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

I'M PARIS SCHUTZ.

>> I'M BRANDIS FRIEDMAN.

ON THE SHOW TONIGHT... >> BECAUSE SOME MAY NOT ALWAYS LIKE MY DELIVERLY DOES NOT MEAN WE ARE NOT DELIVER SNOOK IT'S OFFICIAL.

THE MAYOR ANNOUNCES HER BID FOR A SECOND TERM IN OFFICE.

FIND OUT WHAT SHE IS RUNNING ON.

>> AND ALONG WITH ANOTHER CANDIDATE FOR MAYOR, RODERICK SAWYER.

>> PROUD BOYS ARE CHARGED WITH SEDITIOUS CONSPIRACY AGAINST THE NATION IF THE FINDINGS TO BE RELEASED AT THURSDAY'S JANUARY 6TH HEAR SNOOK CLEARLY NOT ENOUGH.

>> CHICAGO'S MINIMUM WAGE IS GOING UP BUT NOT AT THE PACE OF INFLATION.

>> WE HEAR HOW GUN VIOLENCE IS AFFECTING THE MENTAL HEALTH OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN CHICAGO.

>> 48 SOCIAL EQUITY CRAFT CANNABIS GROWING LICENSES ARE AWARD.

WE TALK WITH ONE RECIPIENT.

[♪♪♪] >> AND WE HEAD TO THE HOTEL AND INTRODUCE YOU TO THE PERFORMERS UNDER THE BIG TOP.

>> BUT FIRST, SOME OF TODAY'S TOP STORIES... >> MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCES HER RUN FOR REELECTION IN THE 2023 MAYORAL RACE.

>> I GET IT.

I DON'T LOOK OR SOUND LIKE ANY OTHER MAYOR WE'VE EVER HAD BEFORE AND I'VE HAD TO FIGHT TO GET A SEAT AT THE TABLE.

AND LIKE SO MANY IN OUR CITY I'VE HAD TO ARE FIGHT TO HAVE MY VOICE HEARD.

I'LL NEVER BACK DOWN FOR FIGHTING EVERYDAY TO TURNING YOUR VOICE INTO ACTION.

>> LIGHTFOOT IS THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO BE ELECTED MAYOR OF CHICAGO AND THE FIRST WOMAN TO BE REELECTED AS MAYOR.

WE WILL HAVE A RUNDOWN OF HER ANNOUNCEMENT IN A COUPLE OF MINUTES.

>> CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS OFFICIALS UNVEILING A $9.5 BILLION BUDGET FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR.

PEDRO MARTINEZ BUDGET INCLUDES 700 MILLION IN FEDERAL COVID-19 RELIEF DOLLARS TO FUND EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS TEACHER PROGRAMS AND GRANTS.

IT INCREASES SCHOOL LEVEL FUNDING TO $4.6 BILLION A JUMP OF 240 MILLION OVER THE CURRENT BUDGET AND ADDS MORE THAN 1600 NEW FULL-TIME POSITIONS ACROSS THE CITY.

C.P.S.

IS ALSO PLANNING TO PROVIDE $50 MILLION IN EQUITY GRANTS TO HELP FUND UNDER ENROLLED SCHOOLS.

NOW, THE CHICAGO TEACHERS' UNION RESPONDED TO A PROPOSAL IN A STATEMENT SAYING THE MAYOR IS LAUNCHING HER REELECTION BID BY BALANCING THE CITY BUDGET ON THE BACKS OF CHILDREN WHO NEED MORE INSTEAD OF LESS.

THE CHICAGO BOARD OF EDUCATION IS SET TO VOTE ON THE BUDGET PROPOSAL JUNE 22.

YOU WITH FIND THE FULL BREAKDOWN ON OUR WEBSITE.

>> AND A LOCAL ALDERWOMAN SAYS SHE SPENT THREE DECADES ON THE CITY'S WAIT LIST FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

JEANETTE TAYLOR SAYS THAT NOW SHE AND MEMBERS FROM THE CHICAGO HOUSING INITIATIVE ARE TRYING TO CHANGE WHAT THEY SAY IS A BROKEN SYSTEM.

>> I KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE TO HAVE HOUSING INSTABILITY.

I SAT ON A WAITING LIST FOR 29 YEARS.

I'M STANDING HERE WITH THE COALITION TO SAY THEY HAVE WRITTEN THE ORDINANCE AND TALKED ABOUT THE THINGS WE NEED TO REINSURE THAT PEOPLE DON'T STAY HOMELESS.

YOU KNOW HOW MANY HOMELESS FOLKS DIED BECAUSE OF COLD?

FOR ONE OF THE RICHEST CITIES IN THE COUNTRY WHERE WE SPEND $2,000 IN FLOWERS AND POTS.

>> THE ACCOUNTABLE HOUSING ORDINANCE WOULD BETTER MATCH PEOPLE TO AVAILABLE UNITS WHILE TAKING THE ONUS OFF OF INDIVIDUALS TO TRACK THEIR APPLICATION STATUS.

THE PROPOSAL IS BEING OVERSEEN BY THE HOUSING AND REAL ESTATE COMMITTEE.

>> UP NEXT, A LOOK AT THE MAYOR'S NEWLY LAUNCHED CAMPAIGN FOR REELECTION.

STAY WITH US.

>> Announcer: "CHICAGO TONIGHT" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY... >> MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT MADE IS OFFICIAL SHE IS RUNNING FOR A SECOND TERM.

IN AN ANNOUNCEMENT VIDEO RELEASE TODAY LIGHTFOOT ACKNOWLEDGES MUCH OF HER TERM IN OFFICE HAS BEEN MARKED BY BRUISING AND AT TIMES DEEPLY PERSONAL CONFRONTATIONS BUT CASTS THOSE SKIRMISHES AS THE COST OF MUCH-NEEDED PROGRESS.

THE VOTERS WILL DETERMINE IF SHE BECOME THE FIRST WOMAN REELECTED AS CHICAGO MAYOR.

WTTW NEWS REPORTER HEATHER CHERONE JOINS US WITH MORE.

THE FACT THAT SHE IS RUNNING IS NOT A SHOCK BUT HER ANNOUNCEMENT WAS LESS THAN TRADITIONAL LET'S LOOK AT SOME OF HER VIDEO.

>> AND I WILL BE THE FIRST TO ADMIT I'M JUST NOT THE MOST PATIENT PERSON.

I'M ONLY HUMAN AND SOMETIME IT IS SHOWS.

BUT SOMETIMES SOMEBODY MAY NOT LIKE MY DELIVERY DOESN'T MEAN WE ARE NOT DELIVERING.

>> SHADES IN RAHM EMANUEL OWNING UP TO HIS ABRASIVENESS WHY DID LIGHTFOOT TAKE THIS APPROACH.

>> IT IS AN AKNOWLEDGE.

THAT THE BELIEF SHE HAS CREATED ENEMIES WHEREVER SHE HAS GONE AS MAYOR OF CHICAGO POSES A REAL CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER TO HER REELECTION PROSPECTS.

AND WHAT SHE TRIES TO DO IN THIS VIDEO IS TO TAKE THAT CRITICISM AND TURN IT 180° AND TURN IT INTO A BENEFIT SAYING LOOK, YOU MIGHT NOT LIKE HOW I DO IT, BUT I'M GETTING THINGS DONE.

AND OF COURSE, WE IN CHICAGO HAVE A LONG HISTORY OF ELECTING POLITICIANS WHO ARE SOMEWHAT ROUGH AROUND THE EDGES.

BUT DETERMINED TO WIN AT ALL COSTS.

>> RAHM EMANUEL NEEDED THAT FUZZKY V NECK SWEATER TO ROUND OUT THE ENDS.

WHAT ACCOMPLISHMENTS DID LIGHTFOOT TOUT IN THE VIDEO?

>> THE VIDEO WAS LIGHT ON SPECIFIC ACCOMPLISHMENTS EITHER THOUGH SHE NOTCHED DURING HER FIRST TERM AND PLANS FOR A SECOND TERM IF SHE IS REELECTED.

IT DID EMPHASIZE HER EFFORTS TO LEAD CHICAGO THROUGH THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND IT REALLY TOUTED CHICAGO'S RECOVERY AS ONE OF THE BEST IN THE NATION.

OF COURSE, THAT IS VERY MUCH STILL IN THE WORKS AS COVID IS STILL SICKENING HUNDREDS OF CHICAGOANS EVERYDAY.

>> AND AS I UNDERSTAND SHE WILL HAVE A FULL DAY CAMPAIGNING ACROSS THE CITY TOMORROW AND YOU WILL BE COVERING THAT.

HEATHER THANKS VERY MUCH.

>> THANKS.

>> AND YOU CAN READ HEGHTD THEIR'S STORY ON WTTW.COM/NEWS WEB.

>> AND WE WILL HAVE A ONE-ON-ONE WITH CANDIDATE RODERICK SAWYER.

FIRST, BRANDIS WE TOSS IT BACK TO YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

>> GAS PRICES ARE UP, FOOD COSTS MORE.

BUT FOR SOME WORKERS WAGES ARE UP, TOO.

THEY WILL HAVE TO BE BY CITY ORDINANCE FOR THOSE MAKING THE MINIMUM WAGE.

AMANDA VINICKY HAS MORE ON THIS AND JOINS US NOW.

AMANDA?

>> HEY, BRANDIS.

COME JULY THE MINIMUM WAGE IS INCREASING AT LEAST FOR THOSE WHO WORK IN CHICAGO OR THROUGHOUT THE REST OF COOK COUNTY AND BY HOW MUCH DEPENDS.

IN SUBURBAN COOK COUNTY THE UNTIPPED MINIMUM WAGE WILL RISE BY 35 CENTS TO 13.35 AN HOUR.

THE CITY HAS DIFFERENT FLOORS BASED ON WHETHER AN EMPLOYEE DEPENDS ON TIPS AND THE SIGNS OF THE BUSINESS THEY WORK FOR.

NEXT MONTH THE MINIMUM WAGE EMPLOYEES OF LARGER BUSINESSES THEY WILL SEE THEIR PAYCHECKS RISE BY 40 CENTS TO 15.40.

THE CHAIR OF THE ECONOMICKING DEPARTMENT AT NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY CARL CAMPBELL SAYS THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF RESEARCH DONE ON THE IMPACTS OF THE MINIMUM WAGE AND DESPITE ALL THAT, WELL, IT'S OFTEN AT ODDS INCONCLUSIVE.

>> THE ARGUMENT FOR INCREASING THE MINIMUM WAGE IS THAT IT HELPS PEOPLE AT THE LOW INCOME SPECTRUM.

THEY KEEP THEIR JOB THEY ARE EARNING MORE AND THEY CAN BETTER SUPPORT THEIR FAMILIES IN THAT CASE.

ON THE OTHER HAND IT MIGHT REDUCE EMPLOYMENT AND MAKES HIRING WORKERS MORE EXPENSIVE FOR COMPANIES THEREFORE AN AVERAGE YOU WOULD EXPECT COMPANIES TO HIRE FEWER WORKERS.

>> NOW, HE SAYS THAT IN GENERAL HE PREDICTS THAT WELL, THE MINIMUM WAGE PROBABLY LEADS TO A SLIGHT REDUCTION IN HIRING.

THE CITY, COUNTY AND FUTURE STATEMENT OF MINIMUM WAGE INCREASES DO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX.

THE COUNTY TAKES IN THE RATE OF UNEMPLOYMENT.

BUT CAMPBELL SAYS THAT THE JULY WAGE INCREASES THAT ARE GOING TO BE TAKING EFFECT SOON THEY ARE NOT KEEPING PACE WITH INFLATION.

THAT NATIONWIDE UP OVER 8% WHILE CHICAGO WHO ARE WORKING FOR THE BIGGER BUSINESSES THEY ARE GOING TO SEE AN INCREASE OF LESS THAN 3% WITH THAT MINIMUM WAGE STEP.

STILL, GETTING TO THE $15 AND OVER THAT IS A BIG DEAL FOR MANY WORKERS.

SEIU HEALTHCARE ILLINOIS WAS A MAJOR LEADER IN THE DECADE-LONG FIGHT FOR 15 MOVEMENT.

>> CLEARLY NOT ENOUGH IN LIGHT OF OUR CURRENT CRISIS AROUND INFLATION.

WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT GAS PRICES, FOOD PRICES.

32,000 DOLLARS A YEAR ISN'T ENOUGH SIMPLY TO EVEN HAVE A PLACE TO LIVE.

AND SO WHILE, AGAIN, WE ARE EXCITED IT COULD BE MUCH WORSE, RIGHT?

WE STILL HAVE A LONG, LONG WAY TO GET THE TYPE OF WAGES THAT WORKING PEOPLE NEED PARTICULARLY IN THIS MOMENT.

>> PART OF THAT FUTURE FIGHT HE SAYS, A FEDERAL MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE IS WHAT THEY ARE ADVOCATING FOR.

NOW, THE HEAD OF THE STATE HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SAYS AT THIS POINT, THE MINIMUM WAGE HIKE IN CHICAGO AND COOK COUNTY WELL, IT DOESN'T MEAN MUCH BECAUSE THEY HAVE TO PAY MORE IF THEY WANT TO HAVE WORKERS.

MEMBERS OF THE CHAMBERS OF RESTAURANTS PAYING $25 FOR AN HOUR FOR KITCHEN LINE COOKS.

>> EMPLOYEES ARE WORKING WAY BEYOND THE MINIMUM WAGE BECAUSE IT IS AN EMPLOYEES MARKET.

SO THE FACT THAT MINIMUM WAGE IS GOING UP IT DOESN'T AFFECT ANYTHING.

IT JUST CREATES A MORE ROBUST ECONOMY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND LOW WAGE AREAS.

SO IT INCREASES THE OPPORTUNITY IN LOW WAGE AREAS SO PEOPLE HAVE MORE SPENDING MONEY SO THEY CAN SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES.

>> ONE OF SEIU AUNION WORKING WITH THE HOUSEKEEPING SYSTEM AT NORTHWESTERN HOSPITAL SAYS PAYING SLIGHTLY ABOVE THE MINIMUM WAGE IS NOT ENOUGH.

>> NOW, THE MORALE IS VERY LOW BECAUSE OF IT.

THAT AND BEING SHORT STAFFED AND WORKS HAND IN HAND BECAUSE WHEN THEY DO HIRE PEOPLE ON TO NORTHWESTERN AND THEY WORK A FEW DAYS THEY QUIT BECAUSE THE WORK THAT THEY ARE EXPECT THE WORKER TO DO IS NOT WORTH THE PAY.

AND WHAT THEY ARE OFFERING $15.60 IS NOT CUTTING THE MUSTARD.

>> NOW, THE UNION PRESIDENT SAYS THAT ALL THE ISSUES IMPACT MORE THAN PEOPLE WHO ARE MAKING A MINIMUM WAGE.

HE SAYS WHEN PEOPLE DON'T MAKE A LIVABLE WAGE WHEN THEY CANNOT AFFORD TO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES THAT IMPACTS ALL OF SOCIETY AND THAT IS PLAYING OUT NOW.

>> WE ARE IN A CRISIS.

AND UNLESS WE BEGIN TO ADDRESS REAL PROBLEMS AROUND PAY AND INCOME THE ISSUES AROUND CRIME AND VIOLENCE ARE ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE.

>> THE MINIMUM WAGE IS NOT THE ONLY CHANGE THAT IS TAKING EFFECT IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS.

COME JULY CHICAGO WILL BE IMPLEMENTING STRICTER REQUIREMENTS ON BUSINESSES TO GIVE LOW WAGE WORKERS ADDITIONAL NOTICE THREE WEEKS ADVANCE OF THEIR SCHEDULES.

SEIU'S KELLY SAYS THAT THAT ALLOWS ESPECIALLY THOSE TRYING TO MAKEUP FOR THEIR LOW WAGES BY WORKING MULTIPLE JOBS TO HAVE SOME SEMBLANCE OF STABILITY.

BUT THE HEAD OF THE HISPANIC CHAMBER SAYS THAT CAN HINDER BUSINESSES AND ALSO SOME WORKERS.

>> THE FLIP SIDE IT AFFECTS PEOPLE LIKE PEOPLE WHO ARE GOING TO COLLEGE.

THE FACT THAT TA THEY CAN ONLY WORK SOMETIMES YOU KNOW, AND THEY HAVE TO BE ON A SCHEDULE THREE WEEK AT A TIME AFFECTS THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THEM TO TAKE A JOB.

IF THE RESTAURANTS ARE SLOW AND THEY WANT AN OPPORTUNITY TO GO HOME EARLY AND THE LAW DOES NOT ALLOW THAT.

YOU HAVE TO GIVE FLEXIBILITY TO EMPLOYERS.

>> WE HAVE BEEN FOCUSING ON CHICAGO AND COOK COUNTY.

BUT THE STATE ALSO HAS STEPS FOR THE MINIMUM WAGE THEY, HOWEVER, HAVE BEEN TAKING EFFECT LARGELY AT THE START OF THE CALENDAR YEAR.

SO THE 2022 WAGE INCREASE ALREADY TOOK EFFECT IN JANUARY.

ILLINOIS' LAW CALLS FOR A $15 STATE-WIDE MINIMUM WAGE COME 2025.

NOW, A COUPLE OTHER NOTES, BRANDIS, THE HISPANIC CHAMBER SAYS WHAT IS CRUCIAL TO KEEP THE ECONOMY GOING SPEND LOCALLY NOT ON-LINE.

AND ANOTHER FACTOR, OF COURSE, IS THE POTENTIAL OF A RECESSION.

THE ECONOMISTS THAT I TALKED TO FROM NIU CARL CAMPBELL SAYS THAT SHOULD ONE HIT AND IT'S HARD TO PREDICT BECAUSE WE HAVE NOT SEEN SOMETHING LIKE A PANDEMIC PLAY OUT LIKE THIS.

BUT HE SAYS SHOULD THAT HIT, MINIMUM WAGE INCREASES COULD HAVE A NEGATIVE IMPACT ON HIRING.

YOU WANT ALOWER WAGES TO HIRE AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE.

BACK TO YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

>> AND NOW TO PARIS AND A PREVIEW OF HIGHLY ANTICIPATED CONGRESSIONAL HEARINGS THIS WEEK.

>> PARIS?

>> PRIMETIME HEARINGS ABOUT JANUARY 6 BEGIN THIS THURSDAY.

THIS COMES AS FEDERAL INDICTMENT CHARGES WERE HANDED DOWN AGAINST FIVE MEMBERS OF THE PROUD BOYS A WHITE SUPREMACIST GROUP CHARGING THEM WITH SEDITIOUS CONSPIRACY.

WHAT NEW INFORMATION CAN WE EXPECT TO HEAR ON THURSDAY AND WHY ARE WE SEEING AN INCREASE IN VIOLENT EXTREMISM IN THE U.S.

JOINING US ARE TOM MOCKAITIS AND LYN SWEET WASHINGTON BUREAU CHIEF FOR THE "CHICAGO SUN-TIMES".

I WANT TO TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT HAPPENED TODAY IN WASHINGTON.

MATTHEW McCONAUGHEY MADE A SURPRISE APPEARANCE AT THE WHITE HOUSE TO PLEAD FOR GUN REFORMS.

>> RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNERS ARE FED UP WITH THE SECOND AMENDMENT BEING ABUSED AND HIJACKED BY SOME DERANGED INDIVIDUALS.

THESE REGULATIONS ARE NOT A STEP BACK.

THEY ARE A STEP FORWARD FOR CIVIL SOCIETY AND, AND THE SECOND AMENDMENT.

>> LYN SWEET IT WAS AN EMOTIONAL EULOGY FOR THE LIVES LOST IN UVALDE.

YOU WERE IN THE ROOM.

WHAT WAS THE REACTION?

>> IT WAS ABOUT A 20-MINUTE SPEECH.

THE PRESS SECRETARY ANNOUNCED BEFOREHAND THAT HE STARTED THAT HAD A BRIEF MEETING WITH PRESIDENT BIDEN.

AND IN TERMS OF A REACTION THE REPORTERS DIDN'T GET A CHANCE TO ASK QUESTIONS OF THE TEXAS NATIVE WHO MADE A POINT OF SAYING HE DOES OWN A GUN AND THAT WAS PART OF HIS SEEMINGLY MEEK POSITION TO MAKE CURBS ON GUNS THAT CAN LEAD TO LESS VIOLENCE.

BUT SINCE HE DID NOT TAKE QUESTIONS, IT REALLY WAS ABOUT 20 MINUTES WHERE HE TALKED ABOUT THE VICTIMS, THE SITUATION WITH GUNS, AND HIS PLEA TO DO SOMETHING.

>> AND LYNN, THIS HAPPENS AS REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS ARE ENGAGED IN BIPARTISAN TALKS ON SOME ELEMENTS OF GUN REFORM, RAISING THE AGE FROM 18-21, RED FLAG LAWS WHAT HAS MOMENTUM RIGHT NOW?

>> JUST A NOTION THAT THIS IS QUOTE A TIPPING POINT.

THIS ONE CURRENT TRAGEDY SOMEHOW MIGHT GET SOME DEAL SOMEHOW.

IF YOU CAN'T GET AGREEMENT AND THERE IS NONE ON RAISING THE AGE TO 21 TO BUY AN ASSAULT WEAPON, THEN EVERYTHING ELSE AFTER THAT IS MUCH, MUCH TOUGHER.

BUT AT LEAST THEY ARE A MEETING AND THERE'S TALKS.

THE POSITION OF THE GUN CONTROL ADVOCATES NO MATTER WHERE THEY COME FROM, IS THAT PART OF THE EQUATION HAS TO INCLUDE DOING SOMETHING ABOUT GUPS.

HARDEN SCHOOLS MORE MENTAL HEALTH DOLLARS, HAVE BETTER SCREENING BUT YOU ALSO HAVE TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT GUNS OR MAGAZINES OR AGE.

>> AND LET'S MOVE ON TO THE JANUARY 6 HEARING.

TOM MOCKAITIS, IT WILL BE THURSDAY THIS WEEK.

THE FEDS HAVE ANNOUNCED INDICTMENTS AGAINST FIVE MEMBERS OF THE PROUD BOYS FOR SEDITIOUS CONSPIRACY.

TELL US HOW SEVERE AND UNUSUAL THESE CHARGES ARE?

>> WELL, THEY ARE SEVERE AND IT REQUIRES AT LEAST EVIDENCE OF TWO INDIVIDUALS CONSPIRING PLANNING AHEAD OF TIME TO EITHER OVERTHROW THE AUTHORITY OF THE GOVERNMENT OR PREVENT IT'S FUNCTIONING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LAW WHICH IN THIS CASE WAS THE CERTIFICATION OF THE ELECTION.

THIS IS THE SECOND SUCH INDICTMENT.

STEWART REIDS THE LEADER OF THE OATH KEEPERS AND 10 OTHERS HAVE BEEN INDICTED AND IF THEY ARE CONVICTED THEY COULD GET UP TO 20 YEARS IN PRISON.

IT IS A SERIOUS ESCALATION IN TERMS OF HOLDING PEOPLE ACCOUNTABLE.

>> AND TOUGH CASE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO PROVE.

LYN SWEET ON THURSDAY, THE HEARINGS WILL START OFF IN PRIMETIME OUR NETWORK WILL CARRY IT AND OTHERS WILL CARRY IT.

WHAT WILL VIEWERS EXPECT IN TERMS OF WITNESSES AND EVIDENCE THAT ARE PRESENTED?

>> FIRST OF ALL FOR OUR AUDIENCE WE WOULD EXPECT TO KEEP AN EYE ON ONE OF THE TWO REPUBLICANS WHO IS ON THE PANEL.

CONGRESSMAN ADAM KINZINGER WITH CONGRESSMAN LIZ CHENEY ARE THE TWO REPUBLICANS ON IT.

I WILL BE WATCHING TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS THERE.

BUT YOU WILL SEE THE STORY OF WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THIS ELECTION DENIALISM TAKES ROOT AND WHAT IT LED TO.

IS GOING TO BE VIDEO.

THERE'S GOING TO BE TESTIMONY FROM THE CAPITOL POLICE OFFICER.

IN A ACCEPTS BECAUSE IT IS A PRIMETIME HEARING THERE IS A SENSE OF PUTTING ON A SHOW IN ORDER TO ATTRACT AND KEEP AN AUDIENCE.

>> AND TOM MOCKAITIS WOULD YOU ANTICIPATE TO HEAR AND SEE NEW EVIDENCE THAT HAS NOT BEEN REPORTED ON YET?

>> YES.

IN FACT THEY'VE OFFERED SOME TEASERS TO THAT EFFECT.

IT'S FRAMED AS SOME DEGREE LIKE A PRIMETIME DRAMA.

BUT IT'S IMPORTANT TO COUNTER THE NARRATIVE OF THE RIGHT AND THE MAINSTREAM REPUBLICAN PARTY BUT NOTHING OF GREAT SIGNIFICANCE THAT WAS AN ORDERLY DEMONSTRATION AND SO ON.

AND THIS WILL LAYOUT FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE WHO TRABS PIRRED, THERE WILL BE A REPLAYING OF A LOT OF VIDEO AND WITNESSES, THERE WILL BE OTHER MATERIAL PRESENTED AND I THINK WE MAY SEE SOME SURPRISES.

PARTICULARLY ALONG THE LINES OF WHICH MEMBERS OF CONGRESS WERE MORE DIRECTLY INVOLVED AND WHAT APPEARS TO BE PREPLANNING EFFORT TO SET ASIDE THE LAWFUL DECISION OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLE TO ELECT PRESIDENT BIDEN.

>> AND LYN SWEET INDEED, RHODE ISLAND REPRESENTATIVE DAVID CICILLINI SAYS DISTURBING NEW EVIDENCE WOULD BE PRESENTED ON THURSDAY.

ANY IDEA WHAT SPECIFICALLY THAT MIGHT BE?

>> NO.

I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH OF AN IDEA TO SAY IT ALOUD.

THOUGH I HAVE NOTION.

HERE IS THE POINT.

THEY HAVE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF HOURS OF -- PAGES OF E-MAILS, TEXT EXCHANGES, THEY HAVE HOURS AND HOURS OF VIDEO.

SOME 800 PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY BEEN CHARGED WITH CRIMES.

THIS IS THE JUST WHAT IS GOING ON BESIDES THE FACT FINDING THAT THE COMMITTEE HAS DONE.

YOU HAVE ONE OF THE LARGEST FEDERAL PROSECUTORIAL INVESTIGATIONS AND EFFORTS IN OUR NATION'S HISTORY.

WHERE PEOPLE HAVE CONNECTED THE DOTS.

ONE OF THE THINGS TO WATCH FOR IS HOW IS TO FIGURE OUT HOW YOU GET A NATION WHO MAY BE NUMB TO THIS.

WE'RE SEEING THE VIDEO.

HOW WHAT YOU AND I AND TOM MAY THINK IS NEWS MAY NOT STRIKE SOMEBODY AS RELEVANT VAER TO.

THAT IS DON'T NECESSARILY LOOK FOR ONE OR TWO BOMBSHELLS OR JOHN DEAN TESTIMONY AS THEY HAD IN WATERGATE.

BUT IT IS IMPORTANT FROM WHAT THEY'RE TRYING TO DO AND WHAT I'VE BEEN INFORMED IN MY REPORTING IS TO TELL THE TOTALITY IN A PERSUASIVE WAY AGAINST A BACKDROP OF TRUMP'S STEPPING UP HIS RHETORIC AND ALLIES TRYING TO DELEGITIMIZE THE HEARING.

>> HOW DIFFICULT MIGHT THAT BE TO PRESENT THE NARRATIVE MAINSTREAM AMERICAN PUBLIC PERHAPS MORE CONCERNED WITH INFLATION AND GAS PRICES AND GUN LAWS?

>> I DON'T THINK IT WILL BE HARD TO PRESENT IT.

WHETHER IT HAS AN EFFECT ON ELECTORAL POLITICS IS THE $64,000 QUESTION.

FOX IS NOT GOING TO COVER IT.

FOR THEIR VIEWERS MAY HAVE MADE UP THEIR MIND AND THE WAY THAT THE REPUBLICANS WILL SPIN IT IS AN INR ILLEGITIMATE INVESTIGATION AND TWO REPUBLICANS ON IT AND THEY ARE COMPLIANT WITH THE DEMOCRATS AND SO ON.

I THINK THE HOPE IS TO BRING IT TO THE FOREAGAIN AND PERSUADE THE INDEPENDENT VOTERS WHAT IS AT STAKE IS MORE THAN SHORT-TERM POLICY.

IT MIGHT BE THE LONG-TERM SURVIVAL OF THE DEMOCRACY AS WE KNOW IT.

BUT IT IS NOT CLEAR WHEN PEOPLE ARE FEELING PAIN AT THE PUMP AND GROCERY STORE AND HOW MUCH AN IMPACT IT'S GOING TO HAVE.

>> MAY I FOLLOW-UP ON THAT.

WHAT THEY ARE A TRYING TO DO IS SET A RECORD FOR HISTORY EASTERN IF IT DOESN'T IMPACT THE ELECTIONS.

THIS IS THE SETTING OF A HISTORIC RECORD.

WHERE YOU NEED TO AT LEAST HAVE THIS IN ONE PLACE AND DOCUMENTED SO THIS HORRIBLE CHAPTER IN AMERICAN LIFE IS THERE FOR PEOPLE TO STUDY AND LEARN FROM.

I DON'T THINK ANYONE WHO STUDIES POLITICS THINKS THIS HEARING, PRIMETIME HEARING THERE WILL BE I THINK FIVE OTHERS THERE WILL BE A DAYTIME HEARING MONDAY.

THIS NECESSARILY WON'T SWING ANYTHING.

I DON'T SEE IT EVEN IN THE RACES IN ILLINOIS WHERE PEOPLE NEED ONE ITEM OR ANOTHER TO SWING SOMETHING.

BUT DON'T UNDERESTIMATE THE NEED TO DOCUMENT THIS FOR HISTORY.

>> PUTTING IT ON IN THE PUBLIC RECORD.

OUR THANKS TO TOM MOCKAITIS AND LYN SWEET THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

>> AND UP NEXT THE STATE'S CANNABIS INDUSTRY IS GROWING.

WE EXPLAIN HOW RIGHT AFTER THIS.

>> ILLINOIS' CANNABIS INDUSTRY GOT MORE DIVERSE AND A LITTLE MORE CREATIVE.

THE STATE HAS AWARDED 48 CULTIVATION LICENSES TO CRAFT CANNABIS GROWERS AND 100% OF THOSE LICENSES ARE GOING TO SOCIAL EQUITY WINNERS FOLKS WHO WERE MOST IMPACTED BY THE SO-CALLED WAR ON DRUGS.

HERE TO EXPLAIN WHAT THAT MEANS IS STATE REPRESENTATIVE LaSHAWN FORD WHOSE DISTRICT INCLUDES MUCH OF CHICAGO'S AUSTIN NEIGHBORHOOD.

AND WILIE J.R. FLEMING, FOUNDER OF HEMP FOR HOODS HE WON THREE LICENSES FOR CULTIVATION, TRANSPORTATION AND PARTNER WITH AN INFUSION.

GENTLEMEN THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

JR LET'S START WITH YOU WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A CRAFT GROWER?

>> WELL, A CRAFT GROWER IS A SMALLER HIGH QUALITY CANNABIS GROW COMPARED TO THE BIGGEST GROW THAT WE SEE IN ILLINOIS WITH THE BIGGEST CULTURE VACCINATOR.

WE ARE HIGHER QUALITY, SMALLER GROW AND WE GET 5,000 SQUARE FEET AND GROW UP TO 14,000 SQUARE FEET.

AND WE CAN GROW 14,000 SQUARE FEET NOW.

IT IS A SMALLER GROW LIKE CRAFT BREWERY WITHOUT THE ON SIGHT RETAIL AND WE ARE HOPING TO GET THAT.

>> YOUR STORY OF GETTING A GROW LICENSE IT WAS NOT EASY YOU WERE REJECTED AT FIRST.

WHAT CHANGED TO GET BACK IN THE LOTTERY PROCESS AND ULTIMATELY, TO WIN THAT CRAFT GROWING LICENSE FOR YOU?

>> I MEAN, I WANT TO THANK REPRESENTATIVE LaSHAWN FORD IT WAS HIS ACT, THE ACT IN ORGANIZING OF SOCIAL EQUITY APPLICANTS LIKE MYSELF SOME WHO PARTNERED WHO FILED A SUIT TO HELP US TO GET TO WHERE WE ARE TODAY.

WE ARE SEEING PEOPLE OF COLOR HAVING AN OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS NEWLY EMERGING INDUSTRY.

>> OF THE LICENSES 100% OF NEW LICENSES WERE ISSUED TO SOCIAL EQUITY APPLICANTS.

42% ARE MAJORITY BLACK-OWNED 36% ARE MAJORITY WHITE OWNED 8% ARE MAJORITY HISPANIC OWNED AND 8% ARE OWNED BY A PARTNERSHIP GROUP.

6% DID NOT PROVIDE THAT INFORMATION.

REPRESENTATIVE FORD TO BE HONEST THERE WERE NO PEOPLE OF COLOR WINNING LICENSES BEFORE YOUR SOCIAL EQUITY BILL PASSED WHO NOW QUALIFIES FOR THESE SOCIAL EQUITY CANNABIS CRAFT GROW LICENSES?

>> WELL, I TELL YOU, PEOPLE LIKE JR QUALIFY AND WE'RE EXCITED ABOUT THAT THAT THEY HAVE CONDITIONAL LICENSES.

BUT YOU KNOW THERE IS A LOT OF WORK TO BE DONE ONLY PEOPLE THAT WERE VETERANS OR HAD A VETERAN ON THE APPLICATION QUALIFIED IN THIS ROUND.

AND THAT LEAVES A LOT OF LEFT FOR US TO DO.

>> WHAT MORE WORK REMAINS?

>> WELL, WE HAVE THE MSO'S AS YOU HEARD JR SAY THEY ARE DOMINATING THE INDUSTRY BECAUSE THEY HAD A HEADSTART IN GROWING.

RIGHT NOW SOCIAL EQUITY APPLICANTS AND CONDITIONAL LICENSE HOLDERS THEY HAVE NO STAKE IN THE GAME RIGHT NOW.

YOU HAVE 48 LICENSE HOLDERS RIGHT NOW WITH CONDITIONAL LICENSES THAT IS TIED UP IN THE COURTS THAT IS A PROBLEM.

YOU HAVE 21MSO'S THAT DOMINATE THAT HAVE THE ABILITY TO GROW IN ILLINOIS.

AND THEY CAN GROW UP TO 200,000 SQUARE FEET WHERE PEOPLE LIKE JR CAN ONLY GROW UP TO 5,000 SQUARE FEET.

THAT IS A PROBLEM IN ILLINOIS THEY CAN GROW UP TO 200,000 SQUARE FEET WHERE JR CAN ONLY GROW 5,000 AND HE HAS BEEN FIGHTING TO GROW UP TO 14,000.

THAT'S HORRIBLE.

WHEN YOU PUT IT ALTOGETHER, BRANDIS, YOU HAVE THE 21 DOMINATING GROW.

AND OUT OF THOSE YOU COULD TAKE TWO THAT COULD GROW WHAT THE 88 LICENSE HOLDERS ARE ALLOWED TO GROW IN ILLINOIS.

>> JR I SEE YOU NODDING YOUR HEAD.

YOU ARE NOT ONLY A LICENSE AWARDEE BUT AS ACTIVIST TRYING TO GET MORE PEOPLE INVOLVED.

HOW BIG A HURDLE FINANCING IS WITH REGARD TO BREAKING INTO THE CANNABIS BUSINESS?

>> I THINK IT'S ONE OF THE BIGGEST HURDLES.

I HAVE BEEN BLESSED BY HAVING A NATIONAL CANNABIS PARTNER IN RICHARD PARK WHO HELPED US MOVE THROUGH LEGISLATION AND THROUGH FINANCING.

NOT JUST FOR OUR COMPANY BUT OTHERS.

AND WE ESTABLISHED WHAT WE CALL THE SOUTH AND WEST COALITION FOR COMMERCE.

CANNABIS TRADE ASSOCIATION TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE DELIVERABLES FOR SOCIAL EQUITY APPLICANTS.

WE WORKED OUT WITH PARTNERS TO PROVIDE BIOMASS THAT IS HELPFUL TO CRAFT GROWERS.

BUT THERE IS SO MUCH TO DO.

FINANCING IS NOT THE ONLY ISSUE.

IT'S THE MAJOR ISSUE NOT ONLY ISSUE BUT THE MAJOR ISSUE BECAUSE I CAN ONLY START WITH 5,000 SQUARE FEET VERSUS THE MSO'S 200,000 AND I GO GROW UP TO 14,000.

WE NEED 14,000 SQUARE FEET NOW SO WE HAVE TO BUY MULTIPLE FACILITIES PUTTING US BACK BEHIND THE MSO'S.

SO WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO COMPETE WITH THEM.

GIVING US 14,000 SQUARE FEET RIGHT NOW WOULD BE A PLUS.

AND THAT IS SOMETHING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE CAN DO AND WE'RE HOPING THAT THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AND THE LEGISLATORS CAN MOVE AGRICULTURE TO GIVE US 14,000 SQUARE FEET.

BECAUSE THEY ALWAYS DO WHAT IS REASONABLE WHEN IT COMES TO AGRICULTURE AND CULTIVATION.

WE ARE HOPING THAT AGRICULTURE TAKES A STEP TO REPRESENTATIVE FORD'S POINT THERE ARE R THERE IS A LOT OF STUFF WE HAVE TO DO TO BRING EQUITY TO CANNABIS IN ILLINOIS.

>> REPRESENTATIVE FORD, THE NUMBER OF LICENSE WINNERS IS 48.

WEREN'T THERE SUPPOSED TO BE 60 WINNERS?

WHAT HAPPENED THERE?

>> THERE'S GOING TO BE SOME THAT WILL BE RELEASED SOON.

AND IT'S SUCH A TRAVESTY FOR THE 48 THAT HAVE BEEN AWARDED CONDITIONAL LICENSES BECAUSE THEY ARE STILL BEING HELD UP BY THE COURT.

BUT, BRANDIS, JUST THINK ABOUT THIS, FOR TWO YEARS THE LAW SAID THEY HAD TO RENT A SPACE AND HOLD IT AND PAY RENT AND BE RESPONSIBLE FOR HIRING PEOPLE TO WORK IN THOSE SPACES.

AND YET, THEY STILL HAVE YET TO BE ABLE TO GROW IN ILLINOIS.

THE LAW WAS FLAWED.

AND THE SYSTEM WAS FLAWED.

AND WE HAVE TO GET THE TRUE MEANING OF SOCIAL EQUITY IN ILLINOIS AS IT RELATES TO CRAFT GROW.

>> JR I WILL LET YOU HAVE THE LAST WORD, DO YOU FEEL LIKE THE PROBLEMS THAT SLOWED THE PROCESS HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED SO MORE PEOPLE CAN GET INTO THIS?

>> I BELIEVE WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO BETTER WITH THE LAW.

IF IT WASN'T FOR REPRESENTATIVE FORD WE WOULDN'T BE WHERE WE AT TODAY.

I'M SURE THIS VETO SESSION WE WILL GET A LOT DONE AND THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE WILL BE MAKING A CHANGE.

>> MORE YOU'D LIKE TO SEE DONE.

THANKS TO REPRESENTATIVE LaSHAWN FORD AND WILLIE JR FLEMING FOR JOINING US.

>> THANK YOU.

AND FOR MORE ON THIS AND OTHER STORIES YOU CAN VISIT OUR WEBSITE, WTTW.COM/NEWS.

>> PARIS, BACK TO YOU.

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

FOLLOWING IN HIS FATHER'S FOOTSTEPS.

RODERICK SAWYER OFFICIALLY ENTERS THE RACE FOR CHICAGO MAYOR.

GUN RELATED DEATHS SURPASSED CAR ACCIDENTS AS THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.

WHAT EFFECT THAT HAS ON MENTAL HEALTH.

>> AND TRAPEZE COUPLE SHARE WHY AUDIENCE INTERACTION MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE DURING SHOWTIME AT THE TEATRO ZINZANNI.

>> FIRST, SOME OF TODAY'S TOP STORIES... >> COOK COUNTY CHIEF JUDGE TIM EVANS IS DENOUNCING MAYOR LIGHTFOOT'S SUGGESTION THOSE ACCUSED OF VIOLENT CRIMES SHOULD BE IN JAIL PRIOR TO TRIAL.

IN A STATEMENT EVANS SAID QUOTE... >> AND JUDGE IS SETTING A MILLION DOLLAR BAIL FOR A MAN ACCUSED OF SHOOTING AN ENGLEWOOD POLICE OFFICER SUNDAY.

JER MOMENT HALLSY CLAIMS HE FEARED FOR HIS LIFE WHEN HE OPENED FIRE DURING A TRAFFIC STOP HE IS CHARGED WITH TWO COUNTS OF ATTEMPTED FIRST DEGREE MURDER AND OTHER CHARGES.

YOU CAN FIND MORE ON THIS STORY ON OUR WEBSITE.

>> ONE WIN, TWO LOSSES FOR CHICAGO'S STARBUCKS LOCATIONS VOTING TO UNIONIZE.

WORKERS AT STARBUCKS SHOPS IN HYDE PARK VOTED TO JOIN A UNION AND VOTES FAILED AT LOGAN SQUARE AND DOWNTOWN COFFEE SHOPS ACCORDING TO ELECTION RESULTS SHARED TODAY.

THE ADDITION OF HYDE PARK BRINGS THE NUMBER OF UNIONIZED STARBUCKS LOCATIONS IN THE CHICAGO AREA TO FOUR.

MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT MADE IT OFFICIAL SHE IS SEEKING REELECTION.

AND LATE LAST WEEK, ANOTHER CANDIDATE GOT INTO THE RACE THAT IS 6TH WARD ALDERMAN RODERICK SAWYER.

SAWYER HAS A LONG HISTORY WITH CITY HALL HIS FATHER EUGENE SERVED AS MAYOR AFTER THE DEATHS OF HAROLD WASHINGTON.

AND IN 2011 THE YOUNGER SAWYER WAS ELECTED TO LEAD THE WARD WHERE HE WAS BORN AND RAISED.

A CRITIC OF LIGHTFOOT SAYS HE HAS A CLEAR VISION WHERE HE WANTS TO TAKE THE CITY.

AND ALDERMAN RODERICK SAWYER JOINS US NOW.

YOU WERE AN ALLY OF LIGHTFOOT.

WHAT FRAYED IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP AND WHAT DIFFERENT DIRECTION DO YOU WANT TO TAKE THE CITY?

>> GOOD AFTERNOON AND THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME ON TODAY.

I WANT TO TAKE A DIRECTIONTORS COLLABORATION, ALL PEOPLE GOING THE SAME WAY.

YOU'VE HEARD THE SAME A RISING TIDE FLOATS ALL BOATS.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE WE ARE ALL IN ONE ACCORD GOING IN THE SAME DIRECTION.

WE ALL WANT THE SAME THINGS.

WE WANT SAFETY.

WE ALL WANT SAFE STREETS AND BUSTLING BUSINESSES AND GOOD SCHOOLS IT IS NOT COMPLICATED BUT IT IS AN ALL HANDS ON DECK APPROACH AND THAT IS THE WHAT WE'RE MISSING RIGHT NOW.

>> YOU FEEL THAT MAYOR LIGHTFOOT ALIENATED TOO MANY PEOPLE.

HOW HAS SHE DONE THAT?

>> I BELIEVE THAT WE NEED TO VEER AWAY FROM THE TOP DOWN AUTHORITARIAN TYPE APPROACH AND ENGAGE IN A COLLABORATIVE APPROACH.

DEALING WITH OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS.

OUR ALDERMEN.

MAKING SURE THAT WE'RE TRUE PARTNERS IN WHAT GOES FORWARD AND MAKING SURE OUR CITY IS SAFE AND FLOWSH RISHING AND THE COUNTY AND STATE BECAUSE WE NEED RESOURCES FROM THEM.

WE NEED LAWS CHANGED OUR STATE PARTNERS TO ASSIST US IN THAT.

WE HAVE TO HAVE IT ALTOGETHER, EVERYBODY BEING STRONGER TOGETHER.

>> THERE IS OTHER DECLARED CANDIDATES.

NOTABLY LIGHTFOOT, WILLIE WILSON AND KAM BUCKNER, PAUL VALLAS AND RAYMOND LOPEZ.

HOW DO YOU DIFFERENTIATE YOURSELF FROM THAT FIELD?

>> I BELIEVE I AM A PERSON THAT WORKS WELL WITH OTHER PEOPLE.

MY ABILITY TO GATHER SUPPORT AND WORK ON THINGS TOGETHER DISTINGUISHES ME FROM SOME OF THE OTHER INDIVIDUALS.

I THINK I HAVE A GRASP ON CITY FINANCES AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT.

AND AGAIN, I THINK THAT THE ABILITY TO MAKE SURE THAT WE'RE ALL ON THE SAME PAGE BUT WE ARE WILLING TO MAKE THAT TOUGH CHOICE AND HAVE THE TOUGH CONVERSATIONS.

I THINK THAT SETS ME APART FROM THE OTHERS.

>> ONE OF THE TOUGH CONVERSATIONS THE CURFEW PROPOSAL WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS TO SOLVE THE GUN VIOLENCE PROBLEM IN CHICAGO?

>> WELL, THAT IS A COUPLE OF AREAS OF APPROACHING.

WE WILL GET INTO THAT LATER.

I WILL SAY THIS... FIRST ON A LARGER SCALE, WE NEED TO LET THE SUPERINTENDENT DO THEIR JOB.

WE DON'T HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THE RANK-AND-FILE BECAUSE THEY FEEL THAT THE SUPERINTENDENT MAY NOT BE WITH THEM.

WHEN YOU TALK TO OFFICERS ON THE STREET THEY FEEL THEY DON'T HAVE THE SUPPORT FROM THE UPPER-LEVEL AND THEY THINK THEY NEED THAT AND WE NEED TO HAVE A SUPERINTENDENT WHERE PEOPLE WILL AS THEY SAY, WALK THROUGH A BRICK WALL FOR THAT PERSON.

WE NEED THAT TYPE OF SUPERINTENDENT THAT WILL COMMAND THE RESPECT OF THE RANK-AND-FILE MAKING SURE THAT THEY CAN DO THEIR JOBS EFFECTIVELY.

>> YOU DON'T BELIEVE THAT IS THE CURRENT SUPERINTENDENT DAVID BROWN.

WOULD A REPLACEMENT HAVE TO COME FROM WITHIN C.P.D.

OR DO A NATIONWIDE SEARCH?

>> I WOULD DEPEND ON THE COMMISSION WE WORKED ON AND FORMED TO GET A CANDIDATE.

>> THIS IS THE CIVILIAN OFFICE OF POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY COMMISSION.

>> THAT IS CORRECT.

WE WORKED ON MYSELF AND MY COLLEAGUES WE WORKED ON THIS FOR MANY, MANY YEARS AND WE GOT IT IN PLACE.

LET'S TRUST THAT PROCESS.

AND MAKE SURE THEY DO WHAT IS NECESSARY TO VET THE CANDIDATES AND PICK ONE THAT WOULD COMMAND THE RESPECT OF THE RANK-AND-FILE.

>> AS YOU KNOW MAYOR LIGHTFOOT LAID A LOT OF THE BLAME ON COOK COUNTY JUDGES AND THE STATE'S ATTORNEY.

SHE WAS CRITICIZED FOR COMMENTS SAYING SHE BELIEVES DEFENDANTS CHARGED FOR VIOLENT CRIMES SHOULD NEVER BE RELEASED ON BAIL.

DO YOU AGREE WITH THAT SENT.

>> THAT IS A VAST OVERSTATEMENT.

I THINK THAT WAS TO BE HONEST WITH YOU, I MUST SAY IT WAS A STATEMENT THAT WAS RECKLESS TO STATE.

I THINK THAT JUDGES ARE INTELLIGENT PEOPLE.

I THINK THEY CAN SEE IT FOR WHAT IT'S WORTH.

IF THEY DEFENDANT COME BEFORE THEM AND THE FACTS ARE HEAVY, AGAINST THAT PERSON, AND IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC SAFETY, THE JUDGE SHOULD REMAND THAT PERSON HAVE THEM AND BOUND THEM OVER TO BE IN JAIL UNTIL THEIR TRIAL COMES UP.

IF THERE'S OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES THAT WILL MAYBE ALLOW THAT PERSON HIGH BAIL OR MID-BAIL, THE JUDGES ARE SMART ENOUGH TO MAKE THAT DECISION.

I WOULD NOT CAST A NET OVER EVERY DEFENDANT IN THAT WAY.

>> ALL RIGHT.

I WANT TO MOVE ON TO EDUCATION.

THE C.T.U.

CONTRACT WITH C.P.S.

WOULD COME UP EARLY IN THE NEXT MAYORAL TENURE.

HOW WOULD YOU PROPOSE TO KEEP LABOR PEACE AND KEEP A STRIKE FROM HAPPENING AND CHECK CHICAGO TAXPAYERS?

>> FIRST THING YOU DO IS TALK ABOUT THE ISSUES NOW.

DAY ONE COMING IN I WOULD MEET WITH THE C.T.U.

OFFICIALS AND WITH C.P.S.

AND LET'S FIND OUT WHAT IS BEST FOR THE CHILDREN.

WE ALL HAVE TO UNDERSTAND WHATEVER OCCURS WHETHER IT'S CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS OR ISSUES LABOR TO EDUCATION, THIS IS ALL ABOUT CHILDREN.

WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THE CHILDREN ARE GETTING THE BEST THAT THEY DESERVE AND THEY ARE ENTITLED TO.

SO WEEKING WOULD THEM -- WORKING WITH THEM AND WORKING WITH C.T.U.

ABOUT MONETARY ISSUES AND NONMONETARY ISSUES TO MAKE SURE WE ARE DOING THE BEST FOR OUR CHILDREN DAY ONE.

>> WE MENTIONED YOUR FATHER.

EUGENE.

I SEE HIS PICTURE OVER YOUR SHOULDER THERE.

HE WAS KIND OF THE CONSENSUS CANDIDATE AFTER HAROLD WASHINGTON DIED TO QUELL THE COUNCIL WARS WATER.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM YOUR FATHER?

AND WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT HIS TENURE?

>> WELL, WOW, I LEARNED A LOT.

MY FATHER ALWAYS TOLD ME A FEW THINGS AS IT RELATES TO POLITICS.

ALWAYS MAKE FRIENDS.

IT'S ABOUT ADDITION NOT DIVISION.

AND CITY POLITICS LOOK TO COUNT TO 26.

THESE ARE THINGS BUT HE TOLD ME MOST IMPORTANTLY DON'T BE NASTY, STAY POSITIVE, STAY UPBEAT AND TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH OTHER PEOPLE COLLABORATIVELY AND GET PEOPLE TOGETHER AND MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE FIGHTING FOR WHAT IS REALLY IMPORTANT AND THAT IS THE PEOPLE OF CHICAGO.

>> AND 26 VOTES THAT IS WHAT YOU NEED ON CITY COUNCIL TO GET THE MAJORITY OF ALDERPEOPLE ON YOUR SIDE.

ALDERMAN RODERICK SAWYER THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING WITH US.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.

>> AND NOW TO BRANDIS FOR A LOOK AT MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES KIDS AND YOUNG ADULTS ARE FACING.

>> PARIS, GUNS WERE THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATHS AMONG CHILDREN AND TEENS IN 2020.

THAT IS ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS.

2017 GUN VIOLENCE REPLACED THE DECADES LONG HISTORY OF MOTOR VEHICLE CRASHES BEING THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE BECAUSE OF AUTO SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS AND INCREASING NUMBERS OF GUNS IN THE COUNTRY.

THE MURDER RATE WITH HANDGUNS WAS THE HIGHEST IN 25 YEARS WITH 10,000 GUN RELATED DEATHS OF CHILDREN AND ADULTS YOUNGER THAN 24 YEARS OLD COMPARED TO 7900 IN 2019.

FIREARM RELATED MURDERS INCREASED 35% AMONG CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS FROM 2019 TO 2020.

JOINING US TO TALK ABOUT HOW THIS IS IMPACTING YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH ARE DION MCGILL COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH MANAGER WITH THE STRENGTHENING CHICAGO'S YOUTH PROGRAM AT LURIE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL.

INDIA PING ARD WHO WILL BE ATTENDING WILBUR WRIGHT COLLEGE IN THE FALL AND DOMINIQUE YOUNG A FRESHMAN AT MALCOM X COLLEGE.

DOMINIQUE YOUNG TELL US ABOUT THE WORK YOU HAVE BEEN DOING WITH BUILD AND SCHOOL OUTREACH?

>> THE TYPE OF WORK THAT I WAS DOING LIKE THIS IS A GROUP I AM A PART OF THAT IS FUNDED BY THE OBAMA FOUNDATION.

>> MY BROTHER'S KEEPER.

>> THEY HELP PEOPLE LIKE ME BECOME MENTORS.

THEY HAVE ME IN TRAINING.

AND I HOPE OTHERS WILL DO THE SAME THING.

>> HELPING PEOPLE DO THE SAME THING THAT YOU'RE DOING BECOMING A PEER MENTOR?

>> YES.

LIKE GETTING OUT IN THE FIELD AND HELPING OUT IN THE COMMUNITY.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH, COMMUNITY EN GAJ.

AND STUFF LIKE THAT.

>> INDIA HOW HAVE YOU SEEN YOUR AND THE WORK OF COMMUNITIES UNITED BE IMPACTFUL FOR YOUNG PEOPLE?

>> BECAUSE WE ACTUALLY WILL GO OUT AND HELP YOUTH THAT IS IN OUR COMMUNITIES AND TRY TO GET AS MANY YOUNG PEOPLE TO SHARE THEIR VOICES BECAUSE THEY HAVE ONE.

>> DO YOU FEEL LIKE IT'S MAKING THE DIFFERENCE GIVING THE YOUNG PEOPLE TO SPEAK UP DO YOU FEEL IT'S HELPFUL FOR THEM?

>> UM, SOMETIMES.

YOU KNOW SOMETIMES THE YOUTH WHO PARTICIPATE AND SOMETIMES THE YOUTH DO NOT.

>> OK. DION MCGILL LURIE PARTICIPATED IN A STUDY THIS YEAR THAT FOUND THAT 66% OF YOUNG MEN OF COLOR REPORTED FACING CHALLENGES WITH THEIR MENTAL HEALTH.

TALK TO US ABOUT SOME OF THE ROOT CAUSES OF THOSE CHALLENGES.

>> YEAH, ABSOLUTELY.

SO ACTUALLY IN JUST TO POINT OUT THAT RESEARCH WAS DONE WITH COMMUNITY UNITED AND THE BOYS THERE.

I WANTED TO MAKE SURE SHOUT THEM OUT.

BUT THEY HIGHLIGHTED A LOT OF DIFFERENT CHALLENGES.

ONE OF THE ONES THAT STUCK OUT TO ME WAS THE IDEA THAT THEY ARE NOT REALLY SEEN BEYOND THIS CHARACTER TOUR AS BEING LIKE THREATS TO THEIR ENVIRONMENT.

AND NOT BEING SEEN AS YOUNG MEN.

MOST OF THE YOUNG MEN OF COLOR I INTERACTION ARE RESEARCHERS THAT WORK WITH LURIE CHILDREN'S.

BUT WE DON'T HEAR THAT TITLE THAT PORTRAYAL OR LOOKING AT DOMINIQUE THEY ARE YOUNG AMBASSADORS AND MENTORS.

AND THAT CAME OUT IN MANY OF THE DISCUSSIONS THAT THEY ARE NEVER DEFINED THAT WAY.

IT'S DEFINED BY THIS IDEA OF A LOWEST COMMON DENOMINATOR AND THAT WEIGHS ON YOUR MENTAL HEALTH WHEN PEOPLE TELL YOU YOU'RE NOT CAPABLE OF BEING A RESEARCHER AND GREATNESS.

SO THAT WAS ONE OF THE KEY THINGS THAT JUMPED OUT TO ME.

>> I'M SURE THAT MATTERS TO HEAR THAT.

DOMINIQUE HOW WOULD YOU SAY GUN VIOLENCE HAS AFFECTED YOUR OWN MENTAL HEALTH?

>> I FEEL LIKE IT CHANGED HOW I MOVE AND CARRY MYSELF.

BECAUSE LIKE ALL THE STUFF I HAVE BEEN THROUGH I DON'T WANT TO PUT MYSELF BACK THROUGH THAT.

SOMETIMES STUFF LIKE THAT WILL PUT YOU IN DEPRESSION MODE AND YOU GIVE UP ON YOURSELF STUFF LIKE THAT TRAUMA BASICALLY.

>> INDIA WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO DO THIS WORK AROUND VIOLENCE AND MENTAL HEALTH?

>> IT'S IMPORTANT TO DO THIS WORK BECAUSE I AM A YOUNG MOM MYSELF.

AND IT REALLY UPSETS ME JUST TO KNOW THAT WE CANNOT HAVE [INAUDIBLE] WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL WHERE WE TAKE OUR CHILDREN WHERE WE SEND THEM ALL DAY.

AND ME, MYSELF I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED GUN VIOLENCE BUT I HAVE SOMEBODY IN MY FAMILY THAT TOOK THEIR LIFE THROUGH GUN VIOLENCE.

IT HAS A BIG IMPACT ON HOW I MOVE, HOW JUST HOW I GO ABOUT MY DAY-TO-DAY LIFE.

>> I'M SURE.

DION MCGILL WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF YOUNG PEOPLE IF TRAUMA AND MENTAL HEALTH ARE NOT ADDRESSED?

>> YOU KNOW, I'M NOT A DOCTOR I'M NOT A MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL.

BUT WE OFTEN TALK ABOUT THIS.

IT CAME OUT DISCUSSIONS IN THE RESEARCH LIKE DOMINIQUE SAID ANXIETY, NERVOUSNESS, RESORTING TO VIOLENCE TO SOLVE PROBLEMS NOT BEING ABLE TO SHOW ONE'S ANGER AND HONESTLY, I MEAN PTSD IS REAL.

WE SEE THIS IN YOUTH AND I SEE THEM NODDING HER HEADS WE SEE LEGIT PTSD SYMPTOMS IN YOUTH THROUGH THE TRAUMATIZIZATION IN SOME NEIGHBORHOODS CONSTANT TRAUMATIZATION.

AND LIKE I SAID I AM NOT A MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL BUT THIS CAN AFFECT BRAIN DEVELOPMENT AND THEIR ABILITY TO CONCENTRATE AND IT AFFECTS ACADEMIC AND IT BECOMES AN ONGOING SPIRAL OF FACTS.

>> WE KNOW WHAT THE RESEARCH TELLS US.

>> DOMINIQUE, HOW HAS HAVING THE SUPPORT SYSTEMS LIKE BUILD HOW HAS THAT HELPED WITH YOUR OWN MENTAL STRESS?

>> LIKE HELPED ME GET A PEACE OF MIND.

THROUGH THE TRAUMA OR GUN VIOLENCE LIKE THEY GIVE ME LIKE A SAFE ZONE TO EXPRESS MYSELF AND I DON'T HAVE TO TAKE A TOLL ON EVERYTHING.

I STILL GOT TO GO TO SCHOOL AND LIVE IN THE COMMUNITY I LIVE IN AND WORRY IF I'M GOING TO GET SHOT TODAY IT HELPS ME CALM DOWN AND REGROUP SO I CAN KEEP MOVING FORWARD.

>> OF COURSE.

INDIA WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THE CITY TO INVEST IN YOUNG PEOPLE?

>> REALLY SEE THE CITY INVESTING IN YOUNG PEOPLE BUT THIS CURFEW GIVE US MORE OPPORTUNITIES GIVE US MORE MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES.

GIVE US MORE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS.

GIVE US MORE JUST RESOURCES.

BECAUSE WE NEED THOSE RESOURCES AND WE DON'T HAVE THE RESOURCES THAT WE NEED.

>> INDIA WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE OR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE WHO MIGHT GET INVOLVED THE WAY YOU AND DOMINIQUE ARE.

>> DON'T BE AFRAID TO HAVE A VOICE SPEAK UP FOR WHAT YOU FEEL IS NECESSARY.

DON'T BE AFRAID.

BECAUSE YOU HAVE A VOICE.

>> DOMINIQUE SAME QUESTION TO YOU.

WHAT IS YOUR RECOMMENDATION FOR OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE?

>> PIGGY BACK ON WHAT INDIA SAID BEER SUFFICIENT AND DON'T BE AFRAID TO GET STUFF OFF YOUR CHEST.

DON'T STAY INSIDE THE BOX BECAUSE THAT BOX IS NOT ALTHOUGH GOING TO BE THERE.

>> MY THANKS TO DION MCGILL, DOMINIQUE YOUNG AND INDIA PINARD FOR JOINING US.

>> AND THIS CONVERSATION IS PART OF A FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH THIS MONTH HERE ON "CHICAGO TONIGHT."

LEADING UP TO THE JUNE 27TH PREMIER OF THE TWO-PART DOCUMENTARY HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT.

YOUTH MENTAL ILLNESS PRESENTED HERE ON WTTW.

WE'RE BACK IN MORE IN JUST A MOMENT.

BUT FIRST, A LOOK AT THE WEATHER... >> TEATRO ZINZANNI HAS RETURNED FOR A DINER AND SHOW EXPERIENCE LIKE ANY OTHER.

ARTS CORRESPONDENT, ANGEL IDOWU INTRODUCED US TO THE CHICAGO ARTISTS TAKING CENTER STAGE UNDER THE BIG TOP WITH CIRCUS PERFORMERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD.

HERE IS ANOTHER LOOK.

>> WELCOME TO THE BIG TOP HOME OF TEATRO ZINZANNI.

[♪♪♪] >> IT'S CIRQUE DU SOLEI MEETS CABARET WITH A LITTLE CIRCUS ACTION IN-BETWEEN.

>> YOU CAN SEE ANY MUSIC IN CHICAGO.

THINGS ARE STARTING TO OPEN UP AGAIN.

AND LOTS OF DIFFERENT STORIES BEING TOLD.

NONE OF THAT IS GOING TO BE ANYTHING LIKE WHAT HAPPENS IN HERE.

>> COMPRISED THE CIRCUS PERFORMERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD, THE DINNER AND A SHOW IS REMINDING AUDIENCES WHAT IT'S LIKE TO CONSUME LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AGAIN.

[♪♪♪] STEPHANIE THOMAS PLAYS MADAM.

SHE GREW UP SINGING AND PERFORMING BUT NOTHING COMPARES TO THIS EXPERIENCE.

>> I'VE BEEN VERY INTERESTED IN JUST WATCHING THE AUDIENCE AND HONESTLY SEEING WHAT THEY CONNECT TO AND HOW.

IT'S LIKE GOSH I REALLY WANT TO GIVE THEM WHAT THEY WANT AND WHAT CAN I DO IN MY PERFORMANCE TO DO THAT HOW CAN I BE THE BEST VERSION OF THIS CHARACTER?

MY JOB IS TO PLEASE YOU RIGHT NOW NOT FOR ME TO STAND UP FOR MYSELF AS AN ARTIST OR TRY TO WIN AN AWARD I WANT TO MAKE YOU HAVE A GOOD TIME.

>> UNLIKE TRADITIONAL SHES, TEATRO ZINZANNI ALMOST ALWAYS RELIES ON IMPROV.

>> THE TWO WEEKS OF REHEARSAL LET'S MAKE ALL THE PEOPLE DON'T DIE AND EVERYTHING ELSE WE'LL FIGURE OUT IN FRONT OF PEOPLE.

IN FRONT OF AN AUDIENCE.

SO, YES THERE'S BEEN LIKE WE'VE ADDED IN SONGS, CHANGED SONGS.

DIFFERENT TRANSITIONS.

YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING TO WORK UNTIL ARE YOU IN FRONT OF AN AUDIENCE IT'S UNCONVENTIONAL FROM WHAT I'M USED TO.

NOW THAT I GET IT I'M GRATEFUL TO HAVE THE FLEXIBILITY.

>> TRAPEZE COUPLE AGREE WITH TEATRO ZINZANNI THEY HAVE TURNING AND TWISTING TOGETHER FOR MORE THAN A DECADE.

WHILE THE WORK ALLOWED THEM TO TOUR THE WORLD NOTHING IS LIKE THIS PRODUCTION.

>> THIS HAS MORE STORY AND I WOULD SAY MORE INTEGRATION BETWEEN THE CAST.

>> WE GET TO INTERACT WITH THE GUESTS HERE.

LIKE MOST OF THE SHOWS WE WORK YOU JUST DO YOUR ACT AND THAT'S IT.

>> IT MAKES THE AUDIENCE MORE APPRECIATIVE OF WHAT THEY ARE SEEING AS WELL BECAUSE THEY SEE YOU AS A FULLER HUMAN BEING AND CLOSER UP.

>> BY THE TIME WE'VE GET TO OUR ACT WE'VE HAD LOTS OF EXPERIENCES WITH THE GUESTS.

WE'VE PLAYED WITH THEM AND TALKED WITH THEM AND WHEN WE ARE ON THE TRAPEZE IT IS MORE OF A CONNECTION.

>> IT'S JUST LIKE THE MONKEY BARS.

>> I DON'T KNOW IF I CAN DO THIS.

>> IT WAS AFTER A TEMPTED A COUPLE OF ROUTINES THAT I REALIZED JUST HOW MUCH UPPER BODY STRENGTH IS NEEDED TO PERFORM IN THE AIR.

>> WHEN SHOWTIMES BEGINS THE TRAPEZE ARTISTS SWING 14 FEET FROM THE AIR.

>> THE CIRCUS IS ART IS AT THE INTERSECTION OF GYMNASTICS, DANCE AND THEATRE.

THAT IS WHY THEY TRAIN THREE TO FOUR DAYS A WEEK FOR FOUR HOURS A DAY.

>> ON THE ACT, WE WILL DO ANYTHING THAT FEELS A LITTLE OFF DURING THE ACT WE'LL PRACTICE THE SEQUENCES AND THEN WE'LL PLAY.

WE'LL WORK ON SOMETHING NEW OR SOMETHING FOR FUN.

AND THEN WE END EACH PRACTICE WITH CONDITIONING I'M PULLING HER UP AND TRAPEZE IS A FULL BODY WORKOUT JUST DOING IT IS A WORKOUT AND HAVE FUN DOING IT.

>> IT'S GREAT TO BE INVOLVED IN A SHOW WHERE THE ENSEMBLE EXTENDS BEYOND THE STAGE.

>> PEOPLE ARE GRATEFUL TO BE OUT AND HAVE FUN.

THAT LIKE ANIMATING WITH THE GUESTS IT WAS IN THE PAST LIKE IT TOOK A LITTLE BIT TO WARM-UP AND HERE NOW THEY JUST WANT TO PLAY.

SO IT'S REALLY NICE THING BEING ABLE TO INTERACT BECAUSE THEY WANT TO GET INTO THE JOKE AND SEE WHAT YOU ARE DOING SO YOU FEEL MORE I DON'T KNOW.

>> FEEDBACK, MORE ENERGY.

>> I ALSO FEEL LIKE THE INTERACTION MAKES IT THEM REALIZE HOW DIFFERENT LIVE PERFORMANCE IS FROM SCREEN.

>> FOR "CHICAGO TONIGHT" I'M ANGEL IDOWU.

>> AND YOU CAN CATCH TEATRO ZINZANNI PERFORMANCES WEDNESDAYS THROUGH SUNDAYS UNTIL AUGUST.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR DETAILS.

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 TUESDAY NIGHT.

BEFORE WE GO, A REMINDER THAT ILLINOIS' PRIMARY ELECTION IS THREE WEEKS AWAY.

CHECK OUT OUR 2022 VOTER GUIDE THAT LAUNCHED TODAY.

>> YOU CAN HEAR FROM THE CANDIDATES IN THEIR OWN WORDS ON WHY THEY WANT YOUR VOTE.

YOU CAN FIND YOUR POLLING LOCATION ON ELECTION DAY.

THAT AT WTTW.COM/VOTER GUIDE.

AND JOIN US TOMORROW NIGHT LIVE AT 7:00 P.M. WE FOLLOW MAYOR LIGHTFOOT'S DAY LONG REELECTION CAMPAIGN LAUNCH ACROSS CHICAGO.

>> PLUS THE JANUARY 6 HEARINGS AND IMPACT ON MIDTERM ELECTIONS OUR SPOTLIGHT POLITICS TEAM ON THAT AND MORE.

AND NOW FOR ALL OF US HERE AT "CHICAGO TONIGHT" I'M PARIS SCHUTZ.

>> I'M BRANDIS FRIEDMAN.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE.

AND HAVE A GOOD NIGHT.

[♪♪♪]