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

I'M BRANDIS FRIEDMAN.

>> I'M PARIS SCHUTZ.

ON THE SHOW TONIGHT.

>> COOK COUNTY BOARD PRESIDENT TONI PRECKWINKLE AND CHALLENGER RICHARD BOYKIN FACE OFF IN TONIGHT'S CANDIDATE FORUM.

>> OUR SPOTLIGHT POLITICS TEAM ON DARREN BAIL'S LEAD IN THE G.O.P.

PRIMARY RACE FOR GOVERNOR.

>> WE ARE GOING TO SEE ECONOMIC PAIN AHEAD.

>> MORTGAGE RATES, CREDIT CARD DEBT AND AUTO LOANS ARE SET TO GO UP AS THE FEDERAL RESERVE TAKES ON INFLATION.

[♪♪♪] >> AND A PIANO PRODIGY FROM UKRAINE FINDS SOLIS IN MUSIC AND IN THE COMMUNITY HE FOUND IN CHICAGO.

>> BUT FIRST, SOME OF TODAY'S TOP STORIES... >> PARENTS OF INFANTS, TODDLERS AND PRESCHOOLERS ARE GETTING CLOSER TO BEING ABLE TO VACCINATE THEIR LITTLE ONES AGAINST COVID-19.

TODAY, THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION'S VACCINE ADVISERS APPROVED VACCINES FROM MODERNA AND PFIZER FOR KIDS UNDER FIVE.

AGREEING THAT THE BENEFITS OF THE SHOTS OUTWEIGH RISKS.

IF BOTH THE F.D.A.

AND C.D.C.

SIGN OFF THE SHOTS COULD BE AVAILABLE AS SOON AS MONDAY OR TUESDAY OF NEXT WEEK AT HOSPITALS, PHARMACIES AND DOCTOR'S OFFICES.

AND THE COUNTRY'S TOP COVID DOCTOR HAS HIMSELF NOW TESTED POSITIVE.

>> 81-YEAR-OLD Dr. ANTHONY FAUCI WHO IS VACCINATED WITH TWO BOOSTERS IS EXPERIENCING MILD SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19.

A STATEMENT FROM THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH SAYS FAUCI HAS NOT BEEN IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN OR OTHER SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.

FAUCI TESTED POSITIVE ON A RAPID TEST AND WILL RETURN TO WORK AT THE NIH WHEN HE TESTS NEGATIVE.

>> CONGRESSMAN SEAN CASTEN AND HIS FAMILY SHARED A STATEMENT FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF HIS 17-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER GUIEN WHO DIED SUNDAY NIGHT.

THE CASTEN'S EXPLAINED THEY HAD A FAMILY DINNER SUNDAY NIGHT BEFORE SHE WENT OUT WITH FRIENDS FOR A FEW HOURS.

SHE CAME HOME AND SAID GOODNIGHT AND DID NOT WAKE UP MONDAY MORNING.

THE LETTER READS QUOTE... >> GWEN WAS PLANNING TO AGAIN AT THE UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT WHERE SHE WOULD HAVE STUDIED ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE.

THE FAMILY ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE THOUGHTS AND CONDOLENCES THEY HAVE RECEIVED.

>> A HEATWAVE CONTINUES TO GRIP PARTS OF THE MIDWEST AND SOUTH AFFECTING 100 MILLION PEOPLE FROM NORTHERN FLORIDA TO THE GREAT LAKES.

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MAINTAINED A HEAT WARNING THROUGH TONIGHT THROUGH MOST OF ILLINOIS, INDIANA AND OHIO AS TEMPS PUSHED INTO THE 90s AGAIN TODAY.

METEOROLOGISTS HAVE BEEN WARNING THAT THE HIGH TEMPERATURES COULD BE DEADLY FOR SOME PEOPLE.

AND ADVISING PEOPLE TO STAY HYDRATED AND INDOORS WHEN POSSIBLE.

RELIEF IS EXPECTED TOMORROW WITH A HIGH IN CHICAGO TOMORROW OF WAIT FOR IT, 90°.

WE WANTED SUMMER.

WE GOT IT.

UP NEXT, COOK COUNTY BOARD PRESIDENT TONI PRECKWINKLE AND CHALLENGER RICHARD BOYKIN FACE OFF LIVE IN OUR CANDIDATE FORUM.

STAY WITH US.

>> Announcer: "CHICAGO TONIGHT" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY... >> TONI PRECKWINKLE IS SEEKING HER TOUTER TERM AS PRESIDENT OF THE COOK COUNTY BOARD.

THE BOARD MANAGES AN $8 BILLION BUDGET WITH A WORKFORCE OF 23,000 PEOPLE.

THE GOVERNING BODY HELPS FUND COOK COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND THE MASSIVE HEALTH SYSTEM THAT INCLUDES A MANAGED CARE, MEDICAID PROGRAM.

SHE IS CHALLENGED IN THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY BY FORMER COOK COUNTY COMMISSIONER RICHARD BOYKIN A LAWYER FROM OAK PARK.

AND JOINING US ARE COOK COUNTY BOARD PRESIDENT TONI PRECKWINKLE AND FORMER COMMISSIONER RICHARD BOYKIN.

WELCOME BOTH OF YOU TO THE FORUM WITH "CHICAGO TONIGHT."

PRESIDENT PRECKWINKLE THE ISSUE OF VIOLENT CRIME IT IS UP IN CHICAGO AND IN SUBURBAN COOK COUNTY ACCORDING TO THE MEDICAL EXAMINER'S OFFICE THERE WERE 675 TOTAL HOMICIDES UP TO 1087 IN 2021.

OBVIOUSLY THE VAST MAJORITY ARE IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO AND ALSO IN THE SUBURBS.

WHAT MORE CAN BE DONE AT THE COUNTY LEVEL TO TACKLE THIS?

>> THANK YOU FOR INVITING US, PARIS, I APPRECIATE IT.

>> THIS YEAR WE ARE GOING TO INVEST $65 MILLIONTH VIOLENCE PREVENTION PROGRAMS.

WE ARE SUPPORTING COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION THAT DO THIS WORK, VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND ANTI-RECIDIVISM TO KEEP PEOPLE FROM RETURNING TO PRISON.

AND TRYING TO SETTLE DISPUTES WITHIN COMMUNITIES.

WE STARTED DOING THE WORK IN 2013.

PREVIOUSLY THE COUNTY HAD ONLY INVESTED IN THE JAIL AND THE COURTS THAT HAS BEEN OUR LEGACY OBLIGATION IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE.

WHEN I CAME INTO OFFICE I SAID WE HAVE TO GO UPSTREAM.

WE ARE THE RECIPIENTS OF FOLKS WHO HAVE BEEN ARRESTED AND THEN NEED TO BE ADJUDICATED.

AND WE NEED TO GO INTO COMMUNITIES AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE PIPELINE INTO OUR SYSTEM.

I'M PROUD OF THE WORK WE HAVE SUPPORTED AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THAT WORK.

>> Mr. BOYKIN WOULD YOU SUPPORT THE PROGRAMS AND WHAT WOULD YOU DO ABOUT VIOLENT CRIME?

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME ON.

AS I APPEAR BEFORE YOU TONIGHT WE HAVE A PUBLIC SAFETY CRISIS AND A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS IN COOK COUNTY.

ESPECIALLY AS IT RELATES TO GUN VIOLENCE, CARJACKINGS, RETAIL THEFTS AND ROBBERIES.

PEOPLE ARE BEING TERRORIZED IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS.

THE COUNTY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PUBLIC SAFETY AND PUBLIC HEALTH.

THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION FAILED TO KEEP US SAFE.

THERE WAS A BLOCK CLUB CHICAGO REPORT THAT CAME OUT THAT SAID TWO-THIRDS OF THE PEOPLE LIVING IN COOK COUNTY FEEL UNSAFE.

WHEN PEOPLE FEEL UNSAFE IT BEGINS TO HIT OUR BUDGET BOTTOM LINE.

WHEN THE CHICAGO THEATRE CLOSES, RESTAURANTS CLOSE DOWNTOWN PEOPLE ARE FEARFUL TO GO DOWNTOWN IT HITS OUR SALES TAX.

AND THAT IS HOW WE FUND OUR BUDGET PRIMARILY.

WHAT I WOULD DO DIFFERENTLY I INTRODUCED A PLAN TO KEEP US SAFE.

AND I INTRODUCED THAT PLAN THREE WEEKS AGO.

IT IS ON MY WEBSITE.

AT RICHARD BOYKIN FOR COOK COUNTY.COM.

I WOULD ADDRESS THE ROOT CAUSES IN A WAY THAT THIS CURRENT ADMINISTRATION HAS NOT.

IT EASTERN SAYS THE RUINS OF A NATION BEGINS IN THE HOMES OF ITS PEOPLE.

WE HAVE SINGLE PARENTS RAISING YOUNG CHILDREN.

WE HAVE GRANDPARENTS RAISING KIDS.

I WOULD PUT INVESTMENTS IN THEM.

THEY ARE STRUGGLING TO RAISE THE KIDS I WOULD MAKE SURE WE HAVE MENTORING PROGRAMS AND STIFFEN THE PENALTIES FOR PEOPLE CAUGHT CARRYING GUNNING ILLEGALLY.

I WOULD MAKE SURE THAT HAPPENS.

AND I WOULD NOT ALLOW PEOPLE OUT WITH GUN CHARGES ON ELECTRONIC MONITORING.

>> ALL RIGHT, I WANT TO ADDRESS THOSE.

PRESIDENT PRECKWINKLE MAYOR LIGHTFOOT AND DAVID BROWN LAID SOME OF THE BLAME WITH KIM FOXX.

SOME SAY THERE IS A SOFT ON PROSECUTION APPROACH FROM HER OFFICE AND CRITICIZED BY THE SPECIAL PROSECUTOR IN THE SMOLLETT CASE.

DOES KIM FOXX STILL HAVE YOUR CONFIDENCE AS STATE'S ATTORNEY?

>> LET'S TALK A LITTLE BIT ABOUT HOW THE LAWS GET ENFORCED.

THEY ARE ENFORCED BY LOCAL POLICE OFFICERS.

TO SAY THAT THE COUNTY IS RESPONSIBLE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT, IS A MISREPRESENTATION.

WE HAVE LIKE 500 POLICE OFFICERS IN THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT.

THERE ARE 10,000 POLICE OFFICERS IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO.

AND MOST OF OUR CITIES, TOWNS AND VILLAGES HAVE THEIR OWN POLICE FORCES.

LAW ENFORCEMENT BEGINS AT THE LOCAL LEVEL THEY ARREST AND THEY DOME TO THE COUNTY TO BE DETAINED IN JAIL IF THAT IS APPROPRIATE OR TO BE -- TO HAVE THEIR CASES ADJUDICATED.

I THINK WE HAVE TO FOCUS ON LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT.

THE BIG CHALLENGE IN CHICAGO IS THE CORROSIVE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POLICE AND COMMUNITY AND THAT IS A LONGSTANDING CHALLENGE IN CHICAGO.

WE ARE THE WRONGFUL CONVICTION CAPITAL OF THE COUNTRY.

AND WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE CONFIDENCE BETWEEN POLICE AND COMMUNITY IT'S HARD TO GET THE COOPERATION YOU NEED TO SOLVE CRIMES.

WE HAVE REAL PROBLEMS IN CHICAGO AROUND POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS AND A BIGGER PROBLEM IN TERMS OF INVESTMENT IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS THAT ARE THE MOST VIOLENT.

IF YOU LOOK AT THE MAP OF CHICAGO, UNEMPLOYED PEOPLE, HIGH LEVELS OF POVERTY, UNDER RESOURCED SCHOOLS, FOOD DESERTS THE SAME MAP, THE SAME COMMUNITIES.

AND WE HAVE TO FOCUS OUR INVESTMENT IN THE LONG-TERM IN THOSE COMMUNITIES AT THE SAME TIME WE ARE TRYING TO DO THE COMMUNITY-BASED VIOLENCE PREVENTION WORK.

AND THE CITY OF CHICAGO HAS TO WORK ON RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE POLICE AND THE COMMUNITY AND NOT POINT FINGERS AT OTHER ACTORS.

>> IS THE MAYOR RIGHT TO POINT FINGERS AT THE STATE'S ATTORNEY FOR PERCEIVED SOFT ON PROSECUTION APPROACH?

>> NO, WE'VE LOOKED AT THE WORK THAT HAS BEEN DONE SINCE 2013 WHEN WE BROUGHT THE ACTORS TOGETHER THE STATE'S ATTORNEY, THE PUBLIC DEFENDER, THE SHERIFF THE CHIEF JUDGE AND THE CLERK.

WE BEGAN THAT WORK IN 2013.

AND WE'VE GOTTEN ACADEMIC REVIEW FROM LOYOLA UNIVERSITY ACADEMICS ABOUT HAS HAPPENED ABOUT OUR REDUCED RELIANCE ON BAIL AND ELECTRONIC MONITORING AND THEY MADE IT CLEAR THAT NEITHER OF THOSE THINGS A REDUCED RELIANCE ON CASH BAIL AND OUR ELECTRONIC MONITORING EFFORTS HAVE NOT BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR THE UPTICK IN CRIME.

WHAT WE'VE SEEN IS AN UPTICK IN CRIME.

AFTER A DIFFICULT YEAR IN 2016 AND GOVERNMENT AND PHILANTHROPY TO INVEST IN PREVENTION INITIATIVES.

WE SAW DROPS IN MURDERS AND SHOOTINGS.

AND IN 2020 ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY, THERE WAS AN EXPLOSION OF VIOLENCE.

AND I THINK IT IS A RESULT OF THE UNCERTAINTY, THE ECONOMIC COLLAPSE OF THE COUNTRY, THE PEOPLE'S FEARS ABOUT THEIR HEALTH ALL OF THAT KIND OF UNRAVELED OUR COMMUNITIES IN WAYS THAT LED TO MORE SHOOTINGS AND MURDERS.

Mr. BOYKIN YOU ARE CALLING FOR KEEPING MORE FOLKS IN COOK COUNTY JAIL AT LEAST VIOLENT ALLEGED OFFENDERS.

ONE OF PRESIDENT PRECKWINKLE'S PRIORITIES HAS BEEN TO REDUCE THE POPULATION ON 11,000 TO BETWEEN 5 AND 6,000 IN THE COOK COUNTY JAIL.

IF YOU KEEP MORE OFFENDERS IN THERE, AREN'T YOU VIOLATING CIVIL RIGHTS FOR PEOPLE THAT ARE NOT GUILTY OF A CRIME YET?

>> LET ME SAY THIS FIRST OF ALL.

WHEN I WAS ELECTED IN 2014 AS A COUNTY COMMISSIONER I ASKED SHERIFF TOM DART CAN YOU POLICE IN CHICAGO?

AND HE SAID ABSOLUTELY MY CHARTER ALLOWS ME TO MAKE ARRESTS IN CHICAGO AND ALLOWS ME TO DO POLICING.

I HAVE TO BE INVITED IN.

I REACHED OUT TO OF AASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE AND I SETUP A MEETING WITH SHERIFF DART AND THAT PERSON AT McARTHUR'S RESTAURANT ON THE WEST SIDE OF CHICAGO.

AND THEN WE GOT A SHERIFF'S COMMAND CENTER IN AUSTIN WHERE THEY ARE DOING POLICING ALONGSIDE OF THE CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT.

NOW, OF COURSE, THE SHERIFF IS IN RIVER NORTH AS WELL TO HELP POLICE UP THERE WITH SOME OF THE CRIME, SOME OF THE CARJACKINGS.

TO SUGGEST SOMEHOW THAT GUN VIOLENCE AND CARJACKINGS FALLS ON LOCAL OFFICIALS IS A MISNOMER AND IT'S WRONG.

THE NUMBER ONE RESPONSIBILITY OF AN ELECTED OFFICIAL INCLUDING THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNTY BOARD, IS TO HEADACHE SURE THAT THE PEOPLE WE REPRESENT ARE SAFE IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS.

NOW, EVERYTHING FALLS ON SAFETY.

IF YOU DON'T HAVE SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS, RESTAURANTS AREN'T GOING TO COME THERE.

BUSINESSES AREN'T GOING TO COME.

YOU WILL HAVE FLIGHT.

LAST YEAR WE HAD 90,000 PEOPLE LEAVE COOK COUNTY.

90,000.

SINCE 2013, THERE HAS BEEN A MASS EXODUS FROM COOK COUNTY.

IN FACT WE'VE HAD NEARLY TWO MILLION PEOPLE.

>> IS HOLDING MORE ALLEGED OFFENDERS IN JAIL IS THE ANSWER?

>> THE ANSWER IT IS A HOLISTIC APPROACH.

IT'S PREVENTION, BUT IT'S INTERDICTION, IT'S MAKING SURE THAT PEOPLE WHO ARE CHARGED WITH GUN VIOLENCE OFFENSES THAT THESE INDIVIDUALS DO NOT GET OUT ON ELECTRONIC MONITORING EASTERN IF IT MEANS WE HAVE TO HIRE MORE JUDGES TO SPEED UP TRIALS.

BUT THESE FOLKS SHOULD THAT BE OUT ON THE STREET.

WHEN I INTRODUCED MY PUBLIC SAFETY PLAN THERE WAS A LADY WHO STOOD WITH ME.

I HAD A NUMBER OF MOTHERS WHO LOST CHILDREN TO VIOLENCE.

SHE LOST HER 15-YEAR-OLD AND IS AND SAID COMMISSIONER WHY DID THIS HAPPEN?

I ASKED THE ASSISTANT STATE'S ATTORNEY WHY WAS THIS GUY OUT HE HAD A RECORD A MILE LONG AND HE WAS OUT ON GUN CHARGES ON ELECTRONIC MONITORING?

SHE HAS NOT PROVIDED THE BUDGET TO THE SHERIFF NOR TO STATE'S ATTORNEY NOR THE CHIEF JUDGE SO THEY CAN WATCH THE FOLKS ON ELECTRONIC MONITORING.

THE PUSH HAS BEEN CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM BUT MAKING SURE THE PEOPLE ARE SAFETH THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS IT MAKES ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE WHATSOEVER.

>> YOU BROUGHT UP COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE COUNTY AND THE CITY OF CHICAGO.

WHAT EFFORTS HAVE BEEN UNDERTAKEN BETWEEN YOU AND MAYOR LIGHTFOOT ON THIS ISSUE OF CRIME?

>> WELL, WE GOT A BILLION DOLLARS FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT AND WE HAVE BEEN WORKING IN COLLABORATION WITH THE CITY AND THE STATE.

THE CITY GOT $2 BILLION AND THE STATE GOT $16 BILLION TO BE SURE OUR INVESTMENTS ARE NOT OVERLAPPING AND THAT WORK HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR SIX MONTHS.

FORMER COMMISSIONER BOYKIN MAKES ASSERTIONS TWO MILLION PEOPLE LEFT COOK COUNTY?

THAT IS RIDICULOUS THERE ARE 5.3 MILLION.

YOU CANNOT MAKEUP FACTS.

I'M SORRY.

IT'S NOT TRUE.

>> TWO MILLION PEOPLE HAVE NOT LEFT COOK COUNTY.

>> THE LATEST NUMBERS ARE OVER FIVE MILLION PEOPLE HERE IN COOK COUNTY.

>> AND TWO MILLION HAVE NOT LEFT.

>> WE USED TO BE 5.2 MILLION.

>> THAT DOESN'T MEAN 2 MILLION PEOPLE HAVE LEFT.

>> PEOPLE ARE LEAVING.

>> THE THEY TWO MILLION NUMBER THAT WOULD BE 40% OF THE COUNTY.

>> THAT IS NOT TRUE.

AND LET ME SAY I REFUSE TO BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE ARE GOING TO SUGGEST THAT IT'S THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PRESIDENT OF COOK COUNTY, THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL FACTORS THAT MAKE PEOPLE CHOOSE TO LIVE IN ONE PLACE OR ANOTHER.

THAT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE AT ALL.

I'VE TRIED OVER THE LAST 12 YEARS TO BE A RESPONSIBLE STEWARD OF COUNTY GOVERNMENT.

WE'VE WORKED HARD TO MAKE THE COUNTY FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE AND IMPROVED THE QUALITY OF CARE WE DELIVER IN OUR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM AND ACCESS TO THAT CARE.

AND WE HAVE WORKED IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM.

AND THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN RELEASED FROM THE JAIL ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE ACCUSED OF LOW LEVEL DRUG OFFENSES, PEOPLE ACCUSED OF SHOPLIFTING, NOT PAYING CHILD SUPPORT THE EMPHASIS HAS BEEN THOSE ACCUSED OF NONVIOLENT CRIMES.

AND IT'S NOT THE STATE'S ATTORNEY THAT MAKES THE DECISIONS IT'S THE JUDGES AND THEY DO IT ON THE BASIS OF A RISK ASSESSMENT.

EVANS INSTITUTED A RISK ASSESSMENT THAT ALLOWS THE JUDGE TO LOOK AT THE CHARGES THAT ARE MADE AGAINST THE PERSON AND LOOK AT THE RECORD AND DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT THEY CAN BE RELEASED ON BAIL OR BE DETAINED.

>> AND CHIEF JUDGE EVANS SHOWED THE RATE OF REOFFENSE OF THOSE ON ELECTRONIC MONITOR SOMETHING NOT DIFFERENT NOW THAN IT HAS BEEN IN YEARS PAST.

Mr. BOYKIN, AS COOK COUNTY BOARD PRESIDENT YOU WILL HAVE TO WORK WITH MAYOR LIGHTFOOT AT LEAST FOR A FEW MINUTES IF SHE WINS REELECTION.

WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP?

>> SHE SAID SHE JUST STARTED WORKING WITH HER SIX MONTHS AGO ON THE ARPA FUNDING.

WHY NOT WORK WITH THE MAYOR OF CHICAGO?

I AM A BRIDGE BUILDER.

I WILL WORK WITH ANYBODY.

OUR COMMUNITIES DEPEND ON US TO SOLVE THESE PROBLEMS.

OF VIOLENCE, THE PROBLEMS OF OVERTAXATION.

WHAT I WILL SAY IS THIS... SHE'S CREATED AN ISLAND OF TAXATION IN COOK COUNTY.

WE HAVE THE HIGHEST SALES TAX IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA RIGHT HERE IN COOK COUNTY.

WE HAVE SOME OF THE HIGHEST PROPERTY TAXES.

SHE'S IGNORED THE PEOPLE IN THE SOUTH LAND, NORTHERN SUBURBAN COOK COUNTY WHO ARE PAYING THE HIGHEST PROPERTY TAXES.

WE HAVE SOME OF THE HIGHEST GAS TAXES.

WE HAVE THE HIGHEST GAS TAX IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS HERE IN COOK COUNTY.

I'VE ASKED HER ON MAY 24 SHE APROOFED HER -- APPROVED HER 6 A 10% PAY INCREASE WITHOUT A VOTE.

I'VE ASKED HER TO TEMPORARILY SUSPEND THE GAS TAX.

SHE REFUSED TO DO IT.

>> AND THE GAS TAX AMOUNTS TO 6 CENTS A GALLON.

PRESIDENT PRECKWINKLE WITH INFLATION AND HIGH GAS PRICES IS THAT PURSUANT TO SUSPEND THE COUNTY'S PORTION?

>> MOTOR FUEL TAXES ARE THE BASES OF OUR INVESTMENTS IN INFRASTRUCTURE.

AND INFRASTRUCTURE IS THE FOUNDATION OF YOUR ECONOMY.

IF YOU LOOK AT A COUNTRY THAT IS STRUGGLING OR UNDEVELOPED WHAT DOES IT HAVE?

POOR ROADS AND IT DOESN'T HAVE RAILROADS, AIRPORTS.

IF WE WANT A STRONG ECONOMY WE HAVE TO INVEST IN OUR INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE RESOURCE WE HAVE FOR THAT IN GOVERNMENT IS MOTOR FUEL TAXES.

AND WE USE THAT ACROSS THE COUNTY TO INVEST IN OUR INFRASTRUCTURE.

INVEST IN OUR ROADS AND BRIDGES AND PUBLIC TRANSIT, INVEST IN FREIGHT.

SO WE USE THOSE RESOURCES I THINK RESPONSIBLY TO PROVIDE AN ECONOMIC FOUNDATION FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH.

NOW, LET ME SAY, HE HAS SAID WE'RE NOT INVESTING IN THE SOUTHLAND.

WE HAVE MADE THE SOUTH LAND A PRIORITY IN MY ADMINISTRATION.

BECAUSE WE DISCOVERED THAT THE REGIONS IN THE COUNTRY THAT ARE THE MOST ECONOMICALLY VIBRANT HAVE THE LEAST INEQUALITY.

IN IN COOK COUNTY WE HAVE TREMENDOUS INQUALITY AND THE PART OF THE COUNTY IS THE SOUTHLAND.

SO WE HAVE INVESTED IN THE SOUTHLAND IN INFRASTRUCTURE.

WE'VE INVESTED IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

WE HAVE INVESTED IN AN ENTITY THE SOUTHLAND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN BUSINESSES.

AND WE SUPPORTED THAT FINANCIALLY.

WE'VE MADE A PRIORITY LIFTING UP THE PART OF THE COUNTY THAT IS STRUGGLING THE MOST.

BECAUSE WE KNOW THAT WILL IMPACT ECONOMIC GROWTH AND EQUITY ACROSS THE COUNTY.

SO I DON'T KNOW -- >> TALKING ABOUT SUBURBS, DALTON, SOUTH HOLLAND.

>> PHOENIX.

>> THOSE ARE THE PLACES WE'VE MADE TREMENDOUS INVESTMENT OF COUNTY RESOURCES.

>> I HAVE TO ASK YOU, THOUGH, YOU HAVE APPEARED PUBLICLY AS A CAMPAIGN SPOKESPERSON FOR WILLIE WILSON.

>> CAN I ANSWER THIS FIRST?

LET ME ANSWER THIS QUICKLY.

SHE SAYS THAT THE FOUNDATION OFT COUNTY IS OUR INFRASTRUCTURE.

I SAY THE FOUNDATION OF OUR COUNTY IS THE PEOPLE.

IF YOU HAVE NO PEOPLE BECAUSE THEY ARE LEAVING, BECAUSE YOU'VE MADE IT AN ISLAND OF TAXATION, THEN WHAT GOOD IS IT TO HAVE THE BEST INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE WORLD?

AND NO PEOPLE TO USE IT.

>> LET ME ASK YOU ABOUT YOUR WORK FOR WILLIE WILSON RUNNING FOR MAYOR YOU HAVE BEEN HIS CAMPAIGN SPOKESPERSON IS THAT A PAID POSITION?

ARE YOU GETTING PAID TO HELP RUN HIS CAMPAIGN WHILE RUNNING YOUR OWN CAMPAIGN FOR COOK COUNTY BOARD PRESIDENT?

>> YES, I CONSULT FOR Dr. WILLIE WILSON AND I'M PROUD TO DO IT.

I THINK WHAT HE HAS DONE NOBODY ELSE IN THE COUNTRY HAS DONE.

HE HAS GIVEN AWAY $3.2 MILLION WORTH OF FREE GAS AND FREE FOOD TO PEOPLE.

AND WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE THAT ARE IN LINE FOR FREE GAS YOU'VE BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND THE NEED THAT IS OUT THERE.

I CAN'T UNDERSTAND FOR THE LIFE OF ME WHY THE COUNTY BOARD PRESIDENT WOULD APPROVE HERSELF A PAY RAISE AND NOT TAKE CARE OF THE PEOPLE OF COOK COUNTY.

NOT PROVIDE SOME RELIEF TO THE PEOPLE OF COOK COUNTY.

>> AND LET ME ASK YOU, THE CAMPAIGN RECORDS SHOW THAT WILSON'S CAMPAIGN DONATED $25,000 TO YOUR CAMPAIGN.

IS THAT CONSIDERED PAYMENT FOR THE WORK YOU'RE DOING ON HIS BEHALF?

>> ABSOLUTELY NOT.

SO I MEAN, Dr. WILSON KNOWS THAT I'M SUPPORT BUSINESSES MY VALUES ARE -- LOOK I SUPPORT THE PEOPLE OF COOK COUNTY.

I STOOD UP FOR THEM WHEN PRESIDENT PRECKWINKLE PUT THE SODA POP TAX ON IT.

SHE WAS THE DIVIDING VOTE FOR THAT.

ACTUALLY LED THE EFORT D TO REPEAL IT AND I WAS PROUD TO DO THAT.

I STOOD UP FOR THE PEOPLE AND GOT RID OF THE TAX ON FEMININE HYGIENE PRODUCTS.

I WILL STAND UP FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT.

TWO YEARS AGO THEY VOTED TO DEFUND THE SHERIFF'S POLICE TO THE TUNE OF NEARLY 5% OF HIS BUDGET.

I WILL STAND UP FOR THEM.

AND I WILL COLLABORATE.

>> THE POP TAX WAS REPEALED.

YOU INHERITED WHEN YOU CAME IN BUDGET DEFICITS AND THEY HAVE SHRINK YOU HAVE BEEN LAUDED BY THE TRIBUNE FOR YOUR STEWARDSHIP OF THE BUDGET.

YOU HAVE A BILLION DOLLAR IN THE ARPA MONEY.

WHAT IS THE BUDGET DEFICIT GOING TO LOOK LIKE IN THE COMING FISCAL YEAR?

>> FIRST I'M GRATEFUL FOR THE ENDORSEMENT OF THE "CHICAGO TRIBUNE" AND THE DAILY HERALD.

UNEXPECTED BUT GRATEFUL FOR BOTH OF THEM AND THEY WERE STRONG ENDORSEMENTS OF THE 12 YEARS I'VE SPENT IN THIS JOB MY FISCAL STEWARDSHIP AND EFFORTS TO IMPROVE ACCESS AND THE QUALITY OF CARE IN OUR PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM AND THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM EFFORTS.

THEY ARE THIRD PARTY ARBITERS AND THEY HAVE STRONGLY SUPPORTED ME.

I'M GRATEFUL FOR THAT.

WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO IS INVEST IN THE THINGS, INFRASTRUCTURE, AFFORDABLE HOUSING, SOCIAL SERVICES.

BUT THERE ARE THREE INITIATIVES I'M PROUD OF.

ONE WE'RE GOING TO INVEST MORE IN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES.

FOR 180 YEARS WE'VE PROVIDED SUPPORT FOR PHYSICAL HEALTH BUT NOT A FOOTPRINT IN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES.

WE ARE GOING TO CREATE A DEPARTMENT IN OUR COOK COUNTY HEALTH SYSTEM.

DO AN ASSET INVENTORY OF RESOURCES IN THE COUNTY AND TRY TO FIGURE OUT WHAT ROLE WE NEED TO PLAY.

WE ARE GOING TO INVEST IN GUARANTEED INCOME AND WE TALKED ABOUT THAT.

3250 FAMILY ALSO HAVE $500 A MONTH IN SUPPORT FOR TWO YEARS.

AND WORKING WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO AND OTHER AM DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS TO EVALUATE THE PROGRAM AND HAVE A CONTROLLED GROUP AS WELL AS PARTICIPANTS.

SO I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO THE RESULTS OF THAT.

WE'VE HAD GOOD LUCK WITH THAT IN THE COUNTRY.

AND THE MAYOR OF STOCKTON CAME TO OUR ANNOUNCEMENT IN MAY.

AND THE THIRD THING IS MEDICAL DEBT.

FOR ORDINARY WORKING PEOPLE, THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE THEY HAVE THAT LEADS THEM INTO BANKRUPTCY IS MEDICAL BILLS THEY CANNOT PAY.

WE ARE GOING TO GET INVOLVED IN THAT.

AND THE HEALTH PROVIDER SELL THE DEBT FOR PENNIES ON THE DOLLAR AND WE ARE GOING TO INTERVENE AND TRY TO HELP PEOPLE PAY THEIR DEBT AND RESTORE THEIR FINANCIAL STABILITY.

>> THE GUARANTEED BASIC INCOME PROGRAM LIKE THE CITY OF CHICAGO AND COOK COUNTY IT WILL BE 3250 PEOPLE AT $500 A MONTH FOR TWO YEARS.

Mr. BOYKIN IS THIS A PROGRAM THAT YOU WOULD SUPPORT?

>> I THINK IT'S WELL INTENTIONED.

BUT I THINK IT'S GOING TO HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT.

AND THE REASON I SAY THAT IS BECAUSE WE HAVE A COUNTY OFF FIVE MILLION PEOPLE, 13% OF THE FIVE MILLION PEOPLE IN THE COUNTY LIVE IN POVERTY.

THAT'S 3250 INDIVIDUALS WHO WILL BE LUCKY TO GET THIS IS A DROP IN THE BUCKET IN TERMS OF AN OCEAN OF POVERTY.

AND I WILL SAY IT DOESN'T REQUIRE OF THESE INDIVIDUALS TO DO ANYTHING JOB TRAINING, FINANCIAL COUNSELING, OR ANYTHING.

IT JUST GIVES THEM $500 FOR A MONTH FOR TWO YEARS.

AND THEN EVALUATES IT ON THE BACK END.

I THINK IT IS -- WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT EQUITY AND LIFTING PEOPLE OUT OF POVERTY, IT'S EQUITY SHOULDN'T BE BASED ON CHANCE.

>> IF THERE WERE STIPULATIONS.

>> IF THERE WERE STIPULATIONS BUT THE FOLKS ARE IN A LOTTERY.

PEOPLE HAVE TO GO INTO A LOTTERY AND PICK OUT THE 3250 PEOPLE.

>> AND YOU MENTIONED YOU'VE CALLED COOK COUNTY AN ISLAND OF TAXATION WOULD YOU REDUCE SALE TAXES?

AND IF SO HOW DO YOU BALANCE THE BUDGET THAT HAS TO HAVE A DEFICIT CLOSED?

>> IF WE CAN REDUCE GUN VIOLENCE WHICH IS COSTING US BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN THE COUNTY, EVERY TIME WE HAVE A GUNSHOT CASE AT COOK COUNTY HOSPITAL, AT STROGER HOSPITAL IT BEGINS AT $55,000 A CASE.

IF YOU HAVE SOMEONE SHOT IN THE BACK AND SOMEONE PARALYZED IT CAN BE A MILLION DOLLAR CASE.

EVERY HOMICIDE THAT HAPPENS IN COOK COUNTY, THE MEDICAL EXAMINER HAS TO CONDUCT AN AUTOPSY.

SO COUNTY RESOURCES ARE ALWAYS INVOLVED WHENEVER THERE IS A SHOOTING IN COOK COUNTY OR WHENEVER THERE IS A PROSECUTION IN COOK COUNTY, IF WE CAN REDUCE VIOLENCE, AND MAKE OUR NEIGHBORHOODS SAFE, WE CAN GROW OUR BUSINESS BASE.

WE'VE LOST SINCE 2012, 12% OF OUR MANUFACTURING BASE IN COOK COUNTY.

IN FACT I'M PROUD TO HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THE ILLINOIS MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION AND THEY SAID THAT THEY HAVE NOT HEARD FROM PRESIDENT PRECKWINKLE.

I WOULD GROW OUR BUSINESS BASE.

WE GET MORE PEOPLE WORKING IN COMMUNITIES.

AND WE'D HAVE MORE PEOPLE PAYING TAXES.

>> ANOTHER ISSUE THAT IS CAUSING DEATH IN COOK COUNTY THAT IS OPIOID OVERDOSES.

ACCORDING TO THE MEDICAL EXAMINER 1900 OVERDOSE DEATHS IN 2021 IN THE COUNTY DUE TO OPIOIDS.

WHAT MORE CAN BE DONE AT THE COUNTY LEVEL TO ADDRESS THIS?

>> IS THIS ANOTHER EXAMPLE WHEY DESCRIBED, OUR COMMUNITIES FRAYING AT THE EDGES.

IT IS NOT JUST THE SHOOTINGS AND THE MURDERS IT'S OVERDOSES.

LAST YEAR WE LOST MORE THAN A THOUSAND PEOPLE TO GUN VIOLENCE.

BUT WE LOST 1900 PEOPLE TO OVERDOSE DEATHS.

AND WE IN OUR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM STRUGGLE TO DEAL WITH ADDICTION EVERYDAY.

WE PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE IN CRISIS.

AND THIS IS A REAL CHALLENGE FOR US.

I THINK WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT IN TERMS OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES.

PART OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH IS HELPING PEOPLE WITH SUBSTANCE ABUSE WITH ADDICTION ISSUES.

THIS IS A TREMENDOUS CHALLENGE FOR OUR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM.

PARTLY BECAUSE IT'S NOT JUST THE USUAL OPIOIDS IT'S FENTANYL NOW.

AND FENTANYL IS IN EVERYTHING.

THE STREET DEALERS PUT IT IN EVERY KIND OF DRUG THE STREET DRUG THAT YOU MIGHT TAKE.

WE HAVE REAL CHALLENGES AROUND HEALTHCARE DELIVERY AND I'M GRATEFUL TO HAVE THE HOSPITAL SYSTEM THAT PROVIDES SUPPORT.

ONE OF THE REASONS WHY WE INTEND TO PUT MORE MONEY INTO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES BECAUSE WE KNOW ONE OF THE CHALLENGES IS ADDICTION.

AND PEOPLE TAKE DRUGS TO QUIET THE VOICES IN THEIR HEAD ORDEAL WITH ANXIETY AND WE HAVE TO FIGURE OUT HOW WE CAN PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE SO THEY DON'T TURN TO DRUGS TO DEAL WITH THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CHALLENGES.

Mr. BOYKIN HOW CAN A COUNTY PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR FOLKS STRUGGLING WITH DRUG ADDICTION AND BRING YOU DOWN THE NUMBER OF OVERDOSE DEATHS 1900?

>> WE CAN BEGIN TO CARE ABOUT PEOPLE AND WE'VE TURNED OUR BACK ON THEM.

WE HAVE NOT DONE ENOUGH IN TERMS OF MENTAL HEALTH INVESTMENTS OVER THE LAST 11-AND-A-HALF YEARS.

THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE.

I MEAN PEOPLE NEED HELP.

PEOPLE ARE SERIOUSLY IN TROUBLE.

AND SO WHAT I WOULD DO I WOULD HAVE OUTREACH WORKERS GOING INTO COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE BEEN DEVASTATED BY GUN VIOLENCE.

HIGH UNEMPLOYMENT AND POVERTY.

I WOULD HAVE THEM KNOCKING ON THOSE DOORS AND TELLING THEM THE SERVICES AVAILABLE TO THEM.

AND IF THE PEOPLE HAD A STIGMA PAUSE OF MENTAL HEALTH AND DIDN'T WANT TO COME INTO A FACILITY TO GET HELP I WOULD SEND THE SERVICES TO THEM.

THEY DESERVE THAT.

AND WHAT ELSE I WOULD DO I WOULD HAVE TAKEN THAT $42 MILLION WE'RE PUTTING INTO THE GUARANTEED BASIC INCOME PROGRAM AND PUT IT INTO A YOUTH JOBS PROGRAM TARGETED TO YOUTH OUT OF SCHOOL, OUT OF WORK AND OUT OF HOPE.

PEOPLE FROM SINGLE PARENT HOMES, GRANDPARENTS RAISING GRANDKIDS.

I WOULD HAVE PUT OUR YOUNG PEOPLE ON A PATH TO PROGRESS AND POSITIVITY.

>> MY THANKS TO BOTH OF YOU PRESIDENT PRECKWINKLE AND RICHARD BOYKIN THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.

WE APPRECIATE IT.

>> THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

>> AND YOU CAN CHECK OUT OUR 2022 VOTER GUIDE TO HEAR MORE FROM THESE CANDIDATES AND OTHERS ON WHY THEY WANT YOUR VOTE.

AND WE'RE BACK WITH MORE "CHICAGO TONIGHT" IN JUST A MOMENT.

FIRST A LOOK AT SOME OF OUR UP COMING CANDIDATE FORUMS.

>> STILL TO COME ON "CHICAGO TONIGHT", THE FEDERAL RESERVE IS DETERMINED TO BRING DOWN INFLATION.

ITS TOOL?

HIGHER INTEREST RATES.

OUR SPOTLIGHT POLITICS TEAM LOOKS AT WHAT IT MEANS POLITICALLY THAT REPUBLICAN GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE RICHARD IRVIN IS PULLING HIS ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDERS DOWN STATE.

[♪♪♪] >> AND A PIANO PRODIGY FROM UKRAINE FINDS SOLIS IN MUSIC AND THE COMMUNITY HE FOUND IN CHICAGO.

>> BUT FIRST, SOME OF TODAY'S TOP STORIES... >> A 19-YEAR-OLD COLLEGE STUDENT FROM CHICAGO WAS AMONG THE WITNESSES ON CAPITOL HILL TODAY TESTIFYING ABOUT THE IMPACT OF GUN VIOLENCE ON AMERICA'S YOUNG PEOPLE.

>> GUN VIOLENCE IS THE MOST ISSUE WE CAN POINT THE FINGER AT THE FOLKS HOLDING THE GUN AND BLAME IT ON SINGLE PARENT HOUSEHOLDS BUT UNTIL THE BRANCH TAKES A STAND TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN WE'RE POINTING AT YOU.

SENATORS CONSIDER YOURSELVES RESPONSIBLE.

>> HE IS A RISING JUNIOR AT NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY IN BOSTON AND GREW UP IN CABRINI GREEN AND CHICAGO'S WHEFT CITY.

HE TODAY THE COMMITTEE ABOUT HIS EXPERIENCE WITH MULTIPLE FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS WHO HAVE BEEN SHOT AND SOME KILLED.

SENATORS AND AIDES WORKING ON A BIPARTISAN GUN REFORM AGREEMENT HOPE DEPRESS CAN APPROVE THE MEASURE BEFORE THE FOURTH OF JULY RECESS.

>> CHICAGO COMMUTELERS HAVE ACCESS TO MORE SCOOTERS STARTING TOMORROW AFTER A DELAYED ROLL OUT.

SAN FRANCISCO BASED COMPANY SPIN IS SET TO DEPLOY 500 SCOOTERS NEIGHBORHOODS.

THE COMPANY SAYS IT MAY INCREASE THE SIZE OF THE FLEET LATER DEPENDING ON DEMAND.

SPIN WITH LYME AND SUPER PEDESTRIAN WERE SLATED TO RECEIVE CITY PERMITS FOR THE EXPANSION LAST MONTH BUT SPIN SAYS THEY HAVE RECENTLY RECEIVED THEIRS.

AS THE AVERAGE GALLON OF GAS IN CHICAGO TOPS $5.94 A GALLON HELP IS FLOWING TO RESIDENTS IN THE FORM OF $150 GAS CARDS.

THE FIRST 10,000 CARDS HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED OR AAWAITING PICK UP AT CITY HALL.

TRANSIT CARDS AND GAS CARDS WILL BE GIVEN AWAY.

THE GIVEAWAYS ARE PART OF THE CITY'S 12.5 MILLION TRANSIT RELIEF PROGRAM CALLED CHICAGO MOVES.

THE NEXT ROUND OF RECIPIENTS WILL BE SELECTED DURING A LOTTERY SET FOR THE FIRST WEEK OF JULY.

APPLICATIONS FOR THE LOTTERY WILL BE ACCEPTED THROUGH SEPTEMBER 1.

>> THE COVID PANDEMIC THRUST THE ECONOMY INTO A NEW TERRITORY.

THE LATEST MANIFESTATION IS HIGH INFLATION.

THE FEDERAL RESERVE IS TAKING ACTION TO COMBAT THAT THROUGH RAISING INTEREST RATES.

AMANDA VINICKY JOINS US WITH MORE WHAT THAT COULD MEAN FOR CONSUMERS.

>> I HAVE MOST OF US FELT THE IMPACT OF INFLATION WHICH LOST MONTH HIT 8.6% HIGHER THAN FEDERAL RESERVE CHAIRMAN JEROME POWELL SAYS HE AND OTHER GOVERNORS ON THE RESERVE EXPECTED.

>> WE AT THE FED UNDERSTAND THE HARDSHIP THAT HIGH INFLATION IS CAUSING.

WE'RE STRONGLY COMMITTED TO BRINGING INFLATION BACK DOWN AND WE'RE MOVING TO DO SO.

WE HAVE BOTH THE TOOLS WE NEED AND THE RESOLVE IT WILL TAKE TO RESTORE PRICE STABILITY ON BEHALF OF AMERICAN FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES.

>> THE KEY TOOL THERE, ADJUSTING INTEREST RATES.

THE GOAL IS TO REIN IN AND INFLATION DOWN TO THE TARGET BACK TO 2%.

FAR FROM THE 8.6%.

THAT COULD TAKE YEARS.

TODAY THE FED TOOK ACTION TO BEGIN RAISING BENCHMARK RATES 3 QUARTERS OF A PERCENTAGE POINT UP TO A RANGE OF 1.5 TO 1.75%.

>> INTEREST RATES IS ONE FACTOR NOT CERTAINLY THE ONLY FACTOR BUT ONE DETERMINANT WHETHER OR NOT TO GO OUT AND MAKE A BIG PURCHASE.

YOU'RE BORROWING COSTS DEPEND UPON WHAT INTEREST RATE YOU ARE BEING CHARGED.

WHEN INTEREST RATES GO UP, IT COSTS MORE TO FINANCE A PURCHASE OF A CAR OR A FLAT SCREEN TV THAT YOU HAVE TO BORROW TO PURCHASE THAT ITEM.

>> ALSO TALKING ABOUT MORTGAGE RATES, WHEN BUSINESSES TAKE OUT LOANS TO EXPAND AND SO ON.

DIRECTOR OF SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY'S DEPARTMENT OF ANALYTICS FINANCE AND ECONOMICS, KEVIN SILL INVESTIGATOR SAYS THE HOPE THIS WILL PUT DOWNWARD PRESSURE ON INFLATION.

>> THEY WANT TO BUY LOTS OF BUSINESSES AND WILL RAISE PRICES AND IF PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES HOLD BACK HOW MUCH THEY WANT TO BUY THE HOPE IS THAT PRICES WILL DROP.

AND SO THAT IS WHY THE FEDERAL RESERVE IS RAISING INTEREST RATES.

>> TODAY POWELL SIGNALED MORE INTEREST RATE HIKES COULD BE COMING IN THE FUTURE.

>> OVER THE COMING MONTHS WE WILL BE LOOKING FOR COMPELLING EVIDENCE THAT INFLATION IS MOVING DOWN CONSISTENT WITH INFLATION RETURNING TO 2%.

WE ANTICIPATE ONGOING RATE INCREASES WILL BE APPROPRIATE.

>> BUT THERE IS POTENTIAL FOR DANGER.

>> AS PEOPLE CUT BACK HOW MUCH THEY CONSUME AS BUSINESSES CUT BACK HOW MUCH THEY INVEST, IT COULD LEAD TO THE R WORD, RECESSION.

IF THE FEDERAL RESERVE IS OVERAGGRESSIVE AND IF THEY OVERDO IT.

>> AS CONSUMER SENTIMENT CONTINUES TO WORSEN BECAUSE OF HIGH INFLATION, I THINK CONSUMERS ARE GOING TO START CUTTING BACK TRYING TO PROTECT THEIR SAVINGS AND BEING A LITTLE MORE CONSERVATIVE ABOUT HOW THEY SPEND THAT MONEY.

SO THEN COMPANIES ARE GOING TO BE MAKING LESS PROFITS, WAGES WILL START TO SLOW DOWN.

UNEMPLOYMENT WILL EVENTUALLY START TO TICK UP.

>> DePAUL UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR WORKED AS AN ECONOMIST FOR THE FEDERAL RESERVE AND SAYS THE FEDS HAVE TO TAKE ACTION ON INFLATION BUT IN DOING SO, HE SAYS, THEY MAY CREATE THE NEXT RECESSION.

HE SAYS WE ARE NOT THERE YET.

POWELL TODAY SAID THE FED IS NOT TRYING TO INDUCE A RECESSION.

HE REPEATEDLY SIGNAL HE VIEWS THE ECONOMY AS ROBUST AND THERE IS A STRONG LABOR MARKET WITH LOW UNEMPLOYMENT AND ALSO ECONOMIC ACTIVITY PICKED UP DESPITE THAT ELEVATED INFLATION.

BUT THE ECONOMISTS SAYS GDP WAS DOWN AND NEW FIGURES WILL BE COMING OUT NEXT MONTH.

IF GDP IS DOWN FOR A SECOND TIME IN A ROW THAT WOULD OFFICIALLY MARK A RECESSION.

BLACK CALLED THE ACTION A GENERATION SIZED RATE HIKE AND HE SAYS ECONOMIC PAIN IS COMING AS FOLKS WILL HAVE TO CONTINUE TO PAY MORE.

>> PEOPLE NEED TO THINK ABOUT CUTTING BACK ON THE SPENDING SO THEY CAN BUILDUP A RAINY DAY FUND WHETHER THAT IS GOING TO AFFECT THEIR EMPLOYMENT OR WHETHER IT'S GOING TO AFFECT THEIR BORROWING COSTS YOU ARE GOING TO EXPERIENCE MORE ECONOMIC PAIN.

THE MORE YOU CAN REPRAYER FOR THAT THE BER.

>> -- THE MORE YOU CAN PREPARE THE BETTER.

>> THERE ARE A LOT OF FACTORS THAT LED TO THE POINT THAT IS A CRUNCH IMPACTING THOSE THAT CAN LEAST AFFORD IT.

SOME OF THE COSTS COVID AND IMPACTS ON SUPPLY CHAIN.

AND THE STIMULUS MONEY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PUMPED OUT TO HELP COPE WITH THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF COVID.

BUT THEN YOU HAVE THE ENERGY MARKETS, GASOLINE PRICES, REALLY HIGH.

AND THAT IS IMPACTED BY EXTERNAL FACTORS LIKE THE WAR IN UKRAINE.

AND THOSE OUTSIDE FACTORS ARE ONES THAT THE FED THE WHITE HOUSE CAN DO LITTLE ABOUT.

NOW, FEDERAL RESERVE CHAIRMAN POWELL SIGNALED THERE IS A PATH TO GET OUT OF THIS BUT HE SAYS, THOSE EXTERNAL FACTORS DO MAKE THAT PATH BOTH MORE UNPREDICTABLE AND MORE CHALLENGING.

>> THANK YOU.

AND WE'LL SEE YOU AGAIN IN A BIT BECAUSE UP NEXT OUR SPOTLIGHT POLITICS TEAM TACKLES THE REPUBLICAN GUBERNATORIAL RACE AND MUCH MORE.

STAY WITH US.

>> HOW THE VERY EXPENSIVE PRIMARY RACE FOR GOVERNOR IS PLAYING OUT IN THE POLLS WITH ONLY 13 DAYS LEFT BEFORE ELECTION DAY.

ALL THAT AND MUCH MORE IN OUR SPOTLIGHT POLITICS.

JOINING US NOW ARE AMANDA VINICKY, HEATHER CHERONE AND PARIS SCHUTZ.

WELCOME BACK GANG.

FOUR POLLS HAVE DARREN BAILEY AAHEAD OF RICHARD IRVIN IN THE GOVERNOR'S RACE.

AMANDA WHAT IS NOT WORKING FOR THE IRVIN CAMPAIGN?

>> I DON'T KNOW REALLY WHAT IS WORKING.

I THINK THERE ARE A LOT OF FACTORS.

IN PART THERE WAS A FOCUS ON CRIME WHEN IT SEEMS LIKE JUST TALKED ABOUT THE ECONOMY IS REALLY FRONT AND CENTER AND A LOT OF VOTERS' MINDS.

AND THERE WAS AN ATTEMPT TO ATTACK BY THE IRVIN CAMPAIGN TO ACT HIS OPPONENTS LIKE BAILEY BEING ANTI-TRUMP AND THAT BACKFIRED.

AND SORT OF EMBOLDENED BAILEY AND TIED HIM FURTHER TO TRUMP AND RAISED THE IRE OF CONSERVATIVES NOW REALLY GOING OUT FOR BAILEY.

I THINK THERE IS A SIGN THAT KEN GRIFFIN THE FUNDER OF THIS CAMPAIGN IS PERHAPS READING THOSE TEA LEAVES AND THOSE POLLS AND IS BACKING OUT.

THAT WHY WE'RE SEEING A CHANGING AD STRATEGY AND THAT LEADS TO WE DID NOT HEAR FROM OR REALLY INTERACT THAT MUCH WITH RICHARD IRVIN.

HE WAS NOT IN HIDING.

BUT HE WAS NOT OUT AND ABOUT AT LEAST CONDUCTING INTERVIEWS.

IT SEEMS WITH REPORTERS SEEMS THEY WANTED TO AVOID ALMOST JOURNALISTS AND THE PRESS AND HARD QUESTIONS AND WENT SOLELY ON ADS AND THAT DID NOT RESONATE.

>> AND HEATHER, IRVIN PULLED HIS ADS DOWN STATE.

DOES HE HAVE A PATH TO WIN WITH DOWN STATE VOTERS?

>> HE HAS LEFT HIMSELF A NARROW PATH.

NOW, HIS PATH TO THE G.O.P.

NOMINATION FOR GOVERNOR WAS ALWAYS GOING TO RUN THROUGH CHICAGO AND SUBURBAN COOK COUNTY.

AND THE NOW HE PUT HIS EGGS IN HIS BASKET BECAUSE IF HE IS NOT CAMPAIGNING DOWN STATE AND NOT AIRING ADS DOWN STATE HE IS CEDING THOSE VOTERS WHO MIGHT BE PERSUADABLE TO DARREN BAILEY OR ONE OF THE OTHER CANDIDATES AND THAT IS A HIGH-RISK STRATEGY.

BECAUSE, OF COURSE, THERE ARE FEWER REPUBLICAN VOTERS THAN THERE USED TO BE.

>> AMANDA, YOU MENTIONED THE MONEY.

LET'S TALK ABOUT THE RETURN ON INVESTMENTS FROM THE BILLIONAIRES.

KEN GRIFFIN SPENT $50 MILLION ON IRVIN IS THAT RIGHT?

>> THAT IS ABOUT RIGHT.

AND IF THESE POLLS ARE CORRECT, AND IF THEY DO HOLD IT IS A TERRIBLE RETURN ON INVESTMENT AND OTHER THINGS HAPPENED HERE.

THERE WERE POLLS THAT SHOWED IRVIN IN THE LEAD IN THE BEGINNING.

AND THEY WERE UP QUICKLY WITH ADS TRYING TO DEFINE HIM.

I THINK THERE WERE A LOT OF REPORTS FROM US HERE AT WTTW AND OTHER JOURNALISTS THAT SORT OF LOOKED INTO HIS RECORD AND SAW THAT A LOT OF HIS RECORD AND BACKGROUND WAS VERY, VERY DIFFERENT THAN THE CANDIDATE THAT THEY WERE TRYING TO PUT FORTH TO THE PUBLIC HERE.

AND THAT THEN KIND OF GET WEAPONIZED.

LET'S BE CLEAR, HE HAS SPENT A LOT MONEY IN THE RACE AND A TON OF MONEY ATTACKING HIM NOT ONLY BY A PAC ASSOCIATED BY DARREN BAILEY AND FUNDED BY RICHARD UIHLEIN WEAPONIZING THE REPORTING AND GOVERNOR J.B. PRITZKER HIMSELF HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN SPENDING MONEY AND TRYING TO DEFEAT IRVIP AND THE DEMOCRATIC GOVERNOR'S ASSOCIATION ALSO RUN ADS.

IT IS DHER THAT GOVERNOR J.B. PRITZKER SAW IRVIN AS THE MOST FORMIDABLE CHALLENGER AND WANTS TO FACE BAILEY INSTEAD.

THIS HAPPENED ACROSS THE COUNTRY AS A NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC STRATEGY WHERE DEMOCRATS HAVE KIND OF HELPED PUSH ALONG SOME OF THE MORE EXTREME REPUBLICANS LIKE IN PENNSYLVANIA.

BUT, AGAIN, THAT GOING TO BE THE STRATEGY THAT PAYS OFF IN NOVEMBER IF VOTERS ARE GOING TO THE POLLS BASED ON THE ECONOMY AND GAS PRICES AND INFLATION?

POLLS ARE A SNAPSHOT IN TIME.

WE HAVE LESS THAN TWO WEEKS UNTIL THE ELECTION AND WE HAVE LEARNED A LOT ABOUT POLLING THAT IT'S NOT ALWAYS ACCURATE.

>> WE SAW THE CONTENDERS WITH COOK COUNTY PRESIDENT FACE OFF.

IS THIS TONI PRECKWINKLE'S HER TOUGHEST RACE YET?

THEY ARE BOTH RUNNING ADS.

>> SHE IS RUNNING AN ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER I WOULD ASSUME I HAVE NOT SEEN ANY POLLINGDY NOT ASK WHAT THE POLLING HAS SHOWN WHEN YOU ARE RUNNING ADS YOU'RE SPENDING MONEY AND PROBABLY DOING IT BECAUSE YOU DO SEE SOME SORT OF THREAT.

YOU CANNOT WALTZ INTO REELECTION AS YOU SAW, BOYKIN IS TRYING TO TAKE THE PRESIDENT ON ON THE ISSUE OF CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY AND IT HAD HER A LITTLE BIT ON THE DEFENSIVE ON THAT.

A LOT OF THE ISSUE OF FIGHTING CRIME FALLS TO THE MUNICIPALITIES IN COOK COUNTY.

CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT AND SUBURBAN POLICE DEPARTMENTS.

THAT IS BOYKIN IS CAPITALIZING ON THE FACT THAT MIGHT BE A MOTIVATING FACTOR FOR FOLKS IN THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY AND LOOK WHAT HAPPENS IN SAN FRANCISCO WITH THE DA THERE AND THE COMPETITIVE RACE IN LOS ANGELES.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE POLLING SAYS.

BUT IF YOU ARE AN INCUMBENT UP ON THE AIR WITH ADS YOU SENSE A THREAT.

>> AMANDA HER CHALLENGER, RICHARD BOYKIN BACKED BY WILLIE WILSON, HOW IS THIS FUNDRAISING PLAYING OUT IN THE RACE?

>> AS YOU NOTED WE HEARD THERE HE IS GETTING PAID FOR DOING CONSULTING FOR WILLIE WILSON.

BUT THE NUMBERS HERE ARE NOTHING LIKE WHAT THEY ARE FOR EXAMPLE IN THE GOVERNOR'S RACE WHERE YOU HAVE TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS THROWN AROUND ON ALL SIDES.

LAST I CHECKED IT WAS SOMETHING LIKE WILLIE WILSON HAD CONTRIBUTED THROUGH HIS CAMPAIGN OR HIMSELF ABOUT $160,000 TO THE BOYKIN CAMPAIGN.

AND BOYKIN IS WORKING WITH LIKE HALF THE AMOUNT OF WHAT PRECKWINKLE HAS.

AND SHE HAS SOMETHING ELSE.

SHE IS NOT JUST THE INCUMBENT SHE IS CHAIR OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF COOK COUNTY.

AND SO THAT GIVES HER A WHOLE LOT OF LEVERAGE WITH CONNECTIONS, ADS, DOOR KNOCK, CANVASING THE WORKS IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT MONEY.

>> AND BOYKIN IS RUNNING ADS AS WELL.

THE SHERIFF'S RACE BRIEFLY.

HEATHER CARMEN NAVARRO GERCONE WAS OUSTED FROM THE RACE.

TELL US WHY BECAUSE HASN'T SHOW WORKED IN THAT OFFICE FOR TWO DECADES?

>> SHE HAS BUT A NEW STATE LAW SAYS THE COOK COUNTY SHERIFF HAS TO BE A CERTIFIED LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER AND SHE IS NOT.

AFTER A LONG AND WINDING LEGAL STATUS SHE IS OFF THE BALLOT BUT PEOPLE WILL STILL SEE HER NAME WHEN THEY GO TO VOTE.

BUT THERE WILL BE SIGNS POSTED THAT ANY VOTES CAST FOR SURE WON'T BE COUNTED.

A COMPLICATED ISSUE AGAIN FOR VOTERS.

>> IN THE RACE FOR MAYOR THERE IS ANOTHER OFFICIAL CHALLENGER.

ACTIVIST JAMAL GREEN.

LOOK AT WHAT HE HAD TO SAY LAST NIGHT HERE ON "CHICAGO TONIGHT".

>> WE GOT YOUNG PEOPLE THAT ARE BEING SHOT KILLED EVERYDAY.

THIS CITY IS IN DISARRAY AND WE NEED SOMEONE A LEADER WHO UNDERSTANDS THE NEIGHBORHOODS, WHO UNDERSTANDS THE PROBLEMS, WHO UNDERSTANDS HOW TO BRING FORTH TANGIBLE SOLUTIONS IN A MASS WAY.

>> THERE ARE SIX CANDIDATES CHALLENGING MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT.

WOULD YOU SAY THE MORE WHO JOIN THE RACE, THE MORE THE ANTI-LORI LIGHTFOOT VOTE IS SPLIT?

>> YES, BRANDIS.

I AM NOT SURE THAT IT IS GOING TO STOP IT THERE COULD BE FURTHER CHALLENGERS THAT CONVENTIONAL WISDOM IS PARTIALLY COMMON SENSE THE MORE NAMES ON THE BALLOT THE MORE THAT THAT SPY SATELLITES.

THERE IS A LONG WAY TO GO IN THE RACE.

>> THERE WILL BE MORE CANDIDATES.

AND HEATHER, JUDY FRYDLAND FILED PAPERWORK FOR THE MAYORAL RACE.

>> SHE WAS THE LONG TIME COMMISSIONER FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF BUILDINGS.

SHE WAS HIGHLY RESPECTED AT CITY HALL.

AND THEN RETIRED DURING THE PANDEMIC AND IS NOW BEEN WORKING AS A CONSULTANT AND APPARENTLY HAS ASPIRATIONS FOR THE FIFTH FLOOR.

I SHOULD SAY CREATING A CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE DOESN'T MEAN YOU ARE GOING TO RUN FOR MAYOR.

BUT IT IS A STEP IN THAT DIRECTION.

I REACHED OUT TO HER CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE CHAIR AND DID NOT GET A RESPONSE.

>> OK.

THERE'S A BILL UNDER CONSIDERATION WHERE COMMONWEALTH EDISON WOULD REPAY CUSTOMERS $38 MILLION IN THE SCANDAL TIED TO FORMER HOUSE SPEAKER MICHAEL MADIGAN.

>> THIS IS A PROPOSAL NOT A PIECE OF LEGISLATION, HOWEVER A MEASURE BEFORE THE ILLINOIS COMMERCE COMMISSION THAT WOULD DECIDE WHAT THAT WOULD MEAN IF IT GETS APPROVED, WHICH SEEMS IF THAT IS LEANING TO BE THE CASE.

THE CUSTOMERS WOULD GET ABOUT A $10 REBATE ON THEIR BILLS.

MANY CONSUMER ADVOCATES INCLUDING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, ARE UPSET ABOUT.

THEY SAY THAT IS NOWHERE NEAR ENOUGH CONSIDERING ALL THE MONEY THEY BELIEVE ComEd HAS MADE THROUGH WHAT IT HAS ADMITTED WAS TRYING TO CURRY FAVOR WITH MADIGAN TO GET LEGISLATION THAT BOOSTED ITS BOTTOM LINE.

>> PARIS FOR WHAT ComEd PROFITS IS THAT A DROP IN THE BUCKET?

>> THERE ARE MULTIPLE PIECES OF LEGISLATION THAT HIKED RATES FOR CONSUMERS.

AND CONSUMERS PAID A LOT OF MONEY OVER THE YEARS WITH THOSE HIKED RATES.

YEAH, I THINK THIS IS GOING TO AMOUNT TO SOMETHING LIKE $5 A PERSON?

MAYBE GOOD FOR.

>> $10 A HOUSEHOLD.

>> GOOD FOR A CUP OF COFFEE OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT.

NO, I DON'T THINK THIS IS GOING TO QUELL THE IRE THAT PERHAPS CONSUMERS HAVE DIRECTED TOWARD ComEd.

>> OK. AND SAD NEWS IN THE RACE FOR CONGRESSMAN SEAN CASTEN HIS TEENAGE DAUGHTER TRAGICALLY THIS WEEK.

JUST 17 YEARS OLD.

HEATHER TELL WHAUS YOU KNOW ABOUT HE AND HIS CHALLENGER MARIE NEWMAN RESPONDED.

>> NEWMAN WAS QUICK TO OFFER CONDOLENCES AND TOOK DOWN ADS THAT COMPARED THE CANDIDATES DIRECTLY.

INCLUDING ONE AD IN WHICH SHE TOOK A DIRECT AIM AT CASTEN AND BASICALLY USED AN EXPLETIVE TO DESCRIBE THIS ATTACKS ON HER AND LIKENED IT TO DOG EXCONSENT DECREEMENT THAT AD IS NO LONGER AIRING AND MUTED WHAT HAD BEEN ONE OF THE MARQUEE CONGRESSIONAL RACES IN THE CHICAGO AREA.

AMID THIS TERRIBLE TRAGEDY.

>> SUCH TRAGIC NEWS.

THAT IS WHERE WE HAVE TO LEAVE SPOTLIGHT POLITICS TONIGHT.

AMANDA VINICKY, HEATHER CHERONE AND PARIS SCHUTZ THANK YOU.

>> UP NEXT, A UKRAINIAN MUSIC PRODIGY WHO MAKES CHICAGO HOME BUT FIRST, A LOOK AT THE WEATHER.

>> A LOCAL MUSIC PRODIGY BEGAN STUDYING IN THIS NATIVE UKRAINE BEFORE HE MOVED TO CHICAGO WITH HIS FAMILY.

THE COMMUNITY OF MUSICIANS HE FOUND HERE AND MUSIC ITSELF HAVE HELPED SUSTAIN HIM DURING AN UNEASY TIME.

MARC VITALI RECENTLY BROUGHT US THE STORY OF AN ASPIRING CONCERT PIANIST WITH A LOT ON HIS MIND AND A LOT OF SUPPORT.

HERE IS ANOTHER LOOK.

[♪♪♪] >> AT EVANSTON'S CONCERT HALL A FORMER CHURCH A HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR PLAYS A SONATA.

>> I FEEL IMPACTED BY THE IT WAS DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR AND IT IS VERY DRAMATIC AND POWERFUL AND I CAN'T IMAGINE TANKS ROLLING IN AND ROCKETS AND BOMBS.

IT'S OVERWHELMING.

[♪♪♪] >> 17-YEAR-OLD IS IN THE ACADEMY PROGRAM OF THE MUSIC INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO.

AN ELITE GROUP OF 35 MUSICIANS AMONG THE 2,000 STUDENTS.

>> HE IS REMARKABLY UNIQUE PIANIST AS PART OF OUR ACADEMY PROGRAM.

ONE OF THE THINGS I THINK DRAWS PEOPLE TO GREAT PERFORMERS IS THE STORY BEHIND THE INDIVIDUAL.

>> I WAS BORN IN KYIV, UKRAINE AND I MOVED TO THE UNITED STATES JUST FOUR YEARS AGO WITH MY FAMILY.

ALL MY MEMORIES FROM UKRAINE ARE DEAR TO ME AND SHAPED ME AS A PERSON AS AN INDIVIDUAL AND A PERFORMER.

THE WAR CREATED A GREAT DEAL OF ANXIETY FORKING FIRST MY EXTENDED FAMILY IS STILL IN UKRAINE AND SECOND THAT BOTH OF MY UNCLES ARE SERVING RIGHT NOW IN THE UKRAINIAN MILITARY AND DEFENDING MY COUNTRY.

SO WE'RE PRAYING FOR THEM.

[♪♪♪] >> AT THE MUSIC INSTITUTE HE FOUND SUPPORT AMONG HIS PEERS.

TO LIFT HIS SPIRITS THE STUDENT ORCHESTRA PERFORMED UKRAINE'S NATIONAL ANTHEM WITH MIROSLAV ON PIANO.

>> THAT PERFORMANCE WITH THE ORCHESTRA PLAYING MY NATIONAL ANTHEM IT STIRRED ME UP TO DO MORE FOR MY UKRAINIAN COMMUNITY AND IT HEALED ME FROM ANXIETY AND WORRY THAT I HAD BEFORE.

[♪♪♪] >> I THINK HE'S DOING VERY WELL.

AND I THINK THE NICE THING IS THERE IS A GREAT COMMUNITY OF UKRAINIANS HERE IN THE CHICAGO AREA AND HE HAS GOTTEN THE SUPPORT OF THAT.

>> MUSIC IS A GREAT WAY TO KIND OF HELP WORK YOUR WAY THROUGH TOUGH AND DIFFICULT TIMES.

>> I WANT MYKOLA BURGADNYK AUDIENCE CAPTURED BY WHAT I PLAY AND TO BE HONEST ONE OF MY GOALS IS TO MAKE MY AUDIENCE CRY WHEN I PLAY AN EMOTIONAL PIECE.

THIS WILL BE MY GOAL FOR THE FUTURE.

THE WAR HAS REALLY PUT A STRAIN ON ME AND MY FAMILY AND ALL THE UKRAINIAN PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD.

WE HOPE THAT THE WAR WILL END SOON.

[♪♪♪] >> FOR "CHICAGO TONIGHT" THIS IS MARC VITALI.

>> MIROSLAV GRADUATED HIGH SCHOOL AND FOUND OUT HE IS HAS BEEN ACCEPTED IN THE PEABODY CONSERVATORY.

THERE'S MORE INFORMATION ON MIROSLAV AND THE MUSIC INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO ON OUR WEBSITE.

>> BACK TO WRAP THINGS UP RIGHT AFTER THIS.

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

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AND PLEASE JOIN US TOMORROW NIGHT LIVE AT 7:00 P.M. >> AFTER MORE THAN 20 YEARS IN OFFICE, SECRETARY OF STATE JESSE WHITE IS STEPPING DOWN TOMORROW WE HEAR FROM THE TWO REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES VYING FOR HIS SEAT.

>> AND REVIVAL IN FULLER PARK AS RESIDENTS START TO MOVE BACK IN.

WE VISIT ONE OF CHICAGO'S SMALLEST COMMUNITIES FOR OUR "IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SERIES".

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

>> I'M PARIS SCHUTZ.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR WATCHING.

STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE AND COOL AND HYDRATED!

AND HAVE A GREAT EVENING.

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