>>> GOOD EVENING AND WELCOME TO CHICAGO TONIGHT .

I AM PRINT FIVE.

>>> MONTHS BEFORE THE BILL IS IN YOUR MAILBOX , LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, COUNTIES, SCHOOL DISTRICTS DECIDE HOW MUCH MONEY THEY NEED.

>>> ARE -- WE TAKE ON YOUR PROPERTY TAX BILL AND WHY IT MAY BE HIGHER THAN YOU EXPECTED.

>> LAWMAKERS RETURN TO SPRINGFIELD FOR VETO SESSIONS.

WHAT THEIR PRIORITIES ARE.

>> PUSHED BACK FROM THE PARTY OF DONALD TRUMP OVER HIS EXPECTED CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCEMENT.

>>> ADVOCATES ABOUT TO KEEP FIGHTING AFTER A TAX HIKE PROPOSAL TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS IS BLOCK IN CITY COUNCIL.

>>> THANKSGIVING PRICES ARE HIGHER NEXT TO A TURKEY SHORTAGE .

WHAT IS BEHIND IT MAC >> I WANT PEOPLE TO COMPLETELY CHANGE THE VIEW OVER INDIVIDUALS WHO GET CAUGHT UP IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.

>> A LOCAL LAWYER USING HER UNDERSTANDING OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM TO EDUCATE THROUGH ART.

>>> A TREE IS BEING TORN DOWN.

>>> THE TOP STORIES , A FEDERAL JURY CONVICTS THE LEADER OF A WESTSIDE GANG OF RACKETEERING, CONSPIRACY , FIREARMS CHARGES .

THEY CONVICTED THE 40-YEAR-OLD DONALD LEE WHO LED A STREET GANG WITH A 30-YEAR-OLD.

PROSECUTORS SAY BEGAN WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR AT LEAST 19 MURDERS AND 19 ATTEMPTED MURDERS.

SEVERAL ARMED ROBBERIES AND ASSAULTS AS WELL.

>> WHEN YOU ARE ABLE TO LEARN ABOUT MULTIPLE ACTS OF VIOLENCE COMMITTED BY A GROUP, IT IS DONE TO PROTECT THE GROUND THEY HAVE OR IN RETALIATION FOR CRIMES COMMITTED.

WE SEE THE FULL PICTURE AND IT ALLOWS US TO REACH A GREATER NUMBER OF PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE.

>> WALMART AGREED TO PAY MORE THAN $3 BILLION TO SETTLE OPIOID LAWSUITS .

IT WOULD RESOLVE COMPANY ALLEGATIONS OVER ITS PHARMACIES WILL END CONTRIBUTED TO THE OPIOID CRISIS BY FAILING TO OVERSEE DISTRIBUTION ADDED STORES.

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL NEGOTIATED THIS AND SAYS THE SETTLEMENT WOULD BE DIVIDED BY STATES, LOCAL GOVERNMENTS , AND TRIBES .

>>> TO DEVELOP ITS COMING FROM WESTSIDE AUSTIN NEIGHBORHOOD.

THEY BROKE GROUND EARLIER TODAY.

>> GREAT TO BE A PART OF A PROJECT LIKE THIS BECAUSE, WHEN I AM OLD , I CAN DRIVE DOWN CHICAGO AND LOOK BACK AND SAY, WE DID NOT.

>> IT INCLUDES A $47 MILLION MIXED-USE PROJECT AND $26 MILLION STREETSCAPE PROJECT.

>>> THE MAYOR SAYS THERE HAS BEEN OVER $2 BILLION IN COMMITMENTS SINCE IT WAS ANNOUNCED.

NEXT, WE BREAK DOWN HOW YOUR PROPERTY TAXES ARE CAPTIVATED AND WHITE BEEN MAYBE GOING UP THIS YEAR.

STAY WITH US.

>> CHICAGO TONIGHT IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY ALEXANDER AND JOHN NICHOLS.

THE JIM AND KAY FAMILY.

POPE BROTHERS FOUNDATION, AS WELL AS THE SUPPORT OF THESE DONORS.

>>> COOK COUNTY TAX BILLS ARE OUT , THEY WILL BE DUE DECEMBER 30th AND YOU MAY NOTICE AN INCREASE AS HOMEOWNERS, NOT COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES, ARE BEARING MORE OF THE TAX BURDEN .

HEATHER IS HERE IN A MOMENT TO TALK ABOUT IT.

SHE LOOKS AT HOW YOUR PROPERTY TAXES ARE CALCULATED .

>> Reporter: PROPERTY TAXES CAN BE A DOOZY.

RATHER THAN HOW THEY ARE TITRATED.

MONTHS BEFORE YOU GET THE BILL, LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, CITIES , COUNTIES , AND SCHOOL DISTRICTS DECIDE HOW MUCH MONEY THEY NEED.

THOSE IN CHARGE BREAK OUT THE TO VENDORS AND FIGURE OUT HOW TO SPREAD THAT AMOUNT ACROSS ALL OF THE PROPERTIES IN THE AREA.

THAT IS YOUR TAX RATE.

IT IS NOT AN EVEN SPLIT.

YOUR FINAL BILL IS BASED ON THE VALUE OF YOUR HOME .

AFTER ALL, THE OWNER OF A $100,000 HOUSE SHOULD NOT BE EXPECTED TO PAY THE SAME AS SOMEONE IN A MULTIMILLION DOLLAR MANSION.

CORRECT ?

THEY HIT THE BOOKS AND CALCULATE THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF EACH PROPERTY USING A BUNCH OF DATA.

SALE PRICE, NEIGHBORHOOD, HOME AGE, AND MORE , FOLLOWING STEPS DESIGNED TO PROTECT TAXPAYERS FROM WILD SWINGS AND THEIR BILLS .

YOU CAN APPEAL YOUR FAIR MARKET VALUE.

NEXT , ASSESSMENT .

IN COOK COUNTY RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES ARE 10% OF FAIR MARKET VALUE.

IF YOUR HOME IS VALUED AT $300,000 , THE BEST VALUE OF YOUR PROPERTY IS $30,000 .

TO HELP MAKE SURE EVERYONE PAYS THEIR FAIR SHARE, OFFICIALS APPLY A COUNTYWIDE EQUALIZER TO THE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY.

PROPERTY OWNERS CAN GET BREAKS OR EXEMPTIONS FOR A NUMBER OF REASONS, FROM OLD-AGE OR MILITARY SERVICE , TO JUST LIVING IN THEIR OWN HOME.

IT IS TIME TO FINISH UP THE MATH.

THE TAX RATE FROM THE BEGINNING ?

MULTIPLIED AGAINST THE FINAL VALUE AND YOU HAVE YOUR ANNUAL PROPERTY TAX BILL.

OF COURSE , THAT MONEY GOES TOWARDS CRITICAL COMMUNITY SERVICES LIKE SCHOOLS, HEALTHCARE PARKS, LIBRARIES.

HOME SWEET HOME.

>> THAT IS QUITE THE MUSICAL SOUNDTRACK.

HEATHER JOINS US WITH MORE.

WE ARE ALL EXPERTS ON PROPERTY TAXES AND HOW THEY ARE CALCULATED.

WHY IS THE SECOND INSTALLMENT SO LATE AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN ?

>> IT DEPENDS ON WHO YOU ASK, COOK COUNTY SAYS THAT THE BLAME GOES TO THE COUNTY BOARD OF REVIEW .

HE WAS ELECTED ON PROMISES TO MAKE THE SYSTEM MORE FAIR AND MORE MODERN.

HE SAID A NEW SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE PUT IN PLACE WITH THE BOARD OF REVIEW WHO SAID THEY SHOULD HAVE HAD A BACKUP SYSTEM AND THAT WAS THE DELAY.

>> WHAT IS THAT DIFFERENCE THIS YEAR FOR HOMEOWNERS?

>> EVERY THREE YEARS , EVERY PIECE OF PROPERTY IS REASSESSED.

IT IS DECIDED HOW MUCH IT IS WORTH.

THEY WILL REFLECT THE ASSESSMENT OF PROPERTY OWNERS IN CHICAGO.

>> WHY?

>> THE BOARD OF REVIEW GET TO DECIDE WHETHER HE HAS THE EVALUATION RIGHT.

IN MANY CASES, HE DID NOT.

THEY SHIFTED THE BURDEN BACK TO HOMEOWNERS FROM COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OWNERS BECAUSE THE ZERO-SUM GAME, SOMEBODY HAS TO LOSE.

>> TOMORROW NIGHT, YOU WILL REPORTED ON THE COOK COUNTY TAXES.

THAT IS WHEN YOU ARE A YEAR DELINQUENT AND A PRIVATE INVESTOR BUYS UP THE LIEN.

IT HAS BECOME VERY CONTROVERSIAL.

WE WILL TALK ABOUT THAT TOMORROW NIGHT.

THANK YOU FOR TALKING TO US ABOUT PROPERTY TAXES TONIGHT.

>>> YOU CAN READ HER FULL STORY ON OUR WEBSITE, AND CHECK OUT MORE AT OUR EXPLAINS THEORIES AT WTTW.COM/EXPLAINS.

>>> WITH THE ELECTION BEHIND US ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS ARE BACK TO GOVERNING.

AT THE CAPITOL FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SEVEN MONTHS.

AMANDA VINICKY JOINS US NOW.

AMANDA?

>> Reporter: THERE IS BUSTLING ACTION ON THE HOUSE FLOOR BELOW ME.

IT HAS BEEN SEVEN MONTHS SINCE THE LAST SESSION WAS ADJOURNED, TWO MONTHS LATE, NOTHING WAS DONE TODAY WITH SUBSTANTIVE ACTION.

IT WAS AN ATMOSPHERE LIKE BACK TO SCHOOL AFTER SUMMER BREAK.

>> I AM BACK TO DO THE WORK FOR THE RESIDENTS OF MY DISTRICT , BACK TO WORK WITH EVERYBODY , I HOPE WE CAN GET A LOT DONE , DOING THE WORK OF THE PEOPLE FOR THE PEOPLE AND IT FEELS GOOD TO BE BACK.

>> NOTHING ACCOMPLISHED TODAY?

>> Reporter: YOU CANNOT BLAME THEM, THERE IS A VETO SESSION , THE OPPORTUNITY THEY HAVE TO REINSTATE BILLS THAT HAVE BEEN REJECTED BY THE GOVERNOR.

YOU HAVE A DEMOCRATIC GOVERNOR AND DEMOCRATIC SUPERMAJORITY IN THE HOUSE AND SENATE.

THEY HAVE BEEN IN VIRTUAL LOCKDOWN.

THERE WERE NO MEASURES THAT WERE VETOED SO THEY DID NOT HAVE TO DEAL WITH THAT.

THAT IS PART OF WHY WE DID NOT SEE A LOT OF ACTIVITY .

THERE WERE A COUPLE OF PIECES OF LEGISLATION THAT MOVED, INCLUDING ONE THAT WOULD PROMPT THE STATE PENSION SYSTEM TO THE BEST FROM ANY INVESTMENTS THAT THEY HAVE IN BENEFITS .

>> IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE THEY COULD BE DOING WHILE THEY ARE DOWN THERE RIGHT NOW, OTHER THAN ENJOYING THE FINE NIGHTLIFE IN SPRINGFIELD?

>> Reporter: THERE IS SOME OF THAT GOING ON.

THERE IS PLENTY .

YOU HAVE LOBBYISTS THAT ARE HERE.

INTEREST GROUPS DEALING WITH TRYING TO GET SECURITY FOR THE TAX CREDITS THAT LOW INCOME STUDENTS TO APPLY TO SCHOOLS .

NAME AN ISSUE AND THERE ARE PEOPLE LOOKING FOR IT TO BE MOVED.

SOME OF THEM HAVE REALLY GOTTEN A LOT OF ATTENTION, THOSE THAT INCLUDE ABORTION.

AFTER THE OVERTURNING OF ROE, THE GOVERNOR SAID THEY WILL HAVE A SPECIAL SESSION TO DEAL WITH PROTECTIONS , ESPECIALLY WITH OUT-OF-STATE DOCTORS OR THOSE SEEKING ABORTIONS IN ILLINOIS.

THAT SPECIAL SESSION WAS NEVER CALLED .

THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WOULD ENACT A STATEWIDE BAN ON ASSAULT WEAPONS.

THOSE ARE STILL ON THE AGENDA.

THERE IS A REASON FOR THAT.

BETWEEN NOW AND THE END OF THE CALENDAR YEAR, THE SUPER MAJORITY IS REQUIRED.

IN ORDER FOR ANY BILL TO TAKE EFFECT IMMEDIATELY.

THAT IS THE GOAL.

THE NEXT THRESHOLD IS IN JANUARY WHERE YOU MAY SEE SOME OF THESE MEASURES PUT OFF, EITHER IN A NEW LEGISLATURE IN THE NEW YEAR, OR A LAME-DUCK SESSION EARLY IN 2023.

PARIS, YOU ARE THINKING , SUPER MAJORITY , DEMOCRATS HAVE THAT.

IN BOTH CHAMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

DON'T THEY HAVE THE VOTES?

YES .

THEY DO .

IT COULD HAPPEN NOW.

WHEN IT COMES TO MORE CONTROVERSIAL MEASURES, DEMOCRATS EITHER CANNOT GET ALL THE VOTES OR , FOR POLITICAL REASONS , THEY DON'T WANT EVERY SINGLE DEMOCRAT TO VOTE FOR THESE PIECES OF LEGISLATION.

>> THE THING ON EVERYBODY'S MIND IS THE SAFETY ACT, THIS CRIMINAL JUSTICE BILL THE GOVERNOR IS TALKING ABOUT, WILL ANYTHING HAPPEN ON THAT IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS?

>> Reporter: THE GOVERNOR IS TALKING ABOUT CHANGES , THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IS SPEAKING ON THIS , BUT THE SAME REQUIRED SUPER MAJORITY , THAT APPLIES.

IT COULD MAKE FIXES WHICH COULD MAKE IT DIFFICULT.

DEMOCRATS MAY ALSO NOT BE AS INCLINED TO DO SO.

REPUBLICANS SAY THEY ARE WEAK ON CRIME.

YET, DEMOCRATS WERE VICTORIOUS IN THE ELECTION.

THEY MAY SAY THEY DON'T NEED TO DO THIS.

BUT THERE IS A TIME FACTOR.

THERE IS A TIME FACTOR ON ANY NUMBER OF THESE ISSUES.

YOU LOOK AT THE ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN.

THEY WANTED TO HAPPEN RIGHT AWAY.

BUT THERE IS A MORE MATERIAL TIME CRUNCH.

ABOUT HALF OF THE STATES ATTORNEY IN ILLINOIS ARE SUING TO STOP IT FROM TAKING EFFECT IN THE COURT HEARING AND THAT -- THEY NEED TO MAKE CHANGES BEFORE JANUARY OR YOU COULD HAVE A MESS ON YOUR HANDS .

WE HAVE VETO SESSIONS A WEEK AFTER THANKSGIVING.

>> MAYBE THEY DON'T HAVE THE POLITICAL PRESSURE TO DO IT ANYMORE BUT STATES ATTORNEY'S, 100 OF THEM , WANT SOMETHING CHANGED IN THE BILL.

YOU WILL JOIN US A LITTLE BIT LATER IN THE PROGRAM AND WE WILL SEE YOU THEN.

NEXT, WHERE THE LEGAL TROUBLES OF DONALD TRUMP STANDS AS HE IS EXPECTED TO MAKE AN ANNOUNCEMENT TONIGHT.

STAY WITH US.

>>> DONALD TRUMP IS EXPECTED TO ANNOUNCE HIS BID FOR REELECTION TONIGHT DESPITE PUSHBACK FROM SOME MEMBERS OF HIS OWN PARTY.

HE LOOKS TO BE AT HIS WEAKEST POINT AFTER THE POOR PERFORMANCE BY THE GOP.

HE HAS BEEN AN UNDERDOG BEFORE.

WE HAVE A FORMER FEDERAL PROSECUTOR WITH US , A TRIAL LAWYER, AND A LAWYER AND CONSULTANT WHO SERVED IN THE PRESIDENT TRUMP WHITE HOUSE AND DIRECTOR OF HIS 2016 CAMPAIGN.

WELCOME , BOTH OF YOU TO CHICAGO TONIGHT.

I WILL START WITH YOU IN SPRINGFIELD.

YOU ARE SUPPORTING THE PRESIDENT DESPITE THE PROBLEMS AND LEGAL ISSUES SURROUNDING HIS CAMPAIGN ?

WHY?

>> ONE THING YOU LEARN ABOUT DONALD TRUMP, THERE WAS SOMETHING ALWAYS SWIRLING AROUND.

THAT IS A FACTOR.

THERE ARE THINGS I WISH WAS NOT GOING ON.

IN GENERAL , HE DID A GREAT JOB .

ESPECIALLY THE FIRST THREE YEARS.

HE IS THE FRONT RUNNER FOR THE REPUBLICAN NOMINATION.

AND COULD WIN IN 2020 -- 2024 >> ELECTION DENIAL, JANUARY 6th , DOES NOT CONCERN YOU?

>> IT CONCERNS ME.

THERE WERE THINGS THAT CONCERN ME IN 2016.

THERE WERE ALWAYS THINGS THAT CONCERN ME .

THERE ARE THINGS THAT CONCERN ME ABOUT JOE BIDEN.

THERE IS A LOT OF WEIRD THINGS THAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS.

DONALD TRUMP WILL NOT BE THE ONLY INTERESTING FACET IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS.

>> HE IS FACING LAWSUITS AND FEDERAL AND STATE INVESTIGATIONS.

THE THINKING IS DONALD TRUMP MAY WANT TO ANNOUNCE EARLY TO GET AHEAD OF PROSECUTION AND FRAME IT AS POLITICAL PERSECUTION.

HOW DOES THAT PLAY INTO THE THINKING OF THE DOJ?

>> THIS IS BAKED INTO THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT'S REASONING.

IN OTHER WORDS , DONALD TRUMP IS THE FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, A MAJOR POLITICAL FIGURE , THE LEADER OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY.

THE OTHER GUEST WAS CORRECT TO SAY THAT HE IS THE FRONT RUNNER FOR THE PRESIDENCY.

THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT KNEW WHAT THEY WERE GETTING INTO WHEN THEY OPEN THE INVESTIGATIONS AND I DON'T EXPECT THEM TO CHANGE.

>> IT DOES NOT CHANGE WHETHER THEY WILL BRING CHARGES WITH RESPECT TO THE MAR-A-LAGO RECORDS CASE ?

>> I DON'T THINK SO.

THAT CASE IS MUCH MORE LIKELY .

I DON'T THINK THIS PARTICULAR ANNOUNCEMENT WILL AFFECT THE DECISION TO BRING CHARGES.

>> THERE HAS NOT BEEN A LOVEFEST BETWEEN DONALD TRUMP AND LONGTIME MEMBERS OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY THE LAST FEW DAYS.

ARE YOU SPEAKING WITH SUPPORTERS WHO ARE FALLING OFF?

>> YES .

THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO ARE CONCERNED.

THERE IS A BELL CURVE.

IT WAS NOT EXISTED IN 2016.

THAT CONTINUED TO GROW AS HE DID BETTER AND BETTER AS PRESIDENT.

THAT HAS TAILED OFF A LITTLE BIT.

PEOPLE ARE EXCITED ABOUT RON DeSANTIS IN FLORIDA.

WE DON'T KNOW IF HE WILL RUN.

HE IS ONLY 44 YEARS OF AGE.

HE HAS ALMOST 35 YEARS OF RUNNING ROOM TO GET TO THE AGE DONALD TRUMP AND JOE BIDEN ARE.

TO ME , IT SEEMS LIKE GETTING IN EARLY IS AN ATTEMPT TO PUSH PEOPLE OUT OF THE FIELD AND STAKE A MARKER DOWN AS THE FORMER PRESIDENT WHO HAS A LOT OF MONEY.

PEOPLE ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY , SECRET SERVICE PROTECTION, WHICH MEANS HE GETS A LOT OF HIS LOGISTICS HANDLED AS HE TRAVELS AROUND THE COUNTRY.

DONALD TRUMP WAS MY NINTH PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN, THERE IS A LOT OF COST TO BE ON THE ROAD.

OTHER PEOPLE WHO WANT TO DO THAT WILL HAVE TO RAISE MONEY, SPEND MONEY, HIRE STAFF, OR THEY WILL BE LEFT IN THE DUST BY DONALD TRUMP.

>> LET'S TALK ABOUT THE GOP'S LACKLUSTER PERFORMANCE IN THE MIDTERMS , HERE IS WHAT MANY IN THE PARTY HAD TO SAY ABOUT HIM RUNNING.

>> IS A DRAG ON OUR TICKET.

HE GIVES US PROBLEMS , POLITICALLY.

>> THAT WAS THE FUNERAL FOR THE REPUBLICAN PARTY.

THE REPUBLICAN PARTY AS WE HAVE NOTED IS DEAD.

>> I WILL SUPPORT THE REPUBLICAN NOMINEE BUT I DON'T KNOW THAT HE WILL BE HIM.

>> WE HAVE SEEN A LOT OF CORRUPTION CASES AGAINST POLITICAL FIGURES IN ILLINOIS AND THEY TAKE A LONG TIME.

LET'S SAY THERE IS AN INDICTMENT.

SAFE TO SAY THAT THERE WOULD BE NO CONVICTION OR FINAL OUTCOME BEFORE 2024 ?

>> I WOULD NOT BE SO SURE ABOUT THAT.

BOTH THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT AND POTENTIALLY THE FORMER PRESIDENT WOULD WANT TO HAVE A TRIAL BEFORE THE ELECTION CYCLE.

I DON'T THINK THAT IS A FOREGONE CONCLUSION.

THERE IS A COUPLE OF YEARS TO GO.

BUT IT WOULD HAVE TO HAPPEN PRETTY SOON.

THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT TAKES ITS SWEET TIME.

>> CASES AGAINST OTHERS WHICH DRAG ON FOREVER, RON DeSANTIS IS THE PERSON THAT MANY OF THE PEOPLE IN THE PARTY WANT TO GO WITH WHO WAS PULLING AHEAD OF DONALD TRUMP, WHAT YOU THINK OF HIM VERSUS DONALD TRUMP ?

>> IT LOOKS LIKE PRESIDENT TRUMP IS IN THE 50% RANGE, GOVERNOR RON DeSANTIS COMES OFF A GREAT CAMPAIGN, HE IS IN THE MID-30s.

EVERYBODY ELSE IS WAY BEHIND.

I DON'T SEE MIKE PENCE PLAYING A ROLE.

NOR CHRIS CHRISTIE, IT WILL BE BETWEEN THESE TWO DOES GOVERNOR RON DeSANTIS WANT TO GET INTO THIS LONG OF A FIGHT WITH DONALD TRUMP , OR BE THE VICE PRESIDENTIAL NOMINEE, WITH SOMEONE LIKE HIM?

A LOT GOES INTO IT.

PEOPLE ARE THINKING GOVERNOR RON DeSANTIS HAS MADE A DECISION.

THERE IS A LOT THAT WILL HAPPEN BEFORE THE ELECTION.

>> ONE OF THOSE ISSUES MAY BE LEGAL .

DONALD TRUMP HAS ALWAYS HAD CONTROVERSY AROUND HIM.

DO YOU THINK THAT AN INDICTMENT COULD HAVE THE EFFECT OF MAKING HIM A MARTYR , A VICTIM ?

>> I AM NOT AN EXPERT IN POLITICS OR HOW PEOPLE WILL REACT.

HE HAS DONE A MASTERFUL JOB OF DEALING WITH HIS PROBLEMS.

OBVIOUSLY, IF HE IS INDICTED , INTERESTING TO SEE IF THAT WILL CHANGE.

>> HE HAS A TEAM IN PLACE TO DEAL WITH THOSE THINGS.

THANK YOU BOTH FOR JOINING US.

>>> UP NEXT, WE INTRODUCE YOU TO THE OLDEST INHABITANT OF THE LINCOLN PARK ZOO .

IT MAY NOT BE WHAT YOU THINK.

RIGHT AFTER THIS.

>> COVERAGE MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY JOE FRIEDMAN.

>>> MUCH MORE COMING UP, CITY COUNCIL CONTROVERSY OVER A TAX INCREASE OVER HOMELESSNESS .

>>> A CENTURIES-OLD ATTRACTION AT LINCOLN PARK ZOO .

IT IS COMING TO AN END.

WE EXPLAIN.

>> Reporter: APES, LIONS, AT THE LINCOLN PARK ZOO .

OTHER INHABITANTS OFTEN OVERLOOKED.

TREES.

>> WE ARE AN ACCREDITED ARBORETUM WITH OVER 300 WOODY PLANTS.

>> Reporter: ONE TREE WORTHY OF EXTRA ATTENTION, A BUR OAK .

WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT THIS TREE ?

LET'S SAY IT HAS MORE THAN A FEW RINGS.

BETWEEN 250 AND 300 YEARS OLD.

>> WHICH IS AMAZING.

>> Reporter: IT HAS WITNESSED A LOT OF HISTORY.

IT LIVED THROUGH THE GREAT CHICAGO FIRE, THE EXPOSITION , SKYSCRAPERS .

>> IT WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH A WINDOW TO THE WORLD.

>> Reporter: IT MAY HAVE TURNED INTO OUR FIRST BROADCAST AT WTTW.

>> PEOPLE MAY NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT THEY'RE WALKING NEXT TO.

>> Reporter: KATRINA QUINT HEADS THE HORTICULTURE PROGRAM.

THE DAYS OF THE BUR OAK ARE NUMBERED .

>> WE MAY NEED THE DAY OFF WHEN IT COMES DOWN BECAUSE IT IS VERY SAD FOR US TO SEE SOMETHING SO BEAUTIFUL REMOVED .

>> Reporter: ONE OF THE FIRST WARNING SIGNS IT WAS IN DECLINE WAS TWO YEARS AGO IT DROPPED ALL OF ITS LEAVES PREMATURELY IN AUGUST.

THEY TRY TO SAVE THE TREE BUT, AFTER HUNDREDS OF YEARS OF WEATHER , FOOT TRAFFIC , AND WILDLIFE , IT WAS JUST TIME.

>> IT WAS NEARING A NATURAL END-OF-LIFE IN AN URBAN SETTING.

>> Reporter: IT IS AN EXCELLENT REMINDER OF SUCCESS PLANTING .

THAT REQUIRES THE TEAM TO PLANT AND REPLANT YOUNGER TREES 50 YEARS OUT IN AN EFFORT TO KEEP THE TREE CANOPY HEALTHY.

>> WE HAVE TO HAVE ALL KINDS OF DIFFERENT SPECIES TO CREATE A NICE CANOPY.

IF YOU HAVE AN INSECT THAT COMES IN THAT WILL WIPE OUT THE MAPLES, IF WE HAVE ONLY MAPLES , ALL OF OUR TREES ARE GONE.

>> Reporter: YOU HAVE TO START WITH THE SMALL PICTURE TO GET TO THE BIG PICTURE.

ACORNS.

THAT WE COLLECT AND PROPAGATE THEM.

AND REPLANT THEM SOMEPLACE IN THE ZOO.

EVERY COUPLE OF YEARS WE MAY BE PLANTING A BUR OAK SO THE CANOPY WILL CONTINUALLY BE CHANGING AND YOU WILL BE ABLE TO HAVE TREES CONSISTENTLY OVER THE YEARS.

>> Reporter: HAVING TREES IS A GREAT THING.

NOT ONLY DOES IT HELP BY PROVIDING OXYGEN BUT THEY CREATE A HOME FOR WILDLIFE.

THAT IS NOT SOMETHING VISITORS MAY NOT CONSIDER.

>> WE MAY PUT THE PLANTS IN AN EXHIBIT AND NO IT PROVIDES ENRICHMENT FOR THE ANIMALS.

WE PUT IN WILLOWS AND THEY USE THEM FOR FUN AND THEY ARE COMPLETELY DESTROYED.

THAT IS PART OF IT.

>> Reporter: BACK TO THE OLD BUR OAK .

THEY HAVE BEEN COLLECTING IT'S ACORNS WHAT THEY'RE HOPING WILL SPROUT.

THE TREE HAS A SUCCESSION PLAN OF ITS OWN.

A COUPLE HUNDRED YEARS FROM NOW, IMAGINE STORIES ITS OFFSPRING WILL HAVE.

>> KATRINA QUINT SAYS VISITORS HAVE UNTIL SPRING BEFORE THE BUR OAK IS REMOVED.

GO TO OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS.

>> IF THOSE BRANCHES COULD TALK, WHAT A STORY THEY COULD TELL.

YOU STILL HAVE ABOUT SIX MONTHS.

>> AT LEAST UNTIL SPRING.

GO TO THE ZOO NOW .

>> WE CAN STILL PAY OUR RESPECTS.

WHAT ABOUT THE TRUCK ?

WILL THEY USE IT FOR ANYTHING?

>> THEY ARE NOT 100% SURE WHAT THEY WILL DO WITH IT BUT THEY HAVE SOME IDEAS.

IT COULD GO IN AN ANIMAL HABITAT.

THEY COULD SLICE SOME OF IT AND PUT IT IN A DISPLAY TO SHOW THE AGE.

ALL THE THINGS IT HAS SEEN AND WITNESSED.

IT IS PART OF HISTORY WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT IT.

>> HOPEFULLY , IT WILL HAVE A SECOND LIFE.

>> THANK YOU.

>>> STILL TO COME , STATE LAWMAKERS ARE BACK IN SPRINGFIELD AS THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION GETS UNDERWAY.

WE GO ONE-ON-ONE WITH JIM DURKIN ON THE FUTURE OF HIS PARTY .

>>> A TAX HIKE PROPOSAL TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS IS BLOCKED.

>>> THANKSGIVING TURKEY MAY BE LESS FILLING.

>>> AND A CRIMINAL JUSTICE LAWYER USING ART TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE REALITY OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.

>>> MORE TOP STORES, TAMMY DUCKWORTH RESPONSE TO REPORTS OF A RUSSIAN MISSILE KILLING TWO PEOPLE IN POLAND.

AUTHORITIES BLAME A RUSSIAN-MADE MISSILE THAT KILLED TWO POLISH CITIZENS IN AN EXPLOSION NEAR THE BORDER WITH UKRAINE.

THE SENATOR SAYS, IF REPORTS ARE TRUE, PUTIN, MUST BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR HIS ONGOING AGGRESSION IN UKRAINE.

>>> FIELD MUSEUM WORKERS ARE ASKING PRESIDENT AND CEO JULIAN SINGER TO RECOGNIZE THEIR UNION.

>> MY COWORKERS AND I DO OUR WORK WITH PASSION.

AS WE FEEL , OUR PASSION WORK -- >> ORGANIZERS SAY A MAJORITY OF THE EMPLOYEES HAVE SIGNED AUTHORIZATION CARDS IN THE EFFORTS TO FORMALLY UNIONIZE.

THEY WANT HIGHER RAGES, -- HIGHER WAGES AND CLEARER PATH FOR ADVANCEMENT .

>>> THE HOLIDAY SEASON OF SHOPPING IS FAST APPROACHING AND CHICAGO POLICE AND TRANSIT OFFICIALS ARE ANNOUNCING MORE SECURITY ALONG ROUTES IN AN EFFORT TO KEEP COMMUTERS SAFE WHILE THEY SHOP.

>> THERE IS A LOT OF ACTIVITY GOING ON.

WE WILL BE ON THE PLATFORMS.

>> SOME OF THE SAFETY TIPS INCLUDE BEING AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS, CARING WALLETS AND PHONES IN YOUR POCKET , KEEPING SHOPPING BAGS CLOSE TO YOU.

>>> THE NEWLY ELECTED STATE LEGISLATORS WILL BE INAUGURATED IN JANUARY AND THERE WILL BE A CHANGEOVER.

AT THE TOP LEVEL.

WE GO TO THE HOUSE CHAMBERS WITH AMANDA VINICKY .

NEWS ON LEADERSHIP POSITIONS WHICH CAME OUT RECENTLY.

>> Reporter: BOTH REPUBLICAN CAUCUSES IN THE HOUSE AND SENATE MEETING TONIGHT TO CHOOSE WHO WILL BE -- FOR THE FIRST TIME, A WOMAN WILL BE LEADING THE HOUSE REPUBLICANS, SHE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN THE MAYOR OF SAVANNAH.

THE SENATE REPUBLICAN , NO LONGER DAN WILL BE THE MINORITY LEADER .

INSTEAD IT WILL BE JOHN KEARN.

I AM JOINED BY JIM DURKIN, CURRENTLY HOLDING THE ROLE OF HOUSE MINORITY LEADER.

HE SAYS HE WILL NOT SEEK ANOTHER TERM THE DAY AFTER THE NOVEMBER ELECTIONS.

FOR STARTERS , THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE THAT IT WAS TIME FOR A CHANGE?

CLEARLY, GOP , SUFFERED.

>> FOR ME TO CONTINUE ON IN THIS POSITION , I NEEDED A CERTAIN THRESHOLD.

I CAME UP SHORT.

I HAVE DONE THIS JOB FOR NINE YEARS AND HAVE NO REGRETS .

I HAVE DONE SOME AMAZING PIECES OF LEGISLATION.

IT IS RIGHT FOR ME TO SAY GOODBYE.

PASS IT OFF TO THE NEXT GENERATION WITH A NEW SET OF EYES.

I AM HAPPY TO GIVE THE SUPPORT OF TONY McCOMBIE.

>> Reporter: WIFE DID THE REPUBLICANS SUFFER DEFEAT?

>> WE NOMINATED PEOPLE -- LOOK AT THE TOP OF THE TICKET, BAILEY WAS NEVER GOING TO SUCCEED IN THE SUBURBS.

NOT IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO.

65% OF THE VOTES CAME OUT OF THAT AREA.

BAILEY IS TOO EXTREME .

HE WON THE PRIMARY BECAUSE THE PARTIES SHRINKING.

IT LEAVES FAR RIGHT CONSERVATIVES WHO WILL NOMINATE REPUBLICANS IN THE STATE WHERE PRIMARIES.

>> Reporter: HOW DO YOU TURN THAT AROUND?

>> IT WILL BE A REBUILDING PROCESS.

WE DID NOT GET HERE OVERNIGHT AND WE WILL NOT GET OUT OF THIS OVERNIGHT.

I AM REFERRED TO AS A RINO, I TAKE PRIDE IN THAT .

I AM CONSERVATIVE IN A LOT OF PHYSICAL ISSUES AND OTHER ISSUES, WE HAVE TO BE OKAY WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE DIFFERENCES OF OPINIONS.

REGARDING CHOICE , THE SECOND AMENDMENT , LGB TWO -- WE HAVE DONE A TERRIBLE JOB OF PUTTING THOSE PEOPLE -- IF WE WILL BE A TENTS,PARTY OF BIG WE ARE NOT -- I AM THE REPUBLICAN LEADER WHO VOTED FOR THE ASSAULT WEAPON BAN.

I VOTED FOR SCHOOL REFORM AND NEGOTIATED THAT.

PEOPLE SAY THAT IS NOT BEING A TRUE REPUBLICAN.

I HAVE TO WORK HARD TO MAKE SURE PEOPLE REALIZE THE REPUBLICAN PARTY IS MORE THAN TWO CHOICES.

WE HAVE TO BE MORE INCLUSIVE.

>> Reporter: PERHAPS A SIGN OF MORE INCLUSION COULD BE THE FIRST WOMAN ELECTED INTO A LEADERSHIP POSITION FOR THE ILLINOIS HOUSE.

HOPING TO BE SPEAKING WITH TONY McCOMBIE SOMETIME SOON .

WE WILL SEND IT BACK TO YOU.

>> OUR THANKS TO JIM DURKIN .

>>> A CITY COUNCIL PROPOSAL IT'S A ROADBLOCK , WE WILL EXPLAIN COMING UP.

>>> A PLAN TO BOOST FUNDING FOR HOMELESSNESS BY $160 MILLION GOT THE COLD SHOULDER FROM CITY COUNCIL.

SUPPORTERS SAY IT WOULD TAX THE SUPER WEALTHY TO HELP OUT THE POOR.

OPPONENTS THAT YOU WILL PUT A STRAIN AND SMALL AND MIDSIZED DEVELOPERS.

JOINING US THE 49th WARD OLDER WOMAN -- LET'S LAY OUT THE BASICS.

REAL ESTATE TRANSFER TAXES , THIS PROPOSAL WOULD BOOST -- WHY IS THIS THE RIGHT WAY TO GO?

>> RIGHT NOW , WE ARE SEEING A GROWING CRISIS OF PEOPLE IN HOMELESSNESS CRISIS IN OUR CITY.

WE HAVE SEEN WHAT WE CAN DO WITH THE AMOUNT OF FUNDING WE RECEIVE IN THE CHICAGO RECOVERY PLAN.

WE HAVE SEEN RAPID HOUSING COME OUT THE SERVICES , WRAPAROUND SERVICES >>> WE ARE NOT MEETING THE NEED.

THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A MORE PROGRESSIVE REVENUE SOURCE TO HELP SOLVE THE GROWING CRISIS.

>> COULD THIS MONEY BE A GAME CHANGER FOR HOMELESSNESS IN CHICAGO?

>> PEOPLE DID NOT SEE THE DOCTORS DURING THE PANDEMIC.

THEY WERE AFFECTED BY THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF COVID .

I CAN UNDERSTAND HAVING THESE ISSUES.

EVERY STUDY I HAVE LOOKED AT POINTS TO THE FACT WE NEED TO GET PEOPLE THE HELP THEY NEED.

IN A BROADWAY.

MY COLLEAGUES AND I ARE ON THE SAME PAGE.

I DO NOT SUPPORT A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.

WE TIED TO CPI, BUT HERE WE ARE.

WE ARE COGNIZANT OF THE FACT THAT PROPERTY TAXES ARE FUNDING EVERY SPECIAL NEED.

IN THE 2022 BUDGET , WE ARE ALLOCATING MONEY FOR HOUSING.

>> WE HAVE TO EXPLAIN THAT THIS IS NOT SOMETHING YOU CAN PASS , THIS WAS FOR A REFERENDUM TO PUT TO THE VOTERS.

>> THIS IS A LEVY WE WOULD LIKE TO DO.

TO AFFIRMATIVELY SAY THAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR A BALLOT REFERENDUM TO LET VOTERS DECIDE.

IT IS NOT A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.

THIS IS A ONE-TIME SALES TAX.

CHICAGO SHOULD DECIDE.

WE HELD A CITY COUNCIL MEETING.

WHAT WE NEEDED TO DO WAS TO HAVE PUBLIC COMMENTS AND HE WHAT PEOPLE THOUGHT ABOUT IT.

AFTER PUBLIC COMMENT, HIGHER STANDARDS THAN NORMAL , WE NEEDED A MEETING.

PEOPLE COULD VOTE IN THE CITY COUNCIL COULD PUT IT ON THE BALLOT.

IF THE VOTERS APPROVED IT IN FEBRUARY, IT COULD GO BACK TO CITY COUNCIL WHERE WE COULD PASS AN ACTUAL ORDINANCE.

THERE ARE A LOT OF STEPS TO THIS.

ALL WE NEEDED YESTERDAY FOR PEOPLE TO SHOW UP FOR A SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING FOR PUBLIC PEOPLE TO COMMENT.

>> DO YOU THINK MAYOR LIGHTFOOT PREVENTED SOME ALDERMEN FROM SHOWING UP ?

>> IT HAS BEEN A COUPLE OF WEEKS WE HAVE BEEN WORKING ON THIS, PEOPLE WHO SAID THEY WOULD BE THERE EXPRESS CONCERNS AT THE LAST MINUTE.

THEY RECEIVED CALLS AND PEOPLE TELLING THEM THEY WOULD HAVE TO VOTE ON SOMETHING.

THEY DID NOT WANT TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.

WE HAD TO RECESS THE MEETING .

WE HIT 25 .

WITH SOME PEOPLE IN THE BUILDING, THEY CHOSE NOT TO COME IN.

>> YOU MENTIONED THE ADDED TAX ON LUXURY PROPERTIES.

WHAT IS A BETTER WAY TO TAKE A BITE AT THIS APPLE?

>> THIS IS LEADING TO A PROPERTY TAX INCREASE.

IT COULD BE TODAY , TOMORROW, NEXT MONTH.

WE NEED A DEDICATED FUNDING SOURCE.

HOW CAN WE GET THE FUNDING?

A LOT OF THE MONEY THAT CAME FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT , THAT WAS DEDICATED TO ADDRESS SOME OF THE ELEMENTS FROM COVID .

AN ABILITY FOR US TO MEET THE NEEDS HAD ON , CONGRESS NEEDS TO PASS MORE FUNDING FOR CITIES HURT BY THE AFTERMATH OF THE PANDEMIC.

NOT JUST HOUSING , BUT SERVICES TO HELP PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE.

WE DEAL WITH IT ON A DAILY BASIS.

WE REACH OUT TO PEOPLE.

>> YOU ARE ASKING FOR MORE FEDERAL FUNDING.

WE ARE OUT OF TIME .

YOU ARE LEAVING OFFICE AT THE END OF THIS MONTH TO TAKE A NEW JOB TO BE ON THE BOARD OF REVIEW.

WILL YOU HAVE A SAY IN WHO YOUR SUCCESSOR WILL BE AS ALDERMEN?

>> THERE IS A COMMITTEE IN THE PROCESS OF DECIDING.

I DON'T GET TO CHIME IN ON THE PROCESS.

I JUST HOPE THEY CHOOSE SOMEONE QUALIFIED.

SOMEONE WHO KNOWS HOW TO DO THE JOB.

>> THE MAYOR WILL MAKE A SELECTION VERY SOON.

THANK YOU BOTH .

>>> A TURKEY SHORTAGE MAY LEAVE SOME FAMILIES WINGING IT FOR THEIR THANKSGIVING MEAL , WHAT IS BEHIND THE SHORTAGE RIGHT AFTER THIS.

THANKSGIVING REVELERS READY BUT THE COST OF TURKEYS ON THE RISE AS THERE MAY BE SHORTAGE CLOSER TO THE HOLIDAY.

HOW CAN FAMILIES FEAST WITHOUT LEAVING TO FINANCIAL FAMINE?

RICHARD IS JOINING US, PRESIDENT OF THE ILLINOIS FARM BUREAU.

AND OWNER OF FRANZ HOLLOW FARM.

RICHARD , ON AVERAGE , HOW MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE ARE TURKEYS RIGHT NOW ?

>> IT DEPENDS ON WHERE YOU ARE IN THE COUNTRY AND WHERE THE TURKEYS ARE RAISED.

IN THE MIDWEST, WE HAVE A GOOD SOURCE.

FOR THE PRODUCERS.

THAT REALLY HELPS IN THE MIDWEST.

>> ALLISON , WHAT ARE THE FACTORS ACROSS THE COUNTRY LEADING TO HIGHER PRICES AND THE SHORTAGE ?

>> A LOT GOES INTO THE PRICING.

SAME THING YOU ARE HEARING WITH PRICES EVERYWHERE.

THE COST OF DOING BUSINESS ACROSS THE BOARD IS GOING UP, WHETHER FEED PRICES, FUEL , THE COST OF PACKAGING , LABOR CONTINUES TO BE AN ISSUE.

ALL OF THESE FACTORS CONTRIBUTE TO THE COST OF RAISING A TURKEY.

>> THE AVIAN BIRD FLU HAS BEEN A HUGE ISSUE , HOW HAS THAT IMPACTED YOUR FARM ?

>> WE HAVE BEEN PRETTY LUCKY .

WE HAVE NOT HAD ANY ISSUES WITH BIRD FLU BUT WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL ABOUT BIRDS WE WERE BRINGING IN.

KEEPING THEM SEPARATE , TRYING TO KEEP BIRDS , WE KEPT OUR TURKEYS OUT OF THE FIELD.

EVENTUALLY , YOU HAVE TO PUT THEM OUT AND A LOT WAS WISHING AND HOPING.

WE GOT LUCKY.

>> PEOPLE HAVING TO SHELTER IN PLACE TO AVOID GETTING AVIAN BIRD FLU.

HOW BIG HAS THAT BEEN THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY ?

>> SOME PARTS OF THE COUNTRY IMPACTED MORE SO THAN IN ILLINOIS.

WE PROBABLY HAVE MORE BACKYARD BIRD FLOCKS THAT HAVE BEEN IMPACTED.

WE ARE VERY FORTUNATE THAT NO COMMERCIAL HERDS OR FLOCKS IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS HAVE BEEN GREATLY IMPACTED.

IN ILLINOIS , WE ARE IN PRETTY GOOD SHAPE.

IT DEPENDS ON WHAT PART OF THE COUNTRY.

>> ALLISON, WHAT ABOUT THE AVAILABILITY AND STOCK OF TURKEYS ?

ARE YOU SEEING SIGNS THAT, IF SHOPPERS DO NOT GET THEM NOW, THEY MAY BE OUT CLOSER TO THINK GIVING DAY?

>> THE TURKEY INDUSTRY WAS 365 DAYS YEAR TO GET READY FOR THIS ONE PROTEIN SPECIFIC HOLIDAY.

NO ONE SHOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT NOT HAVING A TURKEY.

THE SIZE THAT THEY WANT, THAT MAY BE LIMITED.

I WOULD NOT WAIT TO PURCHASE A TURKEY UNTIL THE DAY BEFORE BUT I AM SURE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO FIND ONE.

>> MARCY , NOT JUST AVIAN BIRD FLU IMPACTING THIS , HOW ABOUT COVID ?

>> YES, I WILL SPEAK TO WHAT I KNOW.

WHICH IS , COVID SLOWED DOWN A LOT OF THAT ANIMAL PROCESSING .

WHEN IT FIRST HIT , AROUND HERE , PROCESSING PLACES FOR PIGS OR COWS HAD -- SOMETIMES THEY WERE SHUT DOWN.

THINGS HAVE NOT CAUGHT UP.

IT IS HARD TO GET AN APPOINTMENT.

IN ADDITION, WITH COVID , A LOT OF PEOPLE DECIDED THEY WOULD START RAISING , WHETHER A SMALL FLOCK OF BACKYARD CHICKENS, IT WAS OTHER MEAT.

IT BECOMES MORE DIFFICULT TO SECURE THOSE APPOINTMENTS.

WE HAVE TO REALLY THINK AHEAD TO BE ABLE TO GET YOUR BIRDS IN , COWS IN , PIGS IN , IT IS STILL IMPACTING US EVEN NOW.

>> A BIG IMPACT ON THE FARM INDUSTRY.

RICHARD , HOW BIG OF AN IMPACT HAS INFLATION HAD ON THE ILLINOIS FARM INDUSTRY?

>> A DRAMATIC IMPACT.

WE HAVE SEEN INFLATION AT 79%.

WHEN WE LOOK AT OUR INPUT COSTS , SOME OF OUR FERTILIZER COSTS HAVE INCREASED AS MUCH AS 300 SENT.

WE ARE LOOKING AT IT 50% TO 20% INCREASE NEXT YEAR.

OUR DRY FERTILIZER HAS INCREASED 50% TO 75%.

ON THE PESTICIDE SIDE , DOUBLING AND TRIPLING OF SOME OF THOSE COSTS.

IT DOES HAVE A GREAT IMPACT.

WHAT I AM HEARING FROM MY LOCAL BANKER, THE LOANS HAVE BEEN INCREASING DRAMATICALLY, ALMOST DOUBLING FROM THE PREVIOUS -- FROM 2021.

BECAUSE OF THE HIGH COST OF OPERATING AROUND THE FARM TODAY.

>> HOW HAS THAT IMPACTED YOU IN THE DISTRIBUTION SECTOR ?

>> FUEL AND LABOR IS AN ISSUE AS A COST A LOT MORE TO MAKE DELIVERIES , IT IS HARDER TO FIND DRIVERS TO WORK.

AND FOOD HANDLERS AND FOOD PROCESSORS.

IT HAS BEEN A CHALLENGING YEAR.

>> HOW CAN THANKSGIVING REVELERS SUPPORT LOCAL FARMERS ?

PURCHASE LOCALLY AS OPPOSED TO A BIG BRAND ?

>> YES.

THE BEST THING TO DO IS GOOGLE AND SEE WHO AROUND YOU IS SELLING AND RAISING TURKEYS.

SOME WILL HAVE FROZEN AND SOME WILL HAVE FRESH.

YOU HAVE TO LOOK AROUND AND SEE WHO HAS THEM .

THAT IS ONE OF THE BEST WAYS.

SOME AREAS HAVE OFF-SEASON FARMERS MARKETS AND YOU CAN CHECK THOSE OUT.

THE BEST THING IS TO GOOGLE AND SEE WHO IS AROUND YOU.

THERE ARE A LOT OF LOCAL FARMS DOING BIRDS AND VEGETABLES WHICH ARE ALSO NICE FOR THANKSGIVING DINNER .

THEY ARE MORE THAN LIKELY GOING TO TRY TO HELP YOU , IF THEY DON'T HAVE IT, HELP YOU FIND ONE.

>> DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE VEGETABLES AND THE SIDE DISHES AND THE PIE.

THANK YOU ALL FOR JOINING US.

>> THANK YOU AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

>>> NEXT, PRINTMAKING WITH THE PURPOSE.

FIRST , A LOOK AT THE WEATHER.

>>> A LOCAL LAWYER USING WHAT SHE LEARNED FROM THE WORKFORCE TO CREATE ART TO HELP PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THE REALITY OF REFORMING THE CRITICAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.

ANGEL IDOWU SHOWS US HOW THIS LAWYER IS USING RATEMAKING TO INFORM OTHERS.

>> WE PUT PEOPLE AWAY FROM MURDER WHO DID NOT COMMIT THEM .

COOK COUNTY'S FIRST.

WE ARE FIRST IN DOING THAT.

THERE IS NO OTHER COUNTY IN THE U.S. THAT PUTS MORE INNOCENT PEOPLE AWAY.

>> Reporter: THIS LAWYER SAYS SHE HAS BEEN PRACTICING ART LONGER THAN PRACTICING LAW.

IT WAS NOT UNTIL 2016 THAT SHE REALIZED SHE COULD COMBINE BOTH PASSIONS, ART AND CONVERSATIONS.

>> SOMETIMES, I WANT TO SAY SOMETHING.

I AM HOPING THAT SOMEBODY WILL SEE IT AND THINK TWICE ABOUT WHATEVER THEY BELIEVE THEY KNOW ABOUT THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM.

>> Reporter: IN CLASSES AT THE COLLABORATIVE , SHE FOUND HERSELF UTILIZING PRINTMAKING , SUCH AS LITHOGRAPHY TO CREATE PIECES IN RESPONSE TO HER CURRENT WORK.

>> PRISON PIPELINE AND THE MORE RECENT SCIENCE ABOUT HOW OUR BRAINS ARE NOT FULLY MATURED UNTIL WE ARE 25 , 26 .

SOMETHING THAT WAS GOING ON IN THE LARGER COMMUNITY, LIKE THE GEORGE FLOYD MURDER.

THAT PROMPTED ME TO MAKE SOMETHING.

>> Reporter: SHE WANTS HER WORK TO EDUCATE.

>> ESPECIALLY PEOPLE WHO HAVE NEVER HAD TO INTERACT WITH THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM, THEY ARE THE ONES MOST IN NEED .

NOT EVERYBODY BELIEVES THAT THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IS UNFAIR.

NOT EVERYBODY WANTS TO BELIEVE THAT A PERSON OF COLOR , YOU WILL BE TREATED DIFFERENTLY.

SOME PEOPLE DON'T WANT TO HEAR THAT BECAUSE THEY WANT TO THINK THE JUSTICE SYSTEM IS PERFECT.

THEY WANT TO BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE NEVER LIE ON THE STANDS AND STATES ATTORNEYS NEVER LIKE WHEN THEY PRESENT A CASE.

BASED ON MY OWN EXPERIENCE, BOTH TELL LIES.

YES , OUR SYSTEM IS REALLY NOT PERFECT.

PEOPLE WHO GET CAUGHT UP IN THE SYSTEM ARE NO DIFFERENT THAN YOU AND I. I DON'T KNOW IF I HAVE A PARTICULAR PIECE THAT SAYS THAT, BUT THIS NOTION THAT WE CANNOT DEMONIZE ONE THIRD OF THE POPULATION THAT IS ARRESTED FOR A CRIME.

ONE THIRD OF OUR POPULATION.

THEY WILL HAVE A RECORD BY 23.

IF YOU ARE AN AMERICAN MALE -- 49%.

TOTALLY OUTRAGEOUS.

WE CANNOT AFFORD TO DEMONIZE EVERYBODY THAT HAS AN ARREST RECORD OR CONVICTION FOR A MISDEMEANOR.

THEY NEED TO COME BACK INTO THE WORKFORCE.

THEY NEED TO BE PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS.

THAT IS WHAT MOST OF THEM WANT TO DO WHEN THEY GROW UP AND WISE UP.

YET , WE ARE MAKING TO REALLY HARD.

AND WE SHOULD NOT.

I KNOW THAT WILL TAKE A LOT OF REEDUCATION.

THAT IS ONE OF THE THINGS I TRIED TO DO IN MY PRACTICE.

>> Reporter: FOR CHICAGO TONIGHT I AM ANGEL IDOWU.

>> VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR HOW TO VIEW HER ARTWORK.

WE WILL BE RIGHT BACK WITH MORE AFTER THIS.

>> CHICAGO TONIGHT IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY ALEXANDER AND JOHN NICHOLS.

THE JIM AND KAY FAMILY.

POPE BROTHERS FOUNDATION, AS WELL AS THE SUPPORT OF THESE DONORS.

>> CHICAGO TONIGHT IS MADE >>> STAY CONNECTED WITH US BY SIGNING UP FOR OUR COMMUNITY BRIEFING AND FIND US ON FACEBOOK, YOUTUBE .

YOU CAN GET US VIA PODCAST.

PLEASE JOIN US TOMORROW NIGHT LIVE AT 7:00 TO'S -- A LIVE REPORT FROM SPRINGFIELD.

>>> THOUSANDS OF HOMEOWNERS DELINQUENT ON THEIR PROPERTY TAXES FACE MASSIVE INTEREST PAYMENTS.

>>> FOR ALL OF US AT CHICAGO TONIGHT , I AM PARIS SCHUTZ, THANK YOU FOR WATCHING .

STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE AND HAVE A GREAT EVENING.