>>> GOOD EVENING, AND WELCOME TO "CHICAGO TONIGHT," I'M PARIS SCHUTZ.

BRANDIS FRIEDMAN IS ON ASSIGNMENT.

ON THE SHOW TONIGHT.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE IS OPEN FOR THE FIRST TIME IN DECADES.

TWO CANDIDATES VYING FOR YOUR VOTE THEY SAW.

>>> PEOPLE WHO ARE IDENTIFIED WITH THESE HATE GROUPS AND A PART OF IT, THEY SHOULDN'T BE A PART OF OUR CITY.

>> A RARE CITY COUNCIL DEFEAT FOR CHICAGO'S MAYOR.

OUR SPOTLIGHT POLITICS TEAM BREAKS DOWN TODAY'S CONTENTIOUS MEETING.

>>> IT'S ONLY ON DOES EVERYTHING TITLE IX WAS ABOUT.

>> IT'S A DEBATE THAT SHOWS NO SIGNS OF ENDING.

WHAT PLACED TRANS ATHLETES HAVE IN WOMEN'S SPORTS.

>>> I'M ANGEL IDOWU.

WE'RE TAKING A LOOK AT 19th CENTURY PHOTOGRAPHY WITH THE SOCIETY.

>>> BUT FIRST, SOME OF TODAY'S TOP STORIES.

SOME CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE PUSHING BACK AGAINST THE DECISION TO NOT FIRE A CHICAGO POLICE OFFICER WHO LIED ABOUT TIES TO A FAR-RIGHT EXTREMIST GROUP.

A DECISION DEFENDED BY BOTH MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT AND CHICAGO POLICE SUPERINTENDENT DAVID BROWN.

>> I CONDEMN THEM PUBLICLY, BUT WE STILL NEED TO REMEMBER THE CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT IN OUR INSTITUTIONS, WHERE WE HAVE CLEAR TIES WITH THE PROUD BOYS.

WITH ZERO TOLERANCE, LET'S MAKE IT ZERO TOLERANCE THEN.

>> THIS ALL COMES AS THE CITY COUNCIL UNANIMOUSLY PASSES A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY CITING THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE TREE OF LIFE SYNAGOGUE IN PITTSBURGH AND BY THE RAPPER FORMALLY KNOWN AS KANYE WEST.

WE'LL HAVE MORE ON TODAY'S CITY COUNCIL MEETING INCLUDING A CLASS BETWEEN MAYOR LIGHTFOOT AND SOPHIA KING LATER IN OUR PROGRAM.

>>> A 44-YEAR-OLD MAN IS FACING NUMEROUS FELONY CHARGES AFTER ALLEGEDLY ATTEMPTING TO KIDNAP AND SEXUALLY ASSAULT A POSTAL WORKER IN BROAD DAYLIGHT.

THE INCIDENT HAPPENED ON SATURDAY IN LITTLE VILLAGE.

>> POSTAL EMPLOYEES GO OUT ON THE STREET EVERY DAY, RAIN OR SHINE, TO SERVE THEIR COMMUNITIES.

ALL THEY'RE TRYING TO DO IS EARN AN HONEST LIVING.

SO WHEN INCIDENTS LIKE THIS HAPPEN, IT IS THE UPMOST PRIORITY OF THE INSPECTION SERVICE AND CHICAGO POLICE TO KEEP OUR COMMUNITY SAFE.

THAT'S WHY WE'RE ASKING THE PUBLIC TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR YOUR LETTER CARRIER.

>> PROSECUTORS SAY THE DEFENDANT SAYS RAMIREZ HID IN THE POSTAL WORKER'S VAN AFTER THEY HAD MET INSIDE A GAS STATION.

RAMIREZ IS BEING HELD WITHOUT BAIL.

>>> CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS WILL TAKE OVER CONTROL OF TWO URBAN PREP ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOLS.

THIS FOLLOWING THE CHICAGO BOARD OF EDUCATION VOTING UNANIMOUSLY AGAINST RENEWING THE CHARTERS LOCATED IN ENGLEWOOD AND BRONZEVILLE.

URBAN PREP ACADEMIES FACED ALLEGATIONS OF FINANCIAL MISMANAGEMENT AND SEXUAL MISCONDUCT BY THEIR CURRENT OPERATOR.

THE DECISION COMES DESPITE STRONG OBJECTIONS BY URBAN PREP ACADEMIES LEADERS.

>>> UP NEXT NOMINEES FOR ILLINOIS STATE OF SECRETARY OF STATE FACES OFF IN OUR FORUM.

>> "CHICAGO TONIGHT" IS MADE POSSIBLY IN PART BY ALEXANDRA AND JOHN NICHOLS.

THE JIM AND KAY MABIE FAMILY.

THE POLK BROS FOUNDATION.

AND THE SUPPORT OF THESE DONORS.

>>> FOR THE FIRST TIME IN DECADES JESSE WHITE WON'T BE ON THE BALLOT FOR ILLINOIS SECRETARY OF STATE.

THE JOB NOT ONLY INVOLVES ADMINISTERING DRIVER'S LICENSES FOR THE STATES RESIDENTS, BUT ALSO MAINTAINING OFFICIAL RECORDS, OVERSEEING AUTOMATIC VOTER REGISTRATION, AND YOU MIGHT HAVE KNOWN THIS.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE IS THE STATE'S CHIEF LIBRARIAN.

JOINING US TONIGHT IN THE ORDER THEY APPEAR ON THE BALLOT ARE ALEXI GIANNOULIAS, THE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE.

MR. GIANNOULIAS WAS A STATE TREASURER FROM 2007 TO 2011.

AND DAN BRADY, THE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE.

MR. BRADY HAS SERVED IN THE ILLINOIS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SINCE 2001.

ALSO ON THE BALLOT IS JOHN STEWART.

YOU CAN FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HIM AND HIS PLATFORM ON OUR WTTW ONLINE VOTER GUIDE.

A QUICK NOTE IN CASE YOU'RE UNFAMILIAR WITH OUR CANDIDATE FORM FORMAT, THIS IS NOT A FORMAL DEBATE.

CANDIDATES WON'T GIVE OPENING OR CLOSING STATEMENTS, AND ANSWERS WILL NOT BE TIMED.

THERE'S NO BELL I'M GOING TO RING.

I'LL USE FAIRNESS TO GUIDE THE DISCUSSION.

WE ASK THE CANDIDATES NOT TO FILIBUSTER OR GIVE CAMPAIGN SPEECHES.

WITH THAT WE WELCOME BOTH OF YOU TO OUR FORUM TONIGHT.

MR. GIANNOULIAS, I'LL START WITH YOU.

THE PUBLIC MIGHT REMEMBER YOU LAST FROM YOUR 2010 RUN FOR U.S. SENATE.

YOU HAVEN'T SERVED IN PUBLIC OFFICE SINCE THEN.

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO?

>> WELL THANKS AGAIN FOR HAVING US.

IT'S GREAT TO SEE YOU, PARIS.

JUST BECAUSE I LEFT PUBLIC OFFICE DOESN'T MEAN I'VE EVER LEFT PUBLIC LIFE.

I'VE DONE SOME NON-PROFIT WORK, WHICH I'M VERY PROUD OF.

I WAS CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMUNITY COLLEGES.

WE'VE GOT SOME OF THE FINEST COMMUNITY COLLEGES IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

I'VE BEEN ON THE BOARD OF CHICAGO PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM AS THE STATE'S CHIEF LIBRARIAN.

THERE'S A LOT I'VE LEARNED, A LOT I HOPE TO IMPLEMENT.

AND I'VE ALSO BEEN THE PRIVATE SECTOR WITH AN INVESTMENT COMPANY.

MOST IMPORTANTLY THOUGH, I GOT MARRIED AND HAVE THREE LITTLE GIRLS WHO ARE SUPER EXCITED FOR HALLOWEEN.

AND THAT IS REINVIGORATING ME AND SORT OF REINFORCED MY BELIEF IN THE IMPORTANCE OF SERVING THE PUBLIC AND RUNNING FOR OFFICE.

>> SO A LOT HAS CHANGED IN 12 YEARS.

REPRESENTATIVE BRADY, YOU'VE SERVED IN THE ILLINOIS HOUSE FOR 22 YEARS.

WHY DO YOU WANT THIS JOB AT THIS TIME?

>> WELL, I'M SEEKING THE POSITION OF SECRETARY OF STATE BECAUSE OF THE FACT OF MY EXPERIENCE.

MY BROAD EXPERIENCE QUITE FRANKLY IN BUSINESS, COUNTY GOVERNMENT, STATE GOVERNMENT, STATE REPRESENTATIVE.

AND ALL THOSE AREAS I'VE INTERACTED WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE FROM ISSUES OF ORGAN AND TISSUE DONATION, TO DISTRACTED DRIVING TEAMS, SENIOR DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSES, BUSINESS RELATED ASPECTS OF THE CORPORATION BEING A PART OF A BUSINESS.

AND SO ALL THOSE AREAS HAVE BEEN LIFE EXPERIENCES FOR ME.

AND FROM A LEGISLATIVE STANDPOINT, WORKING WITH SECRETARY WHITE IN THE PAST ON LEGISLATION AND BEING A PART OF THE BUDGETARY PROCESS THAT IS THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE BUDGET.

>> WE MENTIONED IT'S RARE THIS POSITION IS OPEN.

SECRETARY WHITE HAS SERVED FOR 24 YEARS.

BEFORE HIM IT HAD BEEN A LAUNCHING PAD.

MR. GIANNOULIAS, IS THAT WHY YOU WANT THIS JOB?

>> NO.

I'M VERY EXCITED ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY.

IT'S THE ONLY OFFICE I'D RUN FOR.

I THINK HAVING SERVED AS STATE TREASURER, BEEN IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, I UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF MODERNIZATION, NEW TECHNOLOGY.

I'M EXCITED ABOUT THIS POSITION.

I THINK I HAVE A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE BY HAVING SERVED AND RUN A STATEWIDE OFFICE, MANAGED A LARGE BUDGET, MANAGED PEOPLE.

IT'S A TERRIFIC OFFICE.

IT'S THE LARGEST SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE IN THE UNITED STATES.

I CAN'T WAIT TO HIT THE GROUND RUNNING.

I HAVE NO INTENTIONS ON RUNNING FOR ANYTHING ELSE.

>> BRADY, IS THIS A LAUNCHING PAD FOR HIGHER OFFICE DOWN THE ROAD?

>> NO, IT CERTAINLY IS NOT FOR ME.

IT'S AN OFFICE I'M ASPIRED TO.

IT'S AN OFFICE I HAVE REALLY WORKED TOWARDS IN MY ENTIRE LIFE ESPECIALLY IN SOME OF THE AREAS THIS LIFE, THE OFFICE TOUCHES MORE LIVES ON A DAILY BASIS THAN ANY OTHER EXECUTIVE BRANCH OF OFFICE IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.

YES, PEOPLE ARE MORE INTUNED WITH THE DRIVERS SERVICES SIDE OF THINGS.

BUT IT DOES HAVE A LARGE CONTINGENT OF EMPLOYEES, OVER 4,000 EMPLOYEES.

AND CERTAINLY KNOWING THOSE ASPECTS FROM A LEGISLATIVE STANDPOINT AND ALSO FROM THE ASPECT OF DEALING WITH THE OFFICE WHEN I WAS IN COUNTY GOVERNMENT.

I THINK IT CERTAINLY GIVES ME A LEG UP AS FAR AS KNOWING THE OPERATIONS OF THE OFFICE, HOW IT AFFECTS THE PEOPLES DAILY LIVES.

>> EVERYBODIES LIVES, DRIVER SERVICES, IT'S A QUESTION YOU PROBABLY GET EVERY DAY ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL.

WHAT WILL YOU DO TO ALLEVIATE LONG WAIT TIMES OR LINES AT THE DRIVER SERVICES FACILITIES?

>> EVERY SINGLE DAY INCLUDING FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS.

MODERNIZATION WILL BE AT THE FOREFRONT OF EVERYTHING WE DO.

I'M VERY PROUD OF THE FACT WE RUN A POLICY DRIVEN CAMPAIGN.

THAT'S WHY WE'VE RECEIVED THE ENDORSEMENTS OF THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE, THE DAILY HERALD, BECAUSE WE CONTINUE TO TALK ABOUT OUR MODERNIZATION.

THE SKIP THE LINE PROGRAM.

WE WANT TO HAVE PEOPLE SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WHEN THEY NEED A DRIVER'S LICENSE OR I.D.

RENEWED.

WE'RE LOOKING AT MOBILE, DRIVER'S LICENSE AND I.D.s ON MOBILE DEVICES.

20 OTHER STATES CURRENTLY ALLOW THAT TO HAPPEN.

THAT WILL HELP ALLOW PEOPLE TO ACCESS SERVICES VIRTUALLY.

IT WILL HELP CUT THE LINES AT THE DMVs ANYWHERE FROM 50% TO 75%.

WE ARE ALSO LOOKING AT THE CREATION OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S APP TO ACCESS ALL THE SECRETARY OF STATES SERVICES ONLINE.

WE WILL BE LOOKING AT VISION TESTS ONLINE, ELECTRONIC CAR TITLES ARE SOMETHING WE ARE ABSOLUTELY GOING TO DO RIGHT NOW IF YOU WILL TRY TO BUY A VEHICLE.

IT WILL TAKE A COUPLE OF WEEKS TO GET YOUR TITLE.

WE WON'T LOOK AT OTHER STATES LIKE WISCONSIN DO THE SAME THING.

AGAIN NEW TECHNOLOGY, MODERNIZATION WILL BE AT THE FOREFRONT OF EVERYTHING WE DO.

WE THINK PEOPLE IN ILLINOIS, THEY DON'T EXPECT THIS TO BE FIRST IN EVERY DEPARTMENT WHEN IT COMES TO TECHNOLOGY, BUT THEY'RE SICK AND TIRED OF US BEING LAST.

THAT IS SOMETHING I'LL BE EXCITED ABOUT.

>> REPRESENTATIVE BRADY, SAFE TO SAY YOU BOTH WANT TO MODERNIZE THE OFFICE.

HOW DOES YOUR PLAN DIFFER?

>> MY PLAN DIFFERS.

I REALLY WANT TO FOCUS ON REMOTE SERVICES.

BUT I ALSO WANT TO BALANCE THOSE WHO COME IN TO A FACILITY.

I WANT TO PRIORITIZE AND LOOK AT WHERE THE GREATEST FOOT TRAFFIC IS IN THESE FACILITIES ACROSS THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.

SO WE CAN PRIORITIZE WHAT WE'RE GOING TO DO.

FULLY STAFF THOSE AREAS NUMBER ONE.

CROSS TRAIN EMPLOYEES.

SO THEY KNOW YOU REALLY COME IN TO THE DRIVER'S FACILITIES FOR TWO THINGS.

ONE, DRIVER SERVICES OR VEHICLE SERVICES.

THE EMPLOYEES KNOW BOTH TO HELP YOU, THAT MEANS WHEN YOU GET TO THE END OF THE LINE, YOU'RE NOT TOLD I DON'T KNOW WHAT HE OR SHE DOES, YOU'RE GOING TO HAVE TO COME BACK.

HAVING MORE REMOTE SERVICES IS VERY IMPORTANT.

BUT WE ALSO NEED TO PROTECT PEOPLES IDEA.

NOT EVERYBODY IS TECH SAVVY.

YOU NEED TOFUL OF THOSE WHO ARE NOT.

I HAVE TALKED ABOUT PARTNERSHIPS.

WHAT'S REAL IMPORTANT FOR PARTNERSHIP TO ME IS LOOKING OVER THE 90 FACILITIES THAT WE HAVE AND $110 MILLION IN LEASES.

LOOKING AT WHAT'S OUT THERE THAT TAXPAYERS ARE PAYING FOR, COMMUNITY COLLEGES.

OUR 38 CAMPUSES ROUGHLY ACROSS THE STATE.

MANY OF THEM WANT TO LEASE SPACE.

MANY OF THEM ALREADY HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY THAT'S ALREADY BUILT IN FROM WI-FI TO INTERNET SERVICES TO ANY OTHER TYPE OF SERVICES, AND CYBERSECURITY AS WELL.

THEY ALL HAVE SOMETHING THAT'S VERY IMPORTANT.

IT'S CALLED TRANSPORTATION, PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IN THOSE FACILITIES.

I THINK THAT IS VERY IMPORTANT.

THE ACCESS, THE SECURITY, AND ALSO THE ABILITY TO HAVE THAT THAT YOU'RE PAYING FOR.

>> SO YOU WANT SOME OF THESE COMMUNITY COLLEGES.

WHAT ABOUT SOME OF THE THINGS THEY BROUGHT UP ELECTRONIC LICENSES, ELECTRONIC TITLE.

WHAT ABOUT SOME OF THOSE THINGS?

>> CERTAINLY, THE ELECTRONIC TITLE.

THERE ARE 25 OTHER STATES THAT DO THAT.

I HAVE TALKED ABOUT THE ELECTRONIC TITLE AND I VOTED FOR ELECTRONIC TITLING.

I CREATED THE LEGISLATION IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS TO HAVE BIRTH AND DEATH RECORDS ELECTRONICALLY FILED.

IT TOOK US A WHILE TO GET THERE, BUT WE'RE DOING THAT.

25 OTHER STATES IN THE COUNTRY ARE DOING TITLING SERVICES, E TITLING, THE VEHICLE TITLES FROM THE PURCHASE TIME TO THE LIEN HOLDERS, SO THEY KNOW WE MEAN BUSINESS.

ALL THE WAY TO LAW ENFORCEMENT.

SO ACTUALLY WHEN THEY MAKE A STOP, THEY KNOW WHO ACTUALLY OWNS THE VEHICLE AND WHERE IT IS TITLED TO.

THOSE ARE ALL EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.

WHAT TAKES ILLINOIS RIGHT NOW AND MOVE FROM BOX TO BOX IN THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE, IT TAKES HOURS FOR OTHER STATES.

IT TAKES US MONTHS.

I'VE EXPERIENCED IT MYSELF.

>> BOTH OF YOU MODERNIZATION IS A KEY PART OF IT.

AND THIS IS A LOT OF VITAL RECORDS HERE, PERSONAL RECORDS, THAT'LL BE DIGITIZED.

HOW DO YOU PREVENT CYBER CRIME, HACKING, THINGS LIKE THAT?

>> GREAT QUESTION.

SO CYBER SECURITY WILL BE OBVIOUSLY THE PRECURSOR TO EVERYTHING WE DO.

WE TALKED TO SOME OF THE OTHER STATES THAT FOR EXAMPLE HAVE MOBILE IDs AND MOBILE DRIVER'S LICENSES.

WE SPOKE TO FOLKS IN LOUISIANA WHERE THEY HAVE MOBILE IDs.

THEY HAVE HAD ALMOST ZERO FRAUD.

THEIR CYBERSECURITY IS STRONG.

WE WILL NOT DO ANYTHING UNLESS HAD PEOPLES DATA IS SECURE.

THAT WILL BE OBVIOUSLY THE NUMBER ONE PRIORITY.

>> SECURITY, CYBERSECURITY, PROTECTION FROM HACKING?

>> EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.

I'VE TALKED ABOUT THE FACT THESE OUTDATED FACILITIES ACROSS THE STATE OF ILLINOIS RIGHT NOW ALL NEED TECHNOLOGY UPGRADES TO BE INTERFACED TO EACH OTHER.

WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE CYBERSECURITY CHECK IS THERE.

THE ANTIQUATED FACILITIES AREN'T THE PLACE TO START.

THEY'RE ABLE TO BE STARTED IN THOSE AREAS THAT ARE ALREADY OUT THERE, THE TAXPAYERS WHO ARE PAYING FOR.

SOME COULD BE THE HUB OF THE COMMUNITY COLLEGES.

WHEN I WAS FOCUSED ON GETTING THE RECORDS, WE HAVE TO PROTECT, YOU KNOW, INFORMATION THAT'S EXTREMELY VITAL AND IMPORTANT.

WE WERE ABLE TO DO THAT.

BUT NOT ONLY WORKING WITH PUBLIC HEALTH, BUT ALSO WORKING WITH VITAL STATISTICS IN THE STATE AND PICKING A VENDOR WHO WOULD HAVE A GREAT TRACK RECORD TO BE ABLE TO DO THAT TO PROTECT THAT SECURITY.

I'VE HAD EXPERIENCE TO DO THAT AND PRODUCE THAT FOR THE PEOPLE OF ILLINOIS.

>> I WANT TO BRING THINGS MORE LOCAL.

CHICAGO AS YOU KNOW HAS SEEN A RASH OF DEATHS FROM THE CYCLISTS OR THE PEDESTRIANS THAT ARE GETTING HIT BY MOTORISTS.

IS THERE ANYTHING THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE COULD DO TO ENSURE THE SAFER ROADS FOR ALL USERS, DRIVERS, PEDESTRIANS, CYCLISTS?

>> YES, ROAD SAFETY IS GOING TO BE A KEY COMPONENT.

WE'VE TALKED TO A NUMBER OF ORGANIZATIONS INCLUDING THE IDOT, WHAT WE COULD DO TO HELP IN CHICAGO.

AND MAKING SURE THE DRIVER'S TEST PEOPLE ARE TAKING IT TO MAKE SURE IT'S UP TO DATE.

TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE ALL THE INFORMATION, ALL THE INDIVIDUALS AND THE GROUPS NEED.

WE'VE ALSO SPENT A LOT OF TIME LOOKING AT THE ISSUE OF CRIME AND WHAT ROLE WE COULD PLAY IN TRACKING VEHICLES, FOR EXAMPLE, THE COUNTY SHERIFF WHO HAD A PROPOSAL THAT HE WOULD ROLL OUT EARLIER THIS WEEK TO TRACT VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN CARJACKED.

WE WANT TO WORK WITH HIS OFFICE, REPRESENTATIVE MARTY MORELAND WHOSE CAR HAS BEEN CARJACKED.

THAT'S SOMETHING WE WANT TO WORK WITH THEM ON.

WE THINK WE NEED TO PUSH THESE AUTO MANUFACTURERS TO GIVE US THE INFORMATION ON THESE VEHICLES.

IT WILL HELP REDUCE CRIME.

IT WILL HELP MAKE SURE THESE VEHICLES AREN'T USED FOR FURTHER CRIME AS WE WILL HELP WITH ROAD SAFETY.

ANYTHING WE COULD DO TO DECREASE CRIME, DECREASE CARJACKINGS.

I THINK WE HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO HELP OUT WITH.

>> CARJACKING IS A HUGE ISSUE.

GO AHEAD.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

ALONG THOSE LINES THE SECRETARY OF STATE HAS ITS OWN POLICE DIVISION.

MANY PEOPLE DO NOT KNOW ABOUT.

PART OF THE AREA IS ROAD INVESTIGATORS, AN INVESTIGATIVE DIVISION.

RIGHT NOW THE SECRETARY OF TATE'S OFFICE HAS A SPECIALIZED TASK FORCE THAT HAS BEEN WORKING OFF AND WITH ILLINOIS STATE POLICE AND OTHER MUNICIPALITIES ON THAT VERY THING OF CARJACKING.

FROM THE STANDPOINT OF THE INTEL THEY HAVE CAN BE VERY, VERY IMPORTANT TO THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES.

THE OTHER THING I WANT TO FOCUS ON WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT RULES ON THE ROAD.

RECENTLY I MET WITH SOME MEMBERS OF THE CHICAGO FIRE DEPARTMENT.

I LEARNED SOME THINGS THAT FOR WHATEVER REASON IN THE RULES AND HANDBOOKS, IT'S NOT THERE ANYMORE WHEN IT COMES TO EMERGENCY VEHICLES, WHERE YOU ACTUALLY RESPOND, MOVE, AND MOVE TO THE RIGHT.

YOU'VE GOT PEOPLE IN THE CENTER OF THE ROAD NOWADAYS THEY'RE TELLING ME.

ONE THING THAT IS IMPORTANT THE LEGISLATURE DID, WHICH I DO NOT AGREE WITH AND IS CAUSING PROBLEMS.

THAT'S MARIJUANA.

MARIJUANA HAS BECOME A VERY TERRIBLE SITUATION WHEN IT COMES TO THE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL ABILITY TO RESPOND TO A MOTOR VEHICLE WHEN YOU'RE DRIVING THAT VEHICLE IF YOU'RE IMPAIRED.

I WANT TO LOOK AT FROM MEANS OF A TASK FORCE TO LOOK AT WHAT MARIJUANA MEANS NOW SINCE WE'VE CHANGED THE LAWS IN ILLINOIS.

I'M TALKING IN ADDITION TO WHAT GOES ON WITH IMPAIRED DRIVING BY DUI.

I'M TALKING ABOUT MARIJUANA.

WE DON'T EVEN HAVE IN ILLINOIS A GOOD WAY ON A FIELD TEST FLOOR THC RIGHT NOW IN MARIJUANA.

THEY HAVE TO BE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL TO DO A BLOOD DRAW.

>> THERE IS NO EQUIVALENCE TO ALCOHOL.

I WANT TO LIST THE CAR ACCIDENT STATISTICS THAT HAVE GONE UP THE LAST THREE YEARS FROM AROUND 1,000 IN 2019 TO 1,300 IN 2021.

THESE ARE FATALITIES FROM CAR ACCIDENTS.

SO DO YOU AGREE WITH YOUR OPPONENT MARIJUANA IS A DRIVING FACTOR IN SOME OF THIS?

>> YEAH, I HAVEN'T SEEN THE STATISTICS, BUT WE'VE HEARD ANY KIND OF IMPAIRMENT HAS AN IMPACT.

ALSO PEOPLE WHO ARE TEXTING WHILE DRIVING.

THAT'S SOMETHING WE WANT TO LOOK AT ENFORCING A LITTLE MORE AGGRESSIVELY.

>> HOW DO YOU ENFORCE THAT MORE AGGRESSIVELY THOUGH?

IS IT STATE TROOPERS BEING MORE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR PEOPLE ON THEIR PHONES?

>> YEAH, AND I THINK A LITTLE MORE PUBLIC SERVICE, GETTING OUT THERE TALKING ABOUT HOW IT'S DEADLY, HOW YOU'RE PUTTING PEOPLES LIVES AT RISK INCLUDING YOUR OWN FAMILY.

SO THERE'S A NUMBER OF WAYS TO DO IT INCLUDING USING THE PULPIT OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE TO ADVOCATE ON THIS ISSUE OF IMPAIRMENT AND TEXTING WHILE DRIVING.

IT'S A HUGE ISSUE.

>> ONE OF THE THINGS I DID AS COUNTY CORONER WAS DEVELOP A MODEL THAT BECAME A NATIONAL MODEL FOR THE ULTIMATE SENTENCING FOR COURTS TO ALLOW DUI OFFENDERS.

THAT'S SOMETHING TO LOOK AT.

BUT ALSO BRINGING BACK THE SECRETARY OF STATE POLICE INTO THE CLASSROOM TO TALK ABOUT WHAT IS DISTRACTING DRIVING?

OBVIOUSLY WHAT IT MEANS, WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN TO YOU IF YOU END UP IN ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND YOU LOSE THAT LICENSE BECAUSE YOU'RE NOT PAYING ATTENTION.

HOW ARE WE GOING TO GET TEENS TO UNDERSTAND?

LOOK AT A PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR SCHOOLS ACROSS THE STATE, DRIVERS SCHOOLS.

ONE OF THE THINGS THEY'VE BEEN DISCUSSING IS HOW CAN WE BEST SHOW THOSE STUDENTS HOW A 2,000-POUND VEHICLE REACTS, THE CAR THEY'RE GOING TO BE DRIVING.

SOME OF THE PROGRAMS THAT ARE OUT THERE LIKE TIRE RACK, OTHER PROGRAMS ACROSS THE STATE.

THEY ALL TALK ABOUT AND SHOW.

THEY TAKE THOSE STUDENTS OUT, PUT THEM BEHIND THE WHEEL.

IT'S NOT SOMETHING JUST IN THE CLASSROOM, BUT IT'S ACTUALLY OUT THERE ON MORE THAN A SIMULATOR, BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THE CAR.

THEY'RE MOST LIKELY GOING TO DRIVE.

THOSE TYPES OF THINGS ARE INL HAVE AABLE.

>> ALL RIGHT, I WANT TO GO BACK TO THE ISSUE OF CARS THAT HIT PEDESTRIANS AND CYCLISTS.

YOU MENTIONED SOMETHING ON THE DRIVER'S TEST.

I HAVEN'T TAKEN THE DRIVER'S TEST IN A LONG TIME.

DOES THERE NEED TO BE AN UPDATE IN THE DRIVER'S TEST TO HELP MOTORISTS TAKE CARE AND TO WATCH OUT FOR CYCLISTS AND PEDESTRIANS, AND KNOW WHAT THE RULES ARE?

>> YES, ABSOLUTELY.

I'M A CYCLIST.

I LIVE IN THE CITY.

A LOT HAS CHANGED.

THERE IS A DISRESPECT IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO FOR THE BIKE LANES.

THAT'S SOMETHING WE NEED TO LOOK AT AND MAKE SURE IT'S IN THE DRIVER'S TEST.

>> WE ALSO HAVE TO KEEP IN MIND IS THE TEACHING AND WHAT THAT INDIVIDUAL, THE YOUNG DRIVER OR THE SENIOR DRIVING.

SOME SENIORS WILL TAKE THE DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE, EIGHT-HOUR COURSE AND REMOTELY HELPS THEM WITH THEIR INSURANCE PREMIUMS.

BUT IT'S THE IDEA OF DEFENSIVE DRIVING.

BOTH AGE SPECTRUMS.

IT'S EXTREMELY IMPORTANT.

YES, THE THINGS EVERYBODY DOES TO GET DISTRACTED NOW, WE WOULD TALK ABOUT APPS, WE WOULD TALK ABOUT DIFFERENT THINGS ON OUR PHONES.

THAT'S PUTTING AN EMPHASIS ON YOUR HAND TO DO THINGS WHEN YOU SHOULD BE DOING 10-2.

>> ALL RIGHT, A LOT TO DEAL WITH WITH DISTRACTED DRIVING, DRUNK DRIVERS.

I WANT TO TALK ABOUT SOMETHING, MR. GIANNOULIAS, YOU FACED IN PAST CAMPAIGNS.

YOU RECEIVED SCRUTINY FOR YOUR TIME AS SENIOR LOAN OFFICER AT BROADWAY BANK THAT EVENTUALLY FAILED.

ALSO YOUR ADMINISTRATION OF THE COLLEGE SAVINGS PROGRAM WHEN YOU WERE TREASURER.

IT LOST SOME INVESTMENT FUNDS.

DO YOU ACKNOWLEDGE ANY MANAGEMENT MISTAKES?

>> WELL, LET ME START WITH BRIGHT STAR.

I COULDN'T HAVE BEEN MORE PROUD OF MY TIME AS STATE TREASURER AND THE ADMINISTRATION WE RAN.

WE INTRODUCED PROGRAMS TO HELP PEOPLE BUY THEIR FIRST HOMES, START THEIR FIRST BUSINESS.

AND MY VERY FIRST DAY IN OFFICE, WE PASSED THE MOST WIDE RANGE ETHICS PACKAGE STATE GOVERNMENT.

AND I COULD NOT BE MORE PROUD OF MY STEWARDSHIP OF THE BRIGHT STAR COLLEGE SAVINGS PROGRAM.

WHEN I GOT IN OFFICE, IT WAS RANKED 48th OUT OF 49 STATES NATIONALLY.

WE TOOK IT, BY THE TIME I LEFT, IT WAS ONE OF THE TOP FIVE PROGRAMS IN THE COUNTRY.

SO I'M VERY PROUD OF OUR STEWARDSHIP OF THE PROGRAM.

AS FAR AS MY FAMILY'S BUSINESS AS A COMMUNITY BANK THAT MY FATHER FOUNDED IN 1979.

UNFORTUNATELY LIKE A LOT OF BUSINESSES DURING THE GREAT RECESSION, IT DIDN'T MAKE IT.

WHILE IT WAS TOUGH ON ME PERSONALLY, IT WAS HARD.

IT'S NOT COMPARED TO WHAT OTHER FAMILIES ARE FACING.

I'LL TELL YOU PARIS, NO ONE ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL IS TALKING ABOUT THAT.

AS WE CONTINUE TO TRAVEL ACROSS THE STATE, THEY TELL US HOW CAN WE ELIMINATE THE TIME TAX FOR PEOPLE TO ACCESS GOVERNMENT SERVICES EASIER AND BETTER?

HOW CAN WE FIGHT FOR VOTERRERS RIGHTS?

HOW CAN WE USE THE LIBRARIES FOR FREE TUTORING, FREE MENTORING?

AND WE WILL HELP NEGOTIATE BETTER RATES WITH PUBLISHERS FOR BOOKS FOR KIDS, ESPECIALLY IN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES.

WE'VE ALSO LOOKED TO ATTACK ALONG WITH SECRETARY WHITE THIS BANNING OF BOOKS THAT I THINK IS DANGEROUS AND COUNTER TO OUR DEMOCRACY AND THE WAY EDUCATION SHOULD BE DONE.

AS WE CONTINUE TO TALK ABOUT IDEAS, THAT'S WHY WE'VE GOTTEN THE ENDORSEMENTS WE HAVE RECEIVED.

THAT'S WHY WE'RE UP IN THE POLLS.

WE CONTINUE TO TALK ABOUT THE POLICY.

>> YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT -- I JUST WANTED TO ASK.

IN THOSE TWO INCIDENTS, WERE THERE ANY MISTAKES YOU MADE OR ANYTHING YOU LEARNED FROM ESPECIALLY SINCE IT CAME UP SO MUCH IN THAT 2010 CAMPAIGN?

>> POLITICS IS A VERY, VERY DIFFICULT BUSINESS.

AND YOU KNOW IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SENATE CAMPAIGN, YEAH, IT WAS BRUTAL, IT WAS TOUGH.

BUT MY FATHER ALWAYS TAUGHT ME IT'S NOT HOW YOU GET KNOCKED DOWN, BUT HOW YOU GET BACK UP AND FIGHT.

I ALWAYS BELIEVE IN PUBLIC SERVICE.

I ALWAYS BELIEVE IN FINDING WAYS TO HELP OTHERS.

THAT'S WHY I'M RUNNING FOR SECRETARY OF STATE.

>> I THINK IT COMES STRAIGHT FROM THE POINT OF PUBLIC TRUST.

WE'RE RUNNING TO GET THE TRUST OF THE PEOPLE.

NOW JUST ON THE WAY HERE I WAS REMINDED BY SOMEONE WHO IS TALKING AND MANY ARE TALKING ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL ABOUT MY OPPONENT'S INABILITY IN HIS PROBLEMS UNDER THAT PARTICULAR PROGRAM WHEN HE WAS TREASURER.

HE FAILED IN THAT AREA.

THERE IS NO QUESTION ABOUT THAT -- >> THERE IS A QUESTION.

>> THERE IS $150 MILLION THERE.

>> BUT THAT'S NOT ACCURATE.

>> IT IS ACCURATE.

>> IT ISN'T ACCURATE.

>> THAT IS RECORDED BY MANY.

>> AND IT WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GREAT RECESSION, I GET IT.

>> $150 MILLION -- BAD AND RISKY INVESTMENTS.

THAT'S WHAT IT WAS.

>> WHEN YOU'RE DOWN IN THE POLLS AND YOU DON'T HAVE A POLICY PLATFORM TO RUN ON.

>> WHEN YOU KEEP MENTIONING AND MOVING TOWARDS THAT.

>> AND THEN ON TOP OF IT FAILED EVEN MORE WITH THE SETTLEMENTS.

>> ALL RIGHT, LET ME ASK THE QUESTION -- [ INAUDIBLE ] ALL RIGHT, LET'S FOCUS ON BRIGHT STAR.

SO THERE WERE INVESTMENT LOSSES.

WAS THAT A REGRET?

WERE THERE INVESTMENT DECISIONS MADE THAT YOU REGRET?

>> SO AGAIN WE NOTICED WITHIN ONE OF THE FUNDS, THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT LOSSES.

I WAS THE FIRST STATE TREASURER OF AMERICA TO NOTICE THESE LOSSES.

WE WERE THE FIRST TO SUE.

AND WE WERE THE FIRST STATE TREASURER'S OFFICE TO RECOUP MONEY FOR THESE FAMILIES, WHICH IS WHY IT WAS ONE OF THE TOP FIVE PROGRAMS IN THE COUNTRY.

I GET IT, POLITICS IS TOUGH.

YOU TRY TO DO WHAT YOU CAN.

I'VE HEARD THE RADIO ADS.

HE GOES ON THE ATTACK.

I'LL TELL YOU PEOPLE ARE SICK AND TIRED OF IT.

THE REASON WE'VE BEEN ENDORSED BY EVERY NEWSPAPER ACROSS THE STATE, BY GOOD GOVERNMENT GROUPS, IS BECAUSE OF OUR POLICY PROPOSALS FOR THE OFFICE.

I WILL TRY VERY HARD TO CONTINUE TO FOCUS ON WHAT WE'RE GOING TO DO IN THE OFFICE.

I COMPLETELY GET HIS POSITION.

YOU'RE DOWN IN THE POLLS -- >> WHEN YOU HAVE A RECORD, AND THAT RECORD WASN'T STELLAR -- YOU HAVE TO EXPOSE THAT RECORD AND TALK ABOUT IT.

LET ME ASK YOU IN THAT ENDORSEMENT THAT THE TRIBUNE WROTE, THEY DINGED YOU PRETTY HARD FOR YOUR PROPOSAL TO SLASH VEHICLE REGISTRATION RATES BY $50.

THEORETICALLY THAT WOULD COST THE STATE SOMEWHERE AROUND HALF A BILLION DOLLARS IN REVENUE.

HOW WOULD THE STATE AFFORD SOMETHING LIKE THAT?

>> HELPING THE WORKING FAMILIES OF ILLINOIS, NOW.

NOW AT THE END OF THIS YEAR, THE ROUGHLY TWO CENTS OR SO OF THE GAS TAX IS GOING TO GO AWAY.

$135 MILLION MORE IS GOING INTO THE ROAD FUND.

THAT ROAD FUND ON ANY AVERAGE DAY HAS ABOUT $1.38 BILLION IN IT, OKAY.

THE GAS TAX IS ALSO TIED TO INFLATIONARY COST.

THE COST OF PRICE INDEX.

THAT HAS GONE UP TO 7.8%.

WE HAVE INFLATION THAT'S OVER 8.3%.

THE HIGHEST INFLATION OF OVER 40 SOMETHING YEARS.

WHEN THAT TAX GOES AWAY, WHEN THE GROCERY TAX GOES AWAY, I FILED A LEGISLATION THAT SAYS WE WOULD LIKE TO REDUCE THE FEE FOR RENEWAL OF $50.

THAT IS FOR THE MEN AND WOMEN ACROSS THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, AND THAT COULD BE MADE UP IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT WAYS.

>> A HALF BILLION DOLLARS IN REVENUE?

>> IT IS MADE UP BY THE WAY.

WE COULD DO ROUGHLY $4 MILLION.

LOOKING AT THE ROAD FUND ITSELF, THEY CAN TAKE THAT DOLLARS AND UTILIZE THE DOLLARS IN DIFFERENT WAYS.

BUT $1.38 BILLION IS THERE ON AN AVERAGE DAILY BASIS.

IN THAT ROAD FUND CAN CERTAINLY BE SUSTAINED.

I BELIEVE IT'S GOING TO BE THE TYPE OF RELIEF THAT THE MEN AND WOMEN ACROSS THE STATE OF ILLINOIS WANT TO DO.

WHEN THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT WE CAN GET GROCERIES, WE CAN BUY GAS, OR IF IT'S MEDICINE.

WHAT ARE WE GOING TO END UP DOING?

>> THE ROAD FUND SEPARATE FROM THE STATE BUDGET.

DO THOSE NUMBERS ADD UP TO YOU?

>> NO, THERE'S 11 MILLION VEHICLES.

HE'S SAYING, YOU KNOW, IT'S A CAMPAIGN GIMMICK THAT HE WILL CUT $50 OFF EVERY SINGLE VEHICLE.

SOMETHING A LOT OF FOLKS HAVEN'T ASKED FOR.

MY QUESTION TO THE REPRESENTATIVE, THE SAME ONE THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE AND EVERY ORGANIZATION HAS ASKED IS YOU'RE LITERALLY TAKING $550 MILLION FROM THE ROAD FUND, 11 MILLION VEHICLES, $50, THE MATH IS VERY SIMPLE.

YOU'RE TAKING FROM THE ROAD FUND.

THESE ARE THE SAME SPRINGFIELD GIMMICKS THAT PEOPLE WHO ARE CAREER LEGISLATORS DO.

THEY SAY I'M GOING TO RUN FOR OFFICE, I'LL CUT YOU $50, BUT THEY ARE NOT GOING TO TELL YOU WHERE THEY WILL GET $550 MILLION FROM.

BY THE WAY OVER THE LONG TERM, THAT WILL COST ILLINOIANS THAT ARE STRUGGLING A LOT MORE.

THAT KIND OF FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY IS DANGEROUS.

>> IT'S NOT SPRINGFIELD GIMMICKS.

THE SPRINGFIELD GIMMICK IS WHEN YOU LOSE OVER $150 MILLION OF TAXPAYERS DOLLARS IN A PROGRAM.

>> WHERE WILL IT COME FROM?

>> I JUST EXPLAINED TO YOU, $135 MILLION MORE WILL BE PUT BACK IN ONCE THE GAS TAX ENDS.

THE TWO CENTS REDUCTION ENDS THIS PARTICULAR YEAR.

>> YOU'RE STILL TAKING $550 MILLION OUT.

>> AND ON THE OTHER SIDE OF IT, IT'S GOING TO BE THE REVENUE THAT WILL COME IN, WHICH IS TIED TO THE INFLATIONARY COST AND THE COST INDEX SIDE OF THINGS.

7.8% RIGHT NOW, MORE MONEY WILL GO INTO THE ROAD FUND IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.

AND THAT'S GOING TO OFFSET.

YOU KNOW WHAT, GOD FORBID WE TIGHTEN OUR BELTS ON SOME OF THE SPENDING IN RELATION TO SPRINGFIELD.

>> SO THERE IS CLEAR DISAGREEMENT ON THIS POLICY.

WE ONLY HAVE A FEW MINUTES LEFT.

BUT AS YOU KNOW, MR. GIANNOULIAS, UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS CAN GET DRIVER'S LICENSES IN ILLINOIS.

DO YOU PLAN TO CONTINUE THAT PROGRAM?

>> YES, UNEQUIVOCALLY.

>> I VOTED FOR THE PROGRAM TWICE WITH CERTAIN CAVEATS.

THE CAVEATS IS THEY NEED TO HAVE INSURANCE, THEY NEED TO SHOW THEY HAVE BEEN IN THIS PARTICULAR STATE FOR A PERIOD OF TIME.

IT HAS TO BE A VISION TEST.

AND THERE HAS TO BE APPLICATIONS SHOWING FOR WORK.

I VOTED FOR THAT TWICE.

FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL THOSE THAT DRIVE THE HIGHWAYS OF ILLINOIS AND THE ROADS OF ILLINOIS THAT ARE RESIDENTS AND CITIZENS HERE.

>> ALL RIGHT, ANOTHER IMPORTANT THING.

SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE IS DIFFERENT IN ILLINOIS THAN ANY OTHER STATE.

DOESN'T OVERSEE ELECTIONS AS OTHER STATES OFFICES DO.

BUT THERE IS THE MOTOR VOTER LAW SIGNED IN 2017 WHERE VOTERS ARE AUTOMATICALLY REGISTERED TO VOTE WHEN THEY GET THEIR DRIVER'S LICENSE.

HAS THAT PROGRAM WORKED AS INTENDED?

>> NO, WE NEED TO MAKE IT MORE EFFICIENT, AND EFFECTIVE.

HERE IS ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE.

HE, LIKE MANY OTHER REPUBLICANS, WANTS TO SEND IT BACK TO THE CLERKS OFFICES.

I WANT TO BE IN CHARGE OF AUTOMATIC VOTER REGISTRATION.

WE WANT TO MAKE IT AS EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE AS POSSIBLE.

I ALSO WANT TO PREREGISTER 16 AND 17-YEAR-OLDS LIKE 13 OTHER STATES CURRENTLY DO.

SO WHEN YOUR KID OR SON OR DAUGHTER GETS THEIR LICENSE, THEY'RE AUTOMATICALLY REGISTERED TO VOTE.

I WANT TO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO ENFRANCHISE VOTERS.

I THINK REPRESENTATIVE BRADY AND HIS PARTY ARE ATTACKING OUR DEMOCRACY WITH AN ASSAULT ON VOTING RIGHTS.

I DISAGREE WITH HIM ON OFFERING THAT PROGRAM.

>> THE ONE THING I LIKE ABOUT MY OPPONENT WHEN HE'S WRONG, HE'S REALLY WRONG, AND HE'S REALLY WRONG ON THIS.

THAT IS NOT WHAT DAN BRADY HAS SAID OR IS ABOUT.

DAN BRADY IS MAKING SURE UNDER MOTOR VOTER A FEDERAL MANDATE TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE THAT IT CONTINUES, BUT IT CAN BE ENHANCED AND HELD BY LOCAL AUTHORITIES.

ELECTION LOCAL AUTHORITIES WHO ARE THE ONES THAT COUNT THE VOTES.

OUR STATE BOARD OF ELECTION IS IN CHARGE OF THE ELECTION PROCESS IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE REGISTERS PEOPLE TO VOTE.

I WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT CONTINUES.

I WANT TO MAKE IT AS EASY AS POSSIBLE.

>> HOW ABOUT PREREGISTERING THOSE 16 AND 17-YEAR-OLDS?

>> I HAD LEGISLATION THAT ALLOWED 16 AND 17-YEAR-OLDS TO BE ON THE ORGAN DONOR LIST, OKAY, WITH A PARENTAL OPT-IN.

OR OPT-OUT.

AND THOSE -- >> FOR VOTING.

>> I JUST SAID THAT, I JUST SAID THAT.

BUT THE REALITY IS THE LOCAL ELECTION AUTHORITIES PARTNERING WITH SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE CAN MAKE A GREAT DIFFERENCE AND HELP FROM A PROCESS IN WHICH THE SECRETARY OF STATE'S OFFICE MAY FAIL LIKE WHEN THEY FAILED SENDING OUT LETTERS TRYING TO EXPLAIN WHAT VOTE BY MAIL WOULD BE LIKE AFTER THREE TRIES AND HAVE PEOPLE SO CONFUSED.

WHY NOT START WITH THE LOCAL ELECTION AUTHORITIES WHO COULD HAVE HELPED, COULD HAVE BEEN A GOOD COUNTY BOARD.

COULD HAVE BEEN VERY MUCH.

>> ALL RIGHT, GENTLEMEN, WHERE SHE TO LEAVE IT THERE.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

OUR THANKS TO ALEXI GIANNOULIAS AND DAN BRADY.

WE APPRECIATE IT.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> THANK YOU.

>> THANKS.

>>> AND ALSO ON THE BALLOT IS LIBERTARIAN CANDIDATE JOHN STEWART.

YOU CAN FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HIM ON OUR WTTW ONLINE VOTER GUIDE WHERE YOU WILL ALSO FIND A RUN DOWN OF OTHER LOCAL RACES AND CANDIDATES IN THEIR OWN WORDS ON WHY THEY WANT YOUR VOTE.

IT'S ALL AT WTTW.COM/VOTERGUIDE.

>>> UP NEXT ON THE 50th ANNIVERSARY ON TITLE IX, A LOOK AT TRANS GENDER ATHLETES.

PLEASE STAY WITH US.

>>> STILL TO COME ON "CHICAGO TONIGHT," IN A RARE MOVE, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS REJECT MAYOR LIGHTFOOT'S PICK FOR COMMITTEE CHAIR.

THAT AND MORE INTRIGUE IN SPOTLIGHT POLITICS.

>>> A DEBATE RAGES OVER HOW TRANS ATHLETES SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN SPORTS PROGRAMS.

>> I THINK OF IT AS TIME TRAVEL.

YOU GET TO GO BACK THROUGH THESE IMAGES AND SEE WHAT LIFE LOOKED LIKE THEN.

>> A LOOK BACK AT 19th CENTURY PHOTOGRAPHY OF SOME OF OUR COUNTRY'S EARLIEST NAMES AND FACES WITH THE SOCIETY.

>>> THE MERGER OF THE COMPANIES GET SOME FEDERAL PUSHBACK.

JOINING SENATORS ELIZABETH WARREN AND BERNIE SANDERS IN A LETTER TO THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION.

THEY'RE URGING THE FTC CHAIR TO OPPOSE KROGER, WHICH OWNS MARIANO'S, IN THE PROPOSED OWNER OF ALBERTSON'S FOR NEARLY $25 BILLION.

THEY'RE CLAIMING A MERGER COULD EXACERBATE EXISTING ANTI-TRUST ISSUES IN THE GROCERY SECTOR AND FURTHER RAISE PRICES FOR AMERICANS.

>>> A MAJOR SHAKEUP FOR THE CHICAGO BEARS, DAYS AFTER THEIR BIG VICTORY IN NEW ENGLAND.

THE TEAM ANNOUNCES IT IS TRADING STAR DEFENSIVE LINEMAN ROBERT QUINN TO THE UNDEFEATED PHILADELPHIA EAGLES IN EXCHANGE FOR A FOURTH ROUND DRAFT PICK NEXT YEAR.

QUINN SET A SINGLE SEASON FRANCHISE RECORD WITH 18.5 SACKS LAST SEASON.

ALTHOUGH HE'S NOWHERE NEAR THAT PACE THIS YEAR, BUT STILL THOUGHT OF AS A LOCKER ROOM LEADER.

AS PART OF THE DEAL, THE BEARS WILL REPORTEDLY PICK UP MOST OF QUINN'S REMAINING SALARY FOR THIS YEAR.

>>> SOMEONE MIGHT BE A FEW MILLION DOLLARS RICHER WHEN THEY WAKE UP TOMORROW MORNING.

THAT'S, OF COURSE, IF THEY WIN TONIGHT'S POWER BALL DRAWING.

THE JACKPOT IS MORE THAN $700 MILLION.

IT'S THE FIFTH LARGEST POWER BALL JACKPOT OF ALL TIME ACCORDING TO A POWER BALL NEWS RELEASE.

NOW THE ODDS OF WINNING THE JACKPOT ARE ONLY ONE IN 292 MILLION.

BUT SOMEONE DOES HAVE TO WIN.

>>> 50 YEARS AGO THE LIVES OF AMERICAN GIRLS CHANGED WITH THE ADVENT OF TITLE IX.

IT'S A LAW THAT FORBIDS SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES FROM DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEX.

IT OPENED THE DOORS FOR GENERATIONS OF WOMEN AND GIRLS TO PLAY SCHOOL SPORTS.

BUT A HALF CENTURY INTO TITLE IX, A NEW BATTLE IS RAGING OVER WHAT PROTECTIONS THE LAW SHOULD AFFORD TO TRANSGENDER ATHLETES.

THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION THIS SUMMER RELEASED NEW REGULATIONS THAT GIVE SOME PROTECTIONS TO TRANS STUDENTS, BUT ADVOCATES ARE STILL WAITING FOR THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION TO RELEASE AN ADDITIONAL PROPOSAL THAT WOULD SPECIFICALLY ADDRESS HOW SCHOOLS ARE TO HANDLE TRANS ATHLETES.

AS PART OF THE COLLABORATION WITH NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY, AMANDA VINICKY REPORTS.

>> ASH O'CONNOR IS AMONG THE CURRENT GENERATIONS OF ATHLETES WHO DIDN'T THINK TWICE ABOUT GIRLS PLAYING SCHOOL SPORTS.

WHETHER SHE COULD WAS ANOTHER QUESTION.

>> IMAGINE YOU GREW UP AS SOMETHING YOU'RE NOT, OR YOU WERE USING -- LIKE YOU KNEW WHAT YOU WANTED FOR YOURSELF, BUT YOU WERE LIKE FORCED TO DO EVERYTHING ELSE.

LIKE THE OPPOSITE PRETTY MUCH.

LIKE BEING -- LIKE GROWING UP MALE, IT WAS DEFINITELY NOT SOMETHING I ENJOYED.

>> Reporter: CHANGING IN THE LOCKER ROOM WHEN SHE PLAYED ON THE BOY'S HOCKEY TEAM.

>> IT WAS TERRIBLE.

LIKE I WANTED TO RIP MY SKIN OFF.

IT WAS A HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE FEELING.

>> Reporter: NOT ANYMORE.

O'CONNOR IS HAPPY AS A FRESHMAN AT COLLEGE OF DUPAGE, STUDYING TO BE A THERAPIST, SO SHE CAN HELP OTHER TRANS KIDS.

SHE CAME OUT IN HIGH SCHOOL, DROPPED HOCKEY.

HER SENIOR YEAR, SHE MADE THE GIRL'S VARSITY BADMINTON TEAM.

BUT SHE NEEDED PERMISSION TO PLAY.

THE IHHA HAS A POLICY FOR TRANS ATHLETES.

STUDENTS WHO WANT TO PLAY THE TEAM DIFFERENT THAN THEIR BIRTH CERTIFICATE OR SCHOOL REGISTRATION HAVE TO SUBMIT INFORMATION DOCUMENTING THEIR GENDER IDENTIFICATION, STATEMENTS FROM A PARENT OR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER, AND IF AVAILABLE, MEDICAL INFORMATION LIKE HORMONE TREATMENTS, SEX REASSIGNMENT SURGERY, OR COUNSELING.

IT'S UP TO THE DIRECTOR WHETHER TO GRANT THE REQUEST.

CRAIG ANDERSON MUST ALSO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT WHETHER THERE IS A GENDER ADVANTAGE.

>> WE HAVE TO, IN MY OPINION, BE INCLUSIVE FOR STUDENTS.

I'VE TRIED TO DO THAT TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY, ALONG WITH MAINTAINING SOME BALANCE IN ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION.

AND SO SOMEONE ISN'T GETTING A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE IN A SPORT BECAUSE OF A GENDER RELATED ADVANTAGE.

>> Reporter: ANDERSON SAYS HE RECEIVES BETWEEN 20 TO 25 REQUESTS A YEAR FROM STUDENTS LOOKING TO SWITCH SPORT PARTICIPATION.

HE'S REJECTED ONLY ONE.

FROM A HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR LOOKING TO COMPETE IN GIRLS TRACK AND FIELD.

ANDERSON SAYS THAT STUDENT WOULD HAVE HAD A CLEAR ADVANTAGE BASED ON PREVIOUS JUMPING DISTANCES IN SPRINT TIMES.

HE SAYS MOST HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETES AREN'T AT THE LEVEL THEY WOULD IMPACT THE OUTCOMES OF THE CONTEST.

IT WORKED OUT FOR ASH O'CONNOR.

SHE SAYS HAVING TO SUBMIT PERSONAL INFORMATION ABOUT HER ESTROGEN AND HORMONE BLOCKERS TO AN ASSOCIATION SHE FEARED COULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT WAS TERRIFYING.

BUT SHE SAYS PLAYING BADMINTON WAS ONE OF THE BEST DECISIONS OF HER LIFE.

>> BEING ABLE TO PLAY SPORTS JUST AS MYSELF WAS SO IMPACTFUL TO ME.

I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO DO SOMETHING I LOVE AS THE PERSON THAT I AM.

>> Reporter: O'CONNOR BENEFITED FROM THE SUPPORT OF HER TEAMMATE AND COACH.

MATH TEACHER JOCELYN PAINTER SAYS HER ONLY THING WAS PROTECTING ASH FROM POTENTIAL BACKLASH, BUT THERE WAS NONE.

>> SHE WAS ABLE TO COMPETE.

SHE WAS ABLE TO PLAY HER HEART OUT.

SHE HAD TOUGH LOSSES AND GREAT WINS JUST LIKE EVERYONE ELSE.

>> Reporter: IF O'CONNOR HAD TRIED OUT FOR A MORE PROMINENT SPORT, MAYBE TENNIS, BASKETBALL, SOFTBALL, SHE WONDERS IF THE SITUATION WOULD HAVE RECEIVED MORE ATTENTION.

>> THIS IS NEW TO ME.

DO I THINK OH, COULD THAT HAVE MADE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN SOME SPORTS OR SOME THINGS?

ABSOLUTELY.

DO I THINK MAYBE ASHLEY CAME IN WITH SOME MAYBE, MAYBE AN EXTRA STRENGTH OR SOMETHING?

MAYBE.

I'VE SEEN PEOPLE HIT WAY HARDER THAN HER.

I'VE SEEN PEOPLE MOVE FASTER THAN HER.

>> Reporter: SHE SAYS PERHAPS THE ANSWER WOULD BE A NEW COED SPORT.

>> MAYBE OUR CATEGORY HAS CHANGED OUR OUR RANKINGS HAVE CHANGED.

>> Reporter: HOW TO LEVEL THE PLAYING FIELD WHEN IT COMES TO TRANS ATHLETE IS A BATTLE PLAYING OUT ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

AT LEAST 18 STATES HAVE PASSED LAWS BANNING TRANS ATHLETES FROM SCHOOL SPORTS.

A MEASURE TO DO SO IN DEMOCRATIC CONTROL ILLINOIS HAS GONE NOWHERE.

>> THIS IS NOT AN EASY CONVERSATION.

I'M 100% FOR TRANS RIGHTS, ABSOLUTELY, 100% FULL STOP.

I ALSO UNDERSTAND THE CONVERSATION THAT SOME ARE HAVING ABOUT WOMEN SPORTS.

AND IF SOMEONE HAS GONE THROUGH MALE PUBERTY AND NOW PLAYING WOMEN'S SPORTS, THERE ARE QUESTIONS.

I DON'T THINK THAT IS UNREASONABLE TO HAVE THAT CONVERSATION.

>> Reporter: CHRISTINE BRENNAN IS A PROMINENT SPORTS JOURNALIST.

SHE CREDITS HER PIONEERING CAREER IN PART TO TILE IX.

SHE WAS AMONG THE FIRST TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE LAW AS AN ATHLETE IN HIGH SCHOOL.

>> I'M NOT QUITE SURE WHERE WE SHOULD COME DOWN ON ALL OF THIS, BUT WE DO KNOW THIS.

WE WANT TO HAVE COMPETITION OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERY SINGLE YOUNG ATHLETE OR EVEN OLD ATHLETE WHO WANTS TO COMPETE.

>> Reporter: O'CONNOR AND DOZENS OF OTHER ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL TRANSATHLETES GOT THE CHANCE TO COMPETE ON TEAMS MATCHING THEIR GENDER IDENTITY.

THAT'S HARDER FOR TRANS ATHLETES AT ELITE LEVELS.

THE INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING FEDERATION MADE A SPLASH IN JUNE WITH THE POLICY BANNING MALE-TO-FEMALE ATHLETES FROM COMPETING IN WOMEN'S DIVISIONS UNLESS THEY DIDN'T GO THROUGH PUBERTY OR MEDICATION BEFORE A CERTAIN AGE.

THEY ALSO HAVE TESTOSTERONE LEVELS.

A HARD THRESHOLD THAT MANY STATES FROM GENDER -- [ INAUDIBLE ] AND AS FOR COLLEGE SPORTS, THE NCAA'S POLICY CALLS FOR AT LEAST A YEAR OF TESTOSTERONE SUPPRESSION THERAPY PLUS PROOF TESTOSTERONE LEVELS ARE AT THE STANDARDS SET BY THE PARTICULAR GOVERNING BODY.

SHE SAYS SHE CAN CLOCK A MILE AT 4 MINUTES, 19 SECONDS, AND COULD BREAK RECORDS BY SHAVING OFF ANOTHER SEVEN SECONDS.

>> PEOPLE WILL SEE IT AS I'M DOING THIS BECAUSE OF SOME HORRIBLY ALTERIOR MOTIVE.

I'M NOT.

I'M SIMPLY FAST.

I WANT TO BE ABLE TO RUN, COMPETE, AND AT THE END OF THE DAY JUST LIKE ANYONE ELSE SAY I LEFT IT ALL OUT THERE ON THE TRACK.

>> Reporter: GORDON SONG TAKES HORMONES THAT HELP GIVE HER THE RIGHT BODY AND THE RIGHT MINDSET.

>> I FEEL LIKE I'M IN PUBERTY ALL OVER AGAIN.

>> OH JOY.

>> I DIDN'T GET ENOUGH OF IT THE FIRST TIME AROUND.

I THOUGHT WHY NOT GO FOR ROUND TWO?

>> Reporter: IN ADDITION TO THE EMOTIONAL TURBULENCE, GORDON-SONG SAYS THE DRUGS HAVE ANOTHER AFFECT.

SHE SAYS SHE'S JEOPARDIZING HER HEALTH, SO SHE WILL BE ABLE TO COMPETE.

>> MY MUSCLES ARE TEARING APART.

AND I'M LOSING MUSCLE MASS BECAUSE I HAVE TO, BECAUSE I'M AN ATHLETE, AND I HAVE TO MAINTAIN SUCH A LOW LEVEL OF TESTOSTERONE.

I'M LITERALLY THINNING OUT MY BONES JUST TO GO AHEAD AND CUT DOWN TO WHAT THEY CONSIDER AN ACCEPTABLE TESTOSTERONE LEVEL TO THE POINT WHERE I'M POSSIBLY GOING AHEAD AND PUSHING THAT LINE OF OSTEOPOROSIS.

>> Reporter: SHE SAYS TESTOSTERONE CHECKS MAY BE A DIRECT SHOT AT TRANS ATHLETES, BUT WILL MAKE A VICTIM AT THE TOP OF THEIR LIST.

>> AND BECAUSE OF THAT, THEY'RE GOING TO SAY HEY, YOU MUST BE DOPING.

YOU MUST BE DOING SOMETHING HERE.

LET'S GO AHEAD AND GET YOUR TESTOSTERONE LEVELS CHECKED AND SEE WHAT IS BETWEEN YOUR LEGS AND GET YOU EXAMINED THAT WAY.

>> THERE IS ALWAYS GOING TO BE PEOPLE THAT HAVE BIOLOGICAL ADVANTAGES.

LIKE LOOK AT MICHAEL PHELPS.

HE HAS A WIDER WINGSPAN, SUPER BIG HANDS AND FEET.

LIKE LARGER LUNG CAPACITY.

HE WASN'T LIKE TAKEN OUT OF THE SPORT BECAUSE HE WAS TOO GOOD OR ANYTHING.

>> Reporter: AND THEN AGAIN THE FEDERAL LAWSUIT BROUGHT BY SEVERAL WOMEN ON A COLLEGE TRACK TEAM ALLEGES THEY LOST SPOTS ON THE PODIUM TO A TRANS WOMAN.

UNDERMINING ALL THAT TITLE IX HAS DONE FOR GIRL SPORTS.

SPORTS JOURNALIST BRENNAN SAYS IT'S A TOPIC THAT CAUSES MAJOR OUTRAGE WHEN IT IS MUCH MORE NUANCED.

>> FOR ANYONE TO ATTACK SOMEONE ELSE FOR HAVING THIS PART OF THE CONVERSATION, I JUST THINK SHOWS SUCH A LACK OF UNDERSTANDING OF A VERY COMPLEX ISSUE THAT GOOD PEOPLE CAN DISAGREE ON, AND THAT PEOPLE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ISSUE CAN LOOK AT EACH OTHER AND SAY I'M 100% FOR YOUR RIGHTS, WE'LL STOP.

WOMEN SPORTS IS SOMETHING THAT WE NEED TO WORK OUR WAY THROUGH.

>> Reporter: A HALF CENTURY INTO TITLE IX, BRENNAN PREDICTS THE DEBATE IN WOMEN'S SPORTS OVER HOW TO WORK TOWARDS FAIRNESS, INCLUSION, AND OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL WILL PLAY OUT FOR ANOTHER 50 YEARS.

FOR "CHICAGO TONIGHT" I'M AMANDA VINICKY.

>> THIS STORY IS A PART OF A LARGER EVENT SURROUNDING THE 50th ANNIVERSARY OF TITLE IX.

TITLE IX AT 50 PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE IS A THREE-DAY EVENT BEGINNING TOMORROW AT NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY.

IT'S FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

THE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS IS POSTED ON OUR WEBSITE.

>>> IT'S THAT TIME.

SPOTLIGHT POLITICS.

IT WAS A CONTENTIOUS DAY BETWEEN CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS AND THE MAYOR DURING TODAY'S MEETING.

IN A RARE MOVE, COUNCIL MEMBERS REJECTED THE MAYOR'S ATTEMPT TO NAME AN ALLY AS A COMMITTEE CHAIR.

AND SOME ALDERPEOPLE CONDEMNED THE DECISION NOT TO FIRE A CHICAGO POLICE OFFICER WITH ALLEGED TIES TO THE PROUD BOYS.

HERE WITH ALL THAT AND MORE IS OUR SPOTLIGHT POLITICS TEAM OF AMANDA VINICKY AND HEATHER CHERONE.

GREAT TO SEE YOU BOTH.

NICE REPORT, BY THE WAY, AMANDA.

LET'S START WITH ALDERMAN LOPEZ WHO CONDEMNED THE OFFICERS WITH THOSE ALLEGED TIES TO THE PROUD BOYS.

>> I CONDEMN HIM PUBLICLY.

BUT WE STILL HAVE A MEMBER OF THE CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT IN ILLINOIS' INSTITUTIONS, WHERE WE HAVE CLEAR TIES WITH THE PROUD BOYS.

THAT SHOULD END RIGHT NOW IMMEDIATELY.

WITH THE SUPPORT OF THIS RESOLUTION AS MY COLLEAGUES, I ASK YOU TO REFLECT WITH OUR ACTIONS OR NARRATIVES OR RESOLUTIONS.

WE SAY ZERO TOLERANCE.

LET'S MAKE IT ZERO TOLERANCE THEN.

>> HEATHER CHERONE, THE POLICE DEPARTMENT SUSPENDED THIS OFFICER, THE MAYOR SUPPORTS THAT.

HOW BIG OF A DEAL IS THAT DECISION?

>> I THINK THERE ARE SEVERAL ALDERPEOPLE WHO ARE VERY WORRIED FOR TWO REASONS.

ONE, THEY'RE CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT IT MEANS TO HAVE AN OFFICER WITH TIES TO THIS FAR-RIGHT GROUP ON THE FORCE EVEN IF THEY ARE SUSPENDED AT THIS MOMENT.

WHAT IT MEANS ABOUT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT'S ABILITY TO WEED OUT EXTREMISTS FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

I'VE COVERED EXTENSIVELY THE PROBLEMS THE POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS HAD IN POLICING ITSELF AND HOLDING OFFICERS ACCOUNTABLE FOR MISCONDUCT AND ALL OF THAT IS SORT OF COMING TO AHEAD WITH THIS DEBATE.

>> AND SO THAT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT BASICALLY SAID THEY DIDN'T HAVE A WHOLE LOT OF EVIDENCE TO PROVE THESE CLAIMS.

THE INSPECTOR GENERAL SAID WAIT A SECOND, YOU BETTER GO BACK TO INVESTIGATE IT BECAUSE WE DO HAVE THE EVIDENCE.

WHAT ACCOUNTS FOR THE GAP HERE?

>> THE INSPECTOR GENERAL WANTED THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO FILE WHAT'S CALLED A RULE 14 AGAINST THIS OFFICER.

BASICALLY SEEKING TO DISMISS THEM FOR LYING TO INVESTIGATORS.

THE SUPERINTENDENT DAVID BROWN DECLINED TO DO SO AND HAS NOT REALLY ANSWERED WHY HE THINKS IT'S APPROPRIATE IN THIS CASE, WHILE OTHER OFFICERS HAVE BEEN DISMISSED FOR LYING TO INVESTIGATORS.

LYING IN PARTS OF OTHER COURT CASES.

>> WHICH BY THE WAY IS A SEPARATE ISSUE FROM THE INVOLVEMENT WITH THE PROUD BOYS.

SO I THINK TO HEATHER'S POINT, THERE CAN BE FRUSTRATION AND QUESTIONS AS TO THE INTEGRITY OF THE PROCESS ON TWO FRONTS.

FIRST IF THERE IS A POLICE OFFICER ON THE STREETS THAT HAS THESE SORT OF FEELINGS, OF COURSE, COULD TAKE THEM OUT ON RESIDENTS AND CITIZENS.

BUT ALSO WHAT HAPPENS IF AN OFFICER LIES?

WHAT ELSE DOES THAT UNDERMINE IN TERMS OF REPORTS THAT AN OFFICER FILED OR THE ENTIRE PROCESS FOR HOLDING POLICE ACCOUNTABLE?

>> THIS OFFICER WAS OBVIOUSLY ON THE FBI'S RADAR FOR THESE ALLEGED TIES TO THE PROUD BOYS.

SO YOU THINK THAT WOULD PERK SOME EARS UP IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT.

ALSO TODAY CITY COUNCIL REJECTS THE MAYOR'S MOVE TO NAME AN ALLY, ALDERMAN JAMES CAPPLEMAN, THE CHAIR OF THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE.

CAPPLEMAN, WHO BY THE WAY, IS RETIRING AFTER THIS TERM.

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS?

>> WELL, SOPHIA KING, WHO WAS IN LINE TO BE CHAIR OF THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE, IS RUNNING AGAINST MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT.

>> YOU'RE NOT GOING TO TELL ME THERE'S POLITICS INVOLVED HERE?

COME ON.

>> I KNOW, IT'S SHOCKING.

IT'S CLEAR THE MAYOR DID NOT WANT TO GIVE THIS PLUM POSITION, WHICH COMES WITH A NICE BUDGET AND THE ABILITY TO HIRE SUPPORTERS AND FRIENDS.

>> CALLED THE SHOTS IN TERMS OF WHAT ORDINANCES GO FORWARD.

>> ALDERMAN KING SAYS SHE PLANS TO BE A FAR MORE AGGRESSIVE EDUCATION COMMITTEE CHAIR.

>> AND HAS DONE A WHOLE LOT OF NOTHING.

>> THEY HAVE NOT MET ONCE IN 2022.

THEY HAVE A BUDGET OF MORE THAN $180,000.

AND SHE SAYS TODAY SHE WANTED PEDRO MARTINEZ TO COME EVERY QUARTER TO TELL THE CITY COUNCIL WHAT WAS HAPPENING IN THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS.

THAT'S NOT HOW THE MAYOR'S ALLIES HAVE RUN THIS EDUCATION COMMITTEE.

>> AND TO THAT AFFECT, ALDER WOMAN SOPHIA KING AND MAYOR LIGHTFOOT HAD AN INTERESTING EXCHANGE DURING THIS MEETING.

>> AND QUITE FRANKLY, IF YOU WOULD SPEND MORE TIME ATTACKING PROBLEMS INSTEAD OF PEOPLE, WE WOULD BE MUCH BETTER OFF.

>> ALL RIGHT, ALL RIGHT, ALDERMAN KING, YOU'RE OUT OF ORDER.

YOU'RE OUT OF ORDER, AND I'M NOT GOING TO LET YOU MAKE A POLITICAL SPEECH ON THE FLOOR BECAUSE OF YOUR ASPIRATIONS.

>> IT SOUNDS LIKE BOTH ARE THINKING ABOUT PERSPECTIVE CAMPAIGN ADS HERE WITH THEIR COMMENTS.

>> HOW CAN YOU NOT?

CAMPAIGN ADS, BUT ALSO KING IS LOOKING TO SET HERSELF APART.

YOU NEED TO.

IT IS ALREADY A CROWDED FIELD PARTICULARLY IN THE PROGRESSIVE FRONT, AND BY THE WAY COULD GET MORE CROWDED.

THERE'S THAT ELEMENT.

AND I DO THINK WHEN YOU GIVE SOMEBODY A COMMITTEE CHAIR THAT AGAIN, THERE'S A PLUM PERK OF MONEY, WHICH I'M NOT SURE HOW MUCH ONE HAS SERVED IF YOU HAVEN'T HELD A COMMITTEE MEETING, NOT THAT EVERYTHING HAPPENS IN MEETINGS.

>> FOR JOBS.

>> AND ALSO AGAIN THE ABILITY TO EVEN FURTHER EMBARRASS LIGHTFOOT.

SO IT'S THESE MEETINGS.

OF COURSE, THERE WILL BE A LOT OF POLITICS.

>> HEATHER, I WANT TO BRING UP SOMETHING THAT WAS GOING TO BE VOTED ON TODAY, SOMETHING YOU COVERED.

THIS IS THE ORDINANCE ON PRIVATE BOOTING, BOOTED MEANING IT'S BEEN DELAYED.

SO WHAT'S THE STORY HERE?

>> WELL, THEY DON'T HAVE THE VOTES.

I SAY THIS ALL THE TIME ON TWITTER.

IF YOU HAVE THE VOTES, YOU CALL THE VOTES, IF YOU DON'T HAVE THE VOTES, YOU DELAY.

THAT'S WHAT HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY.

IT NEEDS 26 VOTES.

IT'S CLEAR SOME ALDERPEOPLE DO NOT WANT TO GIVE UP THE POWER TO EITHER PERMIT OR BAN THIS PRACTICE IN THEIR WARDS.

NOBODY LIKES GETTING COMPLAINTS FROM ANGRY PEOPLE WHO JUST RAN INTO WALGREENS AND ENDED UP HAVING TO PAY $170 TO GET THEIR CAR OUT OF, YOU KNOW, JAIL ESSENTIALLY.

SO THAT'S WHY THIS IS CONTROVERSIAL.

>> I WANT TO GET BACK TO MAYORAL POLITICS.

WE'VE SEEN ANECDOTES NOW THAT CONGRESSMAN CHUY GARCIA HAS PETITIONS OUT ON THE STREETS OR SOMEONE IS PASSING OUT PETITIONS ON HIS BEHALF.

DO YOU THINK THAT MAKES THE NEEDLE LEAN TOWARDS YES, HE'S GETTING IN OR STILL 50/50?

>> SO THEY HAVE UNTIL NOVEMBER 28 TO FILE THESE PETITIONS.

SO THE CLOCK IS TICKING.

WE ALL KNOW IT'S CHICAGO, IT'S FALL.

THE WEATHER COULD GET VERY NASTY, VERY QUICK, WHICH MAKES PASSING PETITIONS A LOT LESS ENJOYABLE.

MY SENSE IS THAT ALLIES OF CONGRESSMAN GARCIA SAID LOOK, IT'S EITHER NOW OR NEVER.

WE NEED TO GET THIS GOING.

EVEN IF HE HASN'T DECIDED AND HE HASN'T ANNOUNCED, IT IS TIME TO SORT OF PUT THE PAPER TO THE PEN.

>> AMANDA, THIS COMES AS CONGRESSMAN GARCIA JOINS THE OTHER MEMBERS OF CONGRESS IN PULLING BACK ON THE LEAKED LETTER TO PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN, URGING BIDEN TO GET UKRAINE TO NEGOTIATE WITH RUSSIA TO END THE WAR AND GARCIA IS NOW SAYING WAIT A SECOND.

THAT LETTER WAS WAY BACK IN JUNE.

THAT WAS ILL ADVISED.

WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?

>> YOU FOE, IT MAY HAVE BEEN WAY BACK IN JUNE AND I'M NO EXPERT ON UKRAINE.

BUT THAT SAID, NOT MUCH REALLY HAS CHANGED OTHER THAN THINGS HAVE GOTTEN MORE AGGRESSIVE.

SO I'M NOT SURE THAT WILL HOLD.

I DO THINK IT SHOWS TWOFOLD GARCIA TO RUN FOR GOVERNOR.

AND THANK YOU.

WHETHER HE WERE TO RUN FOR MAYOR, THERE WOULD BE A MUCH CLOSER LOOK AT WHAT HE HAS AND HAS NOT DONE IN DC.

AND FURTHER -- >> THE BIG COMMUNITY IN CHICAGO.

>> YES, IN CHICAGO.

A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE FIRED UP ABOUT THIS SITUATION.

IN FURTHER THAT THIS IS SOMETHING BY THE WAY SOME REPUBLICANS, SOME OF THE MORE CONSERVATIVES, HAVE BEEN AIMING FOR THE U.S. TO STEP BACK FROM FUNDING UKRAINE.

GARCIA HAS SAID THAT'S NOT WHAT WE'RE DOING.

WE DON'T WANT TO CAVE.

BUT YEAH, IT'S BACKLASH.

>> BOTH PARTIES ARE TAKING THAT POSITION.

BEFORE WE GO, AMANDA, PRO PUBLICA CAME UP WITH THE DETAILED STORY ON THE HISTORY OF ILLINOIS, GOP, MEGA DONORS.

THEY HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN POLITICS FOR DECADES.

THE PRIMARY FUNDERS OF EFFORTS BEHIND DARREN BAILEY.

THEY HAVE FUNDED ELECTION DENIERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

DID WE LEARN ANYTHING NEW?

>> FIRST OF ALL, I THINK IT'S INTERESTING SHOPPING LOCALLY, GOING TO A PLACE YOU CAN TELL, THE OWNER HAS LIKELY PROGRESSIVE LEANINGS BECAUSE THEY'VE GOT A CTU SIGN OR SOMETHING IN THE DOOR.

THEN YOU GO PURCHASE SOMETHING, YOU GET A GIFT BAG.

LOW AND BEHOLD ON THE BOTTOM IT SAYS U-L-I-N-E. THAT'S THE COMPANY THAT'S OWNED BY THE ULINE'S.

THEY HAVE MADE IMMENSE PROFITS AS PEOPLE HAVE DONE MORE PACKAGING SENDING AND STUFF OF THEIR BOXES.

SO WHAT DID WE LEARN FROM HERE?

WE LEARNED MORE ABOUT THEIR HISTORY OF THE PEOPLE THAT DON'T SPEAK VERY OFTEN DESPITE MONEY TALKS.

IT'S SORT OF THEY ARE NEARLY IF YOU GO SHOPPING IN OFFICES.

AND THE SUN TIMES REPORTED NINE OUT OF $10 THEY'RE PUTTING TOWARDS SPENDING ON THE ELECTION HAS GONE TOWARDS CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES THAT HAVE DENIED THE ELECTION.

>> RIGHT, THEY'RE THE BIGGEST FUNDERS FOR REPUBLICANS.

HEATHER CHERONE AND AMANDA VINICKY, I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S OVER ALREADY.

YOU MAKE IT GO BY SO QUICK.

THAT'S IT FOR SPOTLIGHT POLITICS.

UP NEXT A LOOK BACK AT 19th CENTURY PHOTOGRAPHY WITH THE DAGUERREIAN SOCIETY.

STAY WITH US.

>> KEEP IT OURS.

>>> SOME OF THE EARLIEST SNAPSHOTS WILL BE ON DISPLAY THIS WEEKEND AT THE DAGUERREIAN SOCIETY'S ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM.

A GROUP COMMITTED TO THE PRESERVATION AND CELEBRATION OF ONE OF THE OLDEST FORMS OF PHOTOGRAPHY KNOWN AS THE DAGUERREIATYPE.

WE WILL HAVE MORE ON THE CELEBRATION OF PHOTOGRAPHY.

>> THERE'S A MAGIC.

A PART OF THAT MAGIC IS IT'S A ONE OF A KIND PHOTOGRAPH.

>> THAT'S NO IMAGINATION.

IT WAS PRINTED ON A COPPERPLATE IN 1839.

BECAUSE THEY DON'T HAVE NEGATIVES OF THE IMAGE, THEY'RE LITERALLY ONE OF A KIND.

>> THESE ARE GOLD MINERS MINING IN CALIFORNIA.

IF YOU LOOK CLOSELY, THERE'S A GOLD PAN, THE GUY IN THE MIDDLE HAS A GOLD PAN.

>> MIKE MEDHURST HAS BEEN PRESIDENT OF THE DAGUERREIAN SOCIETY FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS.

HE'S BEEN COLLECTING THESE FOR DECADES.

>> THESE ARE MARK GALINA OF ILLINOIS.

WE WANT THE WORLD TO KNOW PHOTOGRAPHY WAS ART FROM THE DAY IT WAS BORN.

IT DIDN'T BECOME ART WHEN THEY WERE BIG ENOUGH TO HANG ON YOUR WALL.

THESE MAGICAL IMAGES SHOW THAT.

THERE IS A THREE-DIMENSIONAL ASPECT TO THE DAGUERREOTYPE THAT YOU DON'T GET WITH ANY OTHER FORM.

AND THERE IS A CLARITY THAT COMES WITH THE DAGUERREOTYPE THAT MODERN PHOTOGRAPHY DOESN'T CAPTURE.

>> Reporter: WITH THE COLLECTION OF NEARLY 500 IMAGES, THE UNOFFICIAL DAGUERREOTYPE EXPERT SAYS IMAGES RANGE FROM $30 TO $300,000.

AND WITH SUCH A STRENUOUS PROCESS TO EVEN CREATE THE IMAGE, HE SAYS THE PRICE POINT JUST DEPENDS ON THE CONTEXT OF THE IMAGE.

>> HOW LONG YOU WOULD HAVE TO SIT DEPENDING ON HOW BRIGHT THE LIGHT WAS.

IF IT WAS A RAINY DAY, YOU MIGHT HAVE TO SIT FOR QUITE A WHILE.

>> Reporter: SOME OF THESE PIECES WILL BE SEEN IN A FUTURE EXHIBIT AT THE ART INSTITUTE.

>> FREDERICK DOUGLAS WAS THE MOST PHOTOGRAPHED PERSON OF THE 19th CENTURY.

WE KNOW OF 160 DIFFERENT SITTINGS, DIFFERENT POSES THAT HE MADE OVER THE COURSE OF HIS LIFETIME.

HE WAS REALLY ENGAGED WITH PHOTOGRAPHY AS A TOPIC AS WELL.

HE LECTURED ON IT FREQUENTLY, AND CONNECTED THE IDEAS OF PHOTOGRAPHIC PROGRESS WITH AMERICAN PROGRESS.

THE DAGUERREOTYPE WAS A DEMOCRATIC ART, THE FIRST TIME OF IMAGE MAKING THAT WAS ACCESSIBLE TO MOST CLASSES.

>> Reporter: WHILE THE ART FORM MIGHT HAVE ONLY LASTED UNTIL THE LATE 1850s, THE DAGUERREIAN SOCIETY SAYS ITS IMPACT WILL LAST FOREVER.

>> I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT FOR US TO NOT FORGET WHERE WE CAME FROM.

IT'S ONE THING TO SEE HISTORIC SHOWS ON TELEVISION.

IT'S ANOTHER THING TO LITERALLY SEE RIGHT INTO HISTORY.

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

>> THE DAGUERREIAN SOCIETY HOSTS A PHOTO FAIR THIS SATURDAY FROM 10:00 TO 4:00, AND IT'S OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

MORE DETAILS ARE ON OUR WEBSITE.

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

>> "CHICAGO TONIGHT" IS MADE POSSIBLY IN PART BY ALEXANDRA AND JOHN NICHOLS.

THE JIM AND KAY MABIE FAMILY.

THE POLK BROS FOUNDATION AND THE SUPPORT OF THESE DONORS.

>>> AND THAT'S OUR SHOW FOR THIS WEDNESDAY NIGHT.

PLEASE JOIN US TOMORROW NIGHT LIVE AT 7:00.

IT'S A BIG ONE.

CANDIDATES FOR ILLINOIS SENATOR DUCKWORTH AND KATHY SHELBY SHARE THEIR ISSUES ON THE PARTNERSHIP WITH CHICAGO SUN TIMES.

FOR ALL OF US HERE TONIGHT ON "CHICAGO TONIGHT," I'M PARIS SCHUTZ.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE.

HAVE A GREAT EVENING.