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

I'M BRANDIS FRIEDMAN.

>> I'M PARIS SCHUTZ.

ON THE SHOW TONIGHT... >> IT'S GETTING DOWN TO THE WIRE WHEN IT COMES TO THE FUTURE OF ILLINOIS' NUCLEAR PLANTS.

WE HAVE THE LATEST.

>> THESE NEGOTIATIONS WERE TO PUT IT MILDLY, EXCEEDEDLY DIFFICULT.

>> A NEW POLICE CONTRACT MOVES AHEAD AS THE DEPARTMENT FACES A LAWSUIT OVER STOP AND FRISK.

OUR SPOTLIGHT POLITICS TEAM DIVES IN.

>> ONE DOCTOR CALL IT IS A TWINDEMIC WHAT TO EXPECT WITH THE UP COMING FLU SEASON WITH THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

>> THEY DO NOT SAVE LIVES.

THE PARK DISTRICT SAYS IT HAS A PLAN TO ADDRESS DROWNINGS IN LAKE MICHIGAN AND SWIM ADVOCATE SAYS IT'S NOT ENOUGH.

>> A BILL WILL ALLOW STUDENTS TO TAKE UP TO FIVE MENTAL HEALTH DETAILS.

>> MEET A WOMAN MAKING IT HER MISSION TO HELP FEED THE HOMELESS.

>> OUR FOUNDERS CREATURES OF THE ENLIGHTENMENT TRIED TO CREATE A REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY.

>> AND REMEMBERING ADLAI STEVENSON, III THE ILLINOIS POLITICIAN WHO DIED MONDAY.

FIRST, SOME OF TODAY'S TOP STORIES... >> ILLINOIS ATTORNEY GENERAL KWAME RAOUL ANNOUNCES THE STATE WILL OPEN AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE JOLIET POLICE DEPARTMENT.

THE OFFICE WILL INVESTIGATE POSSIBLE UNCONSTITUTIONAL OR UNLAWFUL PATTERNS AND PRACTICES ESPECIALLY AS IT RELATES TO SEARCHES, TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN STOPS, USE-OF-FORCE AND ARRESTS.

THE INVESTIGATION WAS OPENED FOLLOWING REQUESTS FROM JOLIET'S MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE TOWN'S CITY COUNCIL.

KWAME RAOUL SAYS HIS OFFICE REVIEWED THOUSANDS OF DOCUMENTS AND CONCLUDED THE INVESTIGATION WAS WARRANTED.

>> THIS WILL BE A CIVIL INVESTIGATION THAT WILL EXAMINE WHETHER THERE ARE SYSTEMIC ISSUES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT THAT AFFECT THE JOLIET POLICE DEPARTMENT'S ABILITY TO POLICE IN A SAFE, EFFECTIVE AND LAWFUL MANNER.

WHILE OUR INVESTIGATION WILL REVIEW SPECIFIC INCIDENTS, WE WILL NOT BE MAKING SPECIFIC FINDINGS ABOUT ONE INCIDENT OR ANY ONE JOLIET POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFICER.

>> CHICAGO IS NOW ONE STEP CLOSER TO CANNABIS DISPENSARIES DOWNTOWN.

A CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE SIGNED OFF ON THE PLAN BACKED BY THE MAYOR TO ALLOW CANNABIS STORES IN THE CENTRAL BUSINESS AREA ALTHOUGH THEY WOULD NOT BE ALLOWED ON MICHIGAN AVENUE.

THE MAYOR SAYS THE PLAN COULD HELP BLACK AND LATINO OWNERS GET IN ON THE BUSINESS AS THE STATE HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE LOTTERY PROCESS TO AWARD PERMITS.

IT DIVIDES THE CITY INTO SEVEN ZONES AND 14 DISPENSARIES ARE OK'd FOR EACH ZONE.

AND A SHAKE-UP IN THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY.

TWO HEALTHCARE GROUPS ARE MERGING INTO ONE.

NORTH SHORE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SYSTEM AND EDWARD ELMHURST HEALTH ANNOUNCED THE MERGER TODAY.

THE GROUP WOULD HAVE HOSPITALS ON THE NORTH SIDE OF CHICAGO AND THE NORTH SHORE, NORTHWEST AND WESTERN SUBURBS.

THE NEW SYSTEM WOULD REPORTEDLY HAVE 25,000 EMPLOYEES.

>> AND UP NEXT THE LATEST ON THE FUTURE OF ILLINOIS' NUCLEAR FLEET, SO PLEASE STAY WITH US.

>> Announcer: "CHICAGO TONIGHT" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY... >> WE HOPE YOU'VE GOT ENERGY FOR THIS NEXT SEGMENT.

THE ILLINOIS HOUSE IS RECONVENING TOMORROW FOR WHAT THEY HOPE WILL BE THE ULTIMATE CHAPTER YEARS-LONG ENERGY NEGOTIATION.

NEGOTIATIONS.

AMANDA VINICKY JOINS US NOW.

>> TO SAY THAT NEGOTIATIONS HAVE BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS IT IS NOT AN EXAGGERATION BUT IT'S DOWN TO THE WIRE FOR GETTING AN OMNIBUS ENERGY PACKAGE PASSED BECAUSE EXELON HAS BEEN STEADFAST IT WILL BEGIN TO SHUTDOWN THE NUCLEAR PLANT IN BYRON UNLESS A BILL IS PASSED BY MONDAY'S END.

AND THAT WOULD BE A LAW THAT WOULD HAVE RATE PAYERS PAYING AN EXTRA CHARGE ON BILLS TO KEEP EXELON NUCLEAR PLANTS RUNNING.

ADVOCATES SAY THE NUCLEAR PLANTS ARE NEEDED TO MEET THE GOALS OF MOVING ILLINOIS FIRST TO CARBON FREE AND ALL RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES VERSUS COMING FROM NATURAL GAS AND COAL SOURCES.

JUST LAST WEEK, THE ILLINOIS SENATE PASSED A MEASURE COULD DO THAT AND THAT PACKAGE AND THERE ARE OTHERS FLOATING AROUND HAVE THINGS IN COMMON.

THE EXELON COMPONENT AND THE TARGET OF TRANSITIONING TO ALL RENEWABLE ENERGY WITHIN DECADES BY 2050.

AND ALSO A SUBSIDY PAID FOR BY RATEPAYERS THAT WOULD HELP THE STATE TO GET TO THAT POINT OF ALL RENEWABLE ENERGY BY CREATING A FUND THAT SOLAR AND WIND DEVELOPERS COULD DRAW ON TO MOVE FORWARD WITH THEIR RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS.

ALL TOLLED YOU COULD SEE CUSTOMERS PAYING $3.50 OR SO ON THEIR AVERAGE MONTHLY ELECTRIC BILL TO COVER BOTH OF THOSE SUBSIDIES THE SUPPORTS.

NOW, THAT PART AT LEAST, IS BY AND LARGE SETTLED.

>> THEN WHAT IS THE HOLD-UP?

>> WELL, THIS REALLY HAS TO DO WITH A COAL-FIRED POWER PLANT AND IT IS CALLED PRAIRIE STATE ENERGY CAMPUS.

AND THAT IS IN MARISSA.

IN THE SOUTHWESTERN PART OF THE STATE.

IT IS ILLINOIS' NEWEST COAL-FIRED POWER PLANT AND ONE ACCORDING TO DATA IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SEVENTH HIGHEST CARBON EMISSIONS IN THE NATION WITH 12.6 MILLION METRIC TONS EMITTED IN 2019.

NOW, WHILE THIS PLAN IS IN CENTRAL ILLINOIS SOME 40 MUNICIPALITIES THROUGHOUT THE STATE HAVE CONTRACTS TO GET EXCLUSIVELY THEIR COMMUNITY'S ENERGY FROM PRAIRIE STATE.

AND THAT INCLUDES SUBURBS LIKE ROCHELLE, OCTOBER THEY HAVE YEAH AND NAPERVILLE.

ENVIRONMENTALISTS SAY ANY LEGISLATION MUST HAVE A HARD DATE TO CLOSE ALL COAL-FIRED PLANTS INCLUDING PRAIRIE STATE.

NOW THE LATEST PROPOSAL WOULD HAVE PRAIRIE STATE CLOSE BY 2045.

BUT THEY ALSO SAY IT HAS TO RATCHET DOWN EMISSIONS LEADING UP TO THAT DATE.

>> ALL OF THE CLIMATE SCIENTISTS SAID IT IS A CODE RED FOR HUMANITY AND THAT WE NEED TO MOVE FORWARD IN REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.

AND THAT DOESN'T MEAN THAT THEY SHOULD STAY ON AND STILL EMIT CARBON.

WE NEED TO GET RID OF ALL OF THE CARBON EMISSIONS RELATED TO THE POWER SECTOR HAVING AN END DATE FOR THE SOURCES AND WHEN THEY ARE GOING TO CLOSE IS INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT TO BE ABLE TO MEET THOR GOALS.

>> BUT PRAIRIE STATE SAID THEY CANNOT AFFORD THE TEMPERATURE THAT COULD COST MILLIONS IN NOT A BILLION AND IF IT HAS TO PREMATURELY CLOSE.

A NEW PROPOSAL AIMS TO SOLVE THAT.

THIS IS A MEASURE PUT FORTH BY REPRESENTATIVE MARCUS EVANS IT ADDS ANOTHER CHARGE TO RATEPAYERS ELECTRIC BILLS OF 10 CENTS A MONTH, AND THAT WOULD GO TO PRAIRIE STATE TO HELP PAY FOR REDUCING EMISSIONS THERE.

BUT IN A STATEMENT YOU HAVE FROM MAYORS THAT HAS A CONTRACT WITH PRAIRIE STATE, THEY SAY NO DICE TO THIS NEW PLAN.

THAT PROPOSED LANGUAGE WILL REQUIRE OUR RESIDENTS AND RESIDENTS ACROSS ILLINOIS TO PAY MORE MONEY FOR LESS RELIABLE POWER ALL WHILE SACRIFICING HUNDREDS OF GOOD PAYING JOBS IN THE PROCESS.

RATEPAYERS WILL BE FORCED TO LIVE WITH THE DECISION BY LAWMAKERS AS IT WILL BE REFLECTED IN THEIR ELECTRIC BILL FOR DECADES TO COME.

SUBURBAN GENEVA IS ANOTHER TOWN THAT WOULD BE ON THE HOOK.

IT HAS BOND APPLICATIONS TO PAY FOR A POWER AGREEMENT WITH PRAIRIE STATE THROUGH 2041 AND THE MAYOR SAYS HE DOES BACK THIS TRANSITION TO CLEAN ENERGY.

BUT HE SAYS, IF ILLINOIS IS GOING TO GO THAT ROUTE, GENEVA NEEDS TO BE COMPENSATED IF PRAIRIE STATE IS GOING TO AS PART OF IT HAS TO CUT PRODUCTION AND HE TOLD ME IT WILL BE A TSUNAMI OF RATE INCREASES IF WE ARE NOT PROVIDED SOME SORT OF SOFT LANDING FINANCIALLY.

SUPPORT FROM EITHER THE STATE, THE FEDS OR A COMBINATION THEREOF.

WE ARE 100% BEHIND THIS CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITION BUT IT HAS TO BE IN A WAY THAT COMMUNITIES LIKE OURS ARE NOT LEFT IN THE DARK.

NO PUN INTENDED.

ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS WHO ARE A KEY CONSTITUENCY IN NEGOTIATIONS, DO SUPPORT THIS LATER VERSION.

>> I SEE THAT THE PATHWAY TO WHICH WE CAN BE ALIGNED AND WE CAN MOVE FORWARD TO SOLVE ALL OF THESE CRITICAL ISSUES TOGETHER, INCLUDING ADDRESSING THE CLIMATE CRISIS, INCLUDING SAVING JOBS, AT ENERGY FACILITIES AND SOLAR JOBS, INCLUDING CREATING NEW WORKFORCE AND EQUITY PROGRAMS THROUGHOUT THE STATE.

>> WALLING SAYS THERE IS A PATHWAY BUT IT REQUIRES SUPPORT FOR ANOTHER MAJOR STAKEHOLDER AND THAT IS ORGANIZED LABOR.

SO FAR AN UMBRELLA ORGANIZATION FOR UNIONS HAS NOT COME OUT IN FAVOR OF THIS NEW PLAN WITH THE SPOKESPERSON ONLY SAYING IT REMAINS UNDER REVIEW.

NEGOTIATIONS ARE CONTINUING STILL THIS EVENING AFTER STATE REPRESENTATIVES MET FOR HOURS ABOUT IT TODAY IN A MEETING THAT HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS ROBUST, RAUCOUS.

THERE IS A LOT AT PLAY HERE.

GOT CLIMATE CHANGE, JOBS, ELECTRICITY PRICES, MORE JOBS.

WE COULD SEE MORE PROPOSALS FLOATED TONIGHT PERHAPS TOMORROW WHEN THE MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE WILL BE BACK IN SPRINGFIELD.

IN JEN WALLING SAYS DESPITE THE LACK OF AN AGREEMENT AT THIS LATE HOUR, SHE DOES BELIEVE THAT SOMETHING IS GOING TO PASS.

SHE SAYS SHE CANNOT IMAGINE A SCENARIO IN WHICH NOTHING HAPPENS.

IT'S TOO BIG A RISK SHE SAYS POLITICALLY AND ON OTHER LEVELS.

>> IF WE DON'T MOVE FORWARD WITH AN ENERGY PACKAGE, THE COST TO ILLINOIS IS INCREDIBLY HIGH.

WE'RE TALKING WE ARE IN THE MIDST OF A PANDEMIC WHERE PEOPLE'S JOBS ARE BEING IMPACTED.

AND IF WE DO NOT MOVE FORWARD WITH A PACKAGE AT ALL, IT IS GOING TO MEAN IN OUR INTEREST WE ARE INTERESTED IN WHAT HAPPENS WITH THE SOLAR JOBS, IT'S GOING TO MEAN A LACK OF ECONOMIC INVESTMENT IN THE STATE FROM THE SOLAR INDUSTRY AS WELL AS THE CLOSURE OF THOSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES.

AND THAT COULD BE JUST CATASTROPHIC >> NOW, IF THE HOUSE DOES AGREE ON PASS A MEASURE TOMORROW IT STILL IS GOING TO NEED SENATE APPROVAL.

THE SENATE NOT SET TO BE AT THE CAPITOL ON THURSDAY.

BUT THEY WILL RETURN FRIDAY PERHAPS MONDAY IF THERE IS SOMETHING FOR THEM TO VOTE ON.

IF IT IS MONDAY IT WILL BE DOWN TO THE WIRE BECAUSE THAT IS THE FINAL DATE EXELON SAYS SOMETHING HAS TO HAPPEN BY OR THAT PLANT IN BYRON WILL BE SHUTTERED THE CORPORATION SAYS.

WITH THAT BACK TO YOU.

>> LOTS THANK YOU.

>> AND NOW TO PARIS AND SOME ADVICE ON NAVIGATING THE FLU SEASON.

>> SOME DOCTORS ARE CALLING THE UPCOMING FLU SEASON A TWINDEMIC AND AS FLU SEASON STARTS THE COUNTRY IS GRAPPLING WITH THE SPIKE IN COVID-19 CASES DRIVE ESPECIALLY BY THE DELTA VARIANT.

JOINING US TO TALK ABOUT HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST THE FLU IS Dr. LISA RAVINDRA PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIAN WITH RUSH UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME ON.

>> THERE WERE CONCERNS LAST YEAR ABOUT A TWINDEMIC AND IT DID NOT MATERIALIZE WITH THE FLU.

WHY NOT?

>> THAT IS WE FIRST STARTED HEARING ABOUT THE CONCEPT OF A TWINDEMIC LAST FALL AND THE CONCERN THAT ON TOP OF THE BURDEN THAT COVID WAS PUTTING ON OUR MEDICAL SYSTEM THAT WE WERE WORRIED ABOUT FLU ALSO BURDENING FURTHER THE HOSPITALS.

IT DIDN'T PAN OUT.

WHICH IS A GOOD THING BUT I THINK THERE IS A LOT OF REASONS WHY THAT DIDN'T HAPPEN LAST YEAR.

WE WERE UNDER STRICTER COVID MEASURES TO MITIGATE COVID.

PEOPLE WERE MASKING.

PEOPLE WERE NOT GOING TO SCHOOL AND WORK LIKE THEY ARE NOW.

AND A LOT OF PEOPLE GOT THE FLU VACCINE MORE PEOPLE THAN USUAL GOT THE FLU VACCINE LAST YEAR.

A LOT OF MY PATIENTS ARE EAGER IN GETTING THE VACCINE BEFORE I WOULD BRING IT UP KNOWING THAT THEY DIDN'T WANT TO HAVE BOTH ILLNESSES BE AN ISSUE IN THE WINTER.

>> A LOT OF FACTORS.

WHAT ARE DOCTORS PREDICTING FOR THIS UP COMING FLU SEASON NOTING THAT KIDS BY AND LARGE ARE BACK IN SCHOOL?

>> THE FLU SEASON IS NOTORIOUSLY HARD TO PREDICT.

WE HAVE TO FIND OUT.

I'M HOPING OUR WARNINGS LAST YEAR WERE ABLE TO CONVINCE PEOPLE TO GET THE FLU SHOT AND THIS YEAR WE'LL DO THE SAME.

BUT IT LOOKS LIKE THERE'S SEVERAL MODELS PREDICTING A SEVERE FLU SEASON AND THAT IS BECAUSE KIDS ARE BACK IN SCHOOL.

PEOPLE ARE NOT MASKS AS MUCH ARE NOT DOING THE SAME MEASURES.

BUT ALSO FOR A FEW DIFFERENT REASONS.

USUALLY EVEN IF PEOPLE AREN'T -- DON'T GET SYMPTOMS FROM THE FLU THEY ARE EXPOSED TO THE FLU AT SOME POINT DURING THE FLU SEASON AND DEVELOP SOME ANTIBODIES THAT CARRY OVER INTO THE NEXT SEASON.

BUT SINCE THERE WAS NO FLU CIRCULATING LAST YEAR MOST PEOPLE DID NOT GET EXPOSED THEIR IMMUNITY LEVEL ANTIBODY LEVEL IS GOING TO BE LOWER AND HAVE OLDER ANTIBODIES THAT MAY NOT BE ABLE TO FIGHT IT.

>> THE DOWNSIDES OF NOT HAVING A ROBUST FLU SEASON AND KIDS ARE VECTORS OF THE FLU.

DOES IT STAND TO REASON IF THEY ARE BACK IN SCHOOL AND IN TIGHT QUARTERS, THEY MIGHT SPREAD THE FLU TO THE GENERAL POPULATION?

>> YES, ABSOLUTELY.

AND IT'S SUPER IMPORTANT FOR ANYBODY OVER THE AIMING OF SIX MONTHS, CHILDREN INCLUDED TO GET THE FLU VACCINE.

AND I SAY START GET TO GO NOW.

WE GOT FLU VACCINE TO MY OFFICE AND I'M ADVISING MY PATIENTS TO GET VACCINATED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

THERE IS NO REASON TO WAIT.

SO DO IT NOW.

>> WHAT ABOUT CONCERNS FROM PEOPLE THAT TOOK THE COVID-19 VACCINE AND WONDER IS IT SAFE TO TAKE THE FLU VACCINE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY?

>> YES.

SO INITIALLY WHEN THE COVID VACCINE CAME OUT LAST WINTER WE WERE ADVISING PATIENTS TO WAIT 14-DAYS BETWEEN GETTING ANY OTHER IMMUNIZATIONS.

BUT THAT RECOMMENDATION IS NOT ON NOW.

IT'S SAFE TO GET THE FLU SHOT AND THE COVID-19 VACCINE ALTOGETHER AT THE SAME TIME.

SAME DAY.

THERE IS NO REASON TO SPACE THEM OUT.

SO IF SOMEBODY IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE BOOSTER SHOT, OR THE THIRD SHOT, I RECOMMEND GETTING EVERYTHING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

>> GOING BACK TO YOU'RE SAYING MODELS ARE PREDICTING A HEAVY FLU SEASON BEYOND KIDS BEING IN SCHOOL, NOT SOCIAL DISTANCING AS MUCH WHAT ARE THE OTHER FACTORS THAT GO INTO THAT MODELING?

>> IN YEARS PAST WE'VE LOOKED AT THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE COUNTRIES LIKE AUSTRALIA TO SEE HOW THEIR FLU SEASON WENT.

THEIR'S IS JUST ENDING NOW.

THEY HAD A LIGHT SEASON AGAIN THIS YEAR.

BUT THEY ARE ALSO MUCH MORE STRICT ABOUT COVID MEASURES AND NOT THEIR BORDERS ARE MOSTLY CLOSED.

I DON'T THINK WE CAN BASE IT ON THEIR MODEL BECAUSE WE'RE FUNCTIONING DIFFERENTLY IN OUR COUNTRY.

THERE IS A LOT OF FACTORS THAT GO INTO IT.

A LOT OF TIMES WE USE THE STRAINS FROM PREVIOUS SEASONS TO PREDICT STRAINS OF THE FLU THIS YEAR BUT IT'S HARDER WHEN THE FLU WAS SO LIGHT LAST YEAR.

>> A LOT OF THINGS FOR PARENTS TO WATCH OUT FOR ON TOP OF COVID AND BEING BACK IN CLASS.

THANKS TO Dr. LISA RAVINDRA THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> THANKS FOR HAVING ME.

>> AND NOW TO BRANDIS FOR DETAILS INTO A NEW SCHOOL POLICY CHANGE TO ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH.

BRANDIS?

>> PARIS, STARTING IN JANUARY, ILLINOIS STUDENTS AGES 7-17 CAN TAKE UP TO FIVE MENTAL HEALTH DAYS OR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DAYS OFF OF SCHOOL WITHOUT A DOCTOR'S NOTE.

UNDER THE LAW SIGNED BY GOVERNOR J.B. PRITZKER, STUDENTS ARE REFERRED TO SCHOOL STAFF FOR PROFESSIONAL HELP AFTER THE SECOND MENTAL HEALTH DAY.

JOINING US TO DISCUSS THIS LEGISLATION AND WHAT IT COULD MEAN FOR THE MENTAL HEALTH OF CHILDREN ARE Dr. TARA GILL, PSYCHOLOGIST AND MENTAL HEALTH CONSULTANT WITH LURIE CHILDREN'S CENTER.

AND ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AT NORTHWESTERN'S UNIVERSITY FEINBERG SCHOOL OF MEDICINE.

AND ROBERT MARTWICK, WHO REPRESENTATIVES PARTS OF CHICAGO'S NORTHWEST SIDE.

SENATOR, WHY WAS IT IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO INTRODUCE THIS BILL?

>> WELL, IT WAS PRETTY CLEAR THAT WITH THE PERFECT STORM WAS CREATED BY THE PANDEMIC, THE AMOUNT OF PRESSURE THAT WAS PUT UPON OUR STUDENT POPULATION WAS SHOWING VERY IDENTIFIABLE RESULTS.

WE SAW NATIONWIDE SUICIDE RATES AMONGST THE CHILDREN AGED 15-24 SKYROCKET.

IN FACT BECOMING THE SECOND LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH AMONGST [AUDIO INTERRUPTION] AND THE PUSH IN THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO ADDRESS THAT BUT IT DOES NO GOOD TO OFFER THE PROGRAMMING AND THIS WAS ONE WAY OF LETTING STUDENTS KNOW THAT BY REMOVING THAT STIGMA THAT IT WAS OK FOR THEM TO ADDRESS THEIR MENTAL HEALTH AND SEEK THE HELP THEY NEED.

>> THANK YOU.

YOU BROKE UP A LITTLE BIT BUT I THINK WE GOT THE CRUX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING AT.

Dr. GILL HOW CAN FIVE MENTAL HEALTH DAYS BE USEFUL FOR STUDENTS OVER THE COURSE OF THE SCHOOL YEAR?

>> THANK YOU THAT IS A GREAT QUESTION.

I BELIEVE IF WE EMPOWER YOUTH PARTICULARLY OLDER YOUTH TO IDENTIFY WHEN THEY ARE FEELING CHALLENGED MENTALLY JUST AS WELL AS WE MIGHT ALLOW THEM TO ACKNOWLEDGE WHEN THEY ARE FEELING CHALLENGED PHYSICALLY THEY CAN LEARN TO UTILIZE THE DAYS TO BE MORE OF A BENEFIT AND I THINK WITH PROPER LEGISLATION AND CHANGES IN POLICY AT THE SCHOOL DISTRICT LEVEL YOU WILL BE ABLE TO HAVE YOUTH TO HAVE SKILLS DEVELOPED TO LEARN HOW TO MOST BENEFIT FROM THOSE DAYS.

>> AND Dr. GILL STICKING WITH YOU, WHAT IMPACT HAS COVID HAD ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF YOUNG PEOPLE?

>> COVID IS A CONDITION THAT IS HAS BEEN CHALLENGING FOR YOUTH, FAMILIES AND THE MENTAL HEALTH AND HEALTHCARE SYSTEM.

IT HAS DEFINITELY CAUSED AN INCREASE IN YOUTH WHO ARE PRESENTING AT ER'S AND PSYCHOLOGY CLINICS AND WAITING LISTS AND LESS ADULTS IN THE PRESENCE OF KIDS TO IDENTIFY THEM AT THE PREVENTION LEVEL.

WHEN THEY DO PRESENT THEY TEND TO HAVE INCREASED LEVEL OF SEVERITY OF SYMPTOMS WITH MUCH MORE COMPLEXITIES.

A LOT MORE ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION.

>> SENATOR HAVE YOU NOTICED LESS OF A STIGMA AROUND MENTAL HEALTH AND AMONG YOUTH AND CHILDREN?

>> WELL, I THINK THAT THERE'S BEEN A MOVE THROUGH SOCIETALLY WHICH IS A GOOD THING IS TO -- IT IS LESS OF A STIGMA AROUND ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH AND THAT HAS BEEN PART OF THE MESSAGING THAT MENTAL HEALTH CARE IS A PART OF OVERALL HEALTHCARE.

WE HAVE TO ATTEMPT TO ALL OF THE PARTS OF OUR BODY NOT IF WE HAVE A COUGH OR A FEVER.

BUT IF WE ARE HAVING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES WE NEED TO TEND TO THAT.

AGAIN, WHEN WE SAW THE RISING SUICIDE RATES AMONG STUDENTS WE SAID OK, THERE IS A DISCONNECT WHERE THE CHILDREN ARE SUFFERING THROUGH MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS BUT THEY DON'T HAVE THAT ABILITY TO CONNECT AND SUFFER IN SILENCE AND THAT LEADS TO WHAT ARE BAD OUTCOMES.

THIS BILL WAS DESIGNED JUST TO DO THAT.

TO SAY, HEY, IF YOU NEED TO TAKE A DAY OFF, JUST AS IF YOU WAKE UP ONE DAY AND YOU'VE GOT A FEVER, IF YOU WAKE UP AND YOU ARE FEELING THAT STRESS AND PRESSURE, YOU CAN TAKE A DAY OFF AND ATTEND TO THAT.

IF AFTER A NUMBER OF DAYS YOU'RE STILL NOT ABLE TO GET THE HELP YOU NEED THEN THE SCHOOL HAS THE PERMISSION TO REFER YOU THEN TO A COUNSELOR, A SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST, A SOCIAL WORKER TO HELP CONNECT YOU TO THE RESOURCES SO YOU CAN ATTEND TO THOSE ISSUES BEFORE THEY BECOME PROBLEMATIC.

>> AND SENATOR, HOW DOES THIS BILL INSURE THAT YOUNG PEOPLE ARE GETTING THE SUPPORT THEY NEED ON THE MENTAL HEALTH DAYS AND THEY ARE NOT PLAYING HOOKIE?

>> WELL, IT DOESN'T.

AND THAT IS THE SHORT ANSWER.

I'VE BEEN ASKED THAT QUESTION A LOT AND MY RESPONSE AND I THINK THERE IS A FAIR AMOUNT OF SKEPTICISM WHAT ABOUT THOSE KIDS THAT WILL TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT TO WHICH I SAY IT DOESN'T MATTER, THOSE KIDS THAT WOULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SKIPPING SCHOOL ARE GOING TO DO THAT REGARDLESS WHAT WE PUT IN THE LAW.

THIS IS ABOUT MAKING SURE THAT THE GETS THAT NEED MENTAL HEALTH HAVE THAT ACCESS TO IT.

AND THAT CERTAINLY WAS THE MOTIVATION IN THERE.

WE WOULD RATHER OFFER THOSE THAT NEED THE HELP THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET TO IT THAN PROTECT AGAINST THOSE THAT ARE GOING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF IT EITHER WAY.

>> Dr. GILL WHAT DO YOU THINK PARENTS, TEACHERS AND STAFF DO TO HELP KIDS AND YOUTH FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE COMING FORWARD ABOUT THEIR MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS AND NEEDS?

>> YOU FIND THAT YOUTH ARE REPORTING THAT THEY HAVE LESS STIGMA ABOUT ACCESSING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES.

LESS STIGMA ABOUT ASKING FOR HELP AND SUPPORT.

HOWEVER WHEN THEY DO REACH OUT TO ADULTS, ADULTS NEED TO HAVE THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF EDUCATION AND SKILLS TO HELP THEM TO NAVIGATE SYSTEMS OF SUPPORT.

WHETHER THAT'S SCHOOL SYSTEM THAT IS PROVIDING MENTAL HEALTH ACCESS WITHIN THAT BUILDING OR WHETHER THAT'S GETTING A FIRST APPOINTMENT AT A CLINIC OR HOSPITAL OR PRESENTING AT AN ER.

I THINK THAT IS ONE OF THE CAUTIONS OF UNDERSTANDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS LAW.

ESSENTIALLY WHAT WILL BE THE STRUCTURE AND POLICIES PUT IN PLACE BY EXPERTS AND AT THE SCHOOL LEVEL TO INSURE THAT YOUTH ARE GETTING THE SUPPORT THAT THEY NEED.

BEYOND WHEN THEY CALL IN AS WELL AS DURING THAT TIME.

>> AND TO THAT END, WHAT MORE DO WE NEED TO BE DOING APART FROM THIS BILL OR IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE BILL TO INSURE THAT YOUNG PEOPLE ARE GETTING THE MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT THEY NEED ESPECIALLY RETURNING TO IN-PERSON SCHOOL THIS YEAR?

>> WHAT WE HAVE FOUND IS THAT SOME SCHOOL DISTRICTS EVEN HERE IN CHICAGO ARE INVESTING IN BUILDING OUT SYSTEMS AND SUPPORTS TO MAKE SURE THAT THE PEOPLE INSIDE OF THE BUILDING ARE TALKING TO ONE ANOTHER WHETHER THAT IS BUILDING OUT A REFERRAL PROCESS WHERE STUDENTS CAN SELF REFER.

THEY INDICATED IN A PILOT STUDY THAT WAS DONE BY CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS THEY'VE INDICATED THAT THEY ARE INTERESTED IN REFERRING THEMSELVES IF THEY ARE IN NEED OF SUPPORTS.

AND JUST GETTING THE BUILDINGS TO TALK ABOUT WHICH STUDENTS NEED MORE SUPPORT AND HOW THEY CAN IDENTIFY THAT.

CHICAGO IS INVESTING IN THE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH TEAMS THAT IS ALLOWING ADULTS TO COME TOGETHER AND HELP TO SOLVE THAT CHALLENGE.

>> AND THIS GOES INTO EFFECT IN JANUARY.

WE WILL BE KEEPING AN EYE HOW STUDENTS ARE USING IT.

THANK YOU TO Dr. TARA GILL AND STATE SENATOR ROBERT MARTWICK.

>> IS THERE ANYTHING >> AND THERE'S MUCH MORE AHEAD INCLUDING OUR SPOTLIGHT POLITICS TEAM ON THE NEW POLICE UNION CONTRACT THAT SOON IS HEADING TO THE FULL CITY COUNCIL FOR A VOTE.

BUT FIRST, A LOCAL WOMAN IS USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO HELP FEED THE HOMELESS.

"CHICAGO TONIGHT'S" JOANNA HERNANDEZ VISITED DES PLAINES TO SEE HOW SHE OPENED HER KITCHEN TO MAKE THOUSANDS OF LUNCHES FOR THOSE MOST IN NEED.

>> I DIDN'T THINK ABOUT IT MUCH JUST THAT I WANTED TO HELP.

>> IT IS A BUSY AFTERNOON AND ANN MARIE FRANK'S KITCHEN AND ALL HANDS ON DECK OPERATION, OPERATION LOVING LUNCHES TO BE EXACT.

>> WE HIT OUR 15,000TH LUNCH.

I AM AMAZED BECAUSE I POSTED ON FACEBOOK AND GOT THE ENTIRE DES PLAINES COMMUNITY INVOLVED.

>> FRANK WITH FAMILY MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS COME TOGETHER EVERY SUNDAY TO PACK UP LUNCHES FOR HOMELESS.

IT STARTED WITH FRANK'S SISTER'S JOB WAS LOOKING FOR PEOPLE TO DONATE FOOD WHEN COVID FORCED PANTRIES TO CLOSE THEIR DOORS.

>> I WANTED TO HELP AND HAD A JOB AND WAS GRATEFUL THAT MY FAMILY AND I STARTED TO PUT TOGETHER LUNCHES AND INVITED MY FAMILY TO HELP AND THEN IT KEPT GROWING AND GROWING.

AND I WAS BUSY AND I TOLD MY SISTER IT WAS GETTING HARD FOR ME TO MAKE THE LUNCHES.

>> SO I RAN WITH IT.

I WAS SO EXCITED WHEN I SAW HOW MANY A WEEK WE COULD MAKE AND THE MORE PEOPLE WE HAD THE MORE WE COULD MAKE.

WE STARTED WITH 100-200 AND SOME WEEKS WE HAD 300 DEPENDING ON HOW MANY VOLUNTEERS.

>> THE SISTERS PROJECT LOVING LUNCHES EXPANDED.

FRANK OPENED HER HOME TO ANYONE WILLING TO VOLUNTEER THEIR TIME OR DONATE FOOD.

>> WE DELIVER IT TO DOWNTOWN CHICAGO AND THEY FROM THERE THERE DELIVER IT TO CHURCHES AND WE DELIVER LOCAL WE'LL GO TO THE VIADUCTS WHERE THE TENT CITIES ARE AND DROP-OFF LUNCHES.

>> THE MOVEMENT SPREAD TO FRANK'S DANCE STUDIO.

FRANK'S DAUGHTER SAYS STARTING THIS INITIATIVE HAS GIVEN HER MOTHER A NEW PURPOSE AFTER SHE HAD TO SHUTDOWN HER DANCE STUDIO AND GO VIRTUAL.

>> IT MEANT A LOT TO HER AS OUR BUSINESS WAS KIND OF IN AN UNCHARTERED TERRITORY TO HAVE SOMETHING THAT WE COULD FEEL WE WERE DOING OUR PART TO HELP THE COMMUNITY.

>> KENDALL HELPED HER MOM RUN THE DANCE STUDIO THAT OFFERS JAZZ, TAP DANCING AND MUSIC CLASSES.

>> LIVING WITH MY MOM I GET TO SEE FIRSTHAND HOW HARD SHE WORKS AND HOW MUCH PASSION SHE HAS WE ARE IT'S HERE OR WITH THE LOVING LUNCHES.

>> FOR THE LAST YEAR, FRANK AND ANYONE WILLING TO JOIN THE MOVEMENT HAVE MADE HUNDREDS OF LUNCHES EACH WEEK WITH HANDMADE CARDS THAT HER YOUNGEST STUDENTS CREATE.

>> YOU ARE AMAZING.

LIKE A FLOWER BENDING IN THE WIND BUT NOT BREAKING.

>> FRANK HOPES IT HELPS BRIGHTEN SOMEONE A DAY.

>> A GAVE A GENTLEMAN A COUPLE LUNCHES AND I WATCHED HIM AND OBSERVED AND HE TOOK OUT THE CARD, READ IT AND PUT IT BY HIS HEART AND LOOKING FOR ME TO SAY THANKS.

IT WAS AMAZING.

>> MOVING FORWARD, FRANK IS WORKING TO TURN LOVING LUNCHES INTO A NOT-FOR-PROFIT.

A MISSION THE SISTERS KNOW THEIR PARENTS WOULD BE PROUD OF.

>> IT JUST WARMS ME TO FOLLOW IN HER FOOTSTEPS THEY WERE ALWAYS GIVING.

WE DIDN'T GROW UP WITH MUCH.

AND MY MOM ALWAYS DONATED HER TIME.

>> SHE WAS THE KINDEST ALWAYS WOULD HELP SOMEONE ELSE.

>> WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ABOUT WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

>> SHE WOULD LOVE IT.

>> SHE WOULD BE WANT TO BE IN THE MIDDLE OF IT.

>> FOR SURE.

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

>> AND YOU CAN LEARN HOW TO GET INVOLVED WITH LOVING LUNCHES BY VISITING OUR WEBSITE WHERE WE HAVE DETAILS ON THAT AND MUCH MORE.

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

>> THANK YOU.

THAT IS THE STORY THAT FILLS YOU UP.

STILL TO COME ON "CHICAGO TONIGHT"...

THE PARK DISTRICT SAYS IT HAS A PLAN TO IMPROVE DO NOT SWIM MESSAGING ALONG THE LAKEFRONT BUT SAFETY ADVOCATES SAY IT'S NOT ENOUGH.

LAWMAKERS RETURN TO SPRINGFIELD IN HOPES OF PASSING AN ENERGY BILL AS REPUBLICANS RENEW CALLS FOR ETHICS REFORM THAT AND MORE IN SPOTLIGHT POLITICS.

AND REMEMBERING FORMER U.S.

SENATOR ADLAI STEVENSON.

WHO DIED MONDAY.

>> BUT FIRST, SOME OF TODAY'S TOP STORIES... >> CHICAGO'S TRAVEL ADVISORY INCLUDES 49 STATES IN THE COUNTRY AND ALL TERRITORIES.

THE CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATED THE ADVISORY TODAY TO ADD ONE STATE VERMONT, WHICH HAD BEEN LEFT OFF LAST WEEK.

TWO STATES, NEW HAMPSHIRE AND CONNECTICUT PLUS THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HAVE SEEN CASES DROP BELOW 50 NEW CASES PER DAY.

AND COULD BE REMOVED NEXT WEEK.

IF CASES REMAIN UNDER THAT THRESHOLD.

LAST WEEK, CDPH UPDATED THE ADVISORY TO REQUIRE UNVACCINATED TRAVELERS TO TEST BEFORE AND AFTER ARRIVAL IN CHICAGO AND QUARANTINE FOR SEVEN DAYS EVEN IF THEY TEST NEGATIVE UPON ARRIVAL.

>> SOME FORMER FEDERAL PRISON INMATES ARE GETTING A SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE.

>> I'VE BEEN CLEAN FOR EIGHT MONTHS NOW.

AND [APPLAUSE] COME ON.

THAT WAS BECAUSE THE TOOLS THAT THE PROGRAM WAS GIVING ME TO USE TO BE LAW-ABIDING CITIZEN AND A BETTER PERSON.

>> PRINCE FERGUSON WITH 10 OTHERS GRADUATED FROM THE JAMES SECOND CHANCE REENTRY PROGRAM.

THE PROGRAM IS DESIGNED TO HELP FORMER INMATES REINTEGRATE INTO COMMUNITIES AND RECEIVE SUPERVISION AND MEETINGS WITH JUNGS, PROBATION OFFICERS.

AND THOSE WHO COMPLETE IT ARE REWARDED WITH A REDUCTION IN FEDERAL SUPERVISION.

THE KEYNOTE SPEAKER TODAY WAS MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT.

>> SOME CHICAGO RESIDENTS WHO HAVE A COMPLAINT AGAINST THE POLICE OFFICER COULD HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MEDIATE THE COMPLAINT RATHER THAN THE TRADITIONAL COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION PROCESS.

THE CITY ANNOUNCED THE PILOT PROGRAM AS PART OF THE CONSENT DECREE OVERSEEN BY A FEDERAL COURT.

ONLY SELECT POLICE MISCONDUCT COMPLAINTS FILED WITH THE CIVILIAN OFFICE OF POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY OR C.P.D.

'S BUREAU OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS WILL QUALIFY INCLUDING ALLEGATIONS RELATED TO PERCEIVED BIAS IN POLICING OR FAILURES TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SERVICE.

UNDER THE PILOT, SLATED TO LAUNCH THIS FALL, A TRAINED MEDIATOR WOULD FACILITATE A DISCUSSION BETWEEN THE OFFICER AND COMPLAINANT WITH THE GOAL OF ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM IN A WAY THAT BOTH PARTIES AGREE ON.

PARIS BACK TO YOU.

>> THANKS.

THE CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT RELEASED A PLAN TO BETTER REENFORCE DO NOT SWIM MESSAGING AROUND THE LAKEFRONT AFTER PUBLIC CRIES FOR LIFE RINGS TO BE INSTALLED FOLLOWING DROWNINGS IN LAKE MICHIGAN.

THE MOTHER OF 19-YEAR-OLD MIGUEL CERVANTES SPOKE AT A VIGIL HONORING HER SON LAST NIGHT.

>> I HOPE THAT MY MIKEKY, WHOSE MIDDLE NAME WAS ANGEL WILL BE OUR ANGEL IN GETTING OUR PARK DISTRICT OFFICIALS TO MAKE A CHANGE AND PROVIDE THE SAFETY EQUIPMENT OUR LAKEFRONT DESPERATELY NEEDS AND SHOULD BE OFFERED.

MINIMUM.

>> SAD STORY THERE.

WTTW NEWS REPORTER PATTY WETLI JOINS US WITH MORE.

PATTY, WHAT IS THE PARK DISTRICT'S PLAN TO REENFORCE DO NOT SWIM MESSAGING AROUND THE LAKEFRONT?

THIS CAME UP AT THEIR BOARD MEETING TODAY >> YES, SO A LOT OF THEIR PLANS FOCUSED ON DETERRING PEOPLE FROM ENTERING THE WATER AT PLACES THAT ARE DANGEROUS OR THAT AREN'T SAFE FOR SWIMMING LOCATIONS.

THAT MEANS, BEEFING UP SIGNAGE AND ADDING IT IN PLACES REINSTALL TO GO WHERE IT'S BEEN TAKEN DOWN.

REFRESHING PAINT AT PLACES WHERE PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BE ENTERING THE WATER.

ALSO PARTNERING WITH ORGANIZATIONS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS IN GETTING OUT THE WORD MORE OUTREACH IN EDUCATION AROUND WHERE PEOPLE CAN SWIM ON THE LAKEFRONT, WHAT HOURS, HOW TO READ THE SAFETY FLAGS TO KNOW WHEN THERE IS A RED FLAG UP DO NOT ENTER THE WATER.

AND MOST DRAMATICALLY, THEY PLAN TO PUT BARRIERS UP AT SOME OF THE MORE DANGEROUS PLACES ALONG THE LAKEFRONT LIKE PIERS AND BASICALLY BLOCKING PUBLIC ACCESS TO THOSE TO KEEP PEOPLE OUT OF THE WATER.

>> AND ARE SWIM SAFETY ADVOCATES OK WITH THE PLANS?

DO THEY THINK THEY GO FAR ENOUGH?

>> NO, THEY THINK THE EMPHASIS ON PEOPLE ENTERING THE WATER AT PLACES ARE ARE NOT SAFE TO SWIM IS KIND OF A FORM OF VICTIM BLAMING AND PLACING THE FAULT ON THE PEOPLE FOR GOING INTO THE WATER VERSUS THE SIMPLICITY OF HAVING THE LIFE RINGS OR FLOTATION DEVICES AVAILABLE FOR BYSTANDERS TO THROW IN TO HELP SOMEONE WHO IS IN TROUBLE IN THE WATER.

>> AND DOES THE PARK DISTRICT PLAN ON INSTALLING LIFE RINGS ANYWHERE ON THE LAKEFRONT?

>> PEOPLE HAVE DONE DIY EFFORTS THAT THE PARK DISTRICT HAS TAKEN DOWN BECAUSE THEIR STANCE IS THAT THE PRESENCE OF THESE DEVICES ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO ENTER THE WATER WHERE THEY SHOULDN'T.

BUT THEY ARE GOING TO TRY A PILOT IN SUMMER 2022, AND THEY ARE GOING TO IDENTIFY SOME LOCATIONS WHERE IT'S SAFE FOR PEOPLE TO SWIM.

SO ONLY LOCATIONS WHERE PEOPLE SHOULD BE SWIMMING AND TO PUT THE LIFE RINGS THERE.

SO IT'S A COMPROMISE AND I'M SURE THIS IS NOT THE LAST WE'RE GOING TO HEAR OF THIS ISSUE.

>> NOPE, I AGREE WITH THAT AND WE WILL KEEP FOLLOWING IT.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> THANKS, PARIS.

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

>> AND UP NEXT, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE UP FOR RAISES BUT WILL THEY TAKE THEM?

OUR SPOTLIGHT POLITICS TEAM ON THAT AND MORE.

BUT FIRST WE TAKE A LOOK AT THE WEATHER... >> A CHICAGO CITY COUNCIL MEMBER UNDER FIRE OVER OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE AND FOR ALLEGEDLY RETALIATING AGAINST A CONSTITUENT.

A CHICAGO POLICE CONTRACT IS ONE STEP CLOSER TO APPROVAL AS THE DEPARTMENT FACES A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OVER STOP AND FRISK PRACTICES.

AND STATE LAWMAKERS RETURN TO TAKE UP A COMPREHENSIVE ENERGY BILL AS REPUBLICANS CALL FOR MORE ETHICS REFORM.

HERE WITH THAT AND MORE IS OUR SPOTLIGHT POLITICS TEAM, AMANDA VINICKY, HEATHER CHERONE AND PARIS SCHUTZ AND A LOT TO TALK ABOUT, GANG.

HEATHER LET'S START WITH YOU MORE DETAILS EMERGED ABOUT OFFENSIVE REMARKS THAT JIM GARDINER MADE ABOUT COLLEAGUES AND CONSTITUENTS.

WHAT IS THE LATEST THERE?

>> WELL, THERE WERE MORE TEXTS REVEALED BY THE PEOPLE'S FABRIC A BLOG THAT TARGETED ALDERMAN AGARDINER THAT SHOWED HIM TARGETING CONSTITUENTS WITH WHOM HE DISAGREES POLITICALLY AND USING NAMES.

THAT REPORT CAME AFTER MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT WAS ASKED ABOUT THIS ON MONDAY AFTER LABOR DAY CELEBRATIONS.

SHE SAID IT WAS NEVER APPROPRIATE FOR A PUBLIC OFFICIAL NOT TO PROVIDE CITY SERVICES TO SOMEONE BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T VOTE FOR THEM AND DISAGREE.

NOW THE QUESTION BECOMES NOW THAT THERE ARE TEXTS THAT SHOW THAT WHAT ACTION DOES THE MAYOR TAKE?

>> IT IS NOT CLEAR.

>> HE IS FACING HEAVY CRITICISM DOES HE NEED TO DO MORE TO WEATHER THE STORM?

>> THERE IS A LETTER TO THE ETHICS BOARD FROM GARZA CALLING ON HIM TO APOLOGIZE AND HALF OF THE COLLEAGUES SIGNED ON TO THAT.

BUT HIS PROBLEMS RUN DEEPER.

THERE IS A LAUNDRY LIST OF COMPLAINTS FROM CONSTITUENTS WOULD FEEL LIKE THEY HAVE BEEN RETALIATED AGAINST FOR OPPOSING HIM OR HIS INITIATIVES.

>> I'VE TALKED TO A HANDFUL OF THEM.

BLOCK CHICAGO THAT WAS DOCUMENTED THIS.

THERE WAS A BRICK THROUGH A WINDOW.

A CAR THAT DROVE UP ON A CONSTITUENT'S LAWN AND DESTROYED THE GARDEN.

AN INSPECTOR SENT TO THE CONSTITUENT'S HOME.

GARDINER IS NOT ACCUSED OF ANY WRONGDOING AND THERE IS NO EVIDENCE CONNECTING HIM.

THE CONSTITUENTS BELIEVE IT HAPPENED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY.

AND THERE ARE TEXT MESSAGES THAT SHOW A VINDICTIVE STREET THAT AREN'T LOYAL TO HIM.

IN FACT, HE SUGGESTED THAT A FORMER STAFFER LEAK OUT A COURT DOCUMENT ON A CONSTITUENT THAT WOULD BE USED AS DIRT AGAINST THAT CONSTITUENT.

SO THESE ARE AGAIN, A LOT OF QUESTIONS RAISED BECAUSE OF THIS.

AND I HAVE A NUMBER OF CONSTITUENTS TOLD ME THEY FILED COMPLAINTS WITH THE INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE THIS IS SOMETHING UNDER THE IG'S PURVIEW IT DOESN'T MEAN THEY ARE OPENING AN INVESTIGATION AND THERE ARE TWO FEDERAL LAWSUITS CONSTITUENTS FILED AGAINST GARDINER THAT ARE MOVING FORWARD.

I DID TRY TO REACH OUT TO GARDINER AND WAS NOT ABLE TO GET AHOLD OF HIM BUT A LOT OF QUESTIONS IN THE 45TH WARD ON THE NORTHWEST SIDE.

>> AN EIGHT-YEAR CONTRACT WITH THE UNION REPRESENTING RANK-AND-FILE CHICAGO POLICE OFFICERS GOT APPROVAL FROM A PANEL OF ALDERMEN YESTERDAY HERE IS SOME OF WHAT THE CITY'S CHIEF NEGOTIATOR HAD TO SAY.

>> THESE NEGOTIATIONS WERE, TO PUT IT MILDLY, EXCEEDINGLY DIFFICULT IN TERMS OF THE LENGTH OF TIME IT TOOK TO NEGOTIATE.

IT IS A TOUCH OVER FOUR YEARS NOW AND WE'VE NEVER HAD AN AGREEMENT THAT QUITE TOOK THAT LONG.

>> AMANDA, ASSUMING THIS GETS FULL CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL DO YOU THINK THIS WILL DO ANYTHING TO REPAIR THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POLICE AND CITY LEADERS AND POLICE AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS?

>> SO AS YOU NOTED IT STILL DOES NEED CITY COUNCIL APPROVAL BEFORE IT'S FULLY SIGNED AND DELIVERED.

AND, NO, TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION, I DON'T NECESSARILY THINK SO WITH KIND OF GOING BACK AND REVIEWING WHAT ALL IS IN THE CONTRACT AND SAW A QUOTE FROM FOP'S PRESIDENT SAYING THEY HATE HER ABOUT HIS MEMBERS IN REGARD TO MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT.

NOT MINCING WORDS THERE AND THAT NOTE, SURE, THERE IS A BIG MEMBERSHIP OF THE FOP BUT BY AND LARGE THAT SEEMS TO BE THE SENTIMENT OF CHICAGO'S POLICE FORCE NOT BELIEVING IN AND BACKING MAYOR LIGHTFOOT AND THERE CERTAINLY IS A DISPUTE, DISAGREEMENT AND WE WILL SEE IT REAR ITS HEAD WITH THE CONTRACTS IN BUDGET TALKS WHEN YOU ARE GOING TO HAVE COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS CALLING FOR DEFUNDING OR AT LEAST LESSER FUNDING OF THE C.P.D.

EVEN AS YOU HAVE OTHER ALDERPEOPLE AND BROWN ASKING FOR ADDITIONAL MONEY TO COVER BEYOND WHAT IS IN THIS CONTRACT.

SO TO HIRE MORE POLICE OFFICERS, TO PAY MORE OVERTIME OR AGAIN HIRE MORE OFFICERS TO REDUCE THAT.

AND STILL ONGOING NEGOTIATIONS THAT CONTRACT IS DONE BUT NOT NECESSARILY COMPLETED AS THERE CONTINUES TO BE TALKS ABOUT HOW TO IMPLEMENT SOME CHANGES IN STATE LAWS AND FURTHER WHAT THE MAYOR WOULD CALL REFORM, WHAT I THINK MAY C.P.D.

OFFICERS WOULD SAY DOES NOT MEET THE DEFINITION OF REFORM IT WOULD MAKE IT FURTHER -- HINDER THEM DOING THEIR JOBS.

>> AND HEATHER WHAT ARE THE KEY PROVISIONS OF THE CONTRACT?

>> WELL, YOU CAN PUT THIS CONTRACT IN TWO BUCKETS.

ONE IS A 20% PAY RAISE OVER EIGHT YEARS.

SO THIS DEAL COVERS ALL THE WAY BACK TO 2017 AND FORWARD TO 2025.

AND IT IS NO MISTAKE THAT THE NEXT MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS ARE IN 2023.

SO THIS GETS ALL OF THE ELECTED OFFICIALS PAST THE NEXT ELECTION.

THE OTHER PART IS THOSE REFORMS THAT AMANDA WAS TALKING ABOUT.

NOW PEOPLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO SUBMIT ANONYMOUS COMPLAINTS AGAINST OFFICERS.

THEY WILL NOT HAVE TO FILE AFFIDAVITS.

ALSO, OFFICERS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO SEE THE VIDEO OF ALTERCATIONS BEFORE THEY MAKE STATEMENTS AND REVISE THEIR STATEMENTS.

HOWEVER, THE CITY DIDN'T GET EVERYTHING THEY WANTED.

THERE ARE NO RESTRICTIONS ON SECONDARY EMPLOYMENT FOR POLICE OFFICERS THAT WAS A BIG ISSUE FOR THE INSPECTOR GENERAL SEVERAL YEARS BACK.

THAT IS STILL UNDER NEGOTIATION AND MIGHT END NEWSPAPER FRONT OF AN ARBITRATOR.

EVEN WHEN THE DEAL IS DONE IF IT'S DONE NEXT WEEK IT WON'T TOTALLY BE DONE.

>> STICKING WITH YOU, THERE'S LATE BREAKING NEWS TODAY ON RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA SALES.

WHAT IS IN THERE?

>> THAT RIGHT.

WHEN CHICAGO ALLOWED THE LEGAL SALE OF MARIJUANA IN CHICAGO, MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT BASICALLY CARVED OUT THE ENTIRE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, MICHIGAN AVENUE AND THE LOOP AND BANNED SALES THERE.

THE RULES THAT ADVANCED OUT OF A COMMITTEE TODAY WOULD ALLOW MARIJUANA TO BE SOLD LEGALLY DOWNTOWN BUT NOT ON MICHIGAN AVENUE AND NOT ON STATE STREET.

BUT IT NARROWS THAT BAN, SIGNIFICANTLY IN AN ATTEMPT TO GIVE MORE ENTREPRENEURS A CHANCE TO LOCATE A DISPENSARY AND WE ALL KNOW THAT THERE'S BEEN SO MUCH CONTROVERSY OVER THE STATE'S EFFORT TO MAKE SURE THAT BLACK AND LATINO ILLINOIS RESIDENTS WHO WERE HURT BY THE DRUG WAR ARE ABLE TO GET A PIECE OF THIS BUSINESS.

AND THE MAYOR SEES THIS AS A WAY TO HELP MAKE THAT HAPPEN.

NOW THAT THINGS ARE CLOSER TO BEING RESOLVED AT THE STATE LEVEL, ALTHOUGH THERE'S STILL A PENDING LAWSUIT.

>> A LAWSUIT OVER THE CHICAGO POLICE STOP AND FRISK PRACTICE WAS GRANTED CLASS ACTION STATUS WITH THE JUDGE AGREEING THERE'S EVIDENCE THAT POLICE MAY HAVE VIOLATED THE RIGHTS OF BLACK AND LATINX CHICAGOANS.

>> THERE'S ALREADY BIG DOES TRUST IN THE COMMUNITY OF THE POLICE.

THE FREQUENT STOPS AND FRISKS ARE NO REASON AND ONLY STRESSES FURTHER.

NO ONE WANTS TO CALL THE POLICE WHEN SOMETHING GOES ON.

AND POLICE CAN'T BE TRUSTED.

SO IT'S ERODES TRUST.

>> PARIS A LONG ROAD AHEAD FOR THIS LAWSUIT.

WHAT COULD THE POTENTIAL IMPACT BE?

>> AS YOU ASSEMBLYWOMANNIONED THE JUDGE IN ALLOWING THE CASE TO MOVE FORWARD SAID THERE'S SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE THAT THE CITY EITHER KNEW OR SHOULD HAVE KNOWN THAT A LOT OF THESE STOPS WERE VIOLATING CITIZENS' FOURTH AMENDMENT RIGHTS ESPECIALLY BLACK AND LATINX CITIZENS.

AND THERE IS A LONG TROUBLED HISTORY THEY DON'T CALL IT STOP AND FRISK THEY CALLED IT THAT IN NEW YORK AND OTHER CITIES.

THEY CALL IT THE CONTACT CARD SYSTEM WHERE THEY MAKE STREET STOPS AND FILL OUT A CONTACT CARD AND THE CITY HALF A DOZEN YEARS AGO UNDER GARRY McCARTHY STRUCK A DEAL WITH THE A.C.L.U.

THEY HAD BIG TIMES PROBLEMS WITH THE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF THIS.

THE CITY STRIKES A DEAL WITH THE A.C.L.U.

YOU ARE GOOD NOW, YOU ARE CONSTITUTIONAL THE WAY YOU ARE REFORMING THIS SYSTEM IT LED TO FEWER STOPS AND FRISKS BUT WHAT IT APPEARS NOW FROM THE LAWSUIT IS THAT THAT NUMBER HAS CREPT BACK UP AND THE CITY HA IS NOT FOLLOWING OUT ON THE AGREEMENT THAT IT STRUCK SEVERAL YEARS AGO.

>> AND AMANDA, WE KNOW THAT THE ILLINOIS ATTORNEY GENERAL KWAME RAOUL LAUNCHING AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE JOLIET POLICE DEPARTMENT.

WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF THAT PROBE?

>> SO THIS DOES NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO OR HE SAID DIRECTLY IT MAY HAVE BEEN PUT ON HIS RADAR BY THE DEATH OF ERIC LORI, A BLACK MAN WHILE IN JOLIET POLICE CUSTODY IN 2020.

HE SAID THIS IS LOOKING INTO THE PATTERNS AND PRACTICES OF THE JOLIET POLICE DEPARTMENT LIKE THEIR PROTOCOLS AND THEIR TRAINING, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAKING CLEAR THIS IS NOT CRIMINAL IN NATURE NOR HE SAYS IS IT MEANT TO PENALIZE THE DEPARTMENT AS A WHOLE OR ANY PARTICULAR OFFICERS BY THE WAY, THE JOLIET POLICE DOES HAVE A NEW CHIEF SINCE THE TIME OF LORI'S DEATH.

HE DESCRIBED IT AS SIMILAR TO THE REVIEW THAT THE ILLINOIS ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE CONDUCTED INTO THE CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT THAT LED TO THE CONSENT DECREE THAT THE C.P.D.

AND CITY ARE UNDER NOW.

ALSO, DESCRIBED IT AS SIMILAR TO WHAT HAPPENED IN FERGUSON, MISSOURI.

BUT, HE STOPPED SHORT OF IT AND SAYING I AM NOT GOING TO SAY AAT THIS JUNCTURE THERE WILL BE A CONSENT DECREE FOR THE JOLIET POLICE DEPARTMENT.

SO IT IS STILL SEEMINGLY FAIRLY EARLY FOR THIS TO HAPPEN.

AND BY THE WAY, HAPPENING AFTER THAT HUGE, HUGE, HUGE LAW THAT IS TAKING EFFECT IN ROLLING PIECES INCLUDING PORTIONS IN JANUARY AND THEN AGAIN IN JULY OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE LAW THAT WAS PASSED BY THE ILLINOIS LEGISLATURE AND PARTICULARLY PUSHED BY BLACK LEGISLATORS AND THAT IS SOME OF WHERE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE IN ILLINOIS NOW HAS THE AUTHORITY TO DO INVESTIGATIONS INTO POLICE DEPARTMENTS SUCH AS THIS ONE.

>> SO WE KNOW AS YOU REPORTED OF COURSE THAT STATE LAWMAKERS ARE BACK IN SPRINGFIELD FOR THE ENERGY BILL.

IN ADDITION TO THE ENERGY BILL, REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS ARE CALLING ON DEMOCRATS TO TAKE UP MEANINGFUL ETHICS REFORM AND SAY PROVISION ON THE TABLE DO NOT GO FAR ENOUGH.

>> WE NEED SOMETHING THAT IS TRUE AND MEANINGFUL.

I WILL JOIN MY COLLEAGUES IN CALLING FOR REPRESENTATIVE BURKE AND OTHERS TO REENGAGE IN TRUE NEGOTIATIONS WITH OUR CAUCUS TO PASS SOMETHING THAT WILL REALLY TURN THE TIDE IN SPRINGFIELD.

AND GIVE PEOPLE FAITH IN STATE GOVERNMENT AGAIN.

>> PARIS, IS THE SHADOW OF FORMER HOUSE SPEAKER MICHAEL MADIGAN LOOMING OVER SPRINGFIELD?

>> MICHAEL MADIGAN MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE ARCHITECT OF THE POLITICAL SYSTEM IN ILLINOIS BUT MANY PEOPLE WERE THE BENEFICIARIES AND IT'S MEET THE NEW BOSS THE SAME AS THE OLD BOSS.

A LOT OF LAWMAKERS WANT BUSINESS AS USUAL TO THE POINT WHERE THE LEGISLATIVE INSPECTOR GENERAL IN SPRINGFIELD RESIGNED SAYING MY OFFICE HAS NO POWER.

YOU GAVE ME THIS TITLE AND I'M SUPPOSED TO INVESTIGATE LAWMAKERS BUT I DON'T HAVE THE POWER TO DO SO AND THIS BILL IS NOT GIVING THAT OFFICE THE POWER.

AND THEN THE OTHER ISSUE OF LOBBYING THERE ARE SO MANY LAWMAKERS AT THE END OF THEIR CAREER OR THEY LEAVE AND GO RIGHT INTO LOBBYING FOR PRIVATE INTEREST BECAUSE THEY USE THE CONTACTS THEY'VE BUILT UP SERVING THE PUBLIC BY THEN GOING AND LOBBYING THOSE SAME FORMER COLLEAGUES OF THEIRS AND THEY ARE BANKABLE THEY CAN MAKE LOTS OF MONEY DOING THAT.

THE BILL DOESN'T -- IT TACKLES SOME OF THAT BUT DOESN'T END THE REVOLVING DOOR OF LAWMAKERS GOING TO LOBBYING AND MAKING MONEY AND YOU HAVE TO HAVE A WATCHDOG ON THAT, IS THIS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST.

THERE'S SO MUCH CRITICISM.

>> HEATHER THERE IS A POTENTIAL TEST OF ALDERMANIC PRIVILEGE BREWING IN THE SHAPE OF A FIGHT IN A NORTHWEST SIDE APARTMENT COMPLEX.

WHAT ARE THE DETAILS AND WHAT IS THE LATEST?

>> THERE IS A PLAN TO BUILD ABOUT 300 APARTMENTS NEAR THE CUMBERLAND STOP ON THE CTA BLUE LINE.

IT IS OPPOSED BY AT MANNA PAL TAN KNOW WHO SAYS IT IS THE WRONG KIND OF DEVELOPMENT IN WHAT IS A COMMERCIAL PART OF THE EDGE OF THE CITY NEAR PARK RIDGE.

HOWEVER, THE CITY'S HOUSING DEPARTMENT SAYS THIS IS EXACTLY THE DEVELOPMENT CHICAGO HAS TO APPROVE.

IT'S GOING TO TACKLE THE LEGACY OF SEGREGATION AND SYSTEMIC RACISM.

SO WE'RE COMING TO A HEAD-ON THAT PROBABLY NEXT MONTH AND IT WILL BE A REAL TEST TO SEE IF MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT WANTS TO SORT OF MAKE THIS A STAND ON BOTH OF THOSE EFFORTS.

REMEMBER IN 2019 SHE CAMPAIGNED AGAINST ALDERMANIC PREROGATIVE AND VOWED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE CITY'S AFFORDABLE HOUSING CRISIS.

THIS WILL GIVE HER AN OPPORTUNITY BUT IT WILL NOT BE EASY BECAUSE OF THAT OPPOSITION.

>> AND PARIS, CHICAGO ALDERMEN ARE ELIGIBLE FOR SALARY RAISES, WHAT DO YOU THINK THEY ARE CONSIDERING?

>> THEY ARE ELIGIBLE FOR A RAISE OF ABOUT 6,000-7,000.

THE HIGH LEVEL FOR ALDERPEOPLE IS $123,000 GOING UP TO 130.

SOME ALDERPEOPLE HAVE SAID NO 0 RAISES IN THE PAST.

AND SOME ALDERPEOPLE WANT TO BE IN SOLIDARITY WITH THE CONSTITUENTS.

IT'S BEEN A TOUGH YEAR.

A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HARD WHY SHOULD WE TAKE RAISES WHEN PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HURT.

IT'S BEEN TOUGH FOR ME I'VE GOT KIDS IN COLLEGE.

I DON'T MEAN TO QUESTION MOTIVES BUT SOMETIMES IF YOU WANT TO RUN FOR HIGHER OFFICE IT LOOKS GOOD TO SAY I TURNED DOWN THAT RAISE.

AND YOU HAVE FOLKS COMING OUT, RAY LOPEZ, SAID HE DOESN'T THINK IT'S RIGHT TO ACCEPT THAT RAISE.

GILL VILLEGAS SAID I DON'T THINK IT'S RIGHT TO ACCEPT THAT RAISE.

THERE'S RUMBLINGS MAY BE THEY MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN RUNNING FOR MAYOR.

THERE IS A SOLIDARITY REASON AND THE POLITICAL REASON, WELL IT LOOKS BETTER BECAUSE MY OPPONENT CAN'T ATTACK ME AND SAY AND COVID-19 WHEN EVERYONE WAS GETTING HIT THEY TOOK A RAISE.

THAT'S WHAT TO WATCH FOR.

>> AND WE ARE JUST ABOUT OUT OF TIME.

AMANDA, ALDERMAN GEORGE CART NAS RUNNING ON THE PROPERTY TAX APPEAL BOARD SAYS THE OPPONENT CALLED MEMBERS OF THE AMERICAN MILITARY COWARDS FOR LEAVING AFGHANISTAN.

AND SHE WAS CALLING THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION COWARDS AND THIS IS AN OBSCURE BOARD, 15 SECONDS DO YOU THINK MANY PEOPLE ARE GOING TO TAKE NOTICE?

>> NO, IT IS AN OBSCURE BOARD BY THE TIME ELECTIONS COME IT WILL COME BACK AS AN OBSCURE TWEET.

THE COOK COUNTY BOARD OF REVIEW CANDIDATES ARE NOT GOING ON ON TV, BY THEN THIS WILL BE IN THE PAST AND WE PROBABLY WILL BE DEALING WITH WHAT IS HAPPENING IN AFGHANISTAN AND HEFTY PROPERTY TAX BILLS.

>> INTERESTING FOR THE TWO TO TAKE.

THANKS TO THE SPOTLIGHT POLITICS TEAM, AMANDA VINICKY, HEATHER CHERONE AND PARIS SCHUTZ.

>> REMEMBERING THE LATE ADLAI STEVENSON, III.

HIS GREAT GRAND FIRE ADLAI STEVENSON THE FIRST WAS VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES FROM 1893-1897.

HIS FATHER, ADLAI STEVENSON II SERVED AS ILLINOIS GOVERNOR, U.S.

AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED NATIONS AND A TWO TIME DNGIC NOMINEE FOR PRESIDENT.

FOR ADOLF KLAS AID, III OR ADLAI STEVENSON, II HE SERVED AS A SUFFICIENT SENATOR FROM 1970-81 AND LOST TO JIM THOMPSON IN RACES FOR ILLINOIS GOVERNOR.

ADLAI STEVENSON, III DIED NON-DAY AT THE AGE OF 90.

HE SPOKE WITH OUR CAROL MARIN HE FOUND VIRTUES IN THE OLD PARTY MACHINERY.

HERE IS A LOOK.

>> BLAGOJEVICH WAS THE POPULAR CHOICE.

HE WAS NOT THE CANDIDATE OF THE REGULAR DEMOCRATIC ORGANIZATION.

IN FACT THE LEADERS INCLUDING THE STATE CHAIRMAN CAME TO ME AND ASKED ME TO RUN AGAINST HIM.

THAT'S ONE OF THE IRONIES AS WE I WAS A REFORMER FROM DAY ONE, MADE THE -- TRIED TO REFORM OUR POLITICS.

ALWAYS IN THE NAME OF MORE DEMOCRACY.

WE ENDED UP IN MANY RESPECTS MAKING IT LESS DEMOCRATIC AND THE OLD DAYS HE NEVER COULD HAVE BEEN NOMINATED.

MY FATHER WAS NOMINATED A DIPLOMAT, A NEW DEAL BUREAUCRAT AN ARCHITECT OF THE UNITED NATIONS, NOMINATED BY THE REGULAR DEMOCRATIC ORGANIZATION FOR GOVERNOR ALONG WITH AN IMMINENT ECONOMIST FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO.

HIS CAMPAIGN FOR GOVERNOR COST $15 TOIN 7,000.

>> BUT THE IRONY AS A REFORMER YOU ARE DEFENDING AND UPHOLDING THE TRADITION OF THE MACHINE?

>> WELL, I'M SAYING THERE IS A BALANCE.

OUR FOUNDERS CREATURES OF THE ENLIGHTENMENT TRIED TO CREATE A REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY.

WE'VE LOST SOME OF THAT BALANCE.

PRIMARIES IN THOSE DAYS AND WELL INTO MY DAYS WERE LARGELY FORMALITIES.

PARTY ORGANIZATION, EXERCISED A RESPONSIBILITY ALL THE GREAT PRESIDENTS INCLUDING ABRAHAM LINCOLN WHOSE DELEGATION TO THE CONVENTION WAS ORGANIZED BY GREAT, GREAT GRANDFATHER WERE CANDIDATES OF PARTY ORGANIZATIONS.

>> A LOT OF WISDOM THERE.

THAT IS THE LATE ADLAI STEVENSON ADD, III AND CAROL MARIN ON "CHICAGO TONIGHT" BACK IN 2009.

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

>> Announcer: "CHICAGO TONIGHT" IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART BY... >> AND THAT IS OUR SHOW FOR THIS WEDNESDAY NIGHT.

>> JOIN US TOMORROW NIGHT LIVE AT 7:00 P.M. AS THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11 APPROACHES A LOOK BACK AT ONE OF AMERICA'S BIGGEST TRAGEDIES AND THE STATE OF TERRORISM.

>> OAK LAWN IS THE NEXT STOP IN OUR "IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD SERIES".

IT'S FIRE DEPARTMENT WITH AMONG THOSE WHO SUPPORTED THE NEW YORK DEPARTMENTS AFTER THE ATTACK.

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

>> I'M BRANDIS FRIEDMAN.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING, STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE AND HAVE A GOOD NIGHT.

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