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

I'M BRANDIS FRIEDMAN.

>> HERE IN OUR NORTHWEST SIDE STUDIO.

>> I'M PARGS PAIRS IN THE MORGAN PARK COMMUNITY IN THE CITY'S SOUTH SIDE.

>> ON THE SHOW TONIGHT.

>> WE HAVE SECURITY THAT -- >> I DON'T KNOW MIND -- >> PRIVATE SECURITY IS HELPING PATROL MORGAN PARK BUSINESSES AMID A POLICE SHORTAGE AND THOSE AND MORE IN TONIGHT'S EDITION OF "IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SERIES".

>> WE HAVE GOT TO TRANSFORM HOW WE TEACH IN OUR SCHOOLS.

>> EMOTIONAL LEARNING, STANDARDIZED TESTING AND MASS SHOOTINGS IN SCHOOLS.

THE PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION VISITS CHICAGO AND HER PLAN FOR THE FUTURE OF SCHOOLS.

>> ONE OF THE TOP PRIORITIES COMING INTO THE OFFICE FOR ME WAS TO TRY TO DEVELOP A STATE-OF-THE-ART CRIME GUN TRACING PLATFORM.

>> WE TALK WITH KWAME RAOUL ABOUT HIS REELECTION BID AND HIS NEW INITIATIVE TO TRACE ILLEGAL GUNS.

>> AND REALLY CHANGED MY LIFE.

>> HOW A PROCESS CALLED RESTORATIVE JUSTICE ASK MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN CHICAGO AND AROUND THE COUNTRY.

[♪♪♪] >> FROM TOURING MUSICALS TO DRAMAS, HEDY WEISS JOINS US WITH HER LATEST RECOMMENDATIONS ON LOCAL STAGES.

THE LINE THE HIBISCUS, IT BRINGS IT BACK TO SUMMER.

>> AND THE BREWING UP THE FLAVORS OF MEXICO AT CASA HUMILDE.

>> AND AS WE MENTIONED I'M LIVE IN MORGAN PARK ON THE CITY'S SOUTH SIDE WHERE LOCAL BUSINESS LEADERS HAVE CONTRACTED WITH PRIVATE SECURITY TO HELP KEEP BUSINESSES SAFE.

WE'LL TELL YOU WHY THAT IS AND HAVE MUCH MORE FROM MORGAN PARK IN A BIT BUT FIRST WE TOSS IT BACK TO YOU.

>> PARIS, SEE YOU SOON.

FIRST, SOME OF TODAY'S TOP STORIES... >> STARTING TOMORROW, THE ILLINOIS FAMILY RELIEF PLAN WILL GO INTO EFFECT.

THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE ESTIMATES 1.83 BILLION IN RELIEF COMING JUST AS GOVERNOR PRITZKER IS KICKING OFF HIS GENERAL ELECTION CAMPAIGN.

HERE IS STATE REPRESENTATIVE WILL DAVIS ON THE PLAN.

>> WORKING FAMILIES, SUPPORTING EDUCATION, AND 1.8 BILLION DOLLARS IN TAX RELIEF.

WE KNOW THAT TIMES HAVE BEEN DIFFICULT FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE INCLUDING MANY OF US AND OUR FAMILIES AS WELL.

AND WE KNOW TIMES ARE TOUGH.

GROCERIES ARE GOING UP.

GAS IS GOING UP.

EVERYTHING IS COSTING MORE THESE DAYS.

BUT TOGETHER AS DEMOCRATS WE CAME TOGETHER AND WE PUT FORTH A BALANCED BUDGET THAT PROVIDED ALL OF THESE EFFORTS FOR WORKING FAMILIES HERE IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.

>> SOME OF THE RELIEF MEASURES INCLUDE A SUSPENSION OF THE 1% SALES TAX ON GROCERIES THROUGH NEXT JUNE AND A SALES TAX REDUCTION ON CLOTHING AND SCHOOL RELATED ITEMS IN MID-AUGUST.

>> A DAY AFTER R. KELLY WAS SENTENCED IN NEW YORK TO A 30 YEARS IN PRISON A JUDGE HERE DENIED TO THROW OUT ADDITIONAL CHARGES AHEAD OF HIS AUGUST TRIAL IN CHICAGO.

THE JUDGE REFUSED A REQUEST FROM KELLY'S ATTORNEY TO TOSS A MAJORITY OF CHARGES AND DENIED A MOTION SEEKING TO SEVERE HIS TRIAL FROM CO-DEFENDANTS.

KELLY WAS CHARGED IN 2019 IN A 13-COUNT INDICTMENT ALLEGING HE SEXUALLY ABUSED FIVE MINORS AND RECORDED SOME OF THE ACTS.

A SUPERCEDING INDICTMENT FOLLOWED THE FOLLOWING YEAR ADDED ANOTHER ALLEGED VICTIM.

AND WORKERS IN CHICAGO AND COOK COUNTY ARE GETTING A RAISE.

STARTING TOMORROW, BOTH THE CITY AND COUNTY'S MINIMUM WAGES ARE GOING UP.

IN CHICAGO, MINIMUM WAGE FOR NON-TIPPED WORKERS WILL INCREASE TO $14.50 FOR BUSINESSES UNDER 21 EMPLOYEES.

AND TO 15.40 FOR LARGER BUSINESSES.

TIPPED EMPLOYEES WILL MAKE 8.70 FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AND 9.24 FOR LARGER BUSINESSES.

COOK COUNTY'S UNTIPPED CONSIDERERS WILL SEE WAGES INCREASED TO 13.35.

AND TIPPED WORKERS WILL GET 7.40.

UP NEXT, WE HEAD TO MORGAN PARK.

STAY WITH US.

>> Announcer: "CHICAGO TONIGHT" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY... >> MORE AND MORE COMMUNITIES ARE TURNING TO PRIVATE SECURITY TO HELP COMBAT HIGHER CRIME.

IN THE MORGAN PARK COMMUNITY ON THE CITY'S FAR SOUTH SIDE A PILOT PROGRAM EMPLOYS PRIVATE SECURITY GUARDS TO WATCH OVER LOCAL BUSINESSES.

MORGAN PARK IS LOCATED SOUTH OF BEVERLY AND NORTH OF BLUE ISLAND AND ON THE SOUTHERN EDGE OF THE CITY.

IT'S NOT ONE OF THE MORE VIOLENT COMMUNITIES BUT A HIGH PROFILE MURDER LAST WEEK DOES HAVE THE COMMUNITY ON EDGE.

MORGAN PARK IS WHERE PARIS SCHUTZ AND ACACIA HERNANDEZ SPENT THE DAY AS PART OF OUR "CHICAGO TONIGHT" "IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SERIES" AND PARIS JOINS US NOW.

HEY, PARIS.

>> HEY, YEAH, WE ARE HERE AT THE EDNA WHITE COMMUNITY GARDEN A PEACEFUL SPOT AFTER AN UNSETTLING WEEK.

YOU MENTIONED APPARENT DOUBLE HOMICIDE THAT HAPPENED FRIDAY.

PEOPLE ARE STILL LOOKING FOR SUSPECTS.

IT'S RATTLED THIS CLOSE ANYTHING CLOSE-KNIT COMMUNITY, 60% WHITE AND 40% AFRICAN-AMERICAN.

AND BECAUSE OF A RISE IN PROPERTY CRIMES, THE LOCAL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION HAS HIRED PRIVATE SECURITY TO HELP KEEP LOCAL BUSINESSES SAFE.

>> THE OUT PATROLLING THROUGH VARIOUS HOURS THROUGH THE DAY AND NIGHT.

SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.

AND THEY WON'T BE ARMED.

THEY WON'T BE ENGAGING WITH ANY SORT OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITY GOING ON.

BUT JUST CALLING 9-1-1 AND REPORTING THOSE INCIDENTS TO THE POLICE.

>> AND IT IS A PILOT PROGRAM THAT BEGAN LAST WEEK BECAUSE OF THIS RISE IN CRIME AND THE CONCERNS OF BUSINESSES.

ONE BELOVED LOCAL BUSINESS, LET'S GET POPPIN' AND DESSERT SHOP HAVE BEEN AROUND FOR 30 YEARS.

A COMMUNITY STAPLE.

MANAGER LARRY JAMES SAYS HE HAS EMPLOYED PRIVATE SECURITY FOR 22 OF THOSE YEARS BECAUSE HE WANTS TO MAKE SURE RESIDENTS CAN COME IF AND PICK OUT MORE THAN A DOZEN VARIETIES OF TASTY POPCORN IN PEACE AND WORKERS HAVE POP THAT POPCORN SAFELY.

>> CAMERAS, WHERE YOU CAN GO BACK TO IT.

BUT IF YOU HAVE SECURITY THAT SECOND EFFORT THAT YOU GET THAT PERSON DID THAT AND THAT PERSON DID THAT.

>> AND SINCE YOU HAVE HAD THE SECURITY NO PROBLEMS?

>> NO.

>> GREAT.

>> AND WE ARE GOING TO HAVE SECURITY FOR THE 22 YEARS.

>> SECURITY AT THE TOP OF THE MIND HERE.

A LOT OF LOCAL BUSINESSES LIKE LET'S GET POPPIN' AND AGAIN, AS THE BUSINESS ASSOCIATION SAID THEY ARE NOT ARMED THEY ARE THERE TO BE AN EXTRA SET OF EYES IF SOMETHING DOES GET OUT OF HAPPENED THEY CAN CALL THE COPS.

MATT O'SHEA SAYS THE ISSUE HERE IS ATTRITION OF POLICE OFFICERS AT THE C.P.D.

SAYS HUNDREDS HAVE LEFT IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS ALONE AND THE DEPARTMENT HAS NOT KEPT UP WITH RECRUITING NEW POLICE OFFICERS TO TAKE THEIR PLACE.

HE INTRODUCED AN ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE INCENTIVES TO ANYONE LOOKING TO JOIN THE FORCE.

>> ONE, AA SIGNING BONUS FOR NEW RECRUITS THAT COME TO THE DEPARTMENT $5,000 WHICH 100 DIFFERENT CITIES ACROSS OUR CITY HAVE BEEN DOING FOR A PERIOD OF TIME.

WE ARE NOT DOING IT.

$10,000 BONUS FOR SOMEONE WITH A LATERAL TRANSFER TO THE CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT.

THOUSANDS OF POLICE DEPARTMENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE DOING THAT.

AND A $10,000 BONUS FOR FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS.

>> O'SHEA HAS BEEN TRYING TO GET THE MAYOR'S ATTENTION ON THIS TO NO AVAIL.

A HUGE HERE CITYWIDE AS IT'S DIFFICULT TO ATTRACT POLICE OFFICERS.

AND A LOT OF POLICE OFFICERS ARE RETIRING OR LEAVING THE FORCE IN GENERAL.

NOW, THERE ARE MANY, MANY LOCAL PUBLIC AND PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS IN THIS COMMUNITY LIKE THE INSTITUTION YOU SEE, THE MORGAN PARK ATHLETIC CENTER FEATURING ONE OF THE LOCAL PUBLIC ICE RINKS IN THE CITY AND A GYMNASTICS CENTER PROVIDING LESSONS FOR COMMUNITY CHILDREN WHO NEED THINGS TO DO WHEN SCHOOL IS NOT IN SESSION.

>> IT'S WHERE FAMILIES, FRIENDS COME TOGETHER, TO MINGLE AND MEET AND TO LEARN AND ENGAGE WITH EACH OTHER.

WE HOST LOTS OF LARGE COMMUNITY EVENTS HERE AS WELL AS OUR TRADITION PROGRAMMING FOR WELLNESS, FIGURE SKATING, HOCKEY AND GYMNASTICS.

THIS FACILITY IS SO SPECIAL, TO KEEP KIDS OUT OF TROUBLE, OFF THE STREETS, AND IN PRODUCTIVE PROGRAMMING THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER.

IT'S A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR EVERYONE.

>> AND ANOTHER GIANT FACILITY NEARBY RUN BY BLU OF ILLINOIS.

"WOMEN OF THE BLUES" CALLED THE BLUE-COLLAR IT PROVIDES A PLACE FOR HEALTH EDUCATION TO GET COMMUNITY MEMBERS INTO WELLNESS AND PREVENTION BY GIVING THEM CLASSES AND LESSONS AND PROGRAMS IN ALL KINDS OF HEALTH AND FITNESS AREAS.

>> DIABETES, HEART DISEASE, ASTHMA, BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ISSUES LIKE DEPRESSION AND ALSO NUTRITION.

SO ACCESS TO HEALTHY FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.

DEEP PROGRAM IS A DIABETES EDUCATION EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM AND IT IS AN EVIDENCE-BASED SIX WEEK PROGRAM WHERE WE WALK OUR PARTICIPANTS THROUGH HOW TO MANAGE DIABETES AS WELL AS PREVENT IT.

AND IT'S OPEN TO ANYONE.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE DIABETES.

YOU CAN BE PREDIABETIC OR A CAREGIVER OF SOMEONE WHO IS DIABETIC.

>> A LOT OF FACILITIES CONNECTING THIS COMMUNITY.

WE SHOULD MENTION THE BEVERLY ARTS CENTER PUTTING ON PLAYS AND MUSIC PRODUCTIONS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF BEVERLY.

AND INCLUDING MORGAN PARK.

WHEN WE COME BACK WE WILL HAVE THAT FULL INTERVIEW WITH ALDERMAN MATT O'SHEA WHO WILL DIG INTO THE POLICE PROBLEM A LITTLE DEEPER.

WHY IS THE POLICE DEPARTMENT HAVING TROUBLE RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS AND WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT?

FIRST, WE TOSS IT BACK TO YOU.

>> THAT WILL BE INTERESTING TO HEAR.

SEE NEW A BIT.

>> SCHOOLS ARE OFTEN CENTERPIECES OF COMMUNITIES AND OFTEN AT THE CROSSROADS OF CULTURE WARS AND COVID PROTOCOLS.

THOUSANDS OF EDUCATORS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE COMING TO CHICAGO TO DISCUSS AND DEBATE PUBLIC EDUCATION POLICIES.

THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION IS HOLDING ITS MEETING HERE.

THE UNION'S NATIONAL PRESIDENT SAT DOWN WITH AMANDA VINICKY TODAY AND AMANDA JOINS US NOW.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TOP PRIORITIES?

>> WELL, THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION IS THE LARGEST LABOR UNION IN THE UNITED STATES.

AND ITS MEMBERS LEADERS ARE GOING TO BE MEETING DOWNTOWN AND DISCUSSING THOSE PRIORITIES.

THESE WILL BE AGAIN TEACHERS FROM THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY BUT ONE THING THEY DO HAVE IN COMMON: MOST OF THEIR SCHOOLS ON SUMMER BREAK.

BUT ALSO THAT THAT COMES ON THE HEELS OF ANOTHER SCHOOL YEAR HAVING TO ADAPT TO COVID.

BE IT CORONAVIRUS MASKING MANDATES AND PROTOCOLS AND RECOVERING FROM LEARNING LOSSES PARTICULARLY FROM WHEN CLASSROOMS TO GO REMOTE.

THE PRESIDENT BECKDY PRINGLE DOES NOT USE THE TERM LEARNING LOSSES SHE SAYS STUDENTS ARE ALWAYS LEARNING BUT THE PANDEMIC DID BRING TO LIGHT WIDENED GAPS THAT EXISTED BEFORE COVID, INCLUDING, YES, ACADEMIC GAPS.

CHICAGO REPORTS THAT RESULTS SHOW 15% OF THIRD-EIGHTH GRADE C.P.S.

STUDENTS MEETING MATH STANDARDS DOWN FROM A QUARTER TESTING THE LAST PREPANDEMIC FULL SCHOOL YEAR.

THE STANDARDIZED TESTS USE TO GAUGE LEARNING ARE FLAWED.

>> WE ARE AN ARCHAIC SYSTEM BASED ON TESTS THAT WE KNOW ARE BIASED THAT DON'T BEGIN TO MEASURE THE FULL SCOPE OF WHAT A STUDENT KNOWS AND IS ABLE TO DO.

AND WE SPEND BILLIONS WITH A B, IN A TEST ON TESTS INSTEAD OF SPENDING BILLIONS WITH A B, ON INVESTING IN THE RESOURCES THAT OUR STUDENTS NEED.

SO THE TESTS ARE FLAWED.

SO BEYOND HOW MANY TIMES SHOULD THEY BE GIVEN THEY ARE FLAWED.

THEY ARE NOT COMPREHENSIVE.

THEY ARE NOT AUTHENTIC.

>> WHAT DOES PRINGLE THINK A NEW MODEL MIGHT LOOK LIKE?

>> SHE GIVES A MODEL FROM NEW YORK SCHOOLS THAT HAS A TEACHER WATCHING STUDENTS AS THEY WORK AND THEREFORE MEASURING NOT JUST THEIR SKILLS BUT THE APPLICATION OF THOSE SKILLS.

AND OTHER SKILLS LIKE THEIR ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE AND WORK AS A GROUP.

THIS QUESTION OF TESTING IS SOMETHING THAT ILLINOIS IS GRAPPLING WITH NOT MOVING THAT MORE FOCUSED ON THE STANDARDIZED VERSION.

THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION DID TABLE A PLAN TO INCREASE HOW OFTEN STUDENTS TAKE THE ILLINOIS ASSESSMENT OF READINESS.

BUT THAT IS ON THE BACK BURNER.

IT IS NOT AN ISSUE THAT HAS BEEN SETTLED FOR GOOD.

NOW, THERE IS ANOTHER THING THAT THE PANDEMIC HAS EXPOSED AND THAT IS A SHORTAGE OF TEACHERS IN CLASSROOMS.

ILLINOIS AND, YES, NATIONALLY.

SHE SAYS IT HAS BEEN THAT WAY SINCE THE LATE 90s BEGAN TO SHOW FEWER STUDENTS ENROLLING IN EDUCATION PROGRAMS.

TEACHERS ARE EXHAUSTED AND SURVEYS SHOW MORE LEAVING THE PROFESSION EARLIER THAN THEY PLANNED.

>> THAT IS NOT OK IN AMERICA THAT WE'RE NOT PAYING TEACHERS ENOUGH THAT THEY CAN TAKE CARE OF THEIR FAMILIES.

THEY TALKED ABOUT PROFESSIONAL PAY AND THE MENTAL HEALTH OF STUDENTS AND HOW THEY NEEDED HELP TO MEET THOSE NEEDS.

AND TALKED HOW THEY NEEDED MORE EDUCATORS TO PROVIDE ONE TO ONE INSTRUCTION.

MORE NURSES AND COUNSELORS.

THOSE ARE THE THINGS THEY LIFTED UP.

>> THIS IS SOMETHING THAT ILLINOIS HAS ALSO BEGUN TO TACKLE.

NEW LAWS IN PLACE WHERE YOU JUST NEED SOME COLLEGE BUT NOT A FULL BACHELOR'S DEGREE TO WORK AS A SUBSTITUTE TEACHER AND PEOPLE CAN WORK IN SCHOOLS AT THE AGE OF 18 INSTEAD OF 19.

THERE ARE A LOT OF WAYS THAT TEACHERS THESE DAYS ARE BEING ASKED TO DO MORE AND THAT MEANS PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THE POSSIBILITY OF A MASS SHOOTING.

PRINGLE SAYS SHE WAS TEACHING IN 1999 WHEN A PAIR OF TEENS SHOT A DOZEN PEERS AT COLUMBINE HIGH SCHOOL.

>> I WILL NEVER FORGET THE DAY AFTER WHEN MY STUDENTS CAME IN AND SAID MS. PRINGLE COULD THAT HAPPEN HERE?

ARE WE SAFE?

I HAVE TO TELL YOU, THAT I SAID WITH CONFIDENCE OH, OH, BABIES THAT WON'T HAPPEN HERE.

AND, AND, THIS COUNTRY WILL TAKE EVERY STEP TO MAKE SURE THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN ANYWHERE.

IN 1999.

SO WHEN YOU ASK ME THE QUESTION IS IT ENOUGH?

IT'S NOT ENOUGH.

BUT CONSIDERING WHAT WE'VE DONE SINCE COLUMBINE, IT IS SO MUCH MORE THAN WE HAVE EVER DONE TO TRY TO STEM THE GUN VIOLENCE EPIDEMIC >> NOW, THAT, AGAIN, WAS REFERENCING THAT BIPARTISAN GUN MEASURE THAT THE PRESIDENT SIGNED LAST WEEKEND.

PRINGLE SAYS THE FOCUS SHOULD NOT JUST BE ON MASS SHOOTINGS.

THERE NEEDS TO BE ATTENTION GIVEN TO COMBATING GUN VIOLENCE IN CHICAGO THAT OCCURS IN COMMUNITIES DAILY.

THAT WILL REQUIRE A HOLISTIC AND COMMUNITY APPROACH.

SO THAT SHOOTING IN UVALDE, TEXAS HAS REKINDLED TALK OF THINGS LIKE ARMING TEACHERS.

PRINGLE IS A HARD NO.

>> IMAGINE A WALL SAYING WE ARE GOING TO HAVE YOU BE ARMED SO YOU THINK THAT YOU HAVE TO STOP AN ASSAULT WEAPON WITH A GUN THAT YOU HAVE SAFELY TUCKED AWAY HOPEFULLY.

JUST IMAGINE?

IT'S RIDICULOUS TO THINK THAT THAT IS GOING TO STOP THEM?

IT'S NOT.

AND TO PUT THAT BURDEN ON TEACHERS OR OTHER EDUCATORS IS UNCONSCIONABLE.

IT IS.

BECAUSE WE'LL TAKE IT TO HEART AND THINK THAT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY.

THAT IS NOT A TEACHER'S RESPONSIBILITY.

>> THAT WILL BE AMONG THE TOPICS AGAIN THAT EDUCATORS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY WILL BE DISCUSSING IN CHICAGO AS PART OF THIS NATIONAL NEA ASSEMBLY.

BRIEFLY, BRANDIS, BACK TO THE NOTION OF GETTING MORE PEOPLE TEACHING, PART OF THAT IS RETAINING THOSE WHO ARE ALREADY IN THE PROFESSION.

AND PRINGLE SAYS THAT THE NEA IS PLANNING TO COPY AND ADOPT A PROGRAM IN PLACE FROM ILLINOIS EDUCATION ASSOCIATION THAT HELPS TEACHERS TO MENTOR ONE ANOTHER.

BACK TO YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

>> MORE THAN TWO DOZEN YOUNG PEOPLE WERE THE FIRST GRADUATES OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY'S RESTORATIVE JUSTICE COMMUNITY COURT IN ENGLEWOOD WENT.

THEY SPENT BETWEEN SIX AND NINE MONTHS LEARNING CONFLICT RESOLUTIONS AND JOB SKILLS AND RECEIVING SUPPORT TO HELP THEM DEAL WITH TRAUMA.

>> I WAS SKEPTICAL ABOUT IT.

BECAUSE IT WAS NEW.

AND IT WAS OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE.

I TALKED TO MY MOM ABOUT IT AND SHE SAID IT MIGHT BE A GOOD OPPORTUNITY.

SO I WENT AHEAD WITH THE PROGRAM.

AFTER GOING THROUGH THE PROGRAM, I REALIZED THIS WAS SOMETHING THAT COULD BENEFIT ME AND CHANGE MY LIFE.

>> AND NEXT WEEK, CHICAGO IS PLAYING HOST TO THE 8TH ANNUAL NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY AND RESTORATIVE JUSTICE CONFERENCE.

JOINING US TO TALK ABOUT RESTORATIVE JUSTICE IS MICHELLE DAY FOUNDER AND C.E.O.

OF TRINITY RISING A NOT-FOR-PROFIT THAT WORKS IN THE AREA OF RESTORATIVE JUSTICE AND SERVES ON THE GOVERNOR'S TASK FORCE ON CHILDREN OF INCARCERATED PARENTS AND HELPED DRAFT THE RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PLAN FOR CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

MICHELLE THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

FIRST, A BRIEF EXPLAINER WHAT IS RESTORATIVE JUSTICE?

>> WELL, THE SHORT ANSWER IS THAT RESTORATIVE JUSTICE IS REALLY A WAY OF STRUCTURING OUR LIVES SO THAT WE ARE MAKING SURE THAT EVERYONE IS TREATED THE SAME WAY THAT YOU WANT TO BE TREATED.

THAT'S THE SHORT ANSWER.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR HAVING US AND GIVING US THE OPPORTUNITY TO TALK ABOUT WHAT WE'RE ALL PASSIONATE ABOUT.

>> AND THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

I THINK WHEN SOME PEOPLE SEE THE RESTORATIVE JUSTICE COURT WE SEE IT AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO BRING TWO SIDES TO THE TABLE TO REPAIR A HARM AND THAT IS NOT THE ONLY WAY RESTORATIVE JUSTICE IS USED, CORRECT?

>> THAT CORRECT.

IT IS ONE OF THE WAYS THAT IS DEFINITELY A COMMON SENSE ALTERNATIVE TO CRIME AND CONFLICT AND PUNISHMENT.

AND IT IS A WONDERFUL START THAT OUR CHIEF JUSTICE TIMMOTHY EVANS HAS MADE WITH RESPECT TO HOW THE COURTS RESPOND TO THE NEED FOR RESTORATIVE JUSTICE.

BUT IT'S ALSO INCLUDES ON A LARGER SCALE IT'S REALLY HOW WE STRUCTURE OUR SOCIETY HOW WE STRUCTURE OUR SOCIETY IN WAYS IN WHICH UNJUST SYSTEMS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE LACK OF PUBLIC SAFETY ARE ADDRESSED AND ARE ADDRESSED WELL ENOUGH THAT YOU ARE PREVENTING CRIMES, YOU ARE ADDRESSING IT IF IT HAPPENS AND YOU ARE RESTORING PEOPLE TO COMMUNITY AFTER YOU HAVE ADDRESSED THE SITUATION.

SO IT IS A SORT OF A CIRCULAR CELLULAR PROCESS.

>> HOW SUCCESSFUL WOULD YOU SAY PROGRAMS ARE LIKE THE RESTORATIVE JUSTICE COMMUNITY COURT THAT WE SAW THAT CLIP OF?

IS THERE RECIDIVISM FROM THE FOLKS WHO PARTICIPATE IN COURT PROGRAMS LIKE THAT?

>> WELL, I THINK THAT THE RESTORATIVE JUSTICE COURT HAS BEEN QUITE SUCCESSFUL IN BRINGING THE COMMUNITY, THE PERSONS WHO HAVE BEEN ACCUSED AND THE FAMILIES TOGETHER TO FIND GOOD SOLUTIONS TO SITUATIONS.

I THINK WHEN YOU LOOK AT ANY SYSTEM IN WHICH OUR RJ HAS BEEN INTRODUCED YOU WILL FIND THERE IS A REDUCTION IN THE TYPE OF HARMFUL BEHAVIOR THAT CONTRIBUTES TO THE LACK OF PUBLIC SAFETY.

FOR INSTANCE, IN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM, I WANT TO POINT OUT ONE OF THE PREMIER SCHOOL SYSTEMS THAT HAS INTRODUCED RESTORATIVE JUSTICE AND THAT IS OAK LAND.

OVER FOUR-YEAR PERIOD, THERE WAS A 60% RISE IN THE GRADUATION LEVELS FOR STUDENTS WHO ATTENDED THE SCHOOLS WHO HAD IMPLEMENTED RESTORATIVE JUSTICE.

AND AT THE SAME TIME THEY ADDED IT WAS DECREASE IN CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM AND 50% DECREASE IN DROPOUTS.

CLEARLY WHEN WE IMPLEMENT IT AND IMPLEMENT IT WELL, IT IS CHANGING RELATIONSHIPS AND EVERYTHING IS ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS.

RELATIONSHIPS IN ALL AREAS IN WHICH IT IS INTRODUCED.

>> AND MICHELLE, WE FOR YOU HELPED DRAFT THE RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PLAN FOR CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

GIVE US AN EXAMPLE HOW THAT PLAYS OUT IN THE SCHOOL BUILDING IN A SCHOOL SYSTEM?

>> WELL, I WAS PART OF AN ORGANIZATION CALLED EMBRACE CHICAGO.

EMBRACE RESTORATIVE JUSTICE IN SCHOOLS.

AND THAT CONSISTED OF 40 ORGANIZATIONS INCLUDING THE AMAYA TRINITY RISING THAT HELPED TO FORMULATE THE PLAN.

AND THE PLAN AT THAT TIME THAT WAS RECOMMENDED WAS FOR A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO RJ.

MEANING THAT EVERYONE IS EDUCATED AND TRAINED WHETHER YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT THE PRINCIPALS, THE TEACHERS, THE STUDENTS, THE PARENTS, EVERYONE WHO TOUCHES THE SCHOOL IS EDUCATED AND TRAINED.

AND THEN THE PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICE IS LIVED OUT WITHIN THE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT SO THAT YOU HAVE A FULL LISTING OF SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT.

>> AND WHAT OTHER SORT OF ENVIRONMENTS WHERE ELSE CAN RESTORATIVE JUSTICE BE USED?

>> IN ANY ENVIRONMENT.

IT IS A WAY OF LIVING.

THAT IS WHAT WE HAVE TO FIRST AND FOREMOST EMBRACE.

IT IS A WAY OF LIVING.

SO YOU HAVE FAITH BASED INSTITUTIONS THAT USE RESTORATIVE JUSTICE TO MAKE SURE THAT THE PRESSURES ARE GETTING ALONG AND SERVING THE COMMUNITY.

YOU HAVE CORPORATIONS THAT USE RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PHILOSOPHY TO MAKE SURE THAT THEIR ORGANIZATION IS RUNNING WELL WITH RESPECT TO ITS PEOPLE POWER.

>> OK. AND OF COURSE, THE 8TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE IS HERE IN CHICAGO NEXT WEEK.

MICHELLE DAY WILL BE THERE.

WE THANK YOU FOR JOINING US HERE MICHELLE DAY FROM AMAYA TRINITY RISING.

>> THANK YOU.

>> UP NEXT, BOTTLING UP MEMORIES AND THE TASTE OF CHILDHOOD SUMMERS.

BUT FIRST, A LOOK AT THE WEATHER... >> FOR LOVERS OF A CRAFT BREW CHICAGO'S BEER STYNES OVERFLOW ARE ON SHOPS.

160 CRAFT BREWERS IN THE CITY.

HERE IT'S RARE TO FIND A MICRO BREW CRAFTED BY LATINOS.

LUCKY FOR CHICAGOANS THERE IS A SPOT THAT OFFERS BREWS WITH THE FLAVORS OF MEXICO.

PRODUCER ERICA GUNDERSON HOISTED A PINT OR TWO AT CASA HUMILDE.

>> I THINK THE COOLEST THING WHEN WE RELEASE A BEER IS SEEING OUR GENERATION REACT TO IT.

AND WE GET SO MANY PEOPLE ALL KINDS OF PEOPLE AGE WISE WHERE THEY RELATE TO IT SO MUCH.

THE LINE, THE HIBISCUS IT BRINGS IT BACK TO SUMMER.

IT BRINGS IT BACK TO ALL OF OUR SUMMERS.

>> WHEN PEOPLE TRY OUR BEER WE WANT TO HELP THEM BRING BACK MEMORIES.

A LOT OF INGREDIENTS WE USE ARE FROM MY AREA.

IT IS SUCH AN IMPORTANT INGREDIENT.

>> TIP BACK A COLD BEER AND YOU WILL GET A TASTE OF THE MEXICAN FOOD WAYS IN EVERY SENSE.

>> WE USE OUR OWN COFFEE THAT WE ROASTED.

>> HIBISCUS, THE LIME, WE'VE USED MANGOS, PENA, WE'VE USED A LOT OF STUFF THAT KIND OF NOSTALGIC.

>> THE FLAVORS, THE FLAVORS OF A CHILDHOOD FENCE PLAYING ON THE STREETS AND SUMMERS WITH FAMILY.

THE CRAFT BREWERY IS HEADED UP BY BROTHERS JOSE AND JAVIER LOPEZ, THEY SIMPLY ENJOYED CRAFT BEER.

>> JAVIER WAS DRINKING CRAFT BEER BEFORE ME.

>> LIKE REALLY ENJOYED IT.

>> HE WOULD HAVE AT HIS HOUSE FULL OF CRAFT BEER.

SOMETIMES HE WOULD HAVE NO MILK OR EGGS BUT A FRIDGE FULL OF THOUSANDS OF IPA'S.

>> IN THE SUMMER OF 2015 THE BROTHERS TURNED THEIR OBSESSION INTO A BUSINESS.

>> I HAD A BAND HERE IN CHICAGO.

DID THAT FOR ABOUT 10 YEARS.

AND I WAS KIND OF DONE WITH THAT.

SO I TOLD MY BROTHER LET'S TRY MAKING BEER.

$600 AND GET A STOVE TOP KIT.

>> HE LIED.

>> WE DO IT ON THE STOVE.

BUT THAT TURNED INTO WELL OVER LIKE $30,000 IN EQUIPMENT.

>> WE TOOK IT OUT OF THE LIVING ROOM AND THAT WAS OUR BREW HOUSE.

>> WE ONCE WE SAW WHAT IT TAKES AND WHAT IS POSSIBLE, WE SAID WE WENT ALL IN.

LIKE LET'S KEEP WORKING AT IT.

>> AFTER A FEW YEARS OF HOME BREWING THE LOPEZ BROTHERS REALIZED THEIR BEERS HAD TAKEN ON A MEXICAN IDENTITY.

>> FIRST NAME WE HAD WAS AUXILIARY BREWING.

YOU COULD NOT RELATE TO ANYTHING FROM OUR CULTURES.

IT DOESN'T COMMUNICATE TO THE CUSTOMERS WHAT WE WANTED.

>> A REBRAND CASA HUMILDE REFLECTED THEIR FLAVORS AND THEIR FAMILY VALUES.

>> HOW UPBRINGING FROM OUR PARENTS AND GRANDMOTHER AND JUST TAUGHT US TO BE HUMBLE AND HELP PEOPLE.

WE ARE NOT EXPECTING ANYTHING IN RETURN YOU GIVE YOUR BEST.

AND PART OF IS WE STARTED BREWING AT HOME, TOO.

>> IN 2019 THE LOPEZ BROTHERS MOVED HERE WHERE BEER LOVERS CAN SAMPLE THEIR FLAGSHIPPERS AND EXPERIMENTAL FLAVORS.

>> THAT IS REALLY GOOD.

>> WE JUST DID A STOUT FOR THIS PAST WINTER.

SO IT IS INSPIRED SOUTH.

IT DID VERY WELL PEOPLE ENJOYED IT.

STRONG BEER ABOUT 8%.

BUT IT DELIVERS THE FULL FLAVOR OF ORCHATA IN IT.

>> NOW, THEY ARE BROADENING THE IDEAS OF WHAT BEER CAN BE.

>> WITH OUR CULTURE A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE USED TO DRINKING BEERS ONE OF THE THINGS WE ARE MOST PROUD OF WHERE WE CAN INTRODUCE THE MACRO BEER DRINKERS TO OTHER BEERS.

>> GETTING PEOPLE TO EXPERIENCE A DIFFERENT WORLD.

>> FOR "CHICAGO TONIGHT: LATINO VOICES" THIS IS ERICA GUNDERSON.

>> AND THE LOPEZ BROTHERS ARE NOT STOPPING AT BEER THEY HAVE BEGUN ROASTING THEIR OWN COFFEE WITH BEANS FROM MEXICO.

AND IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ENJOY MEXICAN SALADS WITH YOUR BEER, CASA HUMILDE IS HOSTING A MUSIC AND BEER FESTIVAL ON JULY 3.

YOU WILL FIND MORE ON OUR WEBSITE.

>> STILL TO KEMP ON "CHICAGO TONIGHT", WHY RESIDENTS SAY A PILOT PRIVATE SECURITY PROGRAM IS NEEDED IN THE MORGAN PARK AREA.

THAT AND MORE FROM OUR "IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SERIES".

>> WE SIT DOWN WITH ILLINOIS ATTORNEY GENERAL KWAME RAOUL TO TALK ABOUT GUN VIOLENCE, ABORTION RIGHTS AND THE UPCOMING GENERAL ELECTION.

>> PLUS LOOKINGGLASS ALICE IS BACK ON STAGE AT LOOKINGGLASS THEATRE.

CRITIC HEDY WEISS REVIEWS THIS AND OTHER SHOWS.

FIRST, SOME OF TODAY'S TOP STORIES... >> SO HELP ME GOD.

>> SO HELP ME GOD.

>> NOW, I WILL ASK ALL OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COURT I'M PLEASED TO WELCOME JUSTICE JACKSON TO THE COURT AND OUR COMMON CALLING.

>> AND WITH THAT, JUSTICE KETANJI BROWN JACKSON JOINS THE SUPREME COURT MAKING HISTORY AS THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN ON THE HIGH COURT.

SHE IS THE COURT'S 116TH JUSTICE TAKING THE PLACE OF THE JUSTICE WHO SHE ONCE WORKED FOR STEPHEN BRIGHTER.

SHE WILL BEGIN -- BRI EVER BREYER.

>> AND THOSE FINAL DECISIONS FROM THE TERM CAME THIS MORNING.

ONE IS SEEN AS A SETBACK IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE.

IN A 6-3 RULING THE COURT LIMITED HOW THE NATION'S MAIN ANTIAIR POLLUTION LAW CAN BE USED TO REDUCE EMISSIONS FROM POWER PLANTS THAT ACCOUNT FOR 30% OF CASH CARBON DIE OX SID OUTPUT.

IT DOES NOT GIVE THE EPA BROAD AUTHORITY.

INDICATION BEGAN WROTE THE TO RESPOND TO WHAT SHE CALLS THE MOST PRESSING ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGE OF OUR TIME.

>> AND IN ANOTHER DECISION, THE COURT RULED THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION PROPERLY ENDED A TRUMP ERA POLICY FORCING SOME U.S. ASYLUM SEEKERS TO WAIT IN MEXICO KNOWN AS THE REMAIN IN MEXICO POLICY N A 5-4 RULING, JUSTICES RULED AGAINST TEXAS AND MISSOURI WHICH ARGUED THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION VIOLATED THE LAW BY ENDING THE PROGRAM IN 2021.

IT'S NOW SENT BACK TO DISTRICT COURT TO DETERMINE IF ENDING THE POLICY VIOLATED ADMINISTRATIVE LAWS.

IT IS UNCLEAR IF THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION WILL TRY AND END THE PROGRAM IMMEDIATELY OR WAIT FOR THE LOWER COURT TO RULE.

>> NOW, WE HEAD BACK TO PARIS SCHUTZ WHO SPENT THE DAY IN MORGAN PARK AS PART OF OUR "IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SERIES".

PARIS?

>> YEAH, BRANDIS, I SPOKE THIS AFTERNOON WITH 19TH WARD ALDERMAN MATT O'SHEA WHO REPRESENTS MORGAN PARK, BEVERLY, MOUNT GREENWOOD THE SOUTH SIDE AREA AND I BEGAN BY ASKING HIM ABOUT THIS NEW PILOT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE PRIVATE SECURITY TO HELP GUARD LOCAL BUSINESSES.

>> PARIS, ANYWHERE YOU GO IN THIS CITY, THE NUMBER ONE TOPIC IS CRIME.

PEOPLE ARE SCARED.

OUR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS ARE SCARED.

PEOPLE ARE AFRAID TO BE WALKING ABOUT.

SO WE THOUGHT BECAUSE WE HAVE SUCH A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN THE POLICE FORCE THAT WE SHOULD EXPLORE PRIVATE SECURITY.

SO MY OFFICE WORKED WITH OUR THREE BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS, WHO PUT OUT A SURVEY, AND THE NUMBER ONE TOPIC WAS CRIME.

WE USED THE $100,000 MICRO GRANT IN THIS YEAR'S BUDGET TO HIRE THREE SEPARATE SECURITY FIRMS TO WORK IN OUR THREE SEPTEMBER BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS TO HAVE PATROLS.

AN EXTRA SET OF EYES AND EARS.

>> IS THIS A PROBLEM THAT IS ACUTELY BEING FELT IN MORGAN PARK AMONGST BUSINESSES IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD?

>> IT'S BEING FELT IN EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD ACROSS THE CITY.

ALL 77 COMMUNITIES.

WE THOUGHT THAT WE NEED TO DO MORE TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS AND ALSO GIVE PEOPLE SO THEY KNOW WE'RE TRYING TO DO ANYTHING WE CAN TO MAKE SURE IT REMAINS A SAFE PLACE TO RAISE A FAMILY AND SHOP.

>> COULD THERE BE PROBLEMS WITH PRIVATE SECURITY IN THAT THEY ARE NOT NECESSARILY ACCOUNTABLE ARE TO THE PUBLIC OR THE MAYOR OR CITY COUNCIL?

>> WELL, THIS PRIVATE SECURITY NUMBER ONE THEY ARE NOT CHICAGO POLICE OFFICERS.

THEY ARE UNARMED.

THEIR JOB IS TWO-FOLD: TO OBSERVE AND REPORT.

WHEN THEY SEE SOMETHING OCCURRING, MAYBE A BUSINESS BEING BROKEN INTO, THE JOB IS TO CALL 9-1-1 AND STAY ON THE SCENE UNTIL THE POLICE ARRIVE.

THEY ARE NOT TO ENGAGE.

NOT TO APPREHEND.

JUST AN EXTRA SET OF EYES AND EARS.

>> AND YOU SAID THAT RECRUITMENT IS DOWN, THE NUMBER OF OFFICERS DOWN.

WHAT IS CAUSING THAT?

HOW BAD IS IT?

BECAUSE THE MAYOR IS BASICALLY SAID THE LEVELS HAVEN'T GONE DOWN THAT MUCH.

WHAT IS YOUR PERCEPTION OF IT?

U I COULD NOT DISAGREE MORE.

WE HAVE 1700 LESS POLICE OFFICERS THAN TODAY.

TODAY WE ARE CARRYING 1400 VACANCIES.

TODAY ALL OF OUR POLICE OFFICERS ARE WORKING EXTENDED SHIFTS WITH THEIR DAYS OFF CANCELED.

THIS IS NOT SUSTAINABLE.

THIS IS DANGEROUS.

THIS IS UNFAIR.

AND THIS IS WHY OFFICERS ARE RUNNING FOR THE EXITS.

WE ARE GOING TO HAVE OVER 1000 OFFICERS RETIRE AFTER A THOUSAND WALKED OUT THE DOOR YESTERDAY.

THEY ARE NOT RETIRING FOR OLD AGE THEY ARE GOING TO SUBURBAN POLICE DEPARTMENTS THEY ARE MOVING OUT OF THE CITY.

>> WHAT IS THE FIX HERE?

>> THE FIX IS NATIONWIDE IN OUR CITY, WE NEED TO DO MORE TO SUPPORT THE POLICE TO PARTNER WITH THE POLICE.

THAT'S THE ONLY WAY WE ARE GOING TO GET THIS CRIME SITUATION UNDER CONTROL AND SHOW OUR OFFICERS WE SUPPORT THEM.

>> AND YOU HAVE AN ORDINANCE WHAT IS YOUR ORDINANCE DO TO THAT REGARD?

>> I INTRODUCED AN ORDINANCE LAST MONTH TO THREE-FOLD: ONE, A SIGNING BONUS FOR POLICE OFFICERS NEW RECRUITS THAT COME TO THE DEPARTMENT $5,000.

WHICH 100 DIFFERENT CITIES HAVE BEEN DOING FOR A PERIOD OF TIME.

WE ARE NOT DOING IT.

$10,000 BONUS FOR SOMEONE WITH A LATERAL TRANSFER TO THE CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT.

THOUSANDS OF POLICE DEPARTMENTS ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE DOING THAT RIGHT NOW.

AND A $10,000 BONUS FOR FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS.

THIS IS A MODEST ORDINANCE AN ATTEMPT TO RECRUIT MORE OFFICERS.

AND ONE THING I WOULD LIKE TO ADD TO IT AS WE CONTINUE TO GO TO MILITARY BASES TO RECRUIT MILITARY PERSONNEL WHO ARE RETIRING OUT OF THE ARMED FORCES, TO RELOCATE HERE TO CHICAGO, TO BECOME CHICAGO POLICE OFFICERS.

>> AND WHAT RECEPTION IS THE ORDINANCE GETTING?

>> I INTRODUCED IT.

I'VE BEEN TRYING TO GET A MEETING WITH STAKEHOLDERS IN THE ADMINISTRATION.

I'VE HAD PRELIMINARY DISCUSSIONS WITH BUDGET BUT WE'RE NOT ANYWHERE NEAR WHERE WE NEED TO BE.

WE'RE AT A STAFFING CRISIS, A PUBLIC SAFETY CRISIS AND MORE PEOPLE NEED TO GET ENGAGED IN THIS TOPIC.

>> 19TH WARD ALDERMAN MATT O'SHEA.

AND BRANDIS WE WILL BE BACK WITH MORE FROM MORGAN PARK IN A BIT.

FIRST WE TOSS IT BACK TO YOU.

>> PARIS, THANK YOU.

>> IN THIS WEEK'S PRIMARY ELECTION ILLINOIS ATTORNEY GENERAL KWAME RAOUL RAN UNOPPOSED FOR FOR THE NOMINATION TO KEEP HIS SEAT BUT HE WILL FACE OFF JEANS TOM DEVORE IN NOVEMBER.

JOINING US TO TALK ABOUT HIS BID FOR ANOTHER TERM AS ILLINOIS ATTORNEY GENERAL IS KWAME RAOUL.

ATTORNEY GENERAL THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> LET'S START WITH THE ELECTION AS WE SAID, TOM DEVORE WON THE REPUBLICAN NOMINATION TO RUN AGAINST YOU IN NOVEMBER.

WE KNOW HE HAS BEEN ENERGIZED BY THE PUBLIC HEALTH MANDATES FROM THE HEIGHT OF THE COVID PANDEMIC.

HERE IS WHAT HE HAD TO SAY.

>> IT WASN'T NECESSARILY COVID SPECIFICALLY, IT WAS ABOUT AN EXECUTIVE OFFICER WHO WAS USING FEAR TO INTIMIDATE PEOPLE AND TO EXERCISE AND WIELD POWER FROM THAT OFFICE THAT OUR CONSTITUTION NOR OUR STATUTES NEVER ALLOWED FOR.

>> THAT WAS TOM DEVORE HERE ON "CHICAGO TONIGHT" LAST NIGHT.

BUT IN AN INTERVIEW WITH THE "CHICAGO SUN-TIMES" TOM DEVORE ACCUSES YOU, ATTORNEY GENERAL, OF DOING EVERYTHING THE GOVERNOR SAYS INSTEAD OF DEFENDING THE PEOPLE.

WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE TO THAT?

AND WHAT WILL BE YOUR APPROACH HEADING INTO NOVEMBER?

>> WELL, THAT'S RIDICULOUS.

I AM AN INDEPENDENTLY ELECTED ATTORNEY GENERAL.

I DO HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF REPRESENTING EXECUTIVE OFFICERS INCLUDING THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AND THE AGENCIES.

THAT IS PART OF MY STATUTORY DUTY AND CERTAINLY I'VE DONE THAT.

I'VE DONE THAT IN -- WITH REGARDS TO MITIGATIONS, THAT THE GOVERNOR AND THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH PUT INTO PLACE WITH REGARDS TO COVID-19.

AND SAVED LIVES WITHIN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.

I DON'T RUN AWAY FROM THAT.

NOT AT ALL.

>> SHIFTING TO TALK ABOUT ABORTION RIGHTS THE SUPREME COURT AS WE KNOW DECIDED TO OVERTURN ROE VS. WADE.

AND THE DOBBS CASE.

OF COURSE YOU'VE MADE IT CLEAR YOU SUPPORT A WOMAN'S RIGHT TO CHOOSE.

AS ATTORNEY GENERAL WHAT CAN YOUR OFFICE DO IN LIGHT OF THE ROE BEING OVERTURNED?

>> WELL, WE'VE BEEN DOING IT PRIOR TO THAT.

WE'VE THE LEGISLATURE PASSED THE HEALTH ACT THAT HAS BEEN CHALLENGED IN COURTS WE HAVE BEEN DEFENDING THAT.

WE'VE PUT OUT GUIDANCE IN ANTICIPATION OF THE DOBBS DECISION TO MAKE SURE WOMEN KNOW NOT TO LISTEN TO MISINFORMATION ABOUT THE STATUS OF ABORTION WITHIN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.

IT IS A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT AND WE'VE LET PEOPLE KNOW THAT.

WE HAVE GIVEN GUIDANCE TO LAW ENFORCEMENT LETTING THEM KNOW THAT THEY CANNOT ENFORCE LAWS FROM OTHER STATES, BECAUSE ABORTION IS PROTECTED WITHIN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.

AND WE'RE LOOKING AT WORKING WITH THE GOVERNOR AND THE LEGISLATURE AND ACTUALLY I WAS MEETING WITH MY COLLEAGUE FROM STATE OF WISCONSIN, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF WISCONSIN ABOUT HOW WE MAY MAKE POSSIBLE FOR PROVIDERS IN WISCONSIN TO HELP OUR PROVIDER BASE IN ILLINOIS TO DEAL WITH THE INFLUX OF WOMEN AND OTHERS WHO MAYBE PREGNANT WHICH MAY INCLUDE TRANSFOLKS WHO ARE PREGNANT WHO COME TO ILLINOIS TO ACCESS SAFE, LEGAL ABORTION.

SO WE NEED TO PREPARE FOR THAT.

THE NUMBERS HAVE INCREASED PRIOR TO THE DOBBS DECISION.

AND IT WILL INCREASE EXPONENTIALLY GOING FORWARD.

>> TO THAT END, IN A MEETING WITH VICE-PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS AND OTHER STATE'S ATTORNEYS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY, HARRIS SUGGESTED THAT STATE AG OFFICES CAN CONVENE LEGAL GROUPS TO OFFER SERVICES TO THOSE WHO ARE AFFECTED BY THEIR STATE LAWS.

IS THAT SOMETHING THAT YOU AND YOUR OFFICE ARE CONSIDERING ENLISTING THE SUPPORT OF OTHER LEGAL ORGANIZATIONS?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

AND THAT INCLUDES PRIVATE LAW FIRMS AND ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS.

BECAUSE THE LANDSCAPE OF LAWS YOU KNOW IF YOU LOOK FOR EXAMPLE, THE STATE OF MISSOURI WHERE THERE IS A TRIGGER LAW THAT NOW MADE LIMITED ABORTION IN MISSOURI THEY ALSO HAVE PROPOSED LAWS THAT WOULD CREATE BOUNTIES, CREATE CIVIL ACTION FOR WOMEN AND WHO MIGHT SEEK ABORTION IN ACROSS THE BORDER.

WE WANT TO BE PREPARED FOR THAT AND MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE ARE PROTECTED.

MAKE SURE THAT PROVIDERS ARE PROTECTED.

AND SO WE ARE GOING TO NEED THE HARDEN ALL THE VOICES IN THE LEGAL COMMUNITY TO MAKE SURE THAT PROTECTION IS MADE AVAILABLE.

>> THERE'S BEEN TALK OF ADVISING WOMEN OR SOME WOMEN HAVE BEEN ADVISED TO DELETE THE PERIOD TRACKER APPS FEATURING THAT DIGITAL TRAIL CAN BE USED TO CONVICT A WOMAN FOR HAVING AN ILLEGAL ABORTION IN STATES WHERE IT'S OUTLAWED.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO PROTECT THAT PRIVACY?

>> WE ARE WORKING ON THAT RIGHT NOW.

WE INTEND TO PUT OUT GUIDANCE FOR WOMEN AS WE HAVE DONE WITH REGARDS TO LETTING THEM KNOW THAT THEY HAVE THAT FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO ABORTION IN ILLINOIS.

WE ALSO WANT TO PUT OUT GUIDANCE AS TO HOW TO PROTECT THEMSELVES.

BECAUSE THIS IS NOT SPECULATIVE THERE HAVE BEEN -- THERE'S BEEN AN ORGANIZATION THAT WAS TRYING TO SELL GEOLOCATION DATA FOR WOMEN GOING TO CLINICS.

WE NEED TO PROTECT THAT AS WELL AS OTHER INFORMATION THAT MAY BE PRIVATE HEALTH INFORMATION THAT WOMEN MAY PUT INTO CERTAIN APPS TO HELP THEM TRACK THEIR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE.

AND WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT IS PROTECTED.

AND WE NEED TO WORK WITH TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES TO DO THAT AS WELL.

>> SHIFTING TO GUN VIOLENCE AND REGULATING THAT.

THE STATE LAUNCHED A NEW INITIATIVE.

THE CRIME GUN CONNECT INITIATIVE.

FIREARM TRACKING PLATFORM TO HELP TRACK ILLEGAL GUNS THAT HAVE BEEN USED IN THE COMMISSION OF VIOLENT CRIMES.

TELL US ABOUT THAT INITIATIVE AND HOW IT WILL HELP TO TAKE GUNS OFF THE STREETS?

>> YEAH, SO, THE CITY OF CHICAGO HAS HAD A DECENT CRIME GUN TRACK TRACING PLATFORM BUT THIS IS THE FIRST STATE-WIDE CRIME GUN TRACING PLATFORM.

WE'VE PARTNERED WITH EVERY TOWN FOR GUN SAFETY.

AND WE HIRED SOME DATA SCIENTISTS TO HELP US DEVELOP A PLATFORM.

AND WE RECEIVE FEEDBACK FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT LEADERS THROUGHOUT THE STATE AS TO HOW BEST TO CREATE A PLATFORM THAT THEY WOULD ACTUALLY USE.

TO TRY TO TRACK THOSE WHO TRAFFIC GUNS INTO HANDS OF PEOPLE WHO COMMIT CARJACKINGS WITH THEM, ARMED ROBBERIES AND MURDERS.

THERE IS INFORMATION THAT IS ACCESSIBLE BY WAY OF A.T.F.

BUT IT'S ONEROUS TO GO THROUGH THE PAPER TO GET TO THE INFORMATION NEEDED TO TRACK DOWN THOSE INVOLVED IN GUN TRAFFICKING.

SO WE'VE MADE IT EASIER TO SEARCH AND TO LOOK AT DATA AND LOOK AT TRENDS SUCH THAT WE CAN CRACKDOWN ON THOSE WHO ARE TRAFFICKING GUNS INTO OUR STATE.

>> RIGHT, BECAUSE FEDERAL LAW HAS PREVENTED DIGITIZING THOSE GUN RECORDS.

ILLINOIS ATTORNEY GENERAL KWAME RAOUL THAT IS WHERE WE HAVE TO LEAVE IT.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> UP NEXT, WE CHECK BACK IN WITH PARIS REPORTING LIVE FROM CHICAGO'S MORGAN PARK COMMUNITY.

STAY WITH US.

>> NOW, WE CHECK BACK IN WITH PARIS WHO SPENT THE DAY IN MORGAN PARK AS PART OF OUR "IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SERIES".

PARIS?

>> BRANDIS, NOW WE'RE JOINED BY MICHELLE PRESLEY C.E.O.

AND FOUNDER OF WALK OF FAITH MINISTRIES.

THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE WITH US.

YOU RECENTLY FOUNDED WALK OF FAITH.

TELL US ABOUT THE PROGRAMS THAT YOU PROVIDE?

>> WELL, FIRST OF ALL, WE POP-UP ACROSS THE SOUTH SIDE OF CHICAGO WITH FOOD, CLOTHING, HOT MEAL, JOBS AND TRAINING, HELP FOR THOSE WHO ARE ADDICTED.

HRNGS, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE -- HOMELESSNESS, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HELP AND COUNSELING SESSIONS WE GIVE OUT FOR FREE.

WE ARE PARTNERED WITH THE SAFER FOUNDATION THEY GIVE OUT WORKS AND TRAINING.

AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR POP-UP PARTNERS.

>> YOU POP-UP IN DIFFERENT LOCATIONS?

>> YES.

YES, WE DO.

>> HOW DID YOU DETERMINE THERE WAS A NEED FOR ALL THESE SERVICES?

>> YOU KNOW, THE SAD THING ABOUT IT IS THAT WHEN LIKE DRIVING DOWN THE STREET OR NEAR DOWNTOWN, YOU SEE ALL THE HOMELESSNESS.

SLEEPING ON THE STREET UNDER BRIDGES.

CHILDREN WHO REALLY NEED THINGS AND THEY CAN'T YOU KNOW, THEIR PARENTS CAN'T AFFORD IT.

OR I'M A RECOVERING ADDICT I'VE BEEN IN RECOVERY FOR FOUR YEARS.

AND JUST SEEING OTHER PARENTS WHO ARE ADDICTED, WHO CAN'T PROVIDE FOR THEIR CHILDREN THE WAY THEY WOULD LIKE TO.

THOSE KINDS OF SITUATIONS ALONG WITH MY EXTREME WANT TO REACH OUT AND HELP SOMEONE YOU KNOW, PULL THEMSELVES UP IS WHAT HELPED ME START THE ORGANIZATION.

>> HOW MANY PEOPLE IN GENERAL ARE YOU SERVING ON THE SOUTH SIDE?

>> LET'S SEE.

EVERY POP-UP WE SERVE SOMEWHERE AROUND 100 PEOPLE BUT I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE THAT A BIGGER NUMBER.

>> HOW DO YOU CHANGE THE TRAJECTORY ON THE SOUTH SIDE?

>> ONE PERSON AT A TIME.

ONE PERSON AT A TIME.

ONE NEIGHBORHOOD AT A TIME.

REACHING OUT, FEEDING, CLOTHING, GIVING ASSISTANCE TO AS MANY PEOPLE AS WE CAN.

>> MICHELLE YOUR PERSONAL STRUGGLES WITH ADDICTION DID THAT MOTIVATE YOU TO DO THIS WORK?

>> YES, SIR, ABSOLUTELY.

>> TELL ME HOW IT HELPS YOU UNDERSTAND HOW THE FOLKS ARE GOING THROUGH?

>> I KNOW WHAT THEY ARE GOING THROUGH.

YOU LOOK AT THE SIMILARITIES IN OTHER PEOPLE AND STRUGGLES AND HOW YOU CAN HELP.

THERE'S HELP OUT HERE.

AND YOU HAVE TO REACH OUT AND GRAB IT.

AND SOME PEOPLE ARE AFRAID TO REACH OUT AND GRAB IT AND PULL THEMSELVES OUT.

I'M HERE TO OFFER THAT HELP TO PEOPLE.

>> WALK OF FAITH IS RELATIVELY NEW.

WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?

>> THE NEXT STEPS TO GET MORE HELP WITH FOOD, SOURCING FOOD AND OTHER POP-UP PARTNERS THAT COULD HELP ME MAKE MY POP-UPS A LITTLE MORE EPIC.

>> ALL RIGHT MICHELLE PRESLEY GREAT WORK YOU ARE DOING.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> THANK YOU.

>> ALL RIGHT.

WE WILL BE BACK TO WRAP IT UP ON THIS BEAUTIFUL NIGHT HERE IN MORGAN PARK IN A BIT NOW WE TOSS IT BACK TO YOU.

>> SOUNDS LIKE A COOL THINGS SHE IS DOING.

UP NEXT, HEDY WEISS REVIEWS LOCAL SUMMERTIME PRODUCTIONS.

FIRST, A LOOK AT EVENTS HAPPENING THIS HOLIDAY WEEKEND... >> LOCAL STAGES ARE HEATING UP IN CHICAGO THIS SUMMER.

JOINING US WITH RECOMMENDATIONS IS HEDY WEISS.

WELCOME BACK HEDY.

GOOD TO SEE YOU.

>> HI, BRANDIS.

>> FIRST UP, A TOURING PRODUCTION OF MY FAIR LADY.

THIS ORIGINATED AT LINCOLN CENTER IN NEW YORK, CORRECT?

>> YES.

AND I HAVE TO SAY THAT YOU USED THE WORDS TOURING I'VE NEVER SEEN A LAVISH PRODUCTION.

I DON'T KNOW THEY MUST HAVE 10 TRUCKS CARRYING THE SCENERY.

THE COSTUMES AND THE SETS ARE STUNNING.

BUT THERE ARE WONDERFUL PERFORMANCES BY ACTORS I'M NOT FAMILIAR WITH.

OF COURSE THIS IS A STORY ABOUT SOCIAL CLASS AND NOBODY DOES THAT BETTER THAN THE BRITISH.

AND IT'S BASED ON A PLAY BY GEORGE BERNARD SHAW.

AND IT HAS A SCORE BY LEARNER AND LOWE FROM THE DEBUTED IN 1956 AND IT MAKES YOU THINK REALLY THAT WAS SUCH A GOLDEN AGE OF BROADWAY MUSICALS.

THERE ARE NOT MANY MUSICALS THAT THE CAN COMPARE WITH THIS ONE IN TERMS OF THE LANGUAGE AND THE CHARACTERS AND THE STORY.

SO IT'S ABOUT THE FLOWER GIRL WHO HAD THE COCKNY ACCENT AND DOESN'T HAVE A FUTURE AND SHE BECOMES KIND OF AN EXPERIMENT BY THIS VERY HAUTY, MISOGYNISTIC MAN TRYING TO TEACHER PROPER ENGLISH AND HAS A BET GOING ABOUT IT.

AND THAT IS PROFESSOR HENRY HIGGINS.

OR HIGGINS AS SHE WOULD SAY.

AND HIS PAL THE TRUE GENTLEMAN.

AND YOU SEE ALL OF THIS HAPPENING AND YOU SEE THE TRANSFORMATION AND A LITTLE BIT OF TRANSFORMATION OF HENRY HIGGINS BUT THE REAL TRANSFORMATION FROM FLOWER GIRL TO SOMEBODY WHO COULD PASS FOR A PRINCESS IS ELIZA.

>> SOUNDS LIKE NEW FACES BE FUN TO SEE THOSE AND FROM THE VETO THE SETS AND THE COSTUMES IT'S BEAUTIFUL.

NEXT, TELL US ABOUT VICTORY GARDENS THEATRE.

THIS IS A STORY STRAIGHT FROM THE HEADLINES.

>> STRAIGHT FROM THE HEADLINES.

STARTING IN ABOUT 2011 I THINK IT'S PROBABLY STARTED BEFORE THAT IN FLINT MICHIGAN THE HOME TO YOU NO TO THE GENERAL MOTORS CENTRAL OPERATIONS.

AND WHAT WAS HAPPENING WAS THEY WERE GETTING POLLUTED WATER AND IT BECAME KNOWN BUT NOTHING WAS REALLY DONE ABOUT IT FOR QUITE A NUMBER OF YEARS.

AND THIS IS ABOUT A BLACK FAMILY ALL WOMEN, THREE GENERATIONS, THE GRANDMOTHER, THE MOTHER, THE TWO OLDER SISTERS ONE OF WHOM IS A MOTHER OF TWO CHILDREN ONE OF WHOM HAS ALREADY GOTTEN CANCER.

AND THEN THOSE TWO CHILDREN AND THEN THE SISTER OF THIS MOTHER WHO IS TROUBLED AND HAS HAD ALL KINDS OF DRUG PROBLEMS AND EVERYTHING ELSE.

BUT THEN BECOMES AN ACTIVIST.

AND WHAT IT IS ABOUT IS MAKES YOU THINK WHAT IS IT LIKE TO TURN ON YOUR BATH TUB ON YOUR KITCHEN SINK AND JUST HAVE POLLUTED WATER?

AND YOU CAN'T HAVE BOTTLED WATER FOR ALL THIS.

AROUND THE STATE THERE ARE ALL THESE EMPTY PLASTIC BOTTLES.

AND NOBODY DOES ANYTHING.

AND -- >> I WAS GOING TO SAY THE HEADLINE THAT IS RIPPED FROM IS OF COURSE, THE FLINT MICHIGAN WATER CRISIS FROM SEVERAL YEARS AGO.

AND LOOKINGGLASS ALICE THIS IS BACK AT LOOKINGGLASS THEATRE.

A GOOD SHOWS FOR FAMILIES?

>> YES IT IS.

THERE WERE QUITE A FEW KIDS IN THE AD YENTS WAS I WAS THERE OPENING NIGHT.

AND THIS IS THE EMBLEMATIC PRODUCTION THEY HAVE DONE A NUMBER OF TIMES.

THIS WAS A PARTICULARLY GOOD VERSION OF IT.

THEY ARE ESPECIALLY THERE ARE TWO WOMEN ACT CROW BATS TRAPEZE ARTISTS AND ACTRESSES WHO ALTERNATE BECAUSE NOBODY COULD DO THIS SIX OR EIGHT TIMES A WEEK.

AND IT TAKES THE LEWIS CAROL STORY AND IT USES THINGS FROM BICYCLES TO THINGS UNDERGROUND TO THE TRAPEZE UNBELIEVABLE SCARY TRAPEZE ACTS TO ALL KINDS OF FANTASTIC COSTUMES AND COMEDY.

I WOULD SAY I -- IT'S THE OLD TEST DO YOU HEAR KIDS ACTING UP?

THEY WERE RIVOTTED.

AND I SAW THEIR FACES IT WAS GREAT.

IT IS A REALLY GOOD PRODUCTION AND I THINK IN MANY WAYS IT'S MANAGED TO KEEP LOOKINGGLASS THEATRE GOING.

>> AND FROM LOOKING AT THE VIDEO A PHYSICALLY DEMANDING SHOW.

HEDY LASTLY IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THIS SUMMER THAT YOU ARE EXCITED TO SEE?

>> WELL, THERE'S SOMETHING TOMORROW THAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO.

IT'S CALLED PEARLS ROLLING WITH THE BLUES.

IT IS A ONE-WOMAN SHOW WITH A CHICAGO ACTRESS WHO WON A TONY FOR COLOR PURPLE ON BROADWAY WHO IS A FANTASTIC SINGER OF THE BLUES.

IT IS RIDER'S THEATRE I HAVE A FEELING IT WILL BE A GREAT SHOW AND DIRECTED BYRON PARSONS WHO HAD A BANNER SEASON THIS YEAR AND MANY YEARS BEFORE THAT.

WITH OTHER PLAYS AND WITH ANOTHER PLAY CALLED RELENTLESS.

AND I CAN JUST SEE HER HAVING THE TIME OF HER LIFE DOING THIS DOING THIS PERFORMANCE.

>> A LOT TO GO SEE.

HEDY WEISS AS ALWAYS, THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> THANKS, BRANDIS.

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

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

STAY CONNECTED BY SIGN UP FOR YOUR DAILY BRIEFING.

AND YOU CAN GET "CHICAGO TONIGHT" STREAMED ON FACEBOOK, YouTube AND WTTW.COM/NEWS.

>> AND I WANT TO GIVE A THANKS TO KATHY FOR HOSTING US HERE AT THE EDNA WHITE GARDEN.

CAN YOU GET THE SHOW VIA PODCAST AND THE PBS VIDEO APP.

AND PLEASE JOIN US TOMORROW NIGHT LIVE AT 7:00 P.M. FOR "THE WEEK IN REVIEW".

>> FOR ALL OF US AT "CHICAGO TONIGHT" I'M PARIS SCHUTZ.

>> AND I'M BRANDIS FRIEDMAN.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE AND HAVE A GOOD NIGHT.

[♪♪♪]