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

I'M PARIS SCHUTZ.

>> AND I'M BRANDIS FRIEDMAN.

ON THE SHOW TONIGHT... >> ABORTION IS HEALTHCARE.

>> ABORTION RIGHTS ARE IN LIMBO ACROSS THE COUNTRY WE HEAR FROM STATE LAWMAKERS WHERE ABORTION STANDS IN ILLINOIS.

>> THEN CAME THE IMPETUS TO CHANGE EVERYTHING.

>> THE THIRD BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT SOMETIMES GETS IGNORED BUT NOT BY US.

A LOOK AT THE JUDICIAL CONTEST AHEAD.

>> CALLS FOR AN INVESTIGATION INTO A SENIOR LIVING FACILITY FOLLOWING THE DEATHS OF THREE RESIDENTS.

>> UNIDENTIFIED AERIAL PHENOMENA ARE A POTENTIAL NATIONAL SECURITY THREAT AND THEY NEED TO BE TREATED THAT WAY.

>> AND UPDATE ON THE GOVERNMENT PROGRAM TO TRACK UFO'S.

>> SKOKIE OFFICIALS ARE PUMPING THE BRAKES ON PLANS FOR A CONTROVERSIAL CARVANA TOWER.

>> ADDRESSING ECONOMIC INEQUITIES WE HEAR FROM THE OUTGOING LEADER ON THE CHICAGO COMMUNITY TRUST ON HER ORGANIZATION'S WORK.

>> IT IS A STRUCTURED CHAOS.

>> AND A PLAY WITHIN A PLAY IS PROVIDING COMIC RELIEF AT THE BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE.

BUT FIRST, SOME OF TODAY'S TOP STORIES... >> THE PRESIDENT AND FIRST LADY WERE IN BUFFALO, NEW YORK TODAY TO MOURN THE VICTIMS OF SATURDAY'S MASS SHOOTING AT A LOCAL GROCERY STORE.

10 PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND THREE INJURED.

11 OF THE 13 SHOT WERE BLACK.

THE ALLEGED SHOOTER 18-YEAR-OLD PAYTON GENDRON WAS RADICALIZED ON-LINE AND ESPOUSED FAR RIGHT RACIST CONSPIRACY THEORY CALLED THE WHITE REPLACEMENT IT HOLDS THERE IS A CONSPIRACY TO REPLACE WHITE WITH VOTERS OF COLOR AND MIGRANTS.

>> HATE THROUGH THE MEDIA AND POLITICS, THE INTERNET, HAS RADICALIZED ANGRY, ALIENATED AND LOST AND ISOLATED INDIVIDUALS INTO FALSELY BELIEVING THAT THEY WILL BE REPLACED, THE WORD REPLACED, BY THE OTHER.

BY PEOPLE WHO DON'T LOOK LIKE THEM.

WHITE SUPREMACY IS A POISON.

IT IS A POISON.

[APPLAUSE] >> CHICAGO'S TOP DOCTOR SAYS SHE HAS NO IMMEDIATE PLANS TO REIMPOSE AN INDOOR MASK MANDATE.

Dr. ALLISON ARWADY SAYS EVEN IF FEDERAL HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN COOK COUNTY RESIDENTS THEY FACE A HIGH-RISK OF CONTRACTING COVID-19 CHICAGO OFFICIAL ALSO NOT IMMEDIATELY REIMPOSE THE MANDATE.

>> IF THE CITY WERE TO PUT A MASK REQUIREMENT IN PLACE, IT WOULD BE BECAUSE WE ARE THREATENING OUR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM HERE IN CHICAGO.

SO IF WE HIT SOME OF THOSE THRESHOLDS OF STARTING TO REALLY SEE A LOT OF HOSPITAL BEDS TAKEN UP BY COVID PATIENTS THAT IS THE SETTING WHICH WE WOULD CONSIDER AN INDOOR MASK MANDATE.

>> A MAN CHARGED WITH SHOOTING A CULINARY STUDENT MULTIPLE TIMES DURING AN ATTEMPTED ROBBERY TERRORIZED THE NEIGHBORHOODS THROUGH A SERIES OF ARMED ROBBERIES.

THE 19-YEAR-OLD TYSHON BROWNLEE HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH ONE COUNT EACH OF ATTEMPTED FIRST DEGREE MURDER AND ATTEMPTED ROBBERY STEMMING FROM THE NONFATAL MAY 6TH SHOOTING OF CULINARY STUDENT DAKOTAH EARLEY.

>> WE WILL NOT TOLERATE VIOLENCE IN THE CITY.

TOO MANY PRECIOUS LIVES ARE BEING HURT OR TAKEN AWAY BECAUSE OF A SHEAR DISREGARD OF HOW MANY LIFE AND THAT -- HUMAN LIFE AND THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE.

TYSHON BROWNLEE IS HELD WITHOUT BAIL.

>> UP NEXT, STATE LAWMAKERS WEIGH-IN ON THE FUTURE OF REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS IN ILLINOIS.

STAY WITH US.

>> Announcer: "CHICAGO TONIGHT" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY...

THE FUTURE OF ABORTION RIGHTS HAS BECOME A HOT BUTTON ISSUE SINCE THE LEAK OF A SUPREME COURT DRAFT THAT SIGNAL ANSWER OVERTURNING OF ROE VS. WADE.

GOVERNOR J.B. PRITZKER HAS EMPHASIZED THAT ILLINOIS WILL REMAIN A SAFE STATE FOR PEOPLE TO ACCESS ABORTIONS EVEN IF FEDERAL PROTECTIONS ARE REMOVED.

AND JOINING US ARE REPRESENTATIVE ANNA MOELLER A DEMOCRAT FROM ELGIN.

STATE REPRESENTATIVE THOMAS MORRISON, A REPUBLICAN FROM PALATINE.

AND STATE SENATOR CRISTINA PACIONE-ZAYAS, A DEMOCRAT REPRESENTING CHICAGO.

WELCOME ALL OF YOU BACK TO "CHICAGO TONIGHT."

FOR THOSE CONFUSED CLARIFY FOR ILLINOISANS WHAT THE LAW SAYS HERE SHOULD THAT DRAFT OPINION OF ROE VS. WADE BECOME THE FINAL RULING?

>> WELL, IN ILLINOIS, ABORTION WILL STAY SAFE, LEGAL, AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE EVEN IN THE EVENT OF ROE VS. WADE BEING OVERTURNED BY THE SUPREME COURT.

WE AS A LEGISLATURE AND THE PRIOR GOVERNOR AND OUR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR HAVE SIGNED LEGISLATION TO INSURE THAT WOMEN AND INDIVIDUALS WHO NEED ACT ISES TO REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE WILL BE ABLE TO ACCESS THOSE SERVICES.

AND BE MADE AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE.

>> AND GOVERNOR PRITZKER HAS BEEN OUTSPOKEN.

LET'S GIVE A LISTEN TO WHAT HE SAID.

>> IT'S LONG PASTIME FOR THE NATION TO CODIFY ROE VS. WADE INTO LAW.

IF IT TAKES OVERHAULING THE FILIBUSTER THEN OVERHAUL THE FILIBUSTER.

IF IT REQUIRES COUNTLESS HOURS OF PLEADING AND DELIBERATION, THEN GET TO WORK.

IF IT TAKES COURAGE, FIND THE COURAGE.

>> SENATOR, AS YOU KNOW SEVERAL STATES WOULD OUTLAW ABORTION SHOULD ROE VS. WADE BE OVERTURNED SOME STATES ARE SEEKING CRIMINALIZING WOMEN WHO SEEK ABORTION.

WHAT ARE LAWMAKERS SAYING ABOUT OUT OF STATE WOMEN SEEKING AN ABORTION?

>> YESTERDAY, GOVERNOR J.B. PRITZKER ANNOUNCED TITLE 10 FUNDING WHICH GOES INTO THE FAMILY FUNDING PROGRAM IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH ADMINISTERS WITH DELEGATES AND 98 SITES ACROSS THE STATEMENT THEY ARE PLANNING FOR AN INCREASE OF 30-50% OF OUT OF STATE INDIVIDUALS SEEKING SAFE ABORTION.

THE OTHER THING I THINK THERE'S BEEN A LOT OF PROMOTION OF ABORTION FUNDS.

WE HAVE ONE THAT ARE ABLE TO ADMINISTER GRANTS AND TAKE CARE OF TRANSPORTATION AND HOUSING SHOULD INDIVIDUALS OUTSIDE OF ILLINOIS BE SEEKING A SAFE ABORTION WITHIN ILLINOIS.

>> REPRESENTATIVE MORRISON, ARE ILLINOIS REPUBLICANS CONTENT WITH ILLINOIS BEING SEEN AS SORT OF AN ABORTION OASIS IN THE MIDWEST?

>> WELL, I THINK DEMOCRATS HAVE REALLY THERE IS A HUGE DISCONNECT BETWEEN THE SORT OF POLICIES THEY ARE PUSHING AT THE STATE AND FEDERAL LEVEL AND WHERE THE MAJORITY OF VOTERS ARE.

WHETHER THEY LIVE IN ILLINOIS OR AROUND THE MIDWEST.

IT'S APPALLING AND SHOCKING TO ME TO HEAR MY LEGISLATIVE COLLEAGUES SAY THAT BASICALLY CHEERLEADING TAKING ILLINOIS TAX DOLLARS AND PAYING FOR ABORTIONS FOR OUT OF STATE RESIDENTS.

ILLINOIS RESIDENTS DON'T WANT TO PAY FOR ABORTIONS FOR INSTATE RESIDENTS.

POLL AFTER POLL HAS SHOWED THAT TAXPAYER FUNDING FOR ABORTION IS DECIDEDLY OUT OF THE MAINSTREAM, OUT OF THE MAJORITY OPINION.

BUT THAT IS WHAT SOME OF THE ABORTION INDUSTRY AND ABORTION PROPONENTS WITHIN ILLINOIS JUST CONTINUE TO PUSH AND LIKE I SAID THERE IS A HUGE DISCONNECT BETWEEN WHERE THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS ON THIS.

>> WHAT ABOUT THAT IS THERE A DISCONNECTION USING PUBLIC MONEY TO HELP FUND ABORTION AND WHERE THE MAINSTREAM PUBLIC OPINION IS?

>> I DON'T THINK SO.

POLL AFTER POLL SHOWS THAT A VAST MAJORITY OF AMERICANS SUPPORT ACCESS TO REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE INCLUDING ABORTION.

WHAT WE ARE DOING IN ILLINOIS IS INSURING ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE ABORTION IS HEALTHCARE.

AND THE SERVICES SHOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE TO THOSE WHO CAN AFFORD IT.

THOSE WHO HAVE PRIVATE INSURANCE.

EVERY WOMEN EVERY INDIVIDUAL WHO NEEDS ACCESS TO REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE SHOULD HAVE ACCESS TO THAT REGARDLESS OF THEIR FINANCIAL SITUATION.

>> HOW THE QUESTION IS FRAMED IS ABSOLUTELY CRITICAL.

BECAUSE WHEN IT'S FRAMED AS JUST GENETIC HEALTHCARE, WELL, YOU KNOW, WHO WOULD BE OPPOSED TO HEALTHCARE?

BUT WHEN THE WORD ABORTION IS USED, THEN THE FAVORITE BILL DROPS.

>> SENATOR YOU HAVE BEEN OUTSPOKEN SHOULD THE ROE VS. WADE LEAKED DRAFT BECOME THE FINAL RULING HOW IT WOULD AFFECT COMMUNITIES OF COLOR.

CAN YOU SPAIN HOW IT WOULD AFFECT -- EXPLAIN HOW IT WILL AFFECT THE WOMEN IN THE LATINA AND BLACK COMMUNITY?

>> WOMEN OF COLOR AND INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED FEE PAIL AT BIRTH OFTEN HAVE A DIFFICULT TIME NAVIGATING HEALTHCARE AND OBTAINING ACCESS.

WHETHER THAT BE THEIR LIMITED ECONOMIC RESOURCES OR CULTURALLY RESPONSIVE SERVICES AND LIMITED TAF THAT CAN ASSIST THEM IN THAT PROCESS.

SO I THINK WHEN WE THINK ABOUT THIS WE HAVE TO FRAME IT IT'S ABOUT BODILY AUTONOMY AND SELF DETERMINATION AND PRIVACY AND CHOICE.

THESE ARE REALLY BASIC FUNDAMENTAL HUMAN RIGHTS.

BUT PARTICULARLY WHEN WE THINK ABOUT SEEKING SAFE ABORTIONS AND REPRODUCTIVE SERVICES PARTICULARLY FOR COMMUNITIES OF COLOR AND INDIVIDUALS WHERE ENGLISH IS NOT THEIR FIRST LANGUAGE IT BECOMES DIFFICULT TO NAVIGATE.

>> REPRESENTATIVE MORRISON AS YOU KNOW, ILLINOIS DEMOCRATS ARE IN THE MAJORITY IN BOTH CHAMBERS AND THEY HAVE THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE.

DO YOU ANTICIPATE REPUBLICANS PUSHING FOR ANY KIND OF ANTIABORTION LAWS DOWN THE ROAD IN ILLINOIS?

>> WELL, I THINK JUST TALKING ABOUT WHERE ILLINOIS ACTUALLY IS SORT OF POLICIES THAT HAVE BEEN PUSHED, THERE IS A LOT OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT DOESN'T UNDERSTAND.

I MEAN BECAUSE, AGAIN, THERE'S SUCH A HUGE DISCONNECT BETWEEN WHERE VOTERS ARE AND WHAT COMMON SENSE IS AND THE SORT OF POLICIES PUSHED TAKE FOR EXAMPLE, THE REVEAL OF THE PARENTAL NOTICE BILL THAT JUST WAS SIGNED INTO LAW.

WHAT ABOUT SIX, SEVEN MONTHS AGO.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT THE POLLING 72% STATE-WIDE POLL WAS DONE IN MARCH OF 2021 BY THE TERRENCE GROUP, 72% OF PARENTS EITHER STRONGLY OR SUPPORTED THE NOTION THAT THE LAW SHOULD AT LEAST INFORM PARENTS IF THEIR MINOR DAUGHTERS ARE SEEKING AN ABORTION.

AND YET, THE DEMOCRATS PUSHED IT THROUGH.

THERE WERE DEMOCRAT NO VOTES THIS IS NOT JUST A REPUBLICAN-DEMOCRAT DIVIDE ISSUE.

THERE WERE DEMOCRAT LAWMAKERS THAT VOTED NO BECAUSE THEY UNDERSTAND THAT PARENTS HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THEIR MINOR DAUGHTERS.

WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THEIR HEALTHCARE DECISIONS.

THINK ABOUT YOU CANNOT GIVE THE SCHOOL CANNOT GIVE AN ASPIRIN, THE CHILD CANNOT DID ON A FIELD TRIP WITHOUT THE PARENTS ACKNOWLEDGING AND GIVING CONSENT.

AND YET, CHILDREN ARE GOING TO GO AND GET A MEDICAL PROCEDURE LIKE AN ABORTION WITHOUT A PARENTS KNOWING?

IT'S JUST CRAZY.

AND AGAIN IT FRIES IN THE FACE WHERE THE MAJORITY OF THE -- FLIES IN THE FACE WHERE THE PUBLIC IS.

>> YOU WERE A CHIEF SPONSOR WHY DID YOU FEEL IT WAS IMPORTANT?

>> IT'S IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT PROTECTS THE MOST VULNERABLE PEOPLE IN OUR STATE.

80% OF YOUNG PEOPLE GO TO THEIR PARENTS OR TO A TRUST ADULT WHEN THEY ARE -- WHEN THEY EXPERIENCE AN UNPLANNED PREGNANCY.

WHAT THE PARENTAL ACT DID WAS IT [INAUDIBLE] THOSE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WERE IN VERY DANGEROUS FAMILY SITUATIONS.

WHO SUFFERED FROM INCEST, POTENTIAL RAPE, PEOPLE AND THEIR FAMILIES WHO MAY HAVE ABUSED THEM.

AND REQUIRING THEM TO GO BACK TO THE SAME PEOPLE WHO HAVE VICTIMIZED THEM TO SEEK MEDICAL CARE AND PERMISSION TO HAVE AN ABORTION, PUT THEM IN JEOPARDY.

IT PUT THEM AT RISK OF FURTHER ABUSE, HOMELESSNESS, FORCED PREGNANCY.

WE ARE TALKING ABOUT THE MOST VULNERABLE AND MOST DANGEROUS FAMILY SITUATIONS IN OUR STATE.

>> ALL RIGHT WE HAVE TO LEAVE THE DISCUSSION HERE FOR NOW.

WE WILL BE JOINED AGAIN BY THE STATE LAWMAKERS TO DISCUSS NEW BILLS AIMED AT FIGHTING CRIME.

>> FOR NOW THUNDERSHOWER THANKS TO LAWMAKERS CRISTINA PACIONE-ZAYAS, ANNA MOELLER AND THOMAS MORRISON.

>> EARLY VOTING FOR THE JUNE 28TH PRIMARY BEGINS SOON ON THURSDAY.

THOUGH IN CHICAGO IT'S PUSHED BACK A WEEK TO MAY 26 TO ACCOMMODATE LATE CHANGES LIKE THE LATE AGREEMENT THAT MEANS CITY RESIDENTS WILL NOT VOTE ON A REFERENDUM ABOUT A NEW CITY WARD MAP.

THE TOP OF THE BALLOT STATE-WIDE RACES GET MOST OF THE ATTENTION BUT WHAT ABOUT THE THIRD BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT?

AMANDA VINICKY JOINS US WITH A PRIMER ON THE UPCOMING JUDICIAL ELECTIONS.

>> YES, PARIS.

FEDERAL JUDGES ARE APPOINTED AND CONFIRMED WE HAVE WITNESSED IN HEARINGS AS THE NATION'S HIGH COURT HAS SEEN TURNOVER IN REASON YEARS.

ILLINOIS HAS A LONG HISTORY OF ELECTING MOST OF ITS JUDGES.

SOMETHING THE STATE HAS DONE SINCE 1848 ACCORDING TO THE LAW PROFESSOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO.

ALSO BY THE WAY, INVOLVED WITH DRAFTING ILLINOIS' CONSTITUTION WHICH WAS APPROVED IN 1970.

SHE SAYS THAT ILLINOIS IS ONE OF 39 STATES THAT ELECTS SOME AND IN OUR CASE, MOST OF ITS JUDICIARY.

>> WE ELECT MOST OF OUR JUDGES.

THERE IS A GROUP OF JUDGES CALLED ASSOCIATE CIRCUIT JUDGES WHO HANDLE TRIALS.

AND THERE ARE ABOUT 400 OF THEM AROUND THE STATE AND THEY ARE PART OF THE CIRCUIT COURT.

THEY ARE APPOINTED FOR FOUR-YEAR TERMS BY THE ELECTED CIRCUIT JUDGES.

>> NOW, IF YOU ARE CONFUSED ABOUT WHO TO VOTE FOR, WHEN IT COMES TO THOSE ELECTED JUDGES, BAR ASSOCIATIONS ARE HERE TO HELP.

THEY PUT OUT RATINGS AFTER GOING THROUGH A LOT OF THEIR OWN INVESTIGATIONS THAT TELL YOU IF THEY THINK IF A CANDIDATE IS QUALIFIED OR NOT AND THEN OFTEN GIVE YOU DETAILS WHAT IS BEHIND THAT DECISION.

I SPOKE WITH THE LEADER OF THE CHICAGO BAR ASSOCIATION'S EVALUATIONS COMMITTEE AS HE WAS HEADING INTO A MEETING WITH A JUDICIAL CANDIDATE SEEKING A RATING FROM THE ASSOCIATION.

HE WARNS THAT IF YOU DO SEE SOMEBODY DEEMED NOT QUALIFIED, THAT ISN'T A PERMANENT BLACK MARK.

IT COULD BE THAT A CANDIDATE HAS BEEN A LAWYER FOR A DECADE RATHER THAN FOR A DOZEN YEARS NECESSARY TO BE DETERMINED AS QUALIFIED.

IT COULD HOWEVER BE SOMETHING MORE EGREGIOUS SO READ THE FINE PRINT.

THERE ARE GOING TO BE CONSEQUENTIAL JUDICIAL RACES FOR THE TOP OF THE BALLOT THIS ELECTION CYCLE.

I'M TALKING ABOUT THE STATE SUPREME COURT.

THAT IS A SEVEN-MEMBER BODY WHERE JUDGES WIN 10-YEAR TERMS AND UP FOR RETENTION IN WHICH THEY NEED TO RECEIVE SUPPORT FROM AT LEAST 60% OF VOTERS.

NOW, MORE ON THAT IN JUST A MOMENT.

JUST LIKE THE CHICAGO CITY COUNCIL AND THE ILLINOIS LEGISLATURE, THE MAP OF SUPREME COURT DISTRICTS HAS CHANGED THIS YEAR.

IT'S THE FIRST TIME IN DECADES THAT THIS HAS HAPPEN HAD THOUGH SOME HAVE BEEN CLAMORING FOR ADJUSTMENTS FOR A WHILE.

>> THE NORTHERN PART OF THE STATE, DUPAGE, LAKE, DEKALB ALL OF THAT AREA HAS REALLY GROWN IN POPULATION WHILE THE FARTHER SOUTHERN AREAS HAVE LOST POPULATION COMPARATIVELY.

>> BUT THOSE ARE LONG RUNNING TRENDS.

AND AS THE POPULATION IS SHIFTING, THE SUPREME COURT DISTRICTS STAYED THE SAME.

THAT CHANGED FOLLOWING 2020.

WHEN JUSTICE THOMAS KILBRIDE BECAME THE FIRST ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT JUSTICE TO LOSE A RETENTION BID.

>> AND IMMEDIATELY THE ILLINOIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, PRIMARILY THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY THERE, SAID WE WILL HAVE TO REDRAW THE DISTRICTS.

AND THE ARGUMENT IS MADE THEY HAVE REDRAWN THE DISTRICTS TO HAVE AT LEAST ONE DEMOCRAT FROM DOWN STATE COMBINEDDED WITH THE THREE FROM COOK COUNTY WOULD MAKE A PERMANENT DEMOCRATIC MAJORITY.

WE'LL SEE IF THAT TURNS OUT TO BE THE CASE.

>> NOW, PER THE STATE CONSTITUTION THREE OF THE SEVEN SUPREME COURT JUSTICES ARE ELECTED AT LARGE AND THE FIRST DISTRICT THAT IS COOK COUNTY AND THEY ARE ALL DEMOCRATS RIGHT NOW.

BUT DUE TO BOTH SHIFTING OF THE DISTRICTS AS WELL AS VACANCIES PARTISAN BATTLES ARE EXPECTED IN THE THIRD DISTRICT ALSO IN THE SECOND.

WHERE SUBURBAN VOTERS HAVE TO MAKE CHOICES IN THE PRIMARY.

DEMOCRATS RUNNING FOR THAT SECOND DISTRICT SEAT ARE JUDGE RENE CRUZ, ELIZABETH ROW FURTHER AND HIGHLAND PARK MAYOR.

AND REPUBLICANS FORMER LAKE COUNTY SHERIFF MARK CURRAN.

AND JUDGE JOHN NAVARINI AND DANIEL SHANES OF LAKE COUNTY.

OFTEN THESE RACES DON'T GET A LOT OF ATTENTION INCLUDING FROM VOTERS FOLKS IN THE MEDIA LIKE US EVEN AS THE FUROR OVER THE U.S. SUPREME COURT'S PENDING ABORTION OPINION SHOWS YES, THE JUDICIAL BRANCH IS SIGNIFICANT.

AND SHE SAYS ILLINOIS' HIGH COURT IS ESPECIALLY POWERFUL.

>> WE HAVE HAD A VERY POWERFUL ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT.

THEY RUN THE ENTIRE JUDICIARY THROUGH A SYSTEM OF RULES.

THEY MAKE THE APPOINTMENTS TO FILL THE VACANCIES FOR INSTANCE.

>> THE COURT ALSO, OF COURSE, HEARS CASES THAT COME UP AND RISE FROM THE APPELLATE LEVEL AND IT MAKES DECISION IN IMPORTANT ELECTION CASES AND ALSO SETTLES DISPUTES OVER MATTERS OF CONSTITUTIONAL QUESTIONS.

LIKE, BY THE WAY, REDISTRICTING.

EVEN PREELECTION THERE ARE GOING TO BE CHANGES AT THE HIGH COURT BECAUSE RITA GARMAN IS RETIRING.

THIS SUMMER, HER SPOT WILL BE FILLED BY APPOINTED JUDGE LISA HOLDER WHITE OF DECATUR.

HOLDER WHITE A REPUBLICAN WILL BE THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO SIT ON THE ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT.

WITH THAT PARIS, BACK TO YOU.

>> ALL RIGHT A LOT TO KEEP TRACK OF WITH THE JUDICIAL RACES.

>> AND UPDATED COOLING GUIDELINES AFTER THREE RESIDENTS ARE FOUND DEAD IN A SENIOR LIVING FACILITY.

>> THERE ARE CALLS FOR AN INVESTIGATION AND LEGISLATION AFTER THREE WOMEN WERE FOUND DEAD IN A SENIOR LIVING FACILITY.

THE WOMEN WERE FOUND SATURDAY AT THE JAMES SCHNEIDER APARTMENTS IN ROGERS PARK SHORTLY AFTER MULTIPLE HEAT COMPLAINTS FROM RESIDENTS AS CHICAGO TEMPERATURES HOVERED AROUND 90° LAST WEEK.

ALDERWOMAN MARIA HADDEN OF THE 49TH WARD JOINS US NOW.

SHE REPRESENTS ROGERS PARK AND WE INVITED THE LANDLORD HISPANIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION THEY DID SEND A STATEMENT WHICH WE WILL GET TO SHORTLY.

ALDERWOMAN THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

GIVE US A BRIEF TIMELINE WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED HEARING CONCERNS FROM RESIDENTS IN THE BUILDING?

>> SURE, THANK YOU.

SO FIRST, I THURSDAY MORNING, AFTERNOON TIME, I GOT A PHONE CALL FROM A RESIDENT ON MY CELLPHONE.

AND MY STAFF TOOK A COUPLE CALLS AND THE WARD OFFICE AS WELL ON THURSDAY.

AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE RESIDENT WOULD CALLED ME, SHE WAS VERY CONCERNED.

SHE LEFT THE BUILDING BECAUSE HER UNIT WAS SO HOT AND SHE HAD BREATHING CONDITIONS AND SHE LEFT TO GO TO A LOCAL RESTAURANT TO HAVE SOMEPLACE COOL TO BE.

I MADE A CALL TO THE OFFICE, GOT THE ANSWERING SERVICE AND WANTED TO SPEAK TO SOMEBODY SO I WENT TO THE BUILDING MYSELF ON THURSDAY.

PROBABLY WITHIN 30 MINUTES OF THAT CALL.

SO HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK WITH MANAGER AND A COUPLE OF THE RESIDENTS.

THEY LET ME KNOW THAT THEY WERE STILL RUNNING THE HEAT AND THEY WERE GOING TO TURN THE HEAT OFF THEY PURCHASED FANS AND INSTRUCTING RESIDENTS TO USE FANS.

AFTER I LEFT THE BUILDING, GOT A FEW CALLS FROM RESIDENTS BEFORE CLOSE OF BUSINESS THAT IT WASN'T HELPING.

IT WAS STILL VERY HOT.

HAD ANOTHER CALL WITH MANAGEMENT WHERE I SUGGESTED THEY BRING IN MOBILE AIR-CONDITIONING UNITS.

THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WERE HAD NOT YET TURNED ON THE AIR-CONDITIONING BECAUSE OF THE CITY ORDINANCE AND THAT THEY ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE HEAT UP UNTIL JUNE 1 AND THEY WERE AFRAID OF CHANGING WEATHER THAT IF THEY TURNED ON THE AIR-CONDITIONING THAT PEOPLE WOULD BE TOO COLD THE NEXT WEEK.

SO I SUGGESTED THE MOBILE AC UNITS AND THEY DID PUT THOSE IN PLACE FRIDAY MORNING.

>> AND I WANT TO COME BACK TO THE ORDINANCE.

YOU WENT TO THE BUILDING.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE WHEN YOU WENT IN THE BUILDING YOURSELF?

>> IT WAS HOT.

IT'S NOT LIKE THE STAFF HAD AIR-CONDITIONING THEY HAVE ON-SITE MANAGEMENT THERE.

IT WAS HOT AND I NOTICED LOTS OF PEOPLE HAD THEIR WINDOWS OPENED.

THERE WERE FANS RUNNING.

IT WAS VERY HOT.

VERY HUMID.

>> AND HAS THERE BEEN ANY OTHER INFORMATION ON THE CAUSE OF DEATHS OR IS THAT STILL BEING INVESTIGATED FOR THE THREE WOMEN WHO DIED?

>> TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE I THINK THE MEDICAL EXAMINER IS STILL LOOKING INTO IT.

I HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING BUT I WOULD NOT BE THE FIRST PERSON THAT THEY NOTIFY.

>> THE OWNER OF THE BUILDING HISPANIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION DECLINED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CONVERSATION BUT THEY DID SEND US A STATEMENT AND IT READS IN PART... >> DO YOU SEE AN INVESTIGATION HAPPENING HERE?

>> I HOPE THEY INVESTIGATE ON THEIR SIDE.

I KNOW THAT THE RESOLUTION THAT I PRESENTED YESTERDAY CALLED FOR AN INVESTIGATION NOT IN THE CRIMINAL SENSE BUT IN TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT HAPPENED.

I WANT OUR BUILDING DEPARTMENT TO TALK TO THE DECISION MAKERS TO FIGURE OUT LIKE WHAT DO WE NEED TO CHANGE ON THE CITY SIDE IN ORDER TO HELP THEM MAKE BETTER DECISIONS IT WAS CLEARLY A BAD DECISION, BAD DECISION THAT LED TO THE TRAGIC UNNECESSARY DEATHS OF THREE WOMEN IN OUR COMMUNITY.

SO FIGURING OUT WHAT WE DO POFFING FORWARD WE WILL NEED TO INVESTIGATE BECAUSE WE NEED TO KNOW WHY IT HAPPENED.

>> AND THE CITY'S HEAT ORDINANCE IT REQUIRES LANDLORDS TO KEEP TEMPERATURES AT LEAST 68° DURING THE DAY AND 66° AT NIGHT BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 15-JUNE 1.

OF COURSE THE COLDER MONTHS IN CHICAGO.

BUT WHAT PROBLEMS DO YOU SEE WITH THE ORDINANCE?

>> THERE'S NO PROBLEM WITH THE ORDINANCE.

>> OR ITS INTERPRETATION?

>> THIS IS NOT THE FIRST MANAGEMENT COMPANY.

HISPANIC DEVELOPMENT HOUSING CORPORATION IS NOT THE ONLY MANAGEMENT COMPANY WE'VE HAD CONVERSATION WITH AND I'VE HEARD FROM MY COLLEAGUES WHERE WE GET CALLS FROM RESIDENTS IT'S HOT WON'T THEY TURN ON THE AC.

OR COLD, WHEN ARE THEY GOING TO TURN ON THE HEAT.

AND ESPECIALLY ON THE HOT DAYS, THIS ORDINANCE IS CITED BACK TO ALDERMANIC OFFICES WELL THIS IS WHEN WE HAVE TO PROVIDE HEAT THROUGH THIS TIME.

SO EVEN IN THIS INSTANCE THAT IS WHAT I WAS TOLD.

THEIR INTERPRETATION OF THE ORDINANCE WE HAVE TO PROVIDE HEAT THROUGH THIS TIME AND WHAT IF IT GETS COLD?

WE CANNOT TURN ON THE AIR-CONDITIONING BECAUSE THE CITY HAS THIS DATE AND JUNE FIRST IS THE DATE.

THAT'S ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE'LL CONSIDER.

AS WE'RE WORKING WITH THE DEPARTMENTS AND THE ADMINISTRATION IS THE ORDINANCE WORKED FOR A LONGTIME.

BUT WITH CLIMATE CHANGE, WITH CHANGES IN WEATHER CYCLES OF IT GETTING HOT EARLIER MAYBE THERE ARE REVISIONS NEED TO BE MADE SO THERE IS NO MISINTERPRETATION WHAT BUILDINGS CAN DO TO PROTECT THEIR LIFE OF THEIR RESIDENTS.

THANK YOU ALDERWOMAN MARIA HADDEN.

>> UP NEXT A PREVIEW OF A BROADWAY PLAY WHERE MISSING LINES AND STEPS ARE ALL PART OF THE ACT.

STAY WITH US.

THERE'S MUCH MORE AHEAD INCLUDING CONGRESS HOLDING THE FIRST OPEN HEARING ON UFO'S IN 50 YEARS.

>> A CURRENT PRODUCTION ON BROADWAY IN CHICAGO IS OFFERING THE PERFECT BLEND OF LIVE THEATRE, COMEDY AND COMMUNITY.

ARTS CORRESPONDENT, ANGEL IDOWU INTRODUCES US TO TWO CHICAGOLAND ACTRESSES WHO SHARE IT'S A ROLE UNLIKE ANYTHING THEY HAVE DONE.

>> IT IS A NIGHT OF LAUGHTER THAT EVERYTHING THAT CAN GO WRONG GOES WRONG ON OPENING NIGHT.

IT'S VERY MUCH MONTY PYTHON MEETS MURDER MYSTERY.

>> THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG PLAYING AT THE BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE.

>> ANNIE IS THE STAGE MANAGER THAT IS RUNNING THE MURDER AT THE MANOR SHE IS PUSHED ON STAGE WHEN I GET FOLKED OUT.

PUSHED ON STAGE WITH A WIG AND FORCES TO DO THE ROLE.

>> DARYN WHITENY HARRELL JOINS THE CAST FOR THE TIME LEG OF ITS RUN.

HER BACKGROUND IN MUSICAL THEATRE PREPARED HER FOR HER FIRST PROFESSIONAL ROLE.

>> I AM A CHARACTER THAT DOES NOT WANT TO BE ON STAGE.

I GET THROWN ON THE STAGE BECAUSE SOMETHING HAPPENS TO OUR FLORENCE SO THEY NEED AN ACTOR AND IT'S ME OUT OF ALL PEOPLE.

I THINK OF I'M TRYING TO STILL BE ON STAGE AND NOT EXIST TO THE AUDIENCE UNTIL I DO COME INTO MY OWN AND FIND THAT I CAN DO THIS JOB AND I CAN DO THIS JOB BETTER THAN HER.

I LOVEMAKING PEOPLE LAUGH AND WE HAVE PEOPLE THAT NEVER HAVE SEEN A SHOW BEFORE COME TO THE SHOW AND LAUGH THEIR BUTTS OFF THE ENTIRE NIGHT AND THAT MAKES ME HAPPY.

>> STACKER AGREES.

WITH THE BACKGROUND IN RHYTHM GYMNASTICS SHE FOUND HER STRETCHING FAMILIAR MUSCLES IN HER FIRST ROLE CITIZEN THE PANDEMIC.

>> SANDRA IS IN HEELS FOR THE SHOW, MAINTAINING THAT CENTER OF BALANCE AND BEING ABLE TO RUN IN HEELS OR FALL AND DO THINGS THAT I WOULD NORMALLY DO IN SNEAKERS, TO BE ABLE TO DO THEM IN HEELS.

>> ASIDE FROM THE LAUGHTER AND SOMETIMES STRENGTH ROUSE WORKOUTS, STACKER SAYS THIS ROLE HAS SHOWN HERE THE IMPORTANCE OF COLLABORATION, AND STORYTELLING.

>> IT IS A VERY ENSEMBLE-BASED SHOW.

WHICH TAUGHT ME A LOT ABOUT WORKING WITH DIFFERENT PEOPLE AND HOW COLLABORATION JUST TAKES ART TO THE NEXT LEVEL AND THAT SHOW REALLY SHOWED THIS TO ME.

THE THINGS YOU CAN MAKE AS A TEAM IS SO MUCH MORE THAN YOU CAN MAKE AS JUST ONE PERSON.

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

>> AND THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG RUNS AT THE BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE THROUGH MAY 29TH.

TO PARIS WITH A LOOK AT WHAT IS AHEAD.

>> AND THANKS.

STILL TO COME ON "CHICAGO TONIGHT", CONGRESS HOLDS THE FIRST OPEN HEARING ON UFO'S IN 50 YEARS.

WHAT LAWMAKERS HEARD AND REACTION FROM LOCAL RESEARCHERS.

>> WE CHECK BACK IN WITH ILLINOIS STATE LAWMAKERS AND TALK ABOUT CRIME, ELECTIONS AND MORE.

PLANS FOR A CARVANA AUTOMOBILE VENDING MACHINE IN SKOKIE HIT A ROADBLOCK AS THE STATE SUSPENDS THE COMPANY'S DEALER LICENSE.

WE HEAR FROM THE OUTGOING LEADER OF THE CHICAGO COMMUNITY TRUST ON HER ORGANIZATION'S WORK.

BUT FIRST, SOME OF TODAY'S TOP STORIES... >> THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION IS AUTHORIZING COVID-19 BOOSTER SHOTS FOR HEALTHY KIDS AGES 5-11.

EVERYONE 12 AND OLDER IS ADVISED TO GET ONE BOOSTER DOSE FOR THE BEST PROTECTION AGAINST THE VARIANT AND SOME PEOPLE INCLUDING THOSE 50 AND OLDER CAN CHOOSE A SECOND BOOSTER.

THE F.D.A.

IS SAYING ELEMENTARY AGED KIDS SHOULD GET A THIRD SHOT BUT NOT UNTIL FIVE MONTHS AFTER THEIR MOST RECENT DOSE.

THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION STILL HAS TO DECIDE WHETHER TO FORMALLY RECOMMEND THE BOOSTER FOR THIS AGE GROUP.

C.D.C.

ADVISERS ARE SCHEDULED TO MEET THURSDAY.

>> EARLY VOTING IN CHICAGO FOR THE PRIMARY ELECTION IS SET TO BEGIN ON THURSDAY MAY 26.

THE CHICAGO BOARD OF ELECTION COMMISSIONERS SAYS THE DATE HAS BEEN PUSHED BACK A WEEK FROM THE ORIGINAL DATE OF MAY 19TH.

TO ACCOMMODATE RECENT CHANGES TO THE BALLOT INCLUDING THE REMOVAL OF A CITY WARD MAP REFERENDUM QUESTION.

IN-PERSON EARLY VOTING CAN BE DONE AT THE SUPER SITE AT 191 NORTH CLARK STREET STARTING MAY 26.

EARLY VOTING IN ALL CHICAGO'S 50 WARDS BEGINS JUNE 13TH.

WE TOSS IT BACK TO YOU.

CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SITE FOR CARVANA WAS PUT ON HOLD AS THE STATE OF ILLINOIS SUSPENDED THE DEALER'S LICENSE.

WTTW NEWS REPORTER PATTY WETLI JOINS US NOW WITH MORE.

YOU HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING THIS STORY.

IT WAS CONTROVERSIAL PROPOSAL TO BEGIN WITH.

REMIND US WHAT THAT CONTROVERSY WAS?

>> RIGHT.

SO CARVANA WANTED TO OR WANTS TO BUILD A 14 STOREY TRANSPARENT GLASS LIT UP 24/7 TOWER ACROSS FROM HARMS WOOD NATURE PRESERVE IN SKOKIE AND A SIZABLE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.

THERE WERE MULTIPLE OBJECTIONS ON AN ENVIRONMENTAL FRONT THAT THIS TOWER WAS GOING TO ATTRACT AND KILL MIGRATORIES FROM THE FOREST PRESERVE.

THAT IT WAS GOING TO BE AN EYESORE FOR THE NEIGHBORS.

SO THERE WERE MULTIPLE OBJECTIONS TO THIS BUILDING.

>> WHAT IS THIS LATEST TWIST?

>> SO THE LATEST TWIST IS THAT SKOKIE VILLAGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OVERALL OF THE MULTIPLE OBJECTIONS APPROVED CARVANA'S SITE PLAN AND NOW SOME OF THE WORRIES THAT PEOPLE HAD ABOUT CARVANA'S BUSINESS MODEL ARE COMING TRUE.

WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE AS YOU MENTIONED SUSPENDING THE COMPANY'S DEALER'S LICENSE IN ILLINOIS AFTER NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS AND SO THE SKOKIE VILLAGE TRUSTEES ISSUED NOT EXACTLY WHAT I WOULD CALL A CEASE AND DESIST BUT TOLD THEM WE ARE NOT GOING TO REVIEW OR APPROVE OR DISCUSS THIS CONSTRUCTION OR BUILDING PERMITS UNTIL YOU GET THINGS SETTLED WITH ILLINOIS' SECRETARY OF STATE.

SO THINGS ARE REALLY ON HOLD FOR NOW.

>> THE PROPOSED LOCATION WEST OF I94 WERE THERE CONCERNS ABOUT THAT LOCATION?

>> THERE WERE MULTIPLE CONCERNS ABOUT THAT.

IT WAS GOING TO ESSENTIALLY BE A BILLBOARD WHERE THERE AREN'T SUPPOSED TO BE BILLBOARDS.

IT WOULD BE LIT UPPER PETTIALLY AND TOO MUCH TRUCK TRAFFIC WAS GOING TO BRING IN POLLUTION WITH PEOPLE DELIVERING CARS OR PECKING UP CARS.

NEIGHBORS DID NOT WANT IT, ENVIRONMENTALISTS DID NOT WANT IT BUT THERE WAS TAX REVENUE INVOLVED OR PROPOSED TAX REVENUE INVOLVED.

SO IT WON APPROVAL OVER A LOT OF OBJECTIONS.

>> OK. WE'LL KEEP AN EYE OUT.

PATTY WETLI THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> THANKS.

>> AND YOU CAN READ PATTY'S STORY WITH MUCH MORE ABOUT THIS STORY ON OUR WEBSITE ON WTTW.COM/NEWS.

>> AND NOW PARIS BACK TO YOU.

>> THANKS.

EARLIER IN THE PROGRAM WE DISCUSSED ABORTION ACCESS IN ILLINOIS AND WE'RE JOINED BY STATE REPRESENTATIVE, ANNA MOELLER, STATE REPRESENTATIVE THOMAS MORRISON, AND STATE SENATOR CRISTINA PACIONE-ZAYAS FOR MUCH MORE.

STARTING WITH YOU SENATOR, GIVEN THE RECENT SPATE OF HOMICIDES ARE DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKERS RETHINKING THE SAFE T ACT ONE OF THE PROVISIONS HAS THAT CASH BAIL WILL BE ELIMINATED IN THE STATE ON JANUARY 1 OF 2023.

>> NO WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO IS COMPLIMENT SOME OF THE PROVISIONS BY INVESTING IN VIOLENCE PREVENTION INITIATIVES THAT WE KNOW ARE EFFECTIVE.

FOR EXAMPLE, WE HAD 84 MILLION DOLLARS PASSED IN THE BUDGET WITH ARPA FUNDS WITH THE ILLINOIS CRIMINAL JUSTICE AUTHORITY TO GO TOWARDS COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS FOR OUTREACH AND VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND MENTAL HEALTH AND YOUTH EMPLOYMENT.

ALSO THE REIMAGINE PUBLIC SAFETY ACT IS ANOTHER WAY WE ARE PUTTING THE CONTROL BACK INTO COMMUNITIES TO BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE NUANCES AND THE COMPLEXITY IN THEIR COMMUNITY AND COME UP WITH SOLUTIONS THAT ARE ROOT AND GROUNDED IN THE COMMUNITY.

>> REPRESENTATIVE THOMAS MORRISON, POLICE OFFICIALS LIKE SUPERINTENDENT DAVID BROWN WARNED THAT ENDING CASH BAIL AND ONLY HOLDING THE MOST VIOLENT OFFENDERS IN CUSTODY PRETRIAL WOULD LEAD TO MORE REPEAT OFFENDERS ON THE STREET.

ARE THOSE FAIR CONCERNS?

>> OF COURSE THEY ARE AND WE DIDN'T HAVE A FAIR DEBATE ON THIS ISSUE WHEN IT PASSED LITERALLY AT THE 11TH HOUR IN THE LAST GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

THE DEMOCRATS CUTOFF DEBATE AFTER ROUGHLY 15 MINUTES.

AND DID NOT WANT TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS THAT NOW WE'RE FACING AS A COMMUNITY AS A SOCIETY.

IT'S REALLY JUST EGREGIOUS WHAT IS HAPPENING.

AND WE'VE MADE IT HARDER AND HARDER FOR LAW ENFORCERS TO DO THEIR JOBS.

THEY HAVE SUCH A DIFFICULT JOB AS IT IS AND WE HAVE A STATE LAWMAKERS AT LEAST ONE SIDE OF THEM, MAKING THEIR JOB TOUGHER WHICH THEN MAKES OUR COMMUNITIES LESS SAFE.

>> REPRESENTATIVE MOELLER, GOVERNOR PRITZKER DID SIGN BILLS ON CARJACKING AND ORGANIZED RETAIL THEFT AND GHOST GUNS.

ARE THESE ENOUGH TO MAKE AN IMPACT ON THE CARJACKING PROBLEMS OR NIBBLE AROUND THE EDGES?

>> I THINK THAT WHAT WE'VE DONE OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS IS REVOLUTIONARY IN MANY WAYS.

WE AREN'T TRYING TO BE SMART ABOUT ADDRESSING CRIME AND PREVENTING CRIME AND MAKING OUR COMMUNITIES SAFER, REJECTING THE OLD STEREOTYPES AND [INAUDIBLE] THAT HAVE BEEN SURROUNDING CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND POLICING.

GIVING OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMUNITIES THE TOOLS THEY NEED TO INVESTIGATE AND SOLVE CRIMES AND TO ENGAGE WITH THE COMMUNITY TO CREATE TRUST AND BUILD RELATIONSHIPS.

AND TO ADDRESS AS THE SENATOR MENTIONED, INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITIES AND INVESTING IN OUR YOUNG PEOPLE SO THAT THEY HAVE OPPORTUNITIES AND HOPE FOR THE FUTURE SO THAT THEY ARE NOT ENGAGING IN ACTIVITIES THAT ARE LEAD TO CRIMINAL ACTIVITY DOWN THE ROAD.

>> SENATOR, SOME OF THE FUNDING FOR ANTICRIME INITIATIVES ARE THERE FURTHER PIECES OF LEGISLATION THAT DEMOCRATS ARE CONSIDERING?

>> NO, AT THIS TIME I THINK MY FOCUS SPECIFICALLY IS MAKING SURE THAT THE DOLLARS THAT WE PASSED IN THE BUDGET THAT GO TOWARDS THE PROGRAMS THAT I DESCRIBED AND ALSO WHAT REPRESENTATIVE MOELLER WAS EXPLAINING ARE ACTUALLY IMPLEMENTED AND RELEASED.

WE ALSO HAVE FUNDING TOWARDS MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR OUR FIRST-RESPONDERS.

WE HAVE FUNDING GOING TOWARDS EQUIPMENT AND CAMERAS ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND LAKE SHORE DRIVE.

TO EXPAND THAT KIND OF PROGRAM THERE.

WE HAVE A CO-RESPONDER, MODEL THAT IS GOING TO BE PILOTED IN SEVERAL COMMUNITIES AND WE ARE NOW PUTTING FUNDS TOWARDS THE LARGEST COHORT OF CADETS OF THE ILLINOIS STATE POLICE.

IT IS ABOUT HOW DO WE MAKE SURE THAT THESE FUNDS ACTUALLY ARE RELEASED, ARE PUT TO USE AND THEREFORE WE CAN START TO SEE THRIVING COMMUNITIES, COMMUNITIES THAT ARE ABLE TO ADDRESS PUBLIC SAFETY HOLISTICALLY AND SO THAT EVERYBODY CAN HAVE THAT EXPERIENCE.

>> REPRESENTATIVE MORRISON, AGAIN, REPUBLICANS ARE IN THE SUPER MINORITIES AND ARE THERE FURTHER ANTICRIME INITIATIVES THAT REPUBLICANS WANT TO PUSH?

>> YEAH, LET'S ENFORCE THE LAWS AGAINST VIOLENT CRIMINALS.

LET'S DO THAT AND HAVE CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLENT BEHAVIOR WHETHER IT IS AGAINST PEOPLE OR PROPERTY.

LET'S SUPPORT OUR LAW INR ENFORCERS.

WE DID NOT HAVE THE PUBLIC HEARINGS WE SHOULD HAVE HAD WITH OUR LAW ENFORCERS.

THE DEMOCRATS PUSHED THROUGH A BILL AT THE 11TH HOUR WITHOUT ACTUALLY HEARING FROM THOSE STANDING ON THE FRONTLINES KEEPING OUR PEOPLE, KEEPING OUR COMMUNITIES SAFE.

AND SO WE JUST HAVE TO SUPPORT LAW ENFORCERS AND THE LAWS WE HAVE ON THE BOOKS.

THERE HAVE TO BE CONSEQUENCES FOR ACTIONS IF NOT, WE'RE GOING TO CONTINUE TO SEE OUR COMMUNITIES REMAIN UNSAFE.

>> REPRESENTATIVE MOELLER I WANT TO ASK YOU ABOUT A STORY WE REPORTED THAT CHRIS WELCH ASKED FOR DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKERS TO DONATE TO HIS WIFE'S JUDICIAL CAMPAIGN.

SHE DID GET $200,000 FROM DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKERS.

IS IT APPROPRIATE FOR THE HOUSE SPEAKER TO DO THAT GIVEN HIS THE POWER OF HIS POSITION?

>> WE ARE IN THE CAMPAIGN -- CAMPAIGNS ARE UNDERWAY RIGHT NOW FOR ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT.

EVERYONE IS FUNDRAISING.

UNFORTUNATELY, IT COSTS MONEY TO RUN FOR OFFICE AT EVERY LEVEL.

AND HIS WIFE IS RUNNING FOR JUDGE AND SHE HAS RELATIONSHIPS WITH INDIVIDUALS ACROSS THE BOARD WHETHER THEY ARE LEGISLATORS AND OTHERS IN THE COMMUNITY.

AND THESE INDIVIDUALS HAVE CHOSEN TO SUPPORT HER AND HER RACE FOR THE JUDGE.

>> AND WE SHOULD NOTE THAT YOU WERE NOT ON THE LIST OF THE LAWMAKERS IN THE CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURES THAT HAD DONATED TO HIS WIFE JUDGE SHAWNTE RAINES-WELCH.

RUNNING FOR JUDGE AND WE HAVE TO LEAVE IT THERE.

THANKS TO LAWMAKERS ANNA MOELLER AND THOMAS MORRISON AND CRISTINA PACIONE-ZAYAS.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> THANK YOU.

>> AND NOW TO BRANDIS FRIEDMAN AND A FEDERAL EFFORT TO TRACK AND ANALYZE UFO'S.

BRANDIS.

>> AND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MORE THAN 50 YEARS, CONGRESS HELD AN OPEN HEARING ON UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS.

LAST YEAR, A MILITARY TASK FORCE RELEASED A HOTLY ANTICIPATED REPORT WHAT THE GOVERNMENT CALLS UNIDENTIFIED AERIAL PHENOMENA OR UAP.

AFTER THAT REPORT CONGRESS ORDERED THE DEFENSE DEPARTMENT TO START STUDYING THE ISSUE AND REPORT BACK TO LAWMAKERS AND THE PUBLIC.

TODAY, OFFICIALS THAT OVERSEE THAT GROUP GAVE LAWMAKERS A STATUS REPORT.

NICK BLUMBERG WAS FOLLOWING THAT HEARING AND JOINS US NOW.

>> TWO MILITARY OFFICIALS TESTIFIED FOR MORE THAN 90 MINUTES BEFORE A PANEL OF HOUSE LAWMAKERS AND WENT INTO CLOSED SESSION TO TALK ABOUT MATERIAL THEY ARE NOT READY TO MAKE PUBLIC.

THEY SAY THAT THE UAP GROUP HAS A DATABASE OF 400 REPORTS.

THE WITNESSES SAY SOME ENCOUNTERS LIKE THESE TRIANGLE SHAPED OBJECTS CAN BE EXPLAINED.

THIS VIDEO SHOWS AN UNUSUAL REFRACTION OF THE LIGHT FROM DRONES AS SEEN THROUGH NIGHT VISION GOGGLES BUT IN MOST CASES THEY DON'T HAVE ANSWERS.

ANOTHER VIDEO THEY SHARED SHOWING A REFLECTIVE OSH ZINCING PAST THE COCKPIT OF A JET.

THEY STRESS THEY ARE DONE TO DESTIGMATIZED THE REPORTING OF UAP.

>> THE RESULT OF THE EFFORTS HAPPENS BEEN INCREASED REPORTING WITH INCREASED OPPORTUNITIES TO FOCUS SENSORS THE MESSAGE IS CLEAR: IF YOU SEE SOMETHING YOU NEED TO REPORT IT.

AND THE MESSAGE HAS BEEN RECEIVED.

>> NICK, WHAT REPORTS IS THE GROUP GETTING AND WHERE ARE THEY COMING FROM?

>> SOME OF THE REPORTS HAVE VIDEO LIKE WHAT WE SAW.

BUT BRAY SAID THEY ARE GETTING NARRATIVE REPORTS FROM INCIDENTS IN YEARS PAST THAT DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF VIDEO OR OTHER DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE.

MOST OF THE REPORTS COME FROM MILITARY PERSONNEL THE UAP GROUP IS COORDINATING CAN NASA AND THE F.A.A.

AND THE NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.

ILLINOIS CONGRESSMAN RAJA KRISHNAMOORTHI ASKED WHETHER THE GROUP WAS TAKEN IN OPEN SOURCE INFORMATION AND REPORTS FROM CIVILIANS?

>> THE UAP TASK FORCE WORKED HARD TO MAKE SURE THE DATA IS DATA SET WE ARE VERY GOOD CONTROL OVER THAT DATA.

SO WE HAVE SOME PARTNERSHIPS WITH F.A.A.

SO WE GET THAT REPORTING IN.

BUT COMES TO JUST OPEN SOURCE REPORTS OR SOMEONE SAYS THEY SAW SOMETHING THAT GENERALLY DOES NOT MAKE IT INTO OUR DATABASE.

>> ANOTHER ILLINOIS LAWMAKER DARREN LaHOOD ASKED ABOUT REPORTS FROM AMATEUR INTEREST GROUPS, AND HE ASKED WHETHER THERE ARE LEGAL DETERRENTS.

>> I DON'T HAVE THAT ANSWER.

WELCOME TO HAVE A DIALOGUE WITH CONGRESS THAT HELP LEGISLATE THE LAWS WHAT SHOULD BE THE LEGAL RAMIFICATIONS THAT WE COULD DO TO HOLD INDIVIDUALS ACCOUNTABLE.

WHETHER IT BE CITIZENS OR INFORMATION THAT MIGHT BE INJECTED INTO OUR MEDIA BY OTHER FORCES OR COUNTRIES IF YOU WILL.

>> NOW, AFTER THE HEARING I SPOKE WITH MARK ROD GEAR OF THE CENTER FOR UFO STUDIES WHO TOLD MILA HOOD'S CONCERN WAS OFF BASE AND UNDERSTANDS ON REPORTS FROM MILITARY PERSONNEL AND THE UAP GROUP IT WILL HAVE TO BROADEN THE DATA COLLECTION.

>> THEY ARE WORKING WITH THE F.D.A.

THAT IS GREAT.

-- F.A.A.

THAT IS GREAT.

THEY NEED TO KEEP EXPANDING IT.

UFO'S ARE NOT RESTRICTED TO THE MILITARY.

IN THE LONG RUN YOU HAVE TO COLLECT DATA FROM LET'S SAY MULTIPLE SOURCES.

WHICH WOULD MEAN CIVILIANS OF ALL TYPES WHETHER IT'S AIRLINE PILOTS, SCIENTISTS YOU KNOW COLLECTING DATA OR ORGANIZATIONS LIKE OURS.

>> HE WANTS TO SEE INSTRUMENTATION DEDICATED TO STUDYING UAP AND A CLEAR MESSAGE DECIDING WHEN AN OBJECT THAT CANNOT BE DETERMINED IS COMING FROM EARTH WHICH WILL REQUIRE SCIENTIFIC EXPERTISE.

I SPOKE WITH SAM MORANTO STATE DIRECT FOR FOR THE MUTUAL UFO NETWORK AND WAS HAPPY TO HEAR THE WITNESSES COMMIT TO FOLLOWING THE INFORMATION THEY GET WHEREVER IT LEADS.

>> IT SEEMS TIME AFTER TIME FOR 70 YEARS THEY HAVE ONLY BEEN PURSUING THE LOW HANGING FRUIT AS HE DESCRIBED IT.

WHICH WOULD BE THOSE THINGS THAT ARE OBVIOUSLY KNOWNS TO PORTRAY THAT MORE SO THAN TO SPEND TIME WORKING ON THOSE THINGS AND PURSUING FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE TRULY ANOMALOUS THAT REAL PHENOMENON THAT HAS BEEN PLAGUING US NOW FOR AGES.

>> SAM MORANTO APPLAUDS THEIR COMMITMENT TO A DATA DRIVEN APPROACH HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE GUIDELINES WHAT INFORMATION IS CLASSIFIED AND WHY.

>> NICK WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?

>> WE DID NOT GET A TON OF SPECIFICS IN THE HEARING TODAY IN TERMS OF STAFFING LEVELS, PROGRESS, THINGS LIKE THAT.

SOME OF THE PROCESS STUFF THAT FOLKS WERE INTERESTED IN.

WE DID HEAR THAT THEY HAVE APPOINTED A PERMANENT DIRECTOR TO LEAD THIS GROUP.

SO OBVIOUSLY THAT IS GOING TO GO A LONG WAY IN TERMS OF MOVING THIS FORWARD.

THIS GROUP IS REQUIRED TO MAKE ANNUAL REPORTS TO CONGRESS AND I THINK FOLKS WHO WATCH THIS ISSUE EXPECT WE ARE GOING TO SEE HEARING IN THE MONTHS AND YEARS TO COME.

THERE IS A LOT OF INTEREST FROM LAWMAKERS AND FROM THE PUBLIC ON THIS.

>> I AM SURE.

NO PROOF OF ALIEN LIFE FORM YET.

>> NOT YET.

>> WE'LL GET THERE.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> UP NEXT, AN EXIT INTERVIEW WITH THE LEADER OF THE CHICAGO COMMUNITY TRUST THAT ORIGINALLY AIRED ON "CHICAGO TONIGHT: BLACK VOICES".

FIRST, A LOOK AT THE WEATHER... >> THE FIRST BLACK WOMAN TO LEAD THE CHICAGO COMMUNITY TRUST Dr. HELENE GAIL ANNOUNCES SHE IS STEPPING DOWN IN JUNE AND HEADING TO ATLANTA TO SERVE AS PRESIDENT OF SPELMAN TRUST.

SHE WAS WITH THE TRUST FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS LEADING ONE OF THE LARGEST COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONS THAT AWARDS MILLIONS IN GRANTS TO LOCAL NONPROFITS.

AND Dr. GAIL CONGRATS ON THIS NEXT STEP IN YOUR NEXT POSITION.

WHY NOW HOW DID YOU MAKE THE DECISION TO LEAVE?

>> WELL, THANKS SO MUCH BRANDIS.

YOU KNOW, I'VE SAID MANY TIMES THIS WAS REALLY PROBABLY MY HARDEST CAREER DECISION EVER.

I CAME TO THE CHICAGO COMMUNITY TRUST WITH THE EXPECTATION THAT IT WAS THE LAST JOB -- OR AT LEAST THE LAST FULL-TIME JOB THAT I WOULD EVER DO.

AND IT'S BEEN AN INCREDIBLY GRATIFYING EXPERIENCE TO BE IN CHICAGO AND TO BE AT THE COMMUNITY TRUST.

BUT WHEN I WAS ASKED WHETHER I WOULD CONSIDER LEADING THIS ICONIC INSTITUTION IT WAS HARD NOT TO TAKE THAT SERIOUSLY.

AND FOR ME, AT THE END OF A VERY LONG CAREER, TO BE ABLE TO FEEL LIKE I CAN GIVE BACK TO THE NEXT GENERATION AND PARTICULARLY TO THE NEXT GENERATION OF BLACK WOMEN WHO ARE CHANGE MAKERS AND LEADERS AND WHO REALLY WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD, I JUST FELT LIKE IT WAS KIND OF A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY AT A TIME WHERE I THINK THERE IS GREATER APPRECIATION FOR THE ROLE OF HBCU'S HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES THAN EVER BEFORE IN A WORLD THAT NEEDS DIVERSE VOICES AT THE TABLE.

>> UNDER YOUR LEADERSHIP, THE CHICAGO COMMUNITY TRUST YOU SHIFTED YOUR STRATEGIC FOCUS TO CLOSE THE RACIAL AND ETHNIC WEALTH GAP IN CHICAGO.

2020 CENSUS DATA SHOWS THAT THE MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME FOR WHITE ILLINOISAN WAS $74,000 COMPARED WITH $41,000 FOR BLACKS AND 61,000 FOR LATINOS.

WHY MAKE INCOME QUALITY A PRIORITY?

>> WE MADE WEALTH INEQUALITY OUR PRIORITY BECAUSE WE RECOGNIZE FIRST OF ALL, IT'S THE RIGHT AND FAIR THING TO DO.

COMMUNITIES AND THE HOUSEHOLD FAMILIES THEY HAVE BEEN LEFT OUT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES IS JUST WRONG.

PEOPLE DON'T HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE TO THEIR CHILDREN IN THE WAYS THAT EVERYONE WANTS TO GIVE TO THEIR CHILDREN AND TO HAVE A BRIGHTER FUTURE.

BUT WE ALSO RECOGNIZE THAT IN A REGION THAT IS TWO-THIRDS BLACK AND BROWN, THE REGION CAN'T MOVE FORWARD UNLESS WE REALLY THINK ABOUT HOW DO WE MAKE SURE THAT THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN LEFT OUT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY HAVE THAT OPPORTUNITY TO SUCCEED IS GOING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR THOSE COMMUNITIES AND FOR THOSE HOUSEHOLDS AND THOSE INDIVIDUALS.

BUT IT'S ALSO GOING TO MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE FOR OUR REGION.

>> PART OF YOUR TENURE IT TOOK PLACE DURING THIS PANDEMIC WHICH EXPOSED AND HIGHLIGHTED A LOT OF INEQUALITIES IN HEALTHCARE I'M SURE IT WAS A BENEFIT THAT THE TRUST HAD PUBLIC HEALTH PHYSICIAN AT THE HEAD.

HOW DID YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A DOCTOR HELP YOU NAVIGATE THE PANDEMIC?

>> WELL, I FELT LIKE IN MANY WAYS, I WAS AT THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME.

BECAUSE NOT ONLY COULD WE FOCUS ON THE ISSUES OF ECONOMIC INEQUITY BUT ON HEALTH INEQUITY.

AND THE TWO GO HAND IN HAND.

PART OF THE REASON THAT WE PUT THE FOCUS ON WEALTH INEQUALITY WE KNOW THAT IT'S SO CONNECTED TO OTHER THINGS.

IT'S CONNECTED TO HEALTH INEQUALITY AND THE LIFE EXPECTANCY GAP IN CHICAGO THE LARGEST IN THE NATION.

IT'S LINKED TO THE ISSUE OF PUBLIC SAFETY AND VIOLENCE WHICH IS SUPPOSE A BIG ISSUE FOR US.

LACK OF ACCESS TO HIGH QUALITY EDUCATION BASED ON THE NEIGHBORHOODS YOU LIVE IN.

BEING HERE AND GOING TO THE PANDEMIC -- THROUGH THE PANDEMIC AND BEING ABLE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

GO THROUGH OUR RELIEF EFFORTS AND NOW THE RECOVERY EFFORTS WE ARE INVOLVED IN WITH OUR INITIATIVE WE RISE TOGETHER I FEEL LIKE BEING HERE AS A PUBLIC HEALTH PERSON WHO IS ALSO FOCUSED ON ECONOMIC ISSUES, WAS MAYBE THE RIGHT MATCH AT THE RIGHT TIME.

>> IT WORKED OUT.

SO WHEN YOU FIRST JOINED THE CHICAGO COMMUNITY TRUST YOU TOLD PHIL PHIL PONCE YOU WERE EXCITED.

>> WILL YOU BE TAKING THE TRUST IN A NEW DIRECTION OR MORE OF A CONTINUUM?

>> I THINK NUSRAT CHOUDHURY LEADER HOPEFULLY BRINGS FRESH IDEAS.

BUT I'M FOR THAT TO BE ABLE TO BUILD ON THIS 102-YEAR HISTORY OF A VERY, VERY SUCCESSFUL ORGANIZATION.

SO I WANT TO LISTEN AND LEARN FIRST.

AND BUT, OF COURSE, HOPEFULLY CONTINUE TO EVOLVE THE ORGANIZATION AS I BRING SOME OF MY OWN EXPERIENCES TO IT.

>> GOT A FEW SECONDS LEFT Dr. GALE, DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE ACCOMPLISHED YOUR GOALS?

>> WELL THERE'S ALWAYS MORE TO BE DONE.

I FEEL LIKE WE'VE ACCOMPLISHED A LOT.

WE GREW OUR ASSETS SIGNIFICANTLY FROM ABOUT $3 BILLION TO NOW OVER $4.8 BILLION.

PEOPLE HAVE BEEN INCREDIBLY GENEROUS.

WE HAVE DEVELOPED THE NEW STRATEGY.

I THINK IT'S BROUGHT OTHERS ALONG AND WE'VE DEVELOPED STRONG PARTNERSHIPS.

WE'VE DEVELOPED A BIG FOCUS ON POLICY AND ADVOCACY AND POLICY CHANGE TO GO ALONG WITH OUR PROGRAMMATIC AND GRANT EFFORTS BECAUSE WE BELIEVE THAT POLICY CHANGE IS ALSO GOING TO BE CRITICALLY IMPORTANT.

INCREDIBLE STAFF THAT I THINK WILL LIVE ON AND CONTINUE THE MISSION THAT WE STARTED TOGETHER.

>> WELL, A LOT TO TAKE WITH YOU TO ATLANTA.

CONGRATS ON YOUR NEXT STEP.

BEST OF LUCK AND THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> 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.

STAY CONNECTED WITH US BY SIGN UP FOR YOUR DAILY BRIEFING.

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

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

AND PLEASE JOIN US TOMORROW NIGHT LIVE AT 7:00 P.M. >> MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT MOVES UP THE WEEKEND CURFEW FOR TEENS AFTER DOWNTOWN VIOLENCE OUR SPOTLIGHT POLITICS TEAM WEIGHS IN.

>> AND ADVOCATES SAY CHILDCARE IN ILLINOIS IS UNAVAILABLE, UNAFFORDABLE AND UNSUSTAINABLE WE LOOK INTO A NEW REPORT.

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 HAVE A GREAT EVENING.

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