN THIS LAWSUIT IS THAT HIS FORMER OWNER OF THE DOLPHINS STEVEN ROSS OFFERED THEM $100,000 PER LOSS IF HE WOULD TANK TO SEASON TO GET A HIGHER DRAFT PICK.

>> TO HEAR THAT, TO DISRESPECT THE GAME THAT I LOVE THAT HAS DONE SO MUCH FOR ME IT WAS APPALLING TO ME AND I WOULDN'T STAND FOR IT.

BUT THAT'S I WOULD SAY THAT'S NOT AS UNFORTUNATELY IT'S MORE COMMON THAN YOU THINK.

>> EXAVIER POPE YOU HEAR COACHES SAYING WE PLAY TO WIN NOT GET A HIGHER DRAFT PICK.

HOW COMMON DO YOU THINK THIS COULD BE?

>> THAT REMAINS TO BE SEEN.

A LOT OF FANS TALKING ABOUT WANTING WE SEE TANK DISCUSSION EVERY YEAR.

BUT THE NFL STAYED AS FAR AWAY THEY COULD, STARTED RELATIONSHIPS WITH GAMING COMPANIES AND CASINOS AND THEN BRINGING A TEAM TO LAS VEGAS.

IT BRINGS THE INTEGRITY OF NFL GAMES UNDER A SERIOUS SCRUTINY IF YOU HAVE TEAMS THAT ARE WANTING TO PAYING THE COACH TO LOSE GAMES WITH THE VALUE OF FANS SEATS AND IT CREATES ANOTHER SET OF LEGAL CHALLENGES FOR THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE.

IF IT'S TRUE.

>> AND GAMBLING NOW HAS BECOME A MULTIBILLION DOLLAR INDUSTRY.

GREAT CONVERSATION THANKS TO JAMES "BIG CAT" WILLIAMS AND EXAVIER POPE.

>> THANKS, PARIS.

>> THANK YOU.

>> AND NOW TO BRANDIS AND DETAILS ON A NEW CANCER HOSPITAL IN THE WORKS?

>> PARIS, CHICAGO'S HYDE PARK NEIGHBORHOOD COULD SOON BE GETTING A NEW HOSPITAL FACILITY.

THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO MEDICINE PROPOSED BUILD AGO 633 MILLION DOLLAR CANCER CENTER TO HELP ADDRESS INEQUITIES ON THE SOUTH SIDE AND EASING CAPACITY.

AS IT STANDS U CHICAGO MEDICINE SAYS 67% OF CANCER PATIENTS IN NEED OF ITCH PATIENT CARE HAVE TO LEAVE THE SOUTH SIDE.

JOINING US IS Dr. KUNLE ODUNSI DIRECTOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO MEDICINE COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> OF COURSE.

GIVE US A SENSE WHAT ARE THE COMMUNITY NEEDS THIS CANCER CENTER IS INTENDED TO MEET?

>> THIS CANCER CENTER IS REALLY ONE OF ITS KIND AS THE WAY WE ENVISION IT.

IT IS GOING TO BE A CANCER CENTER WHERE IT IS A REALLY MEETS THE NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY HERE ON THE SOUTH SIDE.

IT IS A CANCER CENTER THAT WILL BE PATIENT-CENTRIC.

A CANCER CENTER THAT WILL PROVIDE INNOVATIVE CARE TO PATIENTS AND REALLY IMPORTANTLY, STRENGTHEN ACCESS TO CANCER CARE, ESPECIALLY THE COMPLEX CARE NEEDS OF OUR PATIENTS ON THE SOUTH SIDE COMMUNITY.

>> WE MENTIONED THAT 67% OF CANCER PATIENTS IN THE SOUTH SIDE AREA HAVE TO LEAVE THE SOUTH SIDE IN ORDER TO GET THEIR TREATMENT FOR INPATIENT.

GIVE US A SENSE HOW STRONG THE NEED IS FOR CANCER TREATMENT SPECIFICALLY?

>> THE NEED FOR CANCER TREATMENT AND CANCER CARE WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY IS VERY STRONG.

AND THIS IS BECAUSE OUR SOUTH SIDE COMMUNITY HAS FACED MANY HEALTH INEQUITIES IN THE PAST.

AND SO WHAT THIS CANCER CENTER IS GOING TO DO IS TO PROVIDE CARE FOR ESPECIALLY COMPLEX CARE FOR RESIDENTS OF OUR SOUTH SIDE COMMUNITY AND BEYOND SO THAT THESE PATIENTS WHO ORDINARILY WOULD NOT HAVE ACCESS TO THE WORLD CLASS CANCER CENTER, WILL BE ABLE TO HAVE ACCESS.

ONE THING I HAVE TO STRESS IS THAT IN PLANNING THIS CANCER HOSPITAL WE CALL IT CANCER HOSPITAL OF THE FUTURE, IN PLANNING THE HOSPITAL IT'S VERY PATIENT-CENTRIC WHEREBY PATIENTS ARE THE CENTER OF CARE ALL OF THE ASPECTS, MULTIDISCIPLINARY CARE BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER, PEOPLE REALLY TRYING TO OFFER THE BEST CARE FOR PATIENTS.

I LOVE THIS IT WILL TAKE PLACE IN THIS HOSPITAL.

>> IT WOULD ALSO I THINK YOU SAID THE INTENTION IS IT WOULD FREE UP BED BEDS IN THE EXISTING HOSPITAL.

SO THAT CANCER PATIENTS HAVE BEEN MOVED TO THE CENTER TO GET THE CARE THAT THEY NEED MAKING THE HOSPITAL AVAILABLE FOR OTHER KINDS OF CARE.

GIVE US A SENSE OF WHAT IS THERE TO BE SAID ABOUT THE NEED FOR HEALTHCARE SERVICES ALTOGETHER ON THE SOUTH SIDE?

>> THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THE NEW CANCER HOSPITAL WHERE WE WILL CONSOLIDATE SERVICES FOR CANCER PATIENTS IN ONE LOCATION.

IN MANY HOSPITALS THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY PATIENTS GO IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS ESPECIALLY CANCER PATIENTS WHEN CANCER IS DIAGNOSED IT IS A VERY COMPLEX PROCESS.

SOMETIMES VERY CHALLENGING.

TO ACTUALLY CONSOLIDATE ALL OF THE CARE UNDER ONE ROOF IS THE WAVE OF THE FUTURE.

SO THAT PATIENTS WILL NOT HAVING TO IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS FOR THEIR CASE.

DIAGNOSTICS OR THERAPY OR SURVIVAL SHIP ALL WILL BE CONSOLIDATED IN THE BUILDING.

>> AND GIVEN THAT MANY SOUTH SIDE HOSPITALS WE KNOW HAVE STRUGGLED TO STAY AFLOAT DUE TO FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS, HOW CAN THIS HOSPITAL YOU ALL INSURE THAT THIS HOSPITAL WILL BE SUSTAINABLE?

>> WELL, THE FIRST THING I WILL SAY THAT COMMUNITY HOSPITALS THAT WE PARTNER WITH THEY PLAY VITAL ROLE IN PROVIDING ACCESS TO CARE TO A ENVIRONMENTAGE AND LOW INCOME POPULATIONS.

AND ACADEMIC HEALTH CENTERS LIKE OURS PLAY CRITICAL ROLE IN CARING FOR THE VERY COMPLEX PATIENTS.

SO OUR INITIALS ARE ALIGNED WE ARE WORKING WITH COMMUNITY HOSPITALS, SO THAT WE CAN PROVIDE PATIENT ACCESS AND CARE THAT PATIENTS NEED WHEN AND WHERE THEY NEED IT.

PATIENTS IN SOUTH SIDE CHICAGO NEED CARE, ESPECIALLY COMPLEX CARE THAT WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THIS NEW CANCER HOSPITAL.

>> AND OF COURSE, YOU MENTIONED THE COLLABORATIVE OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS THAT YOU PARTNER WITH AND THE CENTER WILL TREAT CANCER BUT CONSIDERING THE DISPROPORTIONATE AMOUNT OF CANCER ON THE SOUTH SIDE WHAT CAN THE HOSPITAL DO ABOUT PREVENTING CANCER?

>> THE NEW HOSPITAL HAS A GREAT PROGRAM THAT WE PLAN ACTUALLY THERE ARE ONGOING PROGRAMS WHEREBY WE'RE ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY, WE HAVE PROGRAMS IN COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT, SCREENING AND EARLY DETECTION.

REALLY SERVING AS A HUB TO MAKE SURE THAT CANCER IS DETECTED EARLY AND TAKEN CARE OF AT A POINT WHERE WE CAN HAVE SOLUTIONS FOR THE PATIENT'S PROBLEMS.

>> AND BEFORE WE LET YOU GO, WHERE IS THE HOSPITAL IN THE PLANNING PROCESS?

WHAT IS NEXT?

>> THE NEXT BIG EVENT FOR US REALLY IS WHAT WE ANNOUNCED LAST WEEK.

WHEREBY WE SUBMITTED THE CON PERMISSION TO PLAN FOR THE HOSPITAL.

AND ONGOING PLANNING IS IN FULL SPEED TO TRY AND COME UP WITH THIS CANCER HOSPITAL OF THE FUTURE.

A HOSPITAL THAT WILL HAVE A LOT OF VISION, PATIENT-CENTRIC AND CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITY NEEDS IN TERMS OF TRYING TO REDUCE THE IMPACT OF CANCER ON OUR SOUTH SIDE COMMUNITY POPULATION.

>> I THINK YOUR TEAM SAID IF ALL GOES ACCORDING TO PLAN IT COULD BE OPEN IN 2026?

>> YES.

IF ALL GOES ACCORDING TO PLAN WHICH WE HOPE IT WILL WE'RE HOPING IT OPENS IN 2026.

AGAIN WE ARE WORKING HAND IN HAND WITH OUR COMMUNITY AND ENGAGING OUR COMMUNITY AND WEFD BROAD SUPPORT OF THIS COMMUNITY REGARDING THIS HOSPITAL.

>> AND BEST OF LUCK TO YOU Dr. KUNLE ODUNSI THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> THANK YOU.

THANKS FOR HAVING ME.

>> UP NEXT, MEET A HUSBAND AND WIFE DUO AND THEIR TAKE ON A CLASSIC MEXICAN COCKTAIL.

>> NERL ONE IN FIVE U.S.

ADULTS ABSTAINED FROM DRINKING IN THE FIRST MONTH OF THIS YEAR KNOWN AS DRY JANUARY.

YOU WERE AMONG THOSE SOBER FOLKS CONGRATULATIONS YOU MADE IT THROUGH.

IF YOU WANT TO MAKE IT A TIPSY FEBRUARY A LOCAL BUSINESS IS BRING ITS VERSION OF A CLASSIC MEXICAN DRINK TO LIQUOR STORES FOR YOU.

ERICA GUNDERSON STOPPED BY TO STIR IT UP WITH THE TEAM BEHIND BIG MICH. >> I'VE BEEN DRINKING THEM SINCE BEFORE I SHOULD HAVE BEEN.

>> AS A RESTAURANT INDUSTRY VETERAN JAVIER GARCIA MAKES MORE OF HIS COCKTAILS FROM BEHIND THE BAR.

>> SPICY, HAS A LITTLE BIT OF SALT WHICH MEANS IT'S PURPOSEFUL FOR A HANGER.

MEXICAN FLIFERS.

>> NOW, GARCIA WANTS TO BRING HIS BIG MICH MIXES TO YOUR FAMILY'S REFRIGERATOR.

>> IT WAS A LEAP.

YOU KNOW [INAUDIBLE] >> GARCIA SAYS YEARS OF RESTAURANT WORK HAD HIM READY TO MIX IT UP PROFESSIONALLY.

WITH HIS WIFE'S ENCOURAGE.

HE QUIT HIS JOB IN 2017 AND USED HIS LAND PAYCHECK TO START HAND BLENDING IN THE BASEMENT.

>> I BOUGHT ALL THE MASON JARS AND WE INVESTED $600 AND WE TRIED THE CONCEPT AND THAT FIRST WEEKEND WE MADE $1,000.

>> WORD SPREAD QUICKLY AND DEMAND ALLOWED HIM TO LAUNCH BIG MICH SELLING TO LOCAL LIQUOR STORES.

THEY ADDED FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO EXPAND THE TEAM.

>> NOW BIG MICH IS BUILDING A MEXICAN IDENTITY FOR THEIR GROWING PRODUCT LINE.

>> WE WANTED TO KIND OF TAKE OUR LIKES AND INTERESTS AND WHAT WE LIKE WHAT OTHER BRANDS DO AND PUT IT TO OUR BRAND, A LATINO MEXICAN BRAND.

>> WE WANT TO HIGHLIGHT THE MOMENTS A FAMILY SHARES OUR TRADITIONS AND CULTURES AND GATHERINGS AND HOW WE AS A BRAND LIVE WITHIN THAT THOSE MOMENTS.

>> AND THE MAIN INGREDIENTS IS FRESHNESS.

>> BEING A LATINO, WE KNOW WHAT GREAT FOOD TASTES LIKE AND WHAT FRESH FOOD TASTES LIKE.

>> WE TRY TO CHOP IT PUREE IT IN HOUSE TO CONTROL WHERE IT IS.

ALL OF OUR CHILI IS DEHYDRATED LOCALLY IT'S BLENDED IN HOUSE.

>> WE ARE NOT AFRAID TO SPEND A LITTLE BIT MORE IF WE ARE GOING TO GET THE FRESHEST PRODUCT.

LUCKILY WE LIVE IN CHICAGO WHERE WE CAN DRIVE TO LITTLE VILLAGE AND PILSEN AND FIND QUALITY PRODUCTS FROM MEXICO.

>> LAST YEAR BIG MICH TOOK PRODUCTION FROM THE BACK ROOM OF A GROCERY STORE TO THIS FACILITY.

>> WITH THE GOAL FROM BEING HERE IN THIS WAREHOUSE IS ALLOW OUR COMPANY TO KEEP GROWING.

>> WITH SPACE THEY ARE HOPING TO COMPETE WITH THE BIG BRANDS.

>> THE MOM AND POP STORES THAT CARE ABOUT WHAT IS ON THEIR SHELVES AND WE WANT TO MAKE SURE WE'RE PUTTING QUALITY PRODUCT ON THERE.

BUT ON TOP OF THAT GIVING THEM THAT WHITE GLOVE SERVICE.

>> AND GARCIA AND SOLIS SAY NO MATTER HOW BIG, BIG MICH GETS THEY WILL BE IN IT.

>> PEOPLE ARE PROUD TO SAY I BOUGHT THIS JAR OF BIG MICH, I WILL SHARE SO THAT PEOPLE KNOW THIS IS WHEY DRINK.

THE FACT THAT PEOPLE DO IT SO WILLINGLY TO SHARE THE LOVE, I'M JUST ECSTATIC ABOUT THAT.

>> JUST THE LOVE.

>> FOR "CHICAGO TONIGHT" THIS IS ERICA GUNDERSON.

>> BY THE WAY, EVEN IF YOU DO NOT DRINK BIG MICH SAYS THE PRODUCTS CAN BE ENJOYED WITH NONALCOHOLIC SELTZERS AND BEERS AS WELL.

YOU WILL FIND INFORMATION ON OUR WEBSITE.

AND WE'RE BACK TO WRAP THINGS UP RIGHT AFTER THIS.

>> Announcer: "CHICAGO TONIGHT" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY... AND THAT'S OUR SHOW FOR THIS MONDAY NIGHT.

PLEASE JOIN US STAY-AT-HOME ORDER NIGHT LIVE AT 7 TEMPERATURE.

>> THE COMMISSION SASS THE CAPITOL ATTACK WAS CARRIED OUT IN ORDINARY CITIZENS ENGAGED IN DISCOURSE.

>> AND ONE-ON-ONE WITH JESSE SHARKEY ON HIS DECISION NOT TO SEEK REELECTION.

FOR ALL OF US HERE AT "CHICAGO TONIGHT" I'M BRANDIS FRIEDMAN.

>> I'M PARIS SCHUTZ THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WEATHER APPING.

STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE AND HAVE A GREAT GOOD EVENING.