>> Hello and thanks for joining us on Chicago tonight on Brandis Friedman.

Here's what we're looking at.

>> We still have issues drug use that as much 4.

>> How a new state law puts more Cook County Sheriff's police on the L and how it's working.

What's on the move Chicago's airports were top of the city's aviation commissioner.

>> We're focused civil liberties like We just want to be >> Inside a South side center where transgender Chicagoans are finding support.

>> Chicago's famous for its deep dish pies.

>> And with the holiday weekend, coming up, you might be thinking about food.

We tell you about diverse origins of some all American foods created right here in Chicago.

>> First off tonight, Chicago's U.S.

attorney touts the results of a multi agency crime sweep that rounded up nearly 180 criminal defendants over just the last 2 months.

Andrew Boutros told reporters why his federal prosecutors office took on some of these cases versus leaving them in Cook County.

He says his office has a great relationship with Cook County State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill.

Burke.

It's the Cook County judge is he has a problem with.

>> Because what you see are people who are violent offenders repeat violent offenders that the Cook County judges decide to release on pretrial conditions.

And here's the trick that they pull.

They'll detain them at the first initial appearance.

And then on the second appearance, that's when the numbers count.

And then on the second appearance, they release him back into the streets and into the communities.

And how many cases have the feds charge since I've been U.S.

attorney where there was failure on the part of Cook County judge is to take.

>> Boudreaux says under Operation New Dawn, 11 federal agencies collaborated on a range of cases including kidnapping, resulting in death, gun trafficking, drug trafficking, immigration violations and child exploitation.

He says the operation resulted in 179 criminal defendants and 140 new criminal cases apprehended 305 fugitives and located 24 kidnapped children.

Boutros didn't say much about his office's response to the Broad View, 6 case and its fallout.

But school the journalists in the room for, quote, reckless reporting says he'll have more to say on that in court.

Filings in the coming weeks.

While the number of people killed in Chicago so far this year is slightly higher than this time last year.

It is still well below the pace of recent years.

New Chicago Police Department data shows there were 210 murders in the 1st half of 2026. compared to 199 in 2025.

A 6% increase.

This year's total marks the second fewest in the city for the 1st half of the year since 2015, while shootings are up 4% year over year robberies, carjackings in burglaries are all down.

Cpd also says violent crime on CTA buses and trains is also down.

28%.

We'll have more on the latest effort to counter violence on the CTA in a moment.

And just in time for the 4th, a pair of baby Eagles on the city's southeast side have brand new names.

The pair are the first to Hatch in a Chicago park in 100 years.

Mcgee Z and Marion McGee Z means Bald eagle in the ojibwe language and Marion is for Marion Burns, the late environmental and civil rights activist whose namesake Chicago Park is near the Eagle's Nest.

>> The park district received more than 3,000 injuries in the naming contest.

The department says the birds took their first flight earlier this week.

New efforts to keep the public transit system safe right after this.

>> Chicago tonight is made possible in part by the Alexander and John Nichols family.

The Pope Brothers Foundation.

And the support of these donors.

>> We just mentioned that violent crime on CTA buses and L trains has gone down by 28% and on some lines, even more.

That may be in part because of a law enforcement effort introduced by the state's new northern Illinois Transit Authority created to replace the regional Transportation authority.

The bill that created the agency to oversee CTA, Metra and Pace also created a task force where area law enforcement agencies partner to put the brakes on transit crimes.

We recently rode along with Cook County Sheriff's deputies to see how they got on track.

>> Most folks riding the CTA will witness a scene like this.

A handful of sheriff's police officers going car to car while riding the L.

>> It actually get on floor.

offices as you may do that because of staff people that often It >> This group of officers is focusing on the green line writing from Harlem and Lake Station over to Damon and back.

they're led by Sergeant Frank Washington, who's heard feedback from passengers and CTA staff.

>> one Employee.

And tree was on those.

are.

Welch was doing.

>> They're working under a new task force led by Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart.

It was created by the state's northern Illinois Transit Authority Act or media that went into effect this year since March.

The sheriff is placed teams of officers 50 per day working 12 hour shifts on the green and red lines.

We started going out into the public transportation.

>> Routes and trains buses to what the reality was met with the bus drivers.

The unions represent them.

The ones represent the train drivers.

>> The first big problem they found fare evasion.

We found that.

>> And numerous train stations.

No response 80 to 90% of the people were not pain.

So virtually everybody was going on for free.

There isn't any personnel that was there to stop.

And I'm happy to say once we put people out there, it's now easier.

All.

>> Next officers began keeping an eye out for other violations, smoking drinking on the train, transferring between moving cars.

The idea is that sweating, the smaller details leads to a safer ride.

>> We found 20 weapons on people arrested 250 people for a range of offenses.

God we execute.

I think about 50, 60 warrants for people.

We found 10 missing people.

People who are in the system is missing persons mostly to we're able to reunite with either family or whatever the structure was.

>> We found 10 people not registered offenders, wearable taken custody.

>> The day our cameras road along within an hour, officer stopped a man for smoking and learned he had an arrest warrant.

The sheriff's office says they've lowered fare evasion alone.

Right?

85 1% on the red line.

The office also says CTA zone stats show a 77% reduction in violent crime may of this year compared to last year and a 50% reduction in overall crime may over May as well.

They're also the train passengers who need a little extra help for that.

People like Elizabeth kept you and her team are paired with officers to provide services for mental health.

>> Substance use disorder or homelessness.

Sometimes it's the only place that we might be able So, you have a lot of individuals that houses that around and don't have a are utilizing the trainings for want wear or US-based our shelters.

>> Are both the officers and the treatment and response team members.

>> Added to their training so they could conduct their jobs while in transit.

Now after 20 years and mental help.

This is where feels she's finally seeing movement.

>> Of times I've been part of the men also system and work.

that's the person I feel like I'm actually helping people.

I'm not just a cog in the system.

I'm making a and feels >> The man who you saw who was arrested during a ride-along was facing warrants for failing to appear in court on charges of retail theft and possession of a controlled substance.

The sheriff, meanwhile, will make recommendations to the need to board about how the task force has been going.

Then the board will decide whether continue or if a unified transit police force is necessary.

Every 30 seconds a plane takes off or lands in Chicago.

Some of you may even be on one of them this weekend to enjoy the holiday.

The city's airports have worked around the clock for decades to connects Chicago to the world, but constant service presents constant challenges.

Joining us to talk about modernizing the airports will still need in travelers needs is the commissioner of Chicago's Department of Aviation, Michael McMurray.

Commissioner, thanks for joining us.

Thank you for inviting.

So what can travelers expect at Chicago airports this weekend?

>> Well, this will be one of the busiest weekends in 4th of July 8th.

here's history during the 4th of July weekend between both of our airports.

We expecting about 2 million passengers, the pass through our airports.

So I would highly advised passengers to arrive early and pack their patience.

Yeah, you're going to be >> You took over as aviation commissioner last many critical time, of course, row.

Here's expansion concession contracts and more.

What experience bring to the role?

How how did you step in as a newcomer?

Well, I have a background background in government in aviation and procurement as well as background in construction in the private sector.

So a strong understanding of how these fields a line and what good collaboration looks like between, you know, public sector and private sector, which is critical in key in my role at Chicago Department of Aviation because aviation is a business of collaboration and partnership.

Ok, obviously, partnership with other airlines as well.

In addition to the other vendors and contractors, you have to work actually.

How would you say then you've navigated relationships with, you know, the mayor's Office City Council, other airports, stakeholders during your first year?

You know, again, it's great it again.

This is a business of collaboration.

And and received all the support that I mean, obviously from the mayor's office in our airline partners, both at O'Hare and Midway Airports have been fantastic.

How do you sort of tackle any challenge is that there might be with, you know, council members or other stakeholders in the city who might not agree with some of the changes of the steps that are being taken, the money that's being spent?

Well, you know, as you know, everybody Council members, the city, our airline partners, we all understand how critical here is to the National Aviation System.

And we we all understand how important it is to continue to invest in our airport system.

We have one of the most comprehensive airport systems in the world was one of the most connected import systems in the world.

And I think we all understand that is very important for this generation of Chicagoans to continue to invest in our airport system and particularly here and our facilities to make sure that they are sustainable digital and and able to meet the capacity that we have at our airports.

Speaking of, you know, here is in the process of a major expansion to the tune of about 1.0, 4, 5 billion dollars.

What can you tell us about that expansion project share?

So right now here, we have Capital Improvement project going on.

That's or D next.

That's the on 8.8 billion Dollar Capital improvement program, which consist of 2 new concourse is and also a global terminal, which is the centerpiece of program itself.

The program, the Construction project launched last summer.

We broke ground on a Concours D this past fall and that Concord's the is 1.4 billion dollars.

It consists of a 10590,000 Square feet.

19 new gates, more comfortable and modern spaces for passengers, greater flexibility across aircraft, tides.

And it's it's about the smoother connection between domestic and international flights, particularly for help of carriers.

Okay paying for that.

airline partners are and they've been great.

They've there.

here in Midway, we're very grateful for the investments that both of our major airlines, American and United are hometown airline, that they've continued to make at our airport there in over the years and it midway, it's Southwest Airlines.

>> Will any of will passengers at travelers?

Will they be impacted by this construction?

Will they notice now?

You you right now at Concours do here, a lot of preparation had has gone into preparing that site for the construction of Concours D you know, going forward, you'll see very if if any effects on operations because of the preparation that went into that, that work to start.

Interestingly enough in a couple of weeks, passengers there.

We'll see at O'Hare will see a 14 foot tall crane on on construction site for Concourse which will be interesting to see and 14 foot crane, you know, on the world's busiest air field.

Yeah.

>> So the Federal Aviation Administration, ordered the cut of about 300 flights a day this summer at O'Hare in the announcement.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said, quote, applying that same strategy at O'Hare where unrealistic schedules were set to dramatically exceed what they could handle will reduce delays and make this busy summer travel season a little easier.

What was your reaction to a cut of size?

Well, you know, I think it's important to remember first and foremost that the the restrictions on flight, the temporary limitations on on flights temporary.

>> And they only last through October of this year and they still allow for growth.

When you look at last summer compared to this summer, at the end of the here has one of the most robust airfields in the World.

8 runways, more than any other commercial airport on the planet.

And we feel at the Department of Aviation feels that we're able to efficiently and safely operate.

I've airfield without any restrictions limitations on the market.

At the end of the day, we all agree.

All parties agree here is so critical to the national aviation system that it deserves and the highest levels of air traffic controllers training procedures and infrastructure needed to make sure that we continue to grow at the airport.

One of the things that we doing at that Chicago Department of Aviation is investing in infrastructure, investing in those facilities, which again is part of RD next program here.

Okay.

So what would you say has been the impact of those slight cut so You know, it's early you know, we still collecting the statistics on it.

The cuts just win June.

2nd.

And so, you know, doing this very short period, we've seen some delays, but those delays have been consistent with what we've seen historically, right.

So due to weather events past performance and really as result here being for 2 of the busiest air lines, you know, in the world, you know, you hair deserves and needs, of course, like the most the most high at the highest rained on the air traffic controllers, et cetera.

And with so many changes in the federal workforce, what is the pipeline like for, you know, new Essential airport staff like TSA or air traffic control?

I think that's more of a question for the federal government.

But I do know that they are working very hard.

>> To have more air traffic controllers for this is not just here at O'Hare but nationwide.

Okay.

We'll talk hear a lot and we don't forget about midway.

infrastructure improvements going on there.

We know like the interior, the terminal at Midway on has has undergone a lot of changes there.

Any infrastructure happening there as You know, just last year we had our we underwent are completed.

Are 47 million dollars midway modernization program where we upgraded and prioritize our main runway here mainly around safety features.

But, you know, this year we've seen positive momentum at Midway Airport, particularly in terms of passenger growth.

So we just for the 1st quarter of this year, we posted positive growth at Midway International Airport.

And that's primarily due to the investment that I mean, Kerry and their southwest is made and also front here.

And and you know, also later this month, we'll be going to city Council take a stand.

The agreements we have with our private aircraft operators at midway be investing 150 million dollars in airport facilities there.

More investments there.

That is where we'll have to leave the best of luck to you this week.

An aviation Commissioner, Michael McMurray, appreciate you.

Thank you, France.

Thank you for having me.

Up next, how one organization is serving trans Chicog Owens.

>> Transgender rights are at the center of political and legal battles across the country.

Once outside organization is focused on creating a place where people can simply be themselves.

Are Joanna Hernandez takes us inside the center and Hyde Park.

>> My voice is like day one with so many people are like even when I was a guy like.

No, you're not.

That's your baby baby thought.

That's me.

Coach has been coming to brave Space Alliance for the past 2 years.

Beyond just the services you get.

>> You get community here.

>> A new loving and as you in a full.

>> Today, she's stopping by the dignity.

Sweet.

It's a freak where people shop for clothes, makeup and accessories.

>> the >> to get facts have them.

>> For Trinity Coats, clothes have been a way to express who she is.

You can never go wrong with having lead.

The center opened its doors in 2017 to help fill a gap in services for black and brown.

Transgender people on the South side, health, housing, food and identity.

Our main pillars that we basically go by with the like.

>> That should, you know, provide essential services for a person to start there.

Live and then build accordingly.

Those were struggles.

Coats knew firsthand.

>> To mention you've you've been homeless, you've you've you've gone through through the hardships, even with your family and acceptance.

No, what keeps to know what keeps you going?

>> What keeps me is knowing that that is not the end of the journey to know that there's people who have been up on my journey who showed me that even if the world is saying this, they do not agree.

And they show that by the care the love and the community and advocates say the need remains significant.

I get calls.

>> Everyday people come up here and looking for me every How thing exit may hear make and a 5003th and we have here.

>> As federal policies affecting the transgender community continue to change brave Space alliance as the need for it.

Services hasn't.

A 2022.

U.S.

transgender survey found half of transgender adults delayed or avoided medical care because of fear of being mistreated.

Nearly one in 5 experience, homelessness in the previous year.

>> One thing I want to a blip about trans people as they had themselves.

They don't want to be anybody So it's extremely disheartening to hear that medical things are stripped individuals they can even receive started medication.

Trinity came looking for support, but she also found someone she never expected.

Chris, what that is her childhood friend doing It's beautiful CNN.

Know that one of my very close friends who has helped me navigate this world as a person, whether she knew that during that time or not, she's been able to be very instrumental to the greater being that I am today and the service provider that I am today for coach.

The organization became more than a place to access services.

It became prove community can change the course of someone's life.

know that it starts with one step.

have the Internet.

We have a different community spaces with.

>> If you are looking for it somebodys to at least talk to spaces like this exists.

>> For Chicago tonight, I'm joined on this.

>> And brave Space alliance leaders say that regardless of the political climate there work remains focused on building community and connecting people with the resources they need.

>> Food.

>> That is a major part of any holiday weekend.

So is he we head towards the 4th of July.

We thought we'd show you the Chicago origins of some iconic foods.

Here's our old pal, and Vickie.

>> Chicago is home to a plate full of iconic foods.

The Italian beef sandwich was born here in the early 20th century, heroes were introduced to America in Chicago during the Mid 60's to gas for dessert.

The Briley said to have been invented at the Palmer House hotel in 18.

93 but more than anything else.

Chicago is known for hot dogs and it's pizza in the early 18, early 1900 Chicago was put your to the world.

The stock coming along.

Needless to say, meat scraps were plentiful as we're Frankfurt, loving Durham and immigrants in need of enter the Chicago style hot dog.

Of course, this isn't just any A true Chicago dot must be albeit nestled in a Poppy seed in read through the Garden.

>> Chicago's 7 Standard come from around the world represent our immigrant >> been this year via Poland hotdog itself.

The pickle spear investors have Jewish and German diced, white onions and sliced tomatoes.

That's Italy and maybe Greeks the relish hills from England.

Although the unnatural neon color is all ours.

Sports peppers rep deep South and or Mexico.

And as one of the country's biggest celery producers at the time, Chicago's Lakeview community contributed the sprinkling of celery SALT has it Enders added so many toppings to the dog to it can serve as a meal on a bun for broke Chicagoans during the Depression.

Still Hungry beast on another Chicago staple.

The Chicago's famous for its deep dish pies handpicked across losing.

covered tangy tomato sauce and toppings a creation largely credited to his now Chicago's pizzeria Uno in 1943, the locals know real deal interest.

>> We really can't also known as Kevin Style because it originated has to go to treat in Chicago bars after prohibition was lifted.

Taverns encourage customers to stay while him drink more beer offering snacks.

I squares in Perth in pizza.

Often for free press kept the people made.

could be easily served on napkins.

And small slices wouldn't spoil suffer.

Unlike our hot dog.

There many rules around campaign style pizza get is possible slice it in squares and top it with anything you like.

I recommend reading Those to coddle pizza makers, 6 sausages, most popular.

If you're still hungry, we can discern other local delicacy courtesy of Chicago.

Innovation like the pizza cost.

You the Maxwell Street fullest.

It all sounds delicious.

>> You can learn more about Chicago at W T Tw Dot com Slash explains.

And that's our show for this Thursday night.

You can stream Chicago tonight on our W T Tw YouTube channel every evening and catch up on any programs may have missed.

We'll be off tomorrow for Independence Day, but we will see you right back here at 5, 30 10 on Monday.

>> Now for all of us here in Chicago Brandis Friedman, thank you for watching.

Stay healthy and safe and have a good night.

>> Closed captioning is made possible by Robert a cliff and Clifford law offices, a personal injury law firm,