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

I'M PARIS SCHUTZ.

>> I'M BRANDIS FRIEDMAN.

ON THE SHOW TONIGHT... >> THEY ARE NOT VACCINATEnd THEY DO NOT WANT TO BE TESTED.

>> DOES ILLINOIS' RIGHT OF CONSCIOUS LAW PROTECT WORKERS WHO DEFY GOVERNMENT COVID MANDATES.

>> AND EL MILAGRO WORKERS HAVE BEEN WORKING UNDER HARSH CONDITIONS FOR YEARS.

>> WORKERS AT EL MILAGRO ARE BACK ON THE JOB AFTER LAST WEEK'S WALKOUT.

WE HEAR ABOUT THEIR WORKING CONDITIONS AND THE LATEST ON THEIR ORGANIZING EFFORTS.

>> CLEARING CRIMINAL RECORDS.

THE STATUS OF CANNABIS EXPUNGEMENTS FOLLOWING THE LEGALIZATION OF RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA.

>> FIRST WE WILL INCREASE FUNDING FOR HOMELESS PREVENTION BY 36% >> THE MAYOR'S 2022 BUDGET PROPOSAL INCLUDES UP TO $214 MILLION IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROGRAMS FOR CHICAGO'S HOMELESS POPULATION.

>> THE DISCHARGE OF A BROWN SUBSTANCE FORCES BEACH CLOSURES IN THE INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL PARK.

>> A LOOK AT THE IMPACT EXTREME HEAT HAS ON THE HEALTH OF OUTDOOR WORKERS AND THEIR EARNINGS.

>> THE BUSINESS MARKET DISTRICT IN FULTON MARKET IS BOOMING AND THE WEST LOOP COULD BE THE NEXT LOCATION FOR A METRA STATION.

THAT AND MORE FROM CRAIN'S.

>> AND THE CITY TENNIS FESTIVAL KICKS OFF WE TALK ABOUT THE HOST AND LEARN ABOUT HIS MISSION TO GIVE OPPORTUNITIES TO TAKE PART IN A MAJOR TENNIS TOURNAMENT.

FIRST, SOME OF TODAY'S TOP STORIES... >> SUPERSTAR R. KELLY IS FOUND GUILTY OF RACKETEERING IN CONNECTION WITH SEX TRAFFICS, KIDNAPPING AND BRIBERY SCHEMES INVOLVING UNDERAGE GIRLS OVER A PERIOD OF MANY YEARS.

THE VERDICT WAS READ IN A COURT TODAY AFTER TWO DAYS OF JURY DELIBERATIONS AND THIS IS FILE FOOTAGE OF KELLY IN COOK COUNTY COURT.

HE IS FOUND GUILTY OF A SEX TRAFFICS LAW CALLED THE MAN ACT WHICH MAKES IT ILLEGAL TO TRANSPORT ANYONE OVER STATE LINES FOR IMMORAL PURPOSES.

>> TO THE VICTIMS IN THIS CASE, YOUR VOICES WERE HEARD, AND JUSTICE WAS FINALLY SERVED.

>> AND KELLY FACES UP TO 20 YEARS IN PRISON WITH SENTENCING SCHEDULED FOR MAY 4 AND HE IS FACING SIMILAR CHARGES HERE IN THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ILLINOIS AND STATE CHARGES IN COOK COUNTY AND IN MINNESOTA.

>> A FORMER CHICAGO ALDERMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FEDERAL CORRUPTION CHARGES.

22nd WARD ALDERMAN RICARDO MUNOZ PLED GUILTY TO CHARGES THAT HE DRAINED $16,000 ARE FROM THE BANK ACCOUNT FROM THE PROGRESSIVE REFORM CAUCUS.

AND USED THAT MONEY TO PAY FOR A RELATIVE'S TUITION AMONG OTHER EXPENSES.

THE PLEA AGREEMENT CALLS FOR A SENTENCE OF 10-16 MONTHS IN CUSTODY AND RESTITUTION OF $6,000 TO THE PROGRESSIVE CAUCUS FUNDS.

HE SERVED ON CITY COUNCIL FROM 1993-2019.

>> DATA BY THE F.B.I.

SHOWS A 30% SPIKE IN HOMICIDES ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

THE LARGEST INCREASE SINCE THE F.B.I.

STARTED TRACKING THOSE NUMBERS IN THE 1960s.

THE REPORT SAYS SEVERAL LARGE CITIES INCLUDING CHICAGO DID NOT RELEASE DATA.

THAT SAID, THE CITY FINISHED WITH 771 HOMICIDES.

AND THAT WAS UP 64% FROM THE YEAR BEFORE.

AND THE CITY IS ON A SIMILAR PACE THIS YEAR.

CHICAGO POLICE SUPERINTENDENT DAVID BROWN SPOKE AT CITY CLUB TODAY AND SAID IT'S HARD TO ASCRIBE A SINGLE CAUSE FOR THE SPIKE.

>> TOO MANY ILLEGAL REPOSSESSED GUNS IN THE WRONG HANDS.

NUMBER TWO, WE DO WANT MORE SIGNIFICANT CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLENT OFFENDERS IN OUR COURT SYSTEM.

>> FORMER PRESIDENT AND FIRST LADY BARACK OBAMA AND MICHELLE OBAMA ARE SET TO BREAK GROUND ON THE OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER IN JACKSON PARK.

THIS EVENING, THE FORMER PRESIDENT TOUTED THE PROJECT IN A VIRTUAL CONVERSATION WITH FORMER CAMPAIGN STAFFERS.

GOVERNOR J.B. PRITZKER, MAYOR LIGHTFOOT AND DIGNITARIES ARE SCHEDULED TO BE AT THE EVENT TOMORROW AS ROAD CLOSURES AND WORK ON THE SITE HAS BEGUN.

THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO COST UPWARDS OF $500 MILLION.

AND WILL HAVE FULL COVERAGE ON TOMORROW NIGHT'S PROGRAM.

>> UP NEXT A LOOK AT ONE OF THE EXEMPTIONS TO VACCINE REQUIREMENTS.

SO STAY WITH US.

>> Announcer: "CHICAGO TONIGHT" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY... >> PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN, ILLINOIS GOVERNOR J.B. PRITZKER, CHICAGO MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT EACH ARE USING THEIR AUTHORITY TO INSTITUTE COVID VACCINE MANDATES.

THOSE WHO DON'T WANT TO COMPLY ARE PUSHING BACK AND THEY HAVE STATE LAW ON THEIR SIDE.

AMANDA VINICKY JOINS US NOW WITH MORE.

EXPLAIN THAT FOR US?

>> WELL, THOSE MANDATES ARE BEGINNING TO KICK IN.

TEACHERS, OTHER SCHOOL EMPLOYEES AND HEALTHCARE WORKERS HAD TO RECEIVE A FIRST DOSE OF A COVID-19 VACCINE BY SEPTEMBER 19TH ORIGIN TO UNDERGO REGULAR TESTING.

CHICAGO MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT IS STICKING BY AN OCTOBER 15TH DEADLINE FOR CITY EMPLOYEES.

BUT THOSE THAT DON'T WANT TO GET THE SHOT OR BE TESTED, THEY ARE COUNTING ON ILLINOIS' RIGHT OF CONSCIENCE LAW AS A POTENTIAL OUT.

THAT LAW STATES IT IS THE PUBLIC POLICY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS TO RESPECT AND PROTECT THE RIGHT OF CONSCIENCE OF ALL PERSONS WHO REFUSE TO OBTAIN, RECEIVE OR ACCEPT OR WHO ARE ENGAGED IN THE DELIVERY OF ARRANGEMENT FOR OR PAYMENT OF HEALTHCARE SERVICES AND MEDICAL CARE.

THE A.C.L.U.

OF ILLINOIS' AMERI KLAFETA SAYS THAT ILLINOIS HAS HAD A VERSION ON THE BOOKS SINCE THE 70s AND UPDATED AGAIN IN 2016.

>> WHAT IT'S INTENDED TO DO IS TO SHIELD HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS FROM BEING SUED OR FACING A LICENSING REMOVAL OR SOMETHING OF THAT NATURE IF THERE IS A HEALTHCARE SERVICE THAT THEY DON'T WANT TO PROVIDE BECAUSE OF A RELIGIOUS OR A CONSCIENCE BASED OBJECTION.

>> AND TYPICALLY THAT SERVICE WOULD BE AN ABORTION WHEN DOCTORS DON'T WOULDN'T TO PERFORM ONE THERE HAVE BEEN CASES OF PHARMACISTS THAT DO NOT WANT TO FILL PRESCRIPTIONS FOR BIRTH CONTROL.

A DOZEN OR SO NAUVOO COLUSA CITED THE LAW AS A REASON OF REFUSING THE COVID VACCINE AND THEY DON'T WANT TO BE TESTED.

ONE INDIVIDUAL SAY THEY BELIEVE IN OTHER OWN BODY'S POWER TO FIGHT COVID AND A PRESCRIPTION DRUG ADDICTION MAKES THEM ADVERSE.

I'M PROUD TO BE A VIKING I DO NOT WANT TO BE FIRED FOR THE REASONS AND MY PERSONAL CONVICTIONS, I DECLINE TO GET THE COVID-19 VACCINE OR PARTICIPATE IN YOUR WEEKLY COVID-19 TESTING AS IS MY RIGHT GRANTED TO ME UNDER THE HEALTHCARE RIGHT OF CONSCIENCE ACT.

>> THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE I TALK TO MAJORITY OF STAFF MEMBERS SAYS IT'S DISCRIMINATION.

BECAUSE IF THE VACCINATED PEOPLE DON'T HAVE TO GET TESTED, THEY FEEL LIKE THEY SHOULDN'T GET TESTED.

BECAUSE VACCINATED PEOPLE CAN SPREAD COVID-19 AND THEY CAN HAVE COVID.

SOME OF THEM SAID IF THE STAFF GOT TESTED THEN THEY WOULD GET TESTED AS WELL.

>> BUT SUPERINTENDENT KENT YOUNG SAYS HIS ATTORNEY ADVISES HIM THAT UNIVERSAL TEST SOMETHING NOT ALLOWED UNDER ILLINOIS' EXECUTIVE ORDER.

THE SCHOOL BOARD UPHELD CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTIONS AS A REASON THAT STAFF CAN REFUSE TO GET THE VACCINE OR UNDERGO TESTING.

NAUVOO COLUSA ON PROBATE WITH THE STATE FOR REFUSING TO COMPLY BY THE MASK MANDATE.

>> IT'S CHALLENGING WITH THE STAFF AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS.

AND PARENTS AND YOU KNOW KIDS ARE GREAT.

THEY WERE GREAT LAST YEAR.

WE REQUIRED THEM TO WEAR THE MASK PROPERLY AND DID NOT HAVE ISSUES.

STARTING LAST SPRING PEOPLE GOT TIRED OF IT AND THERE'S INFORMATION ON SOCIAL MEDIA AND SO THAT STARTED CREATING A PROBLEM.

>> THE ILLINOIS FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE LIKEWISE LOOKING TO THE RIGHT OF CONSCIENCE ACT.

>> THIS LAW IS THERE AND IT SEEMS TO BE PRETTY CLEAR AND GAINING GROUND.

BUT THIS LAW DOES IN FACT, APPLY DIRECTLY TO THE VACCINE MANDATE WE DO BELIEVE THERE'S DISCRIMINATION PART OF THIS LAW THAT WILL PROTECT OUR MEMBERS IF THEY SEEK TO GET AN EXEMPTION AGAINST THE VACCINE.

>> THE A.C.L.U.

AMERI KLAFETA SAYS FOR WORKERS AND THE PATIENTS IN THIS SCENARIO TO BE USING THE LAW IS A STRETCH.

SHE SAYS THAT THE ACT WAS INTENDED TO LOOK AFTER HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS.

>> WHAT WE'RE SEEING NOW IS THE REALLY UNPRECEDENTED EXPANSION OR ATTEMPT TO EXPAND THE PROTECTIONS OF THE LAW AND REALLY TURNING IT ON ITS HEAD.

>> SHE ENVISIONS IN THE NEAR FUTURE THE ISSUE COULD LAND IN COURT.

>> I THINK THAT WOULD BE UP TO THE COURTS TO DETERMINE HOW BROADLY TO INTERPRET THIS IT'S POSSIBLE THAT IN THE MEANTIME, THE LEGISLATURE COULD COME BACK AND AMEND THE LAW POTENTIALLY TO NARROW SOME OF THE TERMS THAT PEOPLE ARE RELYING ON TO BRING THE LAW BACK TO THE ORIGINAL SCOPE.

>> THERE'S ACTIVITY AND TALK ABOUT JUST THAT HAPPENING IN THE LEGISLATURE IS SET TO RETURN IN LATE OCTOBER.

SO LAWMAKERS WILL HAVE THAT OPPORTUNITY.

NOW AS FOR THE MATTER GOING TO COURT, FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE PRESIDENT CHRIS SOUTHWOOD SAYS THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE THAT THE FOP'S LARGEST LOCAL AND YES THAT IS CHICAGO, COULD SERVE AS A TEST CASE.

THE ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEANWHILE IS STEADFAST RESPONDING TO MY REQUEST FOR COMMENTS ON THIS MATTER WITH A STATEMENT SAYING THAT SCHOOL PERSONNEL WHO DECLINE VACCINATION AND TESTING MUST BE EXCLUDED FROM THE SCHOOL PREMISES AND ANY DISTRICT THAT HAS QUESTIONS ABOUT THE HEALTHCARE RIGHT OF CONSCIENCE ACT SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR LEGAL COUNSEL.

WITH THAT BACK TO YOU.

>> THIS HAPPENED AS THE LOCAL FOP, THE CHICAGO FOP ANNOUNCED THAT IT MET WITH THE CITY ON THAT MANDATE AND NOTHING REALLY CAME OUT OF THAT MEETING AND ANNOUNCED TODAY, THAT THEIR FORMER PRESIDENT DEAN ANGELO IS IN THE ICU WITH COVID.

SO OUR WISHES FOR A SPEEDY RECOVERY.

AND THANK YOU >> NOW, TO BRANDIS AND THE LATEST ORGANIZING EFFORTS BY EMPLOYEES AT EL MILAGRO.

BRANDIS?

>> PARIS, WORKERS AT THE EL MILAGRO TORTILLA FACTORY ARE BACK ON THE JOB FOLLOWING A WALKOUT BUT THEY SAY THEY ARE PROTESTING POOR WORKING CONDITIONS, LACK OF ADEQUATE PAY AND THE COMPANY ALLEGEDLY NOT FOLLOWING COVID GUIDELINES.

WORKERS SAY LAST YEAR 85 PEOPLE AT THE FACILITY CONTRACTED COVID AND FIVE DIED.

JOINING US WITH MORE IS JORGE MUJICA, THE STRATEGIC CAMPAIGN'S ORGANIZER FOR ARISE CHICAGO A WORKERS RIGHTS GROUP THAT HAS BEEN ORGANIZING WITH THE EL MILAGRO WORKERS AND REACHED OUT TO EL MILAGRO FOR A REPRESENTATIVE TO HEAR BACK FROM A REPRESENTATIVE AND WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE YET.

JORGE MUJICA THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

WHAT KIND OF CONDITIONS ARE WORKERS DEALING WITH THERE?

>> WELL, THERE IS A FULL LIST OF DEMANDS.

BUT MOSTLY TWO OF THEM; THERE'S NOT ENOUGH WORKERS.

AND EL MILAGRO IS INCREASING WAGES TO ATTRACT NEW WORKERS BECAUSE THEY ARE OFFERING $16 AN HOUR WHICH IS $1 ABOVE MINIMUM WAGE INSTEAD OF RAISING THE RAGES THEY ARE RAISING THE SPEED OF THE MACHINES AND THE WORKERS COMPLAIN THEY HAVE TO PUT TOGETHER TORTILLA PACKAGES EVERYONE SECOND.

60 PACKAGES PER MINUTE.

AND THEY SAY YOU CAN CRANK UP THE MACHINES BUT YOU CANNOT INCREASE OUR SPEED THAT IS INHUMANE.

AND THE OTHER IS TEMPERATURES.

OF COURSE, THIS IS A BAKERY AFTER ALL.

AND THEY ARE WORKING AT 90, 95° AND WE THEY TAKE THEIR LUNCH, THE LUNCH ROOM DOESN'T HAVE AIR-CONDITIONING EITHER.

SO IT'S LIKE TAKING YOUR LUNCH AT 100° OR 95°.

IT'S INCREDIBLY UNCOMFORTABLE FOR THEM.

>> YOU AND ARERS WERE R WORKERS HAVE BEEN ORGANIZING AROUND THIS AND WE KNOW ABOUT THE WALKOUT.

WHAT IS THE STATUS OF YOUR ORGANIZING NOW?

>> WE GAVE ALL THE WORKERS GAVE THE COMPANY SEVEN DAYS TO RESPOND TO THEIR DEMANDS.

THEY ARE ASKING TO SIT DOWN WITH MANAGEMENT AND TALK ABOUT ALL THESE DEMANDS AND MANAGEMENT SO FAR HAS REFUSED.

THEY DON'T WANT TO TALK TO THE WORKERS.

THEY SAY ONE BY ONE GO TO HUMAN RESOURCES BUT NOT AS A GROUP.

NOT AS A COMMITTEE WHICH THE WORKERS FORMED ELECTED A COMMITTEE AND THEY ARE DEMANDING THE MANAGEMENT JUST TO SIT DOWN AND TALK.

MANAGEMENT REFUSES.

>> ONE OF THE CONCERNS AS WE MENTIONED IT'S BEEN AROUND THE COVID MITIGATIONS MEASURES.

WE SPOKE WITH LUIS EARLIER.

[SPEAKING SPANISH] >> HAS THE COMPANY ADDRESSED HOW THEY HAVE TREATED COVID PRECAUTIONS?

>> THEY HAVE IMPROVED SOME CONDITIONS.

CERTAINLY LAST YEAR THERE WERE ALMOST CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR THEY DID NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO USE A FACE MASK BY THE BEGINNING OF THE PANDEMIC; APRIL, MAY LAST YEAR.

AND THAT ENDED UP WITH FIVE DEAD AND 85 WORKERS SICK.

EVER SINCE THEY ARE IMPROVING.

BUT STILL YOU KNOW THESE ARE ESSENTIAL WORKERS IN CROWDED CONDITIONS, AND EXTREME PRECAUTIONS HAVE TO BE TAKEN.

>> AFTER THE WALKOUT LAST WEEK, WE KNOW THAT WORKERS WERE LOCKED OUT OF THE FACTORY FOR SEVERAL HOURS.

WHAT HAPPENED?

>> YESTERDAY DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE WORKERS GAVE A LETTER A SIGNED LETTER TO MANAGEMENT SAYING WE WILL COME BACK TO FINISH OUR SHIFT AS SOON AS OUR MEETING IS OVER.

THE COMPANY SIMPLY DECIDED TO SHUTDOWN THE PLANT AND LOCKOUT THE WORKERS LEAVING THEIR PURSES, CAR KEYS INSIDE.

YOU KNOW THEIR PERSONAL BELONGINGS SO THE WORKERS COULD NOT EVEN GO HOME.

WE HAD TO CALL THE POLICE AND THE POLICE CAME AND POLICE FORCED MANAGEMENT TO ALLOW THE WORKERS TO WALK IN.

AND THEN THE NEXT DAY WE HAD ANOTHER PROTEST ON FRIDAY.

WHERE WE EXPOSED THIS AND HUMAN RESOURCES FINALLY SAID WE WILL PAY YOU FOR THE HOURS YOU LOST YESTERDAY.

SO IT WAS A SOUND VICTORY FOR THE WORKERS.

BUT STILL THE DEMAND IS SIT DOWN AND MEET WITH US AND LET'S TALK ABOUT THE PROBLEMS.

>> AND THERE'S A CONCERN OVER WAGES.

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE WORKER AT EL MILAGRO MAKING AND WHAT IS THE CONTROVERSY OVER THE NEW JOB POSTINGS?

>> SINCE WE STARTED ORGANIZING TWO MONTHS AGO, THE WORKERS WERE MAKING $15.40, $15.50.

AND WORKERS WITH SENIORITY ARE SAYING HOW COME YOU ARE GOING TO PAY NEW WORKERS MORE THAN WE ARE EARNING?

ON TOP OF THAT WE WILL HAVE TO TRAIN THEM.

SO THAT IS NOT POSSIBLE.

AND EL MILAGRO CAME BACK INCREASING SOME WAGES BUT STILL IN THE OLD STYLE OF PERSONAL EVALUATIONS.

I WILL GIVE YOU 10 CENTS I WILL GIVE YOU 50 CENTS, 80 CENTS.

AND THE WORKERS ARE DEMANDING A FAIR SCALE.

YOU KNOW A STARTING SALARY AND THEN INCREASES BY SENIORITY AND BY QUALIFICATIONS.

>> ON THAT NOTE HERE IS HUGH BUSINESS TALKING ABOUT THE DEMANDS THEY ARE SEEKING.

>> HE IS SPEAKING ABOUT THE WAGES, THE CONCERN THERE AS WELL AND SAYING THAT HE THINKS THE COMPANY SHOULD PROVIDE UNIFORMS BECAUSE THERE ARE SPECIFICS WHAT THEY SHOULD BE WEARING AND THE COMPANY HAS HAD ISSUES WITH THOSE.

WHAT IS NEXT IN TERMS OF GETTING SOME OF THE DEMANDS MET?

>> PUTTING PRESSURE ON THE COMPANY.

WHEN THE WORKERS ARE SAYING IS LET'S BRING THE COMMUNITY TO TALK TO EL MILAGRO TO CALL EL MILAGRO.

SO THEY ARE MEETING WITH POLITICIANS THEY ARE MAKING CONTACT WITH FAITH LEADERS ALL AROUND CHICAGOLAND.

AND LET'S PUT PRESSURE ON THE COMPANY.

THERE IS A PETITION ON-LINE GOING ON THAT ALREADY HAS I THINK 1500 SIGNATURES IN THE LAST TWO OR THREE DAYS.

>> AND YOU ALL HAVE BEFORE WE GO YOU'VE GIVEN THE COMPANY UNTIL WEDNESDAY TO RESPOND.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THEY MISS THAT DEADLINE?

>> THE END OF THE DAY WEDNESDAY.

ANY ACTION THE WORKERS TAKE WOULD HAPPEN ON THURSDAY AND WE HAVE SEVERAL MEETINGS THIS WEEK TO SEE WHAT THE DIFFERENT PLANS AND DIFFERENT SHIFTS WANT TO DO.

IT'S UP TO THEM.

WE ONLY EDUCATE, ORGANIZE AND SUPPORT WORKERS WE DON'T DECIDE FOR THEM.

JORGE MUJICA THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

WE'LL KEEP WATCHING.

>> THANK YOU.

>> AN ESTIMATED 34,000 ILLINOISIANS ARE WAITING TO EXPUNGE THEIR CANNABIS RECORDS ACCORDING TO THE SENTENCING POLICY ADVISORY COUNCIL AFTER MORE THAN TWO YEARS SINCE THE RECREATIONAL CANNABIS LAW WAS LEGALIZED OR RECREATIONAL CANNABIS WAS LEGALIZED.

PART OF THAT LAW CREATED A PATHWAY TO CLEAR A RECORD.

JOINING US ARE STATE REPRESENTATIVE LA SHAWN FORD A DEMOCRAT FROM THE WEST SIDE OF CHICAGO AND BRANDON WILLIAMS SUPERVISING ATTORNEY AT CABRINI GREEN LEGAL AID.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

BRANDON YOUR OFFICE HAS BEEN PARTNERING WITH THE STATE AS PART OF THE NEW LEAF NETWORK TO PROVIDE FREE LEGAL COUNSEL TO THOSE WITH CANNABIS RELATED OFFENSES.

WALK US THROUGH THE PROCESS OF CLEARING CANNABIS FROM SOMEONE'S RECORD?

>> SURE THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME HERE TODAY.

WE ARE PART OF AN ORGANIZATION CALLED REBUILD ILLINOIS WHICH COMPRISES 20 DIFFERENT COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS OR LEGAL AID ORGANIZATIONS TO ASSIST WITH EXPUNGEMENT FOR CANNABIS RECORDS.

PART OF THE PROCESS IS AUTOMATIC.

IF A PERSON JUST HAS A MINOR CANNABIS ARREST THOSE WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY EXPUNGED.

IF YOU HAVE A CONVICTION MEANING YOU WERE SENTENCED, THEN THOSE HAVE TO BE EITHER DONE BY THE GOVERNOR THROUGH A PARDON OR BY THE STATE'S ATTORNEY BY FILING A MOTION IN COURT OR A PERSON THEMSELVES CAN FILE THEIR OWN MOTION IN COURT TO HAVE THEIR CANNABIS CONVICTION EXPUNGED.

>> HAVE YOU SEEN PROGRESS IN THE AMOUNT OF CASES REVIEWED ACROSS THE STATE?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

I THINK AS OF ABOUT THREE MONTHS AGO THERE HAD BEEN 500,000 CANNABIS ARRESTS AND CONVICTIONS EXPUNGED HOWEVER THERE IS A LARGE NUMBER OF CONVICTIONS AND ARRESTS OUT THERE THAT HAVE NOT BEEN PROCESSED YET.

>> REPRESENTATIVE FORD DO YOU THINK THERE'S ENOUGH TRANSPARENCY WITHIN THE LEGAL SYSTEM WHEN HAVING A CANNABIS CASE EXPUNGED.

>> THANK YOU FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY.

I DON'T THINK THAT WE HAVE ENOUGH OUTREACH.

BUT I THINK TRANSPARENCY IS THERE.

THE STATE HAS SPENT $1.6 MILLION RIGHT NOW TO HIRE 20 ORGANIZATIONS THAT IS HELPING GET THE WORD OUT.

AND WHEN I TALK TO Mr. WILLIAMSES HE TELLS ME THAT PEOPLE IN THE NORTH AND THAT IS THE CITY OF CHICAGO, THEY DON'T KNOW ABOUT THIS HELP THAT IS AVAILABLE.

PEOPLE IN THE RURAL PARTS OF ILLINOIS THEY ARE AWARE AND THEY ARE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF IT.

AS HE SAID, BRANDIS, OVER 500,000 RECORDS HAVE BEEN AUTOMATICALLY EXPUNGED FROM THE RECORDS.

THAT IS OVER 318,000 PEOPLE, INDIVIDUALS LIVES THAT HAVE CHANGED AS A RESULT OF THIS LAW.

>> AND TO CLARIFY YOU BELIEVE IT SOUNDS LIKE THERE IS A DISCONNECT GETTING THE INFORMATION TO FOLKS IN THE CITY VERSUS THOSE IN THE SUBURBS OR MORE RURAL AREAS?

>> YES, Mr. WILLIAMS TELLS ME WE HAVE TO DO MORE AND WE'VE COMMITTED TO WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE SURE THAT THE MESSAGE IS OUT BECAUSE PEOPLE MAY BE CONFUSED THEY MAY HAVE THOUGHT THAT THE CONVICTIONS WERE AUTOMATICALLY EXPUNGED BUT IT IS THE RECORDS NOT THE CONVICTIONS.

WE'RE GETTING THE WORD OUT AND WE WILL TRY TO INCREASE THE MONEY THAT IS USED FOR LEGAL AID FOR PEOPLE.

>> AND BRANDON FROM YOUR PERSPECTIVE ARE THERE LENGTHY WAITING TIMES FOR PEOPLE WAITING TO GET THEIR CASES REVIEWED?

>> IT DEPENDS WHERE THEY ARE ARRESTED AT.

MOST CONVICTIONS HAVE TO BE EXPUNGED IN THE AREA THAT THEY WERE ARRESTED IN.

SO IT MAY TAKE LONGER IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO TO GET THAT RECORD PROCESSED AND IT MAY BE FASTER IN THE SUBURBS OR THE OTHER LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF ILLINOIS JUST DEPENDING ON THE STAFFING IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE.

>> HOW LONG ARE WE TALKING ABOUT?

>> SO IT DEPENDS LIKE IF YOU NEED TO GO TO THE NORMAL PETITION IT TAKES MONTHS PROCESSING IT CAN TAKE FOUR-SIX MONTHS ON AVERAGE.

IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO RIGHT NOW THERE IS A BACKLOG AND ALL THE PARTIES ARE WORKING TO GET THROUGH THAT BACKLOG IT MAY TAKEOVER A YEAR TO GETTING A HEARING DATE AND THOSE EXPUNGEMENTS PROCESSED.

>> REPRESENTATIVE FORD PART OF THIS LAW PASSED IN 2019 WITH THE INTENT OF CREATING DIVERSITY IN THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY.

DO YOU THINK THE LAW LIVED UP TO ITS PROMISE?

>> IT HAS INCREASED DIVERSITY BUT IT HAS NOT LIVED UP TO THE TRUE INTENT.

WE WILL DO EVERYTHING AND I WILL FIGHT TO GET AS MUCH DIVERSITY AS RELATES TO CANNABIS BUSINESSES FOR COMMUNITIES THAT HAVE BEEN HARDEST HIT AND FAMILIES DESTROYED BECAUSE OF CANNABIS.

>> AND BRANDON SAME QUESTION, DO YOU THINK THE LAW LIVED UP TO ITS PROMISE?

>> NOT YET.

THERE IS A LOT OF WORK TO BE DONE.

PEOPLE NEED TO BE AWARE THAT THE SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE AND TAKING THAT STEP TO CALL OR TO GO TO THE WEBSITE OR CALL 855-963-9532 TO GET THE PROCESS STARTED.

>> WHAT ARE CHALLENGES FOR PEOPLE THAT NEED TO GO THROUGH THE PROCESS.

THERE IS A COST, AND CHALLENGES?

>> SO SOME OF THE CHALLENGES ARE CANNABIS MAY BE ONE CONVICTION OR ARREST ON THEIR RECORD.

A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE OTHER CONVICTIONS OR ARRESTS.

BUT THE GREAT THING IS WE DON'T JUST HELP WITH THE CANNABIS WE TRY TO GET THE CRIMINAL RECORD EXPUNGED OR SEALED.

THE COST TO SEEK GET AN ASSISTANCE FROM AN ATTORNEY ARE FREE.

THEY GET A WAIVER WHERE PEOPLE CAN APPLY TO GET THE COURT FEES AND COSTS WAIVED THAT OPTION IS AVAILABLE.

>> IT HELPS TO HAVE SOMEBODY WALK YOU THROUGH THAT IF YOU ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH IT.

REPRESENTATIVE FORD WHAT MORE DO YOU BELIEVE NEEDS TO BE DONE TO HELP THE COMMUNITIES HIT HARDEST BY THE WAR ON DRUGS?

>> WE HAVE TO INTENSIFY THE FUNDING.

WE ARE ONLY SPENDING $1.6 MILLION TO PROVIDE LEGAL AID.

THERE SHOULD BE PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS TO LET PEOPLE KNOW HELP IS AVAILABLE AND MAKE SURE WOOT WORK WITH THE COURTS TO PROVIDE THEM WITH THE RESOURCES TO DEAL WITH THE BACKLOG.

I HAVE TO GIVE THE STATE POLICE AND THE STATE'S ATTORNEYS AND THE COURTS A GREAT DEAL OF RESPECT FOR WORKING TOGETHER TO CLEAR ALL THESE CONVICTIONS AND THE GOVERNOR FOR BEING COMMITTED TO THAT.

>> THAT IS WHERE WE WILL LEAVE IT.

THANK YOU TO REPRESENTATIVE LA SHAWN FORD AND BRANDON WILLIAMS FOR JOINING US.

UP NEXT SERVING TENNIS ON CHICAGO'S SOUTH SIDE.

STAY WITH US.

>> THERE'S MUCH MORE AHEAD INCLUDING A LOOK AT A NEW PROGRAM TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS.

FIRST IF YOU ARE A TENNIS FAN YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CATCH TOP PROFESSIONALS THE TENNIS FESTIVAL KICKED OFF TONIGHT AND JOANNA HERNANDEZ WENT TO MEET THE PROMOTER AND FOUNDER OF A TENNIS FACILITY ON THE SOUTH SIDE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HIS MISSION TO GIVE KIDS AN OPPORTUNITY TO THRIVE.

>> A LOT OF PROS ON TOUR NOW TALK ABOUT HOW THEY WERE BALL KIDS FOR ROGER FEDERER AND THAT MADE THEM BELIEVE THEY CAN DO IT.

TO SEE IT TO BE IT.

>> ON THE COURT, RAMAU MURRY IS KNOWN AS A TENNIS DAD TO KIDS PART OF THE XS TENNIS AND EDUCATION FUNDING PROGRAM.

>> TENNIS DAD TO MANY.

MY PHONE BLOWS ALL TIMES OF THE NIGHT.

IT IS A REWARD TO TOUCH SO MANY PEOPLE IN A DEEP, LONG-LASTING WAY.

>> HE COACHED STEVENS TO THE 2017 U.S. OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHOA.

WHAT A MOMENT.

26-YEAR-OLD ADESUWA OSABUOHIEN HAS BEEN UNDER MURRAY'S WING SINCE SHE WAS 12.

>> MY MOM FOUND HIM.

I HAD I DON'T KNOW IF YOU KNOW THIS REFERENCE BUT IT'S CALLED A CHICKEN WING FOREHAND AND HE FIXED IT FOR ME AND GOT ME TO TOP 10 AND I GOT A SCHOLARSHIP AND FINISHED GETTING MY DEGREE FROM NORTHERN I WILL NIL HEALTH SCIENCES.

>> ADESUWA OSABUOHIEN IS A COACH IN THE INDOOR AND OUTDOOR FACILITY ON THE SOUTH SIDE.

>> I WOULD NOT BE WHERE I AM IF NO ONE GAVE BACK TO ME.

THIS IS HOME FOR ME.

I NEED TO BE A PART OF IT.

AND I LOVE IT.

I LOVE IT.

>> MURRAY HAS TAKEN HIS YEARS OF COACHING EXPERIENCE AND USED IT TO OPEN XS TENNIS A PROGRAM AIMED AT GIVING INNER-CITY KIDS ACCESS TO THE SPORT.

>> IF YOU TALK TO THE BEST PLAYERS IN THE GAME THEIR STORIES ARE ALL THE SAME.

I GREW UP ACROSS THE STREET FROM A TENNIS CLUB AND I WANTED TO GIVE BLACK AND BROWN KIDS THE OPPORTUNITY I, I LIVED ACROSS THE STREET AND FULL IN LOVE AND MADE A CAREER OUT OF IT.

>> MURRAY WANTS THE CENTER TOI A SAFE HAVEN FOR THE COMMUNITY A PLACE WHERE STUDENTS WITH GROW AND THRIVE NOT ONLY ON THE COURT BUT ACADEMICALLY.

>> TO HAVE AN ENTIRE UNIVERSITY OR ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT WATCHING YOU, WATCHING YOUR GPA, FREE TUTORING I THINK THAT IS AN EXPERIENCE THAT WILL SET MORE BLACK AND BROWN KIDS UP TO NOT ONLY ACCESS COLLEGE BUT COMPLETE COLLEGE.

>> COACH MURRAY FINISHES TO BREAK BARRIERS BECOMING THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN TO PROMOTE A PRO TENNIS TURN R TOURNAMENT IN CHICAGO GIVING YOUNGSTERS A CHANCE TO PARTICIPATE AS BALL KIDS AND WATCH PLAYERS UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL.

>> IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THEM TO SEE IT LOOKS HARDER ON TV THAN IT IS.

IF I COMMIT TO THE PROCESS, AND STAY DISCIPLINED AND KEEP GOING.

>> THE CHICAGO TENNIS FESTIVAL CON ACTIVITIES OF THREE WOMEN'S TOURNAMENTS.

PROCEEDS WILL GO TO BENEFIT THE FOUNDATION.

>> TENNIS IS AN INEXPENSIVE SPORT AND WE HAVE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS FOR THE KIDS THAT CANNOT AFFORD IT.

>> A DOOR THAT HAS PUT HER ON THE PATH TO SUCCESS HOPING TO ENCOURAGE GENERATIONS OF KIDS TO DREAM BIG.

>> FOR THEM TO SEE THAT PROFESSIONAL TENNIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS EXCEEDING TO THE MINDS OF KIDS MAYBE I CAN DO THIS?

MAYBE.

>> FOR "CHICAGO TONIGHT" I'M JOANNA HERNANDEZ.

>> AND THE TOURNAMENT WILL BE HELD ALL WEEK LONG.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT MORE INCLUDING HOW TO GET TICKETS YOU CAN VISIT OUR WEBSITE.

>> AND STILL TO COME ON "CHICAGO TONIGHT", IT MAY BE MORE EXPENSIVE TO HEAT YOUR HOME THIS WINTER THAT AND MORE IN HEADLINES FROM CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS.

>> INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL PARK CLOSES ALL BEACHES AFTER THE DISCHARGE OF A MYSTERIOUS BROWN SUBSTANCE IN THE WATER.

>> HOW CHICAGO'S HOMELESS POPULATION MIGHT BENEFIT FROM THE MAYOR'S 2022 BUDGET PROPOSAL.

>> AND A NEW REPORT DRAWS ATTENTION TO THE IMPACT EXTREME HEAT HAS ON OUTDOOR WORKERS BOTH PHYSICALLY AND FINANCIALLY.

BUT FIRST, SOME OF TODAY'S TOP STORIES... >> A FEDERAL JURY HAS FOUND R. KELLY GILLFY OF RACKETEERING CHARGES IN BROOKLYN.

THE FORMER SUPERSTAR FACED ONE COUNT OF RACKETEERING WITH 14 UNDERLYING ACTS THAT INCLUDED SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A CHILD, KIDNAPPING, BRIBERY, AS WELL AS EIGHT COUNTS OF VIOLATING A SEC TRAFFICKING LAW CALLED THE MAN ACT.

THE NEW YORK JURY DELIBERATED FOR JUST UNDER TWO DAYS.

THEY CREDIT HIS VICTIMS FOR SPEAKING UP.

>> A 26-YEAR-OLD CAL MUTT CITY MAN ACCUSED OF SHOOTING A CHICAGO POLICE OFFICER IS HELD WITHOUT BAIL TODAY FACING CHARGES INCLUDING ATTEMPTED MURDER.

CHICAGO POLICE SAY AARON JENKINS FIRED HIS GUN STRIKING A 30-YEAR-OLD OFFICER IN THE LEG AS SHE GOT OUT OF HER CAR.

THE OFFICER AND HER PARTNER WERE REPORTING TO SHOTS FIRED FRIDAY NIGHT.

THE OFFICER WAS TREATED AND RELEASED FROM A HOSPITAL AND AMONG 60 PEOPLE SHOT INCLUDING EIGHT FATALLY.

>> A SCHOOL COMMUNITY IS MOURNING THE LOSS OF TWO PARENTS.

THEY PLACED ROSES ON TWO CHAIRS OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL TODAY IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE TWO MOTHERS ONE OF A FIFTH GRADER AND ANOTHER OF AN 8TH GRADER BOTH DIED LAST WEEK.

THE SCHOOL HAS HAD EIGHT CONFIRMED CASES AND 200 CLOSE CONTACTS PUSHING HALF OF THE SCHOOL INTO QUARANTINE AND REMOTE LEARNING.

TEACHERS GREETED SEVERAL CERTAINS AS CERTAIN CLASSROOMS WERE ABLE TO RETURN TODAY AND OTHERS RETURNING THIS WEEK AND NEXT.

IN A STATEMENT, C.P.S.

SAYS THERE'S NO EVIDENCE IN-SCHOOL TRANSMISSION OF COVID TO STUDENTS AT JENSEN ELEMENTARY IT HAS PARTNERED WITH LURIE CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL TO OFFER COVID-19 TESTING ON-SITE TO ALL STUDENTS AND STAFF AND PROVIDING CRISIS SUPPORT.

>> AND THE SKY WILL BE MEETING THE SUN IN CONNECTICUT.

THAT IS NOT A RIDDLE THAT IS WHERE THE FIRST GAME OF THE WNBA SEMIFINALS IS HAPPENING WITH THE CHICAGO SKY PLAYING AGAINST CONNECTICUT SUN.

THE SUN CLOSED THE SEASON ON A 14-GAME WINNING STREAK.

THE FIRST TWO GAMES ARE IN CONNECTICUT AND THEY BRING IT TO CHICAGO FOR TWO GAMES IN THE BEST OF FIVE SERIES.

AND TO PARIS FOR TOP BUSINESS HEADLINES.

>> FULL MARKET COULD BE HOME TO THE NEXT METRA STATION IN CHICAGO AS THE BUSINESS DISTRICT BOOMS.

A TARGET TURNS INTO A COMMUNITY CENTER AND SELLS FOR $20 MILLION.

AND THE COST CHICAGO HOUSEHOLDS PAY TO HEAT THEIR HOMES IS LIKELY TO SKYROCKET HERE IS CRAIN'S CHICAGO BUSINESS REPORTED R REPORTER DANNY ECKER.

GREAT TO SEE YOU.

CITY OFFICIALS SET TO TALK WITH METRA ABOUT A POSITION STATION IN FULTON MARKET.

WHY THERE?

>> WELL, FULTON MARKET KEEPS GETTING BIGGER MORE COMPANIES LOCATING THERE AND EXPANDING WEST MANY BLOCKS WEST OF GOOGLE AND MCDONALD'S AND THE HEART OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD.

THIS IS SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN DISCUSSED NOW FOR SEVERAL YEARS.

DEVELOPERS HAVE WANTED IT SAYING LOOK WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE COMING IN AND THEY NEED A METRA STATION TO GET THERE.

IT'S DIFFICULT TO GET TO FULTON MARKET FROM UNION STATION.

METRA AND CITY OFFICIALS ARE GOING TO HAVE A VIRTUAL MEETING NEXT MONTH TO DISCUSS PLANS FOR A NEW STATION AND IT WILL BE ONE AROUND ASHLAND AVENUE AND IT WILL BE EXPENSIVE AND TAKE YEARS TO DO BUT THIS WILL BE THE MOST PUBLIC DISCUSSION ABOUT AN ACTUAL METRA STATION GOING THERE.

>> SHORT COMMUTE THERE.

A GROUP BASED IN NEW YORK BOUGHT THE BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD MULTIPURPOSE CENTER AT $20 MILLION AND THAT IS A REVAMPED TARGET.

WHAT COULD THIS MEAN FOR INVESTMENT AROUND THERE?

>> WELL IT'S GREAT NEWS.

THIS WAS A FORMER TARGET IN MORGAN PARK SHUTTERED IN A GROUP CALLED DL3 REALTY ONE OF THE MOST ACTIVE DEVELOPERS AND BOUGHT IT AND SIGNED A DEAL WITH BRU CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD TO OPEN A COMMUNITY CENTER AND IT NETTED DL3 A NICE PROFIT AND THAT MATTERS BECAUSE ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT ISSUES FOR DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEIGHBORHOODS HAS BEEN THAT INVESTORS HAVE A HARD TIME SEEING THESE THINGS MAKING FINANCIAL SENSE.

A DEAL LIKE THIS STANDS OUT AS AN EXAMPLE THAT CAN BE DONE.

A BIG DEAL PROFITABLE DEAL AND MORGAN PARK IT'S GREAT NEWS FOR DEVELOPMENT IN DISINVESTED COMMUNITYS.

PROMISING FOR THAT COMMUNITY.

AND GAS BILLS ARE EXPECTED TO SKYROCKET, GROWN, GROWN, GROWN.

HOW MUCH AND WHY?

>> WELL, THE PRICE OF NATURAL GAS IS AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL SINCE 2008.

GAS UTILITIES IN THE AREA ARE SAYING THAT HEATING BILLS THIS WINTER FROM NOVEMBER THROUGH MARCH ARE GOING TO BE 30-50% HIGHER THAN LAST WINTER THAT MEANS FOR THE AVERAGE CHICAGO HOUSEHOLD THAT IS $188 PER MONTH COMPARED WITH $139 A MONTH LAST YEAR.

THIS IS SOMETHING THAT HAS BEEN EXPECTED.

UTILITY COMPANIES HAVE SPENT A LOT OF MONEY ON INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES AND THAT IS OFFSET BY LOW GAS PRICES AND THOSE ARE STARTING TO GO AWAY.

IT'S GOING TO GET USED TO PAYING A LITTLE BIT MORE TO STAY WARM.

>> AND THAT MASSIVE MAIN REPLACEMENT PROGRAM GOING ON WITH PEOPLE'S GAS IN THE CITY.

DANNY ECKER THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> ALL RIGHT THANKS A LOT.

>> AND NOW BRANDIS WE TURN IT BACK TO YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

>> A RUSTY COLORED DISCHARGE FROM A U.S. STEEL PLANT FORCED THE SHUTDOWN OF BEACHES IN THE INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL PARK AND PROMPTED ONE LOCAL WATER TREATMENT PLANT TO CLOSE.

PATTY WETLI JOINS US NOW WITH MORE.

WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THIS MYSTERIOUS SUBSTANCE DISCHARGED INTO THE WATERWAY AROUND PORTAGE?

>> WE KNOW THAT IT HAS BEEN TRACED TO U.S. STEEL.

WHICH AFTER A PRELIMINARY INSPECTION THEY SAY IT'S POINTING TO AN ISSUE WITH THEIR OWN WASTEWATER TREATMENT LINE THAT IS THEIR BEST GUESS AT THIS POINT.

THE INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IS RUNNING POINT ON THIS INVESTIGATION AND TAKING SAMPLES.

LAST WE HEARD THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY RESULTS BACK IN TERMS OF WHAT EXACTLY THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION MIGHT BE OF WHAT IS BEING DISCHARGED WE'RE WAITING FOR UPDATES ON THAT.

>> AND WHAT HAVE WE HEARD FROM U.S. STEEL?

>> THEY ARE TAKING PART IN THIS INVESTIGATION.

SO YOU KNOW, THEY THINK THEY MIGHT KNOW WHAT THE SOURCE IS.

WHAT WE CAN SAY RIGHT NOW IS THAT IT DOESN'T SEEM TO BE SIMILAR TO A SPILL THAT TOOK PLACE IN 2019 WHERE THOUSANDS OF FISH DIED.

THERE WAS A CYANIDE AMONGST OTHER CHEMICALS.

SO FAR, THE ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICIALS ARE SAYING THAT THEIR STAFF HAVE NOT SEEN INCIDENTS OF FISH OR WILDLIFE BEING KILLED.

>> ANY OTHER IMPLICATIONS BESIDES THE BEACH CLOSURE?

>> THERE WAS ONE OF THE WATER TREATMENT PLANTS SHUTDOWN BECAUSE OUT OF AN ABUNDANCE OF CAUTION BECAUSE THEY TAKE WATER FROM THE LAKE.

IT HAS NOT IMPACTED ANY SERVICE TO CUSTOMERS BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN ABLE TO HAVE ENOUGH CAPACITY AT ONE OF THEIR OWN TREATMENT PLANTS.

WE'LL SEE HOW LONG THIS PLAYS OUT AND HOW QUICKLY WE'RE ABLE TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM IS.

AND HOW SERIOUS IT IS.

>> PATTY WETLI THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE STORY.

>> THANKS.

>> AND YOU CAN READ PATTY'S STORY ON OUR WEBSITE AT WTTW.COM/NEWS.

>> AND NOW PARIS BACK TO YOU.

>> THANKS.

MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT'S 2022 BUDGET PROPOSAL INCLUDES MONEY FOR CITY'S HOMELESS WITH FUNDING COMING FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FEDERAL PACKAGE.

THE EFFORT WOULD INCLUDE UP TO 214 MILLION IN HOUSING ASSISTANCE.

AND TONIGHT AS PART OF OUR LIVING IN POVERTY SERIES WE LOOK HOW THAT MONEY WOULD BE ALLOCATED.

JOINING US IS DOUG SCHENKELBERG, WHO IS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CHICAGO COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS.

WE INVITED A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE MAYOR'S OFFICE BUT THEY WERE UNAVAILABLE.

DOUG, WE APPRECIATE YOU BEING HERE WITH US.

>> HAPPY TO BE HERE.

>> SO YOUR REACTION TO THE $214 MILLION DOLLAR NUMBER OUT OF THE BUDGET TO COMBAT HOMELESSNESS?

>> SO WE ALONG WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS AND ALDERMEN WERE ADVOCATING FOR PART OF THE MIRNL RESCUE FLAN AND A HOST OF COMMUNITY MEETING WE THOUGHT IT WAS THE RIGHT THING TO DO TO SUPPORT COMMUNITIES AND ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF HOMELESSNESS IN CHICAGO.

THERE'S ROUGHLY 58,000 PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS IN CITY PEOPLE ON THE STREET AND IN THE SHELTER SYSTEM AND DOUBLED UP AND THAT NUMBER WAS BEFORE THE PANDEMIC HIT.

WE'RE HAPPY TO SEE THAT THAT ADVOCACY RESULTED IN A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN FUNDING TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS THROUGH AFFORDABLE HOUSING SERVICES.

>> I WAS GOING TO ASK IF YOU COULD GIVE US A RUNDOWN WHAT PROGRAMS THE MONEY GOES TO?

>> THE LINE ITEMS INCLUDE MONEY FOR PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING WHICH IS LONG-TERM HOUSING WITH SERVICES TO ADDRESS PEOPLE'S NEEDS WHEN THEY ARE COMING OUT OF HOMELESSNESS AND THIS IS BOTH FOR THE TRADITIONAL SUPPORT HOUSING AND CONVERTING UNUSED HOTELS FOR HOUSING.

AND $20 MILLION IN SHORT-TERM RENTAL SUBSIDIES THAT MOVE PEOPLE INTO SHORT-TERM HOUSING UNTIL THEY CAN MOVE INTO PERMANENT HOUSING.

MONEY TO INFRASTRUCTURE TO MAKE OUR SHELTER SYSTEM NON-CONGREGATE SETTINGS MONEY FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES AND MONEY IN THE BUDGET FOR TO ADDRESS GENDER BASED VIOLENCE WHICH INCLUDES ADDRESSING HOUSING AND SERVICES.

THERE IS A VARIETY OF ASPECTS.

>> A LOT OF PROGRAMS.

LET'S HEAR WHAT IN MAYOR LIGHTFOOT SAID AND HOW IT RELATES TO VIOLENCE IN THE CITY.

>> IN ADDITION TO VIOLENCE PREVENTION, THIS BUDGET ALSO PRIORITIZES HOMELESSNESS, AFFORDABLE HOUSING WITH NEW DOLLARS TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS OF CHICAGO'S MOST VULNERABLE RESIDENTS.

AND FIRST, WE WILL INCREASE FUNDING FOR HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION BY 36% INFUSING 5 MILLION INTO THE HOUSING POOL TO HELP HOMELESS WHO USE EMERGENCY ROOMS AND SHELTERS AND CONNECT THEM WITH AFFORDABLE HOUSE.

>> THERE IS A BOOST BECAUSE OF THE FEDERAL STIMULUS MONEY THAT CAME IN.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS WHEN THERE ARE NO FEDERAL DOLLARS LIKE THERE HAVE BEEN THE LAST COUPLE YEARS?

>> THAT'S EXACTLY THE QUESTION TO BE ASKING AND WHILE WE'RE ENCOURAGED BY THE USE OF THE FUNDING FOR THE YEAR 2022 BUDGET WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THAT.

AND SO WE HAVE BEEN ADVOCATING FOR LONG-TERM DEDICATED FUNDING TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS FOR A COUPLE YEARS.

SO WE THINK THIS INITIAL INVESTMENT CAN BE A SPRINGBOARD TO CONTINUING THAT INVESTMENT THROUGH A LONG-TERM FUNDING STREAM THAT CANNOT ONLY SUSTAIN IT BUT INCREASE IT OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL YEARS INTO AND YOU MENTIONED THE CITY'S HOMELESS POPULATION IS NORTH OF 58,000 NOW BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC.

HOW MUCH DO YOU THINK A PACKAGE LIKE THIS COULD BRING THAT NUMBER DOWN AND GET PEOPLE INTO HOUSING?

>> WHAT THE MAYOR PROPOSED IN THE BUDGET OUR ESTIMATE IS BETWEEN SHORT-TERM RENTAL SUBSIDIES AND PERMANENT HOUSING DOLLARS, WE'RE LOOKING AT BETWEEN 1500 TO 1800 PEOPLE HOUSED WITH THIS FUNDING.

WHICH IS A START.

BUT IT'S NOT NEARLY ENOUGH GIVEN THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE.

AND THE CHICAGO HOME CAMPAIGN AND THE LONG-TERM FUNDING STREAM CAN SERVE 45,000 PEOPLE OVER A 10-YEAR PERIOD.

THIS INITIAL INVESTMENT IS A GREAT START BUT WE NEED MONEY OVER THE LONG-TERM TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM.

>> IT SOUNDS LOOK A SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE HOMELESS POPULATION IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO.

IDEALLY WHAT COULD BRING THAT NUMBER DOWN EVEN FURTHER?

WHAT DOES THE CITY NEED TO DO?

>> THE CITY NEEDS TO USE ITS ABILITY TO CHANGE ONE TAX SET THE REAL ESTATE TRANSFER TAX A TAX PAID WHEN PROPERTIES ARE BOUGHT AND SOLD IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO.

AND TAKE IT FROM A FLAT TAX THROUGH PROGRESSIVE TAX.

WE'RE PROPOSING A CHANGE THAT WOULD INCREASE THE TAX ON PROPERTIES SOLD OVER $1 MILLION.

AND THE MAYOR BACKED THAT PLAN AS A CANDIDATE AND BACKED AWAY FROM IT WHEN SHE BECAME MAYOR.

OUR HOPE IS SHE WOULD GET BACK ONBOARD AND YOU CAN GENERATE CLOSE TO $100 MILLION IN NEW REVENUE EACH YEAR AND THAT CAN ALL BE PUT TOWARDS ADDRESSING AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

>> CERTAINLY BEEN A TUG OF WAR ON THE DEBATE OVER THAT TAX.

THIS BUDGET INCLUDED $31 MILLION FOR A UNIVERSAL BASIC INCOME PILOT PROGRAM FOR SOME OF CHICAGO'S NEEDIEST FAMILIES.

YOUR REACTION TO THAT AND HOW THAT MIGHT CONNECT WITH THE ISSUE OF HOMELESSNESS?

>> IT'S CRITICAL.

I ALAUD ALDERMAN VILLEGAS FOR CHAMPIONING THAT ISSUE.

I THINK IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT TO PROVIDE PEOPLE WITH BASIC FLEXIBLE INCOME TO PROVIDE A FOUNDATION FOR WHATEVER NEED THEY HAVE.

WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT THE PROGRAMS IT'S NOT FOCUSING ON ONE TYPE OF SPEND TO GO GIVES PEOPLE FLEXIBILITY.

AND FOR SOMEONE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS THAT WOULD ALLOW THEM TO ADDRESS UTILITIES AND BASIC NEEDS IN THEIR LIVES.

NOT ONLY IS HOUSING CRITICAL AND HAVING CASH TO ADDRESS ALL THE NEEDS.

WE HOPE THE PILOT IS SUCCESSFUL AND USE SOLID BEST PRACTICES.

>> WE'LL WATCH TO SEE HOW THAT GOES.

AND WHETHER OR NOT IT GETS PASSED IN THE CURRENT FORM.

DOUG SCHENKELBERG THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> THANK YOU.

>> AND UP NEXT A NEW REPORT BREAKS DOWN THE IMPACTS OF EXTREME ON HEALTH AND EARNINGS A CONVERSATION FROM THIS WEEKEND'S "CHICAGO TONIGHT: LATINO VOICES" HOSTED BY WBEZ HOST AND REPORTER ARACELI GOMEZ-ALDANA.

FIRST, WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE WEATHER.

>> TEMPERATURES HAVE BEEN REASONING RECORD-BREAKING LEVELS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

AFFECTING WORKING CONDITIONS FOR FARMERS, THOSE IN CONSTRUCTION AND EVEN DELIVERY WORKERS.

THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION RECENTLY LAUNCHED A PLAN WITH THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ADMINISTRATION, TO PROTECT WORKERS AND COMMUNITIES FROM EXTREME HEAT.

ACCORDING TO THE WHITE HOUSE, OSHA WILL DEVELOP A WORKPLACE HEAT STANDARD.

JOINING US TO DISCUSS HOW RISING TEMPERATURES ARE IMPACTING THE LIVES OF OUTDOOR WORKERS AND MORE, ARE RIGOBERTO CAMPOS, DAY LABOR ORGANIZERS AT THE LATINO UNION OF CHICAGO.

AND Dr. KRISTINA DAHL SENIOR CLIMATE SCIENTIST FOR THE PROGRAM AT THE UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS.

CRISTINA, YOU COAUTHORED A STUDY THAT DRAWS ATTENTION TO THE HEAT AND OUTDOOR WORKERS.

ARE THE CONDITIONS WORSENING IN OUR AREA?

>> SURE WE HAD DONE RESEARCH A COUPLE YEARS AGO THAT FOUND THE FREQUENCY AND THE SEVERITY OF EXTREME HEAT ARE POISED TO INCREASE DRAM PARTICULARLY BETWEEN NOW AND THE MIDDLE OF THE CENTURY ARE CONTINUED CHANGE.

AND OUTDOOR WORKED ARE [INAUDIBLE] HOW CAN IT AFFECT THE LIVELIHOODS.

WE FOUND THAT BETWEEN NOW AND THE MIDDLE OF THE CENTURY OUTDOOR WORKERS COULD LOSE $55 BILLION PER YEAR ON AVERAGE BECAUSE OF LOST WORK TIME DUE TO EXTREME HEAT.

>> AND RIGOBERTO CAMPOS, WHO DO YOU SEE BEING MOST AT RISK WHEN IT COMES TO WORKING OUTSIDE IN THE EXTREME HEAT?

Dr. KRISTINA DAHL EXPLAINED SOME OF THE CONDITIONS THAT HER RESEARCH FOUND?

>> YES.

I THINK PRETTY MUCH ANYONE ALSO WORKING IN THE SOUTHWEST OR ANY OTHER COASTAL STATES.

BUT THE REALITY IS THAT DAY LABORERS GO THROUGH CONDITIONS WHERE ON THE ONE HAND YOU ARE GOING TO EXTREME HEAT CONDITIONS WHEN YOU ARE AT WORK AND IT CONTINUES AND YOU GO TO THAT AND YOU DON'T HAVE COOLING SYSTEMS AT HOME SO YOU ARE GOING THROUGH THOSE CONDITIONS IN YOUR HOME HABITAT AND THE WORKPLACE.

>> SO NO RELIEF THERE.

THAT IS CONCERNING.

PART OF YOUR STUDY STATES THAT OUTDOOR WORKERS IN ILLINOIS ARE PROJECTED TO FACE NEARLY $1.9 BILLION IN ANNUAL EARNINGS.

THAT IS AT RISK DUE TO EXTREME HEAT.

COOK, WILL AND DUPAGE COUNTIES HIT THE HARDEST.

WHY IS THAT?

>> YES, WHEN WE LOOK AT WHERE OUTDOOR WORK IS HAPPENING ACROSS THE UNITED STATES, WE SEE A COUPLE PARENTS AND ONE IS THAT WHEN YOU HAVE AN URBAN AREA LIKE CHICAGO, YOU TEND TO HAVE A LOT MORE PEOPLE LIVING THERE.

AND SO YOU HAVE A HIGH NUMBER RELATIVELY OF PEOPLE WORKING OUTDOORS.

BUT IF YOU LOOK AT MORE RURAL AREAS, YOU HAVE A GREATER PERCENTAGE OF THE POPULATION WORKING OUTDOORS.

AND THAT MEANS THAT THAT OUTDOOR WORK IS CONSTITUTING A GREATER PROPORTION OF THAT AREA'S ECONOMY.

SO IN TERMS OF THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE EXPOSED TO EXTREME HEAT, WE WILL SEE MORE PEOPLE EXPOSED TO EXTREME HEAT IN URBAN AREAS.

BUT WHEN WE LOOK AT THE IMPACTS OF EXTREME HEAT ON A LOCAL ECONOMY, IT'S THIS MORE RURAL AREAS WHERE YOU HAVE A GREATER PROPORTION OF PEOPLE WORKING OUTDOORS.

WE SEE SOME OF THE GREATEST RISKS.

>> INTERESTING.

EARLIER WE SPOKE WITH WITH THE ILLINOIS MIGRANT COUNCIL WHO WORKS ON HEAT PREVENTION SAFETY.

>> TAKE A LISTEN.

>> THEY NEED TO DRINK PLENTY OF WATER AND NEED TO KNOW THE SYMPTOMS OF HEAT STRESS AND HEAT STROKE.

THEY NEED TO KNOW WHAT TO DO.

THEY NEED TO HAVE SOMEBODY THERE WITH A PHONE TO CALL 9-1-1 AND DRINK PLENTY OF WATER AND KEEP HYDRATED AT ALL TIMES.

IT'S BEEN A CHALLENGE, THOUGH LET ME TELL YOU BECAUSE A LOT OF PEOPLE DON'T KNOW THAT THE HARMS THAT HEAT WITH DO TO THEM.

THEY DON'T KNOW THAT THE HEAT CAN KILL THEM.

>> RIGOBERTO CAMPOS WE'RE HEARING THE CONDITIONS WHEN IT COMES TO IMPROVING SOME OF THE WORKING CONDITIONS AND CREATING AWARENESS WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES THAT YOU'VE SEEN?

>> HONESTLY, IT'S ONLY GET DAY LABORERS ACCESS TO THE INFORMATION.

I THINK OFTENTIMES THEY HAVE THEIR OWN CHANNELS THROUGH WHICH THEY GET INFORMATION.

AND WE ENGAGE THEM IN THAT REGARD.

BUT ACCESS IS ONE OF THEM.

I THINK DEFINITELY, KIND OF HAVING THE RELATIONSHIPS WITH COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE CLINICS THAT CAN FACILITATE NOT JUST THE ACCESS PART BUT THE AWARENESS AROUND WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF YOU ARE NOT TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF ON THE JOB OR IN GENERAL.

IT IS ALSO ONE OF THOSE THINGS AND WE HAVE CONVERSATIONS ALONG THOSE LINES.

GENERALLY SPEAKING, CHALLENGES I THINK COME DOWN TO THE FACT THAT SOMETIMES WE NEED WORKERS TO VOICE WHAT IS GOING ON ON THE JOB.

AND SO THAT WE KNOW HOW TO APPROPRIATELY ANSWER AND SOMETIMES THEY ARE SCARED TO BRING THE COMMENTS UP BECAUSE FEAR OF RETRIBUTION.

>> AND WHAT ARE YOU SEEING?

WHAT DO YOU SEE AS HURDLES TO CREATING BETTER WORKING CONDITIONS FOR THE WORKERS?

>> THE THINGS THAT WORKERS NEED WHEN IT COMES TO EXTREME HEAT ARE SIMPLE.

IT'S WATER, SHADE AND REST.

AND WITH THOSE THREE THINGS THEY CAN PREVENT THE MAJORITY OF HEAT RELATED ILLNESSNESS AND DEATHS IN OUR COUNTRY.

I LIVE IN CALIFORNIA WHERE WE'VE HAD A HEAT CODE STANDARD FOR SEVERAL YEARS NOW AND WHEN THAT STANDARD WAS BEING DEVELOPED THERE WAS A LOT OF OPPOSITION FROM EMPLOYERS WHO THOUGHT THAT PROVIDING THIS WATER AND THE REST TIME AND THE BREAKS THAT THEIR EMPLOYEES NEED WOULD BE COSTLY.

WHAT WE'RE SEEING NOW WITH THAT POLICY HAS BEEN IN PLACE FOR A WHILE AND WHILE IT'S NOT PERFECTLY ENFORCED WE ARE SEEING A DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF HEAT RELATED ILLNESSES ON THE JOB.

THAT IS ENCOURAGING AND IT'S HAPPENING AT A MUCH LOWER EXTENT THAN EMPLOYERS ANTICIPATED.

WE EXPECT THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION AND OSHA ARE TRYING TO CREATE THE HEAT STANDARD THAT WOULD APPLY NATIONALLY.

LIKELY PUSHBACK FROM EMPLOYERS SO WE CAN LOOK TO CALIFORNIA THAT HAS A STANDARD IN PLACE AND SEE THE CLEAR BENEFITS THAT RESULTED FROM THAT STANDARD.

>> RIGOBERTO CAMPOS WHAT PROTECTIONS OR STANDARDS WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE BY EMPLOYERS OR BY THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION AS Dr. DAHL MENTIONED.

>> THE PROPOSAL, THE THINK IT IN PRACTICE I THINK IT IS A GOOD STEP.

AND IN TERMS OF WHAT WE KNOW THE CONDITIONS ARE ON THE GROUND, I THINK FOR WORKERS TO FEEL THE EFFECTS AND HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE PROPOSALS SHOULD IT BE PRACTICED I THINK THE REALITY IS IT'S ENFORCE.

AND CONSISTENCY.

IF WORKERS OFTEN FEEL LIKE THEY ARE NOT SUPPORTED AND THAT IS TYPICALLY WHERE WE STEP IN.

WE ALSO KIND OF RELY ON THE LAW AND THE ENFORCEMENT OF A LOT OF OSHA AND A LOT OF THE FAIR LABOR STANDARDS THAT LABORERS ARE ABLE TO UTILIZE.

>> THANK YOU.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

OUR THANKS TO RIGOBERTO CAMPOS AND KRISTINA DAHL FOR JOINING US.

>> BACK TO WRAP THINGS UP RIGHT AFTER THIS.

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

>> STAY CONNECTED BY SIGN UP FOR YOUR DAILY BRIEFING.

AND CAN YOU GET "CHICAGO TONIGHT" STREAMED ON FACEBOOK, YouTube AND 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. HOW A VOTE ON THE DEBT CEILING COULD IMPACT SOCIAL SERVICES LIKE SNAP.

>> AND HOW RESEARCHERS ARE MIMICKING THE MECHANICS OF BEING SHRIMP AT THE SHEDD AQUARIUM AND JOIN ME TONIGHT FOR OUR "CHICAGO TONIGHT: BLACK VOICES" CONVERSATION WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THE ROLE THAT THE PULLMAN NEIGHBORHOOD PLAYED IN HISTORY INCLUDING THE LABOR AND CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT AND THAT IS 8:00 P.M. YOU CAN JOIN BY JOINING WTTW.COM/EVENTS.

>> I'M BRANDIS FRIEDMAN.

>> I'M PARIS SCHUTZ.

STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE AND WE'LL SEE YOU TOMORROW.

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