>>> HELLO, THANK YOU FOR JOINING US TONIGHT ON CHICAGO TONIGHT.

I AM BRANDIS FRIEDMAN, PARIS SCHUTZ WILL BE JOINING US SHORTLY.

HERE IS WHAT WE ARE LOOKING AT.

>>> ALLEGE , AGAIN CONFRONTING THE MOUNTING PRICE TAG .

>>> CASH BAIL IS SET TO BE ABOLISHED IN ILLINOIS WHERE THE COOK COUNTY ATTORNEY MAKES A HISTORIC MOVE.

>>> SHOULD THE CITY BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SHOVELING SIDEWALKS.

>>> NOW HERE IS PARIS WITH OUR TOP STORY.

>> NORTHWESTERN FOOTBALL PLAYERS ARE TALKING ABOUT A WELL-KNOWN CULTURE OF HAZING AND ABUSE IN THE FOOTBALL PROGRAM AND BEYOND.

THEY WANT TO SUPPORT THOSE WHO SPEAK OUT AS WELL.

CHICAGO TONIGHT IS HERE WITH MORE.

NICK, HOW MANY PLAYERS CAME FORWARD?

>> TWO LOSS HURTS HAVE ALREADY BEEN FILED.

IN A SEPARATE CASE, THEY ARE REPRESENTING 15 PLAINTIFFS, MOST ARE IN THE FOOTBALL PROGRAM BUT A COUPLE WERE IN WOMEN'S SOFTBALL.

THE ATTORNEYS SAY THEY HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH 50 NORTHWESTERN ATHLETES ACROSS MULTIPLE PROGRAMS.

THIS COMES ON THE HEELS OF A WHISTLEBLOWER'S BOMBSHELL ALLEGATIONS.

FLOYD GATES PLAYED FOOTBALL AT NORTHWESTERN FOR THREE SEASONS.

HE AND THREE OTHER PLAYERS SPOKE PUBLICLY.

THEY ARE REPRESENTED BY THE SAME ATTORNEY WRITES ATTORNEY.

>> WE THOUGHT THIS WAS PART OF BEING , YOU KNOW, PLAYING COLLEGE FOOTBALL , PLAYING BIG TEN, AND WE WANTED TO , YOU KNOW, BE ACCEPTED, WE WANTED TO EARN TRUST AND RESPECT.

IF YOU WENT AGAINST THAT, YOU WERE AN OUTCAST AND IT WARRANTED FURTHER ABUSE.

>> Reporter: THAT ALLEGEDLY INCLUDED A VARIETY OF HAZING RITUALS, MANY OF THE DEMEANING SEXUAL NATURE, INCLUDING FORCED NUDITY, TRY PUMPING, AND MORE.

SOME INCLUDED COACHES BEING AWARE OR TAKING PART.

THE ABUSE HAD TAKEN ACE A HEAVY PSYCHOLOGICAL TOLL.

>> IT IS HARD TO EXPLAIN WHAT WE WENT THROUGH.

THE WORDS WE HAVE TO TELL YOU, TO BEST DESCRIBE IT, IS NOT EVEN TOUCHING IT.

>> PEOPLE BROKE DOWN CRYING ON THE PHONE, WHEN WE TALKED TO THEM ABOUT HOW MAD THIS MADE THEM AND HOW THEY BLAME THEMSELVES NOW FOR NOT HAVING THE COURAGE TO TALK.

>> PARIS, ATTORNEYS REPRESENTING THOSE PLAINTIFFS SAY THEY HAVE NOT FILED, BUT THEY WILL EXPECT TO DO SO IN THE FUTURE.

>> WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT THE JOHN DOE LAWSUITS?

>> THOSE LAWSUITS ARE ALREADY WITH THE COURT.

ATTORNEYS SAY THEY ARE WAITING ON JOHN DOE CERTIFICATION.

THE ACCUSATIONS THERE ARE LARGELY ALONG THE SAME LINES.

ATTORNEYS CHARGE THAT NORTHWESTERN AND OFFICIALS, INCLUDING FORMER COACH PATRICK FITZGERALD, NEW OR SHOULD HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THE TOXIC CULTURE IN THE FOOTBALL PROGRAM.

>> THE HEAD FOOTBALL COACH KNOWS ABOUT EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS WITH HIS FOOTBALL PROGRAM, WHAT THE KIDS DO ON SUMMER BREAK, WHAT THEY DO ON SPRING BREAK, CERTAINLY WHAT HAPPENS IN THE LOCKER ROOM, ON THE FIELD, AND AT CAMP.

>> Reporter: IN A STATEMENT, PUTSCH FITZGERALD 'S ATTORNEY CALLS THE CHARGES SWEEPING ALLEGATIONS.

NO ARGUMENTS WERE MADE THAT WOULD PROVIDE ANY SUBSTANTIVE DETAILS OR FACTUAL ALLEGATIONS, LET ALONE EVIDENCE ABOUT COACH FITZGERALD'S CONDUCT.

NORTHWESTERN SAID IT WILL NOT COMMENT ON PENDING LITIGATION.

IN A PUBLICLY RELEASED LETTER, UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT SAID, QUOTE, WE WILL ADDRESS THE SITUATION AND ENSURE THAT OUR ATHLETIC PROGRAM REMAINS ONE WE CAN BE PROUD OF.

WE WILL DOUBLE OUR EFFORTS TO SAFEGUARD THE WELFARE OF EACH AND EVERY STUDENT ATHLETE AT NORTHWESTERN.

THAT INCLUDES APPROVING A FACULTY SENATE REQUEST TO HIRE AN OUTSIDE FIRM TO ENHANCE THE ABILITY TO DETECT THREATS TO STUDENT ATHLETES.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>>> MORE OF TODAY IS TOP STORIES.

>>> WORKERS AT LORETTO HOSPITAL SAY THEY ARE PREPARED TO STRIKE.

THE UNION REPRESENTING THE WORKERS SAYS THAT THE HOSPITAL HAS FAILED TO ADDRESS CRITICAL ISSUES, PARTICULARLY AROUND STAFFING AND WAGES.

HOSPITAL STAFFING VACANCY RATE RANGES FROM 25% TO 35%.

EXISTING WORKERS ARE FORCED TO WORK SIX OR SEVEN DAYS WEEK, SOMETIMES 12-HOUR SHIFTS.

IT INCLUDES PATIENT TRANSPORTERS, EMERGENCY ROOM TRANSITIONS, AND OTHERS.

THE STRIKE WILL BEGIN JULY 31st UNLESS AN AGREEMENT IS REACHED.

HOSPITAL WORKERS DID NOT IMMEDIATELY RESPOND TO OUR REQUEST FOR COMMENT.

>>> THE PLAN TO HAVE THE CITY PILE SIDEWALK INCHES FORWARD TODAY.

IT IS A $7.5 MILLION PROPOSAL DUBBED SWAB THE SIDEWALKS.

IT INVOLVES THE MAYOR'S OFFICE, AND THE DEPARTMENT OF STREETS AND SANITATION.

THEY FACE A DEADLINE OF MAY 31st NEXT YEAR.

WE WILL HAVE MORE ON THIS LATER IN THE PROGRAM.

>>> CHICAGO WORKERS WILL GET PAID MORE LEAVE TIME UNDER AN ORDINANCE INTRODUCED TODAY IN CITY COUNCIL.

>> WHEN AN EMERGENCY CAME UP AND I HAD TO RELY ON MY REMAINING VACATION HOURS TO MAINTAIN PAY ON MY LEAVE OF ABSENCE, I NO LONGER WAS HAVING ENOUGH HOURS REMAINING TO USE.

AND I WILL REMAIN UNPAID WITH NO MORE VACATION HOURS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS VERY NECESSARY PERIOD OF TIME OFF.

>> MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ IS CALLING FOR A MEASURE THAT WOULD ALLOW WORKERS TO OWN ONE HOUR OF PAID LEAVE FOR EVERY 15 HOURS WORK.

MEETING THE AVERAGE FULL-TIME WORKER COULD EARN 15 OR MORE DAYS OF PAID TIME OFF PER YEAR.

THE EXISTING SICK LEAVE ORDINANCE ONLY GUARANTEES FIVE DAYS AND HE ARGUES THAT IS NOT ENOUGH.

THE ORDINANCE WOULD ALLOW WORKERS TO TAKE LEAVE FOR ANY REASON.

CITY COUNCIL ARE ALSO CONSIDERING A PROPOSAL TO ELIMINATE THE WAGE.

IT IS NOT IMMEDIATELY ADVANCING THROUGH THE COMMITTEE.

IT MANDATES A $15.80 SENT PER HOUR WAGE , MAYOR JOHNSON HAS SIGNALED HIS SUPPORT FOR BOTH OF THESE PROPOSALS.

>>> UP NEXT, KIM FOX , ON A NO-CASH BAIL LAW, RIGHT AFTER THIS.

>> CHICAGO TONIGHT IS MADE POSSIBLE INTO PART BY ALEXANDER AND JOHN NICHOLS, THE JIM AND JANE MAKING FAMILY.

AND THE SUPPORT OF THESE DONORS.

>>> ILLINOIS IS SET TO BECOME THE FIRST STATE TO COMPLETELY ABOLISH CASH BAIL, THIS AFTER MONTHS OF CHALLENGES TO THE LAW.

COOK COUNTY'S TOP PROSECUTOR HAS PUSHED FOR THE ELIMINATION OF CASH BAIL, CALLING IT A MONUMENTAL MILESTONE TO ACHIEVING JUSTICE.

JOINING US IS COOK COUNTY STATE ATTORNEY KIM FOX.

CLARIFY THIS FOR US.

WHAT ABOUT JUDGES BEING ABLE TO IMPOSE THIS ON A SUSPECT AWAITING TRIAL?

>> THINGS LIKE MURDER, THINGS LIKE ARMED ROBBERY, DIFFERENT KINDS OF VIOLENCE.

JUDGES CAN IMPOSE, NOT MONETARY BAIL, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PAY MONEY TO GET OUT.

BUT SOMEONE CAN BE DETAINED WITHOUT HAVING TO POST ANY MONEY.

>> ARE THERE ANY OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES THAT YOU WOULD DIRECT YOUR PROSECUTORS TO SEEK FOR OFFENDERS?

>> IF IT IS A CRIME INVOLVING VIOLENCE, IF THEY HAVE A HISTORY OF NOT APPEARING IN COURT.

>> TELL US THE STEPS NOW THAT THE PROSECUTORS HAVE TO GO THROUGH TO PROVE THAT SOMEONE SHOULD BE HELD IN DETENTION.

>> WE MUST LOOK AT THE NATURE OF THE OFFENSE , TO SEE IF SOMEONE CAN BE HELD.

WE HAVE A HEARING.

BUT WE ARE ASKING FOR SPECIFIC GUIDANCE REGARDING THAT PERSON'S THREAT TO PUBLIC SAFETY.

THEY WILL HAVE TO MAKE A DETERMINATION ON THE RECORD.

SO, THERE IS AN ACTUAL HEARING THAT WILL TAKE PLACE.

>> YOU HAVE HEARD THE CONCERNS THAT THIS IS GOING TO LEAD TO MORE FOLKS OUT ON THE STREET THAT COULD POSE A DANGER .

HOW DO YOU ADDRESS THE CONCERNS?

>> WE HAVE A BAIL SYSTEM NOW, WHERE PEOPLE ARE CHARGED WITH THINGS LIKE FIRST-DEGREE MURDER, THEY ARE GIVEN A MONETARY BAIL AMOUNT.

THEY PALE PAY THAT AMOUNT, THEY CAN GET OUT.

FOR PEOPLE WHO ENGAGE IN VIOLENT BEHAVIOR, TO BE ABLE TO HAVE THE ABILITY TO WALK OUT OF JAIL, WHAT THIS IS SEEKING TO ADDRESS, IF YOU ARE A THREAT TO THE PUBLIC, NO MATTER HOW MUCH ACCESS TO CASH YOU HAVE, YOU SHOULD BE JAILED IF YOU ARE A THREAT.

PEOPLE WHO ARE SITTING IN JAIL RIGHT NOW FOR NONVIOLENT OFFENSES, MAYBE $1000 OR LESS, THEY ARE SITTING , AWAITING TRIAL BECAUSE THEY CANNOT AFFORD SOMETHING AS LOW AS $500 OR $100.

>> HOW MANY ADDED RESOURCES WILL IT TAKE TO IMPLEMENT THIS?

>> WE WERE READY FOR THIS ON JANUARY 1st.

WE HAVE BEEN PREPARING THIS FOR 18 MONTHS, SINCE THAT BILL WAS SIGNED IN AND THE COUNTY BOARD AND THE COMMISSIONERS HAVE GIVEN US THE MONETARY RESOURCES.

WE HAVE STAFF WHO ARE TRAINED.

JANUARY 1st, WE WILL BE PREPARED ON SEPTEMBER 18th.

>> I WANT TO READ THE DISSENTING OPINION FROM JUSTICE OVERSTREET, PEOPLE HAVE EXERCISED THEIR SOVEREIGN POWER IN 2014, THEY DID SO BY AMENDING THE BILL OF RIGHTS IN OUR STATE CONSTITUTION, SETTING OUT ENUMERATED RIGHTS FOR ALL CRIME VICTIMS IN THE STATE.

THE SAFETY OF THEIR FAMILY SHOULD BE CONSIDERED , DENYING, OR FIXING THE AMOUNT OF BAIL.

YOU KIND OF TALKED ABOUT THIS, BUT THE MESSAGES TO VICTIMS, THAT ARE WORRIED ABOUT PERPETRATORS , PERHAPS, BEING AFFECTED BY THIS.

>> I THINK ONE OF THE REASONS WE SAW VICTIMS ADVOCACY GROUPS SUPPORTING THIS IS THAT IT GIVES VICTIMS THE OPPORTUNITY.

VICTIMS RIGHT NOW ARE VERY WORRIED THAT SOMEONE COULD COME IN TODAY, WRITE A CHECK, AND GET OUT AND PUT THEIR SAFETY AT RISK.

THIS IS A BILL THAT HAS CONTINUED TO WORK.

THEY WORK ALONGSIDE OTHER ADVOCATES.

IT IS LIKE WE ARE TELLING THE VICTIMS THAT THEIR SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT.

AND KNOW SOME OF CASH SHOULD DETERMINE THEIR SAFETY.

>> THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF QUESTIONS IN COOK COUNTY ABOUT THE DISCRETION OF JUDGES.

ARE THEY READY TO HAVE THIS ADDED LEVEL OF DISCRETION AND TO EXERCISE IT?

>> HERE IN COOK COUNTY, THEY EXERCISE AN EXTRAORDINARY AMOUNT OF DISCRETION EVERY SINGLE DAY.

THAT IS PART OF THEIR MANDATE, PART OF THEIR OATH, ABLE TO EXERCISE THEIR DISCRETION.

THEY HAVE BEEN TRAINED ON THE NUANCES OF THE LAW.

THEY WILL BE READY.

>> WE HAD REPUBLICAN SENATE LEADER ON THE SHOW YESTERDAY, HE IS NOT OPPOSED, THIS HAS TO GO INTO EFFECT THAT HE WANTS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO GO BACK AND TWEAK IT MORE AND CLARIFY IT MORE.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER TWEAKS THAT YOU THINK THE LAW NEEDS?

>> I THINK WE NEED TO IMPLEMENT THE LAW, WE WILL BE ABLE TO SEE WHAT WORKS OR WHAT DOESN'T, THIS IS A LAW THAT WAS SIGNED IN FEBRUARY, 2021, THAT HAD GONE BACK TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, THEY HAD DONE SOME ADDITIONAL TWEAKS.

THE POLITICAL POSTURING IS OVER.

CERTAINLY, WITHIN THE IMPLEMENTATION, IF WE SEE THINGS THAT HAVE UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES, WE SHOULD ALWAYS BE ABLE TO GO BACK.

>> THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT TIME, THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS.

YOU ARE AROUND NOW, BUT YOU ARE NOT SEEKING REELECTION, HOW COME ?

>> WHEN I RAN IN 2016 I DO THAT I WOULD NOT BE A CAREER POLITICIAN.

THE CITY HAS DONE SOME INCREDIBLE THINGS OVER THE COURSE OF THE LAST 6.5 YEARS, INCLUDING THE ELIMINATION OF CASH BAIL, THE FIRST STATE IN THE COUNTRY TO DO THIS.

IT IS TIME FOR NEW LEADERSHIP TO COME IN.

WAS NEVER MY INTENTION TO BE A CAREER POLITICIAN.

>> YOU HAVE ANY THOUGHTS ON WHAT YOUR NEXT CAREER IS GOING TO BE, YOUR NEXT STEPS ?

>> I HAVE ANOTHER 16 MONTHS TO GO.

I AM COMMITTED TO SEE THIS TERM THROUGH.

I WILL THINK ABOUT THAT AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME.

>> KIM FOX, THANK YOU FOR DRIVING ALL THE WAY UP HERE.

WE APPRECIATE YOUR TIME.

>>> UP NEXT, DEEP DIVISION IN THE CHICAGO CITY COUNCIL REGARDING POLICEMAN'S CONDUCT.

BUT FIRST, WE WILL TAKE A LOOK AT THE WEATHER.

>>> THE FINANCIAL COST OF POLICE MISCONDUCT TAKES CENTER STAGE, WITH ALDER PEOPLE REJECTING THE RECOMMENDATION TO PAY $2 MILLION TO THE FAMILY OF A MAN SHOT AND KILLED BY POLICE OFFICERS IN 2014.

THEY DID AGREE TO SETTLE THREE OTHER CASES FOR $6.5 MILLION.

THERE WAS A DISAPPOINTING EXCHANGE IN THE MEETING.

>> YOU KNOW, WHAT HAPPENS IF WE TRY SOME OF THESE CASES IN COURT ?

I CANNOT SIT HERE ANY LONGER AND HERE, PUT YOUR MONEY WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS AND YOU PAY FOR IT.

IT IS MY MONEY, MY TAX DOLLARS.

IT IS YOUR TAX DOLLARS, IT IS YOUR CONSTITUENT'S TAX DOLLARS.

ALL I AM ASKING FOR YOU TO DO IS DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE ON BOTH SIDES.

>> I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE ISSUE WITH THE COMMENTS BY THE ALDERMEN.

ALL OF US HAVE THE ABILITY TO SIT DOWN, AND GO THROUGH THE EVIDENCE AND MAKE A DECISION, I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT ANYONE HERE IS ACTING IN ANY WAY THAT IS NOT IN THE INTEREST OF THE CITY.

>> WTTW NEWS REPORTER HEATHER SHARON JOINS US NOW.

TELL US ABOUT THIS.

>> Reporter: THE CITY COUNCIL TOLD US THAT THEIR LAWYERS WILL BE , THE JURY WILL COME BACK WITH A JURY OF LESS THAN $2 MILLION , THE ENTIRE THING WILL COST LESS THAN $2 MILLION.

IN THE PAST, THAT HAS BEEN A GAMBLE THAT CITY COUNCIL HAS NOT WANTED TO TAKE.

THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT THEY DID TODAY.

>> IN THE MONTHS SINCE THE MAYOR HAS TAKEN OFFICE, THE CITY HAS SPENT $16.5 MILLION .

IS THIS WHY THE DEBATE HAS BOILED OVER?

>> Reporter: IT IS PART OF THE MORE CONSERVATIVE MEMBERS, THE CITY COUNCIL SEEMS VERY EAGER TO SETTLE THESE CASES.

HOWEVER, IF YOU TALK TO SOMEONE LIKE ANDRE VASQUEZ, OR MAYOR JOHNSON, THEY MAY SETTLE THIS FOR EVEN LARGER VERDICTS IF IT GOES TO TRIAL, THERE IS A WELL DOCUMENTED HISTORY OF POLICE MISCONDUCT.

>> YOU HAVE ASKED WHAT HE COULD DO TO REDUCE THE FINANCIAL TALL .

>> Reporter: HE REMAINS COMMITTED TO CONSTITUTIONAL POLICING.

THE CONSENT DECREE REQUIRES THE POLICE DEPARTMENT TO NOT VIOLATE THE RIGHTS OF BLACK AND LATINO CITIZENS IN CHICAGO.

THIS IS THE MOST VISIBLE PULL THAT CHICAGO POLICE MISCONDUCT TAKES ON THE CITY'S FINANCES.

IT HAS COST TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO COMPLY WITH THAT ORDER.

THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE ANY END IN SIGHT.

>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>>> YOU CAN READ THE FULL STORY ON WTTW.COM/NEWS.

>>> UP NEXT, THE PLAN TO HAVE THE CITY SIDEWALKS PLOWED MOVES FORWARD, WITH ONE NO VOTE.

>>> MAYOR BRANDON JOHNSON IS INCHING CLOSER TO MAKING GOOD ON HIS CAMPAIGN PROMISES.

SO LET'S TALK ABOUT THE PROPOSALS.

WE MENTION THEM EARLIER, WHAT WOULD BE THE MAJOR VICTORIES, THERE IS A PROPOSAL FOR TIPPED WORKERS, TO FACE THAT OUT IN TWO YEARS, FACING FIERCE HEADWINDS FROM THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY.

DOES THIS HAVE THE VOTES?

>> Reporter: THERE ARE MEASURES THAT WOULD QUICKLY DERAIL , BECAUSE IT DOES NOT ENJOY THE SUPPORT OF THE CHICAGO HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY.

IF YOU WORK AS A SERVER, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE PAID $15.40 PER HOUR, YOU ARE $9.48 PER HOUR, AS LONG AS YOUR TIPS MAKE UP THE REST OF THAT.

OPPONENTS OF THIS SAY THAT IT IS DEEPLY ROOTED IN THE HISTORY OF LABOR IN THE UNITED STATES.

IT SUBJECTS FEMALE SERVICE TO SEXUAL HARASSMENT.

AND THAT IS PART OF THE 2024 BUDGET.

>> THEY ARE CONSIDERING EXPANDING PAID TIME OFF , FROM FIVE SICK DAYS PER YEAR TO 15 DAYS FOR ANY REASON.

IS MAYOR JOHNSON MAKING GOOD ON THE CAMPAIGN PROMISES ?

>> CERTAINLY, PART OF THE JUSTIFICATION IS THAT THE CITY NEEDS TO ATTRACT THE BEST POSSIBLE WORKERS, AND SO MANY WORKERS LIKE THE HOSPITALITY AND SERVICE INDUSTRIES, YOU NEED THESE KINDS OF THINGS.

YOU NEED GOOD WORKING CONDITIONS, YOU NEED GOOD SALARIES.

YOU NEED GOOD CONDITIONS LIKE THIS.

BRANDON JOHNSON, HE WAS A UNION ORGANIZER, HE IS DEFINITELY PRO-LABOR UNION .

AND IT SEEMS LIKE, I HATE TO SAY THIS, IT IS LIKE LOW HANGING FRUIT.

HE CAN CONTROL THE PUBLIC SECTOR, AND THOSE , KIND OF, WORK RULES THERE.

HE HOPES TO USE THAT AS AN EXAMPLE FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR, SAYING THEY SHOULD BE KIND OF THE STANDARD FOR ANY LABOR IN CHICAGO.

>> IT IS A LITTLE BIT CONFUSING, BECAUSE THERE IS A NEW LAW THAT IS SET TO GO INTO EFFECT THAT WILL REQUIRE MOST EMPLOYERS TO OFFER THEIR EMPLOYEES FIVE DAYS, AND FIVE DAYS OF SICK TIME IS MUCH LESS THAN JUST PAID TIME OFF.

CHICAGO IS NOW GOING TO BE A LITTLE BIT BEHIND THE REST OF THE STATE , IF THEY MAKE A CHANGE.

AND SO THAT GIVES THE PROPONENTS OF THE EXPANDED LEAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PUT CHICAGO ON THE VANGUARD.

16 DAYS WOULD MAKE CHICAGO FAR IN THE WAY THE NATIONAL LEADER IN REQUIRED PAID TIME OFF.

>> THEY ARE ALSO CONSIDERED GIVING PARAPROFESSIONALS 12 WEEKS OF PAID PARENTAL LEAVE .

MAYOR JOHNSON APPOINTED AN ALMOST ENTIRELY NEW BOARD OF MEMBERS.

IS THIS ONE OF THE REASONS, OTHER >> SURE, BUT HE DOES NOT WANT TO HAVE A SITUATION WHERE YOU HAVE CHICAGO MEMBERS HAVING 12 WEEKS OF PAID PARENTAL LEAVE AND MEMBERS OF OTHER UNIONS OR OTHER EMPLOYEES NOT HAVING THOSE SAME BENEFITS.

THAT IS A RECIPE FOR WORKPLACE UNHAPPINESS.

MAYOR JOHNSON WANTS TO MAKE SURE , HE WANTS TO HAVE THAT EVEN PLAYING FIELD.

AGAIN, POINTING OUT THAT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT MEMBERS DO NOT ENJOY PAID PARENTAL LEAVE.

THAT WILL CONTINUE TO BE AN ISSUE.

>> AND THE OPPOSITION HAS BEEN SPEAKING OUT.

WHAT IS GOOD FOR THE GOOSE, IT IS GOOD FOR THE GANDER.

IT IS NOT LIKE APPLES AND ORANGES HERE.

BECAUSE POLICE DO ENJOY -- IT IS A DIFFERENT SYSTEM, BUT UP TO 65 DAYS OFF EVERY TWO YEARS.

>> THEY NEED TO GET A NEW POLICY IN PLACE.

SO, A PLAN TO SHOVEL THE SNOW FROM CITY SIDEWALKS HAD BEEN PROPOSED.

>> I DON'T WANT PHONE CALLS FROM RESIDENTS SAYING, THE CITY NEEDS TO PLOW MY SIDEWALK.

THAT IS WHAT IS GOING DAY , GOING TO HAPPEN.

OPEN YOUR EYES AND REALIZE WHAT YOU ARE OPENING YOURSELF UP FOR.

>> THE ALDERMEN DOES NOT WANT TO GET THOSE PHONE CALLS.

THE PLAN WAS TO HAVE A WORKING GROUP.

>> IT FEELS LIKE FOOT DRAGGING, THEY ARE GOING TO STUDY THIS.

THEN THEY ARE GOING TO COME OUT WITH THEIR RESULT IN ONE YEAR, YOU KNOW, NEXT MAY.

THIS WILL GO, AND YOU KNOW, IF IT IS NOT IMPLEMENT IT, IT WILL BE THE FOLLOWING YEAR.

REMEMBER, THE HISTORY OF POLITICS OVER SHOVELING IN THIS CITY.

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR.

DOES THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL WANT TO HAVE THAT FOR THEM.

THERE IS A POLITICAL PRICE TO PAY.

NOW YOU HAVE THOUSANDS OF MILES OF SIDEWALK.

THE CITY WILL BE RESPONSIBLE.

I MEAN, THERE MIGHT BE POLITICAL COSTS FOR THAT, TOO.

>> IT IS A FASCINATING DEBATE THAT IS REALLY NOT ABOUT SNOW.

IT IS ABOUT WHAT CITY SERVICES SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO THE RESIDENTS OF CHICAGO.

YOU HEARD FROM THE ALDERMEN, THIS IS NOT WHAT THE CITY DOES.

WHY ARE WE SIGNING OFF FOR THIS HEADACHE, BECAUSE SNOW IS ALWAYS A HEADACHE?

YOU HEARD NEWER ALDERMEN, ANDREA VASQUEZ, SAYING WHY DO WE NOT EXPLORE WHAT IS POSSIBLE?

OUR RESIDENTS , THEY PAY A LOT IN TAXES, THEY GET HIT WITH A LOT OF PARKING TICKETS, LET'S TRY TO DO SOMETHING BETTER, AND IT IS REALLY GOING TO BE A FASCINATING DEBATE OVER WHAT ROLES THE CITY IS OPEN FOR.

>> THE RESPONSIBILITY.

>> FOR WE GO, THE OMEN OR SUPREME COURT BUILDING, CASH BAIL CAN AND IN ILLINOIS.

HEATHER, IS THIS SOMETHING THAT COULD MAKE IT TO THE U.S. SUPREME COURT AS A CHALLENGE?

>> NOT LIKELY.

THIS IS REALLY CENTERED ON STATE LAWS.

THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT IS LOATH TO INTERFERE IN THESE KINDS OF HYPER FOCUSED ISSUES.

THERE WILL NOW BE A NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT ON ILLINOIS WHEN THIS GOES INTO AFFECTED ILLINOIS, AS WE HAVE BEEN SAYING, WILL BE THE FIRST STATE IN THE NATION TO FULLY ABOLISH CASH BAIL.

THAT MAKES ILLINOIS A GUINEA PIG.

THIS IS SOMETHING THAT NATIONAL REPUBLICANS WILL BE LOOKING TO, TO PERHAPS MAKE POLITICAL HAY OF.

>> IT WOULD BE SOMETHING THAT STATE ATTORNEYS AND PROSECUTORS KNOW IS THE UNKNOWN.

>> IT WILL BE INTERESTING TO SEE HOW THIS ALL PLAYS OUT.

THANK YOU, TEAM.

>>> THAT IS ALSO OUR SHOW FOR THIS WEDNESDAY NIGHT.

JOIN US TOMORROW NIGHT.

THEM MOVIE , OPPENHEIMER, IS ABOUT TO HIT THEATERS.

>>> WE INTRODUCE YOU TO A COUPLE IN HYDE PARK AND THEIR NEW POP-UP STORE HELPING THE COMMUNITY, ONE BED AT A TIME.

THIS IS CHICAGO TONIGHT, I AM BRANDIS FRIEDMAN.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING AND HAVE A GOOD NIGHT.

>> CLOSED CAPTIONING IS MADE POSSIBLE BY ROBERT H CLIFFORD LAW OFFICES, BY CHICAGO PERSONAL INJURY AND LAWFUL DEATH FIRM, AND THE STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE THE PHYSICAL AND