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

I'M BRANDIS FRIEDMAN.

>> I'M PARIS SCHUTZ.

ON THE SHOW TONIGHT... >> IF THE RATIONALE OF THE DECISION AS RELEASED WERE TO BE SUSTAINED, A WHOLE RANGE OF RIGHTS ARE IN QUESTION.

>> A BOMBSHELL LEAK OF A SUPREME COURT DRAFT OPINION HINTS AS A POTENTIAL OVERTURNING OF ABORTION RIGHTS.

WE HEAR FROM ADVOCATES.

>> STATE LAWMAKERS ON WHAT THE END OF ROE V. WADE WOULD MEAN IN ILLINOIS.

>> THIS IS NOT GOING WELL FOR VLADIMIR PUTIN AT ALL.

>> MEMBERS OF CONGRESS WEIGH-IN IN.

>> RICHARD IRVIN BACKED AN EFFORT THAT GIVES HIM SWAY OVER WHICH LOCAL CANDIDATES APPEAR ON THE BALLOT.

>> THIS IS A CITY THAT HAS WHAT IT TAKES.

>> CHICAGO ENJOYED ITS BID TO HOST THE 2024 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION.

>> APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN FOR THE CASH ASSISTANCE PILOT PROGRAM GIVING ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS $500 A MONTH FOR ONE YEAR.

>> AND MEMORABILIA FROM THE "THE MATRIX" IS BEING AUCTIONED OFF.

WE SPEAK WITH ONE OF THE CREATORS OF THE FILMS.

FIRST, SOME OF TODAY'S TOP STORIES... >> A NEW LAWSUIT ALLEGES SHOCKING NEGLECT AT AN ASSISTING LIVING FACILITY FOR THE SENIORS ON THE SOUTH SIDE THE LAWSUIT IS ON BEHALF OF TWO SENIORS STAYING AT NEW CITY SUPPORTIVE LIVING IN THE BACK OF THE YARDS NEIGHBORHOOD.

A LAWYER REPRESENTING THE FAMILIES SAYS WNDR MUSEUM RESIDENT JEAN SMITH WAS HOSPITALIZED THREE TIMES IN ONE MONTH FOR PREVENTIBLE INJURIES.

>> HER FAMILY WENT TO REMOVE HER FROM THE FACILITY AND FOUND SHE WAS LIVING IN A FILTHY DIRTY BUG INFESTED ROOM WHERE THE TRASH HAD NOT BEEN REMOVED.

I REPRESENT REB DA EXPECTSER ALLOWED TO GO MISSING TWO TIMES IN ONE WEEK.

ONE TIME OVERNIGHT AND OUTSIDE IN THE ELEMENTS IN CHICAGO.

SHE WAS DISCOVERED IN BOTH INSTANCES AS MISSING BY HER FAMILY AND NOT THE FACILITY.

SHE WAS FOUND BY HER FAMILY AT A BUS STOP IN CHICAGO SOAKED IN URINE.

>> A SPOKESMAN FOR NEW CITY SUPPORTIVE LIVING SAYS THE COMPANY COULD NOT COMMENT BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY DOCUMENTS DETAILING THE ALLEGATIONS IN THE LAWSUIT.

THE ATTORNEY FOR THE FAMILY SAY NEW CITY RECEIVED TAX-FREE BONDS AND STATE FUNDS TO OPERATE.

>> CHICAGO UNVEILS ITS PITCH TO HOST THE 2024 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION.

A SLICKLY PRODUCED VIDEO NARRATED BY RAPPER AND PERFORMER THE CHICAGO NATIVE COMMON SHOWCASES CHICAGO AS THE HEARTLAND OF DEMOCRACY AND THE BEST PLACE TO LAUNCH THE PARTY'S PITCH TO VOTERS.

CHICAGO IS ONE OF SEVEN CITIES BIDDING TO HOST THE CONVENTION.

AND WE'LL HAVE MUCH MORE LATER IN THE SHOW.

>> A NEW CAMPAIGN IS UNDERWAY TO HIGHLIGHT THE CITY'S WATER QUALITY IN HONOR OF NATIONAL DRINKING WATER WEEK.

CHICAGO OFFICIALS LAUNCHED THE NEW CHICAGWA BRANDING CAMPAIGN THAT ASKED ARTISTS DEPICTING HOW LAKE MICHIGAN.

>> THIS CAMPAIGN HELPS MAKE ONE OF OUR CITY'S GREATEST RESOURCES MORE TANGIBLE AND MORE THOUGHT PROVOKING.

WHILE OUR WATER SUPPLY IS VAST, WE MUST CONTINUE TO BE INCREDIBLE STEWARDS OF OUR EARTH AND OUR WATER.

>> AND UP NEXT, LOCAL REACTION TO THE LEAKED SUPREME COURT DRAFT OPINION ON ROE VS. WADE.

SO PLEA STAYS WITH US.

PLEASE STAY WITH US.

>> AND THE U.S. SUPREME COURT COULD BE PREPARING TO REVERSE ROE VS. WADE, THE DECISION IN PLACE SINCE THE EARLY 70s THAT PROTECTED ABORTION RIGHTS.

CHIEF JUSTICE JOHN ROBERTS CONFIRMED A DRAFT HAD LEAKED TO POLITICO AND IT IS GENUINE.

MORE ON WHAT IT WOULD MEAN FOR ILLINOIS HERE IS AMANDA VINICKY.

>> THAT DRAFT OPINION CALLS ROE EGREGIOUSLY WRONG AND RETURNS THE ISSUE OF ABORTION TO THE PEOPLE'S ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES TO THE CONGRESS AND THE STATES.

ABORTION RIGHTS ACTIVISTS AND DEMOCRATS SAY THEY HAD ANTICIPATED SOMETHING LIKE THIS IN PREPARATION.

>> WE SAW THE WARNINGS.

HERE IN ILLINOIS WE ARE DONE A LOT OF THE WORK.

>> NO MATTER WHAT ATROCIOUS OPINION THE SUPREME COURT OFFICIALLY ROLLS OUT THIS SUMMER IN REGARDS TO ROE VS. WADE, ABORTION IS SAFE AND LEGAL IN ILLINOIS.

>> AMONG THE MEASURES THAT PRITZKER SAYS ILLINOIS HAD THE FORESIGHT TO PASS HE PENNED INTO LAW WHILE 13 STATES HAVE TRIGGER LAWS THAT WOULD BAN ABORTIONS IF ROE IS OVERTURNED.

ILLINOIS LAW DOES THE OPPOSITE.

2019'S REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH ACT ENSHRINES IN STATE LAW INDIVIDUALS RIGHTS TO MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT THEIR REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH INCLUDING ACCESS AND TAKING BIRTH CONTROL, AND ABORTIONS.

ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO, PRITZKER REPEALED A LAW THAT HAD REQUIRED MINORS' PARENTS BE NOTIFIED BEFORE THEY COULD HAVE AN ABORTION.

>> ILLINOIS CONTINUES TO SHOW THE NATION WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE TO EMPOWER WOMEN.

SO WE CAN BE PARENTS ON OUR OWN TIME IF AND WHEN WE CHOOSE TO DO SO.

TOGETHER WE PUT OVER-THE-COUNTER BIRTH CONTROL AT OUR PHARMACIES.

WE PUT PADS AND TAMPONS AT ALL OUR COMMUNITY COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES AND PRIVACY PROTECTIONS IN PLACE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE DEALING WITH THE HARDEST DECISIONS OF THEIR LIVES.

>> NOW, REINSTATING THE PARENTAL NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENT THAT YOU HEARD REPRESENTATIVE HARPER REFERENCE IS AMONG THE ACTIONS THAT REPRESENTATIVE ADAM NIEMERG WHO REPRESENTS A RURAL AREA IN SOUTHEASTERN ILLINOIS WANTS TAKEN.

ADAM NIEMERG SAYS THE ANTICIPATED SUPREME COURT RULE SOMETHING A CALL TO ACTION THOSE ANTIABORTION.

IDEALLY HE WOULD WANT ILLINOIS TO REPEAL THAT REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH ACT AND BAN ABORTIONS OUT RIGHT.

>> IN ILLINOIS IT WOULD BE A VERY DIFFICULT PROCESS.

AND THAT IS SOMETHING THAT FOLKS HERE THROUGHOUT THE STATE NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT UNTIL THE LEGISLATURE IS SOLIDLY REPUBLICAN, THAT UNTIL THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE IS SOLIDLY REPUBLICAN THESE PRO-CHOICE MEASURE ALSO STAY IN PLACE.

AND I BELIEVE THROUGH TIME WE WILL BE ABLE TO CHIP AWAY AT THE RADICAL ABORTION LEGISLATION THAT HAS BEEN PASSED.

AND PEOPLE THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF ILLINOIS UNDERSTAND AND AGREE WITH THAT.

>> HE SAYS IT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN OVERNIGHT.

BUT HE SAYS HE IS IN IT FOR LONG-HAUL.

RIGHT NOW, YOU HAVE MEASURES THAT WOULD RESTRICT ABORTIONS STALLING IN ILLINOIS INCLUDING ONE TO REQUIRE ULTRASOUNDS TO BE OFFERED TO ANYONE SEEKING AN ABORTION EIGHT WEEKS INTO PREGNANCY OR BEYOND.

>> THERE'S STATISTICAL ANALYSIS SAYING 80% OF WOMEN SHOWN THE ULTRASOUND DECIDE TO CHOOSE LIFE BECAUSE THEY SEE THAT CHILD DEVELOPING.

AND THEY UNDERSTAND IT IS A HUMAN BEING THAT THAT CHILD NEEDS TO BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY FOR LIFE.

SO ONCE THEY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEE THE YOU WILL STRA FOUND -- ULTRASOUND IT CAN CHANGE MINDS WHETHER OR NOT THEY DECIDE TO GO THROUGH THE ABORTION OR TO HAVE THE CHILD.

>> MEANWHILE, DEMOCRATS SAY THERE IS MORE THAT ILLINOIS CAN AND SHOULD BE DOING TO HELP TO PROTECT AND TO INCREASE ACCESS TO ABORTIONS.

>> SO OUR RESPONSIBILITY AND I CHALLENGE EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU TO GET AS CREATIVE AS WE CAN IS TO THINK ABOUT WHAT ELSE OUR FIELD NEEDS?

WHAT ELSE DO THE WOMEN AND PREGNANT PEOPLE COMING FROM OTHER STATES THAT RESTRICT ABORTION NEED WHEN THEY COME TO US?

WE HAVE A BILL IN THE SENATE TO PROTECT HEALTHCARE WORKERS FROM ADVERSE ACTIONS FROM OTHER STATES.

ARE WE GOING TO LOOK TO WAYS TO INSURE THAT THE PARENTS IN ALABAMA OR TEXAS WHO WANT TO ACCESS GENERALEDDER AFFIRMING CARE FOR THEIR TRANSKID KNOW THEY ARE WELCOME HERE?

>> OTHER STATES HAVE BLOCKED TWO ABORTIONS, ILLINOIS HAS SEEN AN INCREASE IN PEOPLE COMING HERE TO HAVE THAT PROCEDURE.

NOW, DEMOCRATS SAY THE NEXT STEP IS INSURING THAT ILLINOIS WILL BE A HAVEN AND TO HELP THOSE INDIVIDUALS.

>> WE HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY LOCALLY TO COORDINATE LIFE-SAVING MUTUAL AID THAT INCLUDES ABORTION FUNDS, TRANSPORTATION, AND ENACTS RADICAL HOSPITALITY FOR ANYONE LIVING AND TRAVELING TO ILLINOIS WHO NEEDS ACCESS TO A SAFE ABORTION.

BECAUSE WHEN THE SUPREME COURT HAS FAILED REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE, ILLINOIS HAS NOT AND WILL NOT.

>> LOOK FOR BOTH SIDES TO MAKE THIS A MAJOR ISSUE IN THIS YEAR'S ELECTIONS.

LEAKS, THE DECISION OF ABORTION COULD HAVE A IMPACT ON RACES PARTICULARLY ON THE ANY REPUBLICAN PRIMARY.

WITH THAT, SEND TO GO BACK TO YOU.

>> SENDING IT BACK TO YOU.

>> AS WE'VE BEEN HEARING THAT LEAKED DRAFT OPINION FROM THE SUPREME COURT HAS THE NATION ON EDGE WAITING TO SEE IF THE HIGH COURT WILL OVERTURN THE LANDMARK ABORTION RIGHTS CASE ROE VS. WADE.

1973 RULING RECOGNIZES A WOMAN'S RIGHT TO ABORTION AS A CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT.

BUT JUSTICE SAMUEL ALITO CALLS FOR AN OUT RIGHT ONTARIO R OVERTURNING OF THE DECISION.

REACTION HAS BEEN SWIFT AND HEATED.

HERE IS WHAT DICK DURBIN HAD TO SAY.

>> IF IT IS ACCURATE AND IT TURNS OUT TO BE AUTHENTIC, IT IS A STUNNING REVERSAL IN AMERICAN HISTORY.

THAT THE COURT WOULD TAKE AWAY A CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT AFTER 50 YEARS.

>> AND JOINING US TO DISCUSS THIS CONTROVERSIAL TOPIC ARE AMERI KLAFETA WOMEN AND WOMEN RIGHT'S WITH THE AL.

CAROLYN SHAPIRO CO-DIRECTORY OF THE INSTITUTE OF THE SUPREME COURT AT UNITED STATES AT CHICAGO KENT COLLEGE OF LAW.

AMY GEHRKE DIRECTOR OF ILLINOIS RIGHT TO LIFE.

AND PETER BREEN SENIOR COUNSEL FOR THE THOMAS MORE SOCIETY THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

FIRST REACTION TO THIS LEAK BECAUSE IT IS UNPRECEDENTED FOR TWO REASONS.

CAROLYN LET'S START WITH YOU, PLEASE.

>> SO THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE CERTAINLY IN MODERN TIMES THAT AN ENTIRE DRAFT OPINION HAS LEAKED.

WE OCCASIONALLY HAVE HAD LEAKS RELATED TO AN OUTCOME OF A CASE BUT NEVER BEFORE AN ENTIRE DRAFT OPINION.

>> PETER YOUR THOUGHTS?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

THIS IS A BETRAYAL OF TRUST THAT THEY HAVE TO BE WHAT THE JUSTICES, REPUBLICAN, DEMOCRAT APPOINTED, IT DOESN'T MATTER.

THEY HAVE TO BE ABLE TO WORK TOGETHER IN SOME MEASURE OF CONFIDENCE AND AS CAROLYN SAID YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN A WHOLE OPINION YOU GET BITS AND PIECES AND YOU MIGHT GET A TELL ALL BOOK 10 YEARS LATER.

REAL ATTACK ON THE -- IT IS A CRIME AS I UNDERSTAND IT UNDER FEDERAL LAW AS WELL.

>> AMERI KLAFETA WHAT DO YOU THINK?

>> I DEGREE THE LEAK IS -- AGREE THE LEAK IS UNPRECEDENTED.

AND I DON'T THINK WE SHOULD LET THAT TAKE AWAY FROM THE IMPORTANT ISSUE HERE WHICH IS THAT THE SUPREME COURT IS POISED TO TAKE AWAY CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS THAT HALF THE COUNTRY HAS HAD FOR 50 YEARS.

>> AND AMY GEHRKE?

>> IT WAS EGREGIOUS AND A COMPLETE BETRAYAL OF TRUST AND SETS A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT HOW THINGS WILL WORK WITH THE COURT IN THE FUTURE.

>> CAROLYN, HOW TELLING IS A DRAFT DECISION ABOUT A RULING?

AND HOW THAT RULING WILL ULTIMATELY GO LATER ON WHEN IT'S RELEASED.

>> WE CAN'T KNOW FOR SURE.

WE CAN'T KNOW FOR SURE WHETHER THE ULTIMATE DECISION WILL BE REVISED TO SOME EXTENT FROM THE DRAFT THAT WE ALL READ TODAY AND LAST NIGHT.

WE CAN'T KNOW FOR SURE IF IT WILL IN THE END HAVE FIVE VOTES TO MAKE A MAJORITY.

BUT SEEMS HIGHLY UNLIKELY TO ME THIS DRAFT WAS WRITTEN WITHOUT THE EXPECTATION OF FIVE VOTES BY WHICH I MEAN, I THINK IT AT CONFERENCE THERE WERE FIVE JUSTICES WHO SAID THEY WERE WILLING TO OVERRULE ROE VS. WADE OUT RIGHT.

AND IT'S IMPORTANT TO NOTE IS NOT A NECESSARY OUTCOME EVEN IF THE COURT WANTS TO UPHOLD THE LAW THAT IS AT ISSUE IN THIS CASE WHICH IS A LAW FROM MISSISSIPPI THAT OUTLAWS ABORTION STARTING AT 15 WEEKS AFTER PREGNANCY.

SORT OF THE LEAKS ARE THAT CHIEF JUSTICE ROBERTS WOULD PREFER TO UPHOLD THAT LAW AND NOT REACH THE BIG QUESTION OF OVERRULING ROE VS. WADE.

I HAVE TO SAY I AM NOT AT ALL SURPRISED THAT THIS APPEARS TO BE WHERE THE SUPREME COURT IS HEADED.

THIS HAS BEEN THE PROJECT OF DECADES OF EFFORT ON THE PART OF THE CONSERVATIVE LEGAL MOVEMENT.

AND THE JUSTICES WHO ARE THE LIKELY FIVE HAVE LONG SINCE SIGNALED THEIR OPPOSITION TO ROE REGARDLESS OF WHAT THEY MAY HAVE SAID AT THEIR CONFIRMATION HEARINGS.

>> PETER BREEN WHAT IS THE LEGAL ARGUMENT THAT JUSTICE SAMUEL ALITO MAKES AGAIN IN THIS DRAFT, THIS IS NOT A DONE DEAL YET?

>> AND IT DOES BASED OFF OF THE ORAL ARGUMENT, EVERYBODY WHO LISTENED TO THE ORAL ARGUMENT SAYS LIKE FIVE, MAYBE SIX TO UPHOLD THE MISSISSIPPI LAW AND OVERRULE ROE VS. WADE.

THE WAY AND THE OPINION HAS BEEN CONFIRMED AS A TRUE DRAFT OPINION.

COMING FROM JUSTICE ALITO APPEARS TO HAVE THE SUPPORT OF FIVE JUSTICES.

HE PUTS IN THERE EVERYTHING YOU WOULD EXPECT HIM TO.

TO CAROLYN'S POINT, JUSTICE ROBERTS WANTS TO DO A UPHOLD THE MISSISSIPPI'S LAW AND NOT OVERTURNPIKE ROE.

AND JUSTICE ALITO SAYS WELL, SOLICITOR GENERAL AND THE MORE ABORTION SIDE SAID, HEY THERE IS NO MIDDLE GROUND.

YOU GET ALL OR NOTHING.

>> AND THE MISSISSIPPI ATTORNEY GENERAL ALSO ASKED TO HAVE ROE OVERRULED.

>> SO THAT IS IF I'M DRAFTING THAT OPINION I'M JUSTICE ALITO I WILL PUT THAT IN THERE.

AND HE ALSO PUT IN THINGS CLEARLY STATING THAT NOT LOOKING TO OVERTURN GAY MARRIAGE OR ANYTHING ELSE THEY SAID SPECIFICALLY THE ABORTION RIGHT IS DIFFERENT BECAUSE THIS IS INVOLVES ANOTHER HUMAN LIFE.

ALL OF THAT YOU LOOK AT ALL THE PARTS OF THE PIECES OF THE OPINION IT READS LIKE THE STANDARD THING YOU WOULD EXPECT TO OVERTURN ROE VS. WADE WHERE ON MY SIDE OF THE THINGS THAT IS WHAT YOU WOULD PUT IN THERE.

AND SO THAT WAS A IT LOOKS LIKE HOW IT SHOULD LOOK IF YOU ARE LOOKING AT OVERTURNING ROE.

>> HOW MIGHT THAT AFFECT COMMUNITIES WHO MAY ALREADY LACK ACCESS TO CERTAIN MEDICAL SERVICES, PARTICULARLY MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES LOW INCOME, WOMEN OF COLOR, LGBTQ?

>> VERY CLEAR THAT IS WHAT IS SO UPSETTING ABOUT THIS.

WE ALREADY KNOW THERE ARE 26 STATES ACROSS THE COUNTRY BOYED TO BAN ABORTIONS.

IF ROE IS OVERTURNED.

AND THE BURDEN OF THOSE ABORTION BANS IN THOSE STATES IS GOING TO BE FELT THE HARDEST BY PEOPLE WHO ALREADY FACE SYSTEMIC BARRIERS TO HEALTHCARE.

BLACK WOMEN WHO LIVE IN PLACES WHERE MATERNAL MORTALITY RATES ARE TERRIBLE.

PEOPLE ARE STRUGGLING TO MAKE ENDS MEET AND VULNERABLE FOR A HOST OF REASONS.

AND THOSE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO ARE GOING TO FEEL THIS THE MOST WHEN STATES START BANNING ABORTION ON THAT AFTER A DECISION IS UP.

>> CAN I JUMP IN AND SAY, I REALLY THINK THAT THERE IS A LOT OF LANGUAGE IN THIS OPINION THAT DOES INDICATE THAT ISSUES LIKE GAY MARRIAGE, RIGHTS LIKE GAY MARRIAGE, THE RIGHT TO HAVE PRIVATE CONSENSUAL SEX WITH ANOTHER ADULT ARE ENTIRELY VULNERABLE.

WHAT THE OPINION SAYS IS THAT THE ONLY RIGHT UNENUMERATED RIGHTS THE COURT WILL RESPECT ARE DEEPLY ROOTED IN HISTORY AND TRADITION.

WHICH THE DRAFT THEN GOES ON TO DEFINE A VERY, VERY NARROW WAY.

AND ACTUALLY LISTS AS EXAMPLES OF CASES THAT DO NOT LIVE UP TO THAT STANDARD, GRANT MARRIAGE EQUALITY AND LOVING VERSUS VIRGINIA WHICH OVERRULED BANS ON INTERRACIAL MARRIAGE.

>> YEAH, I WANT TO KEEP IT GOING AND THANK YOU FOR JUMPING IN.

PETER, THERE HAS BEEN TALK -- >> I'M SORRY BUT THE IDEA THAT JUSTICE CLARENCE THOMAS WHO IS A BLACK MAN MARRIED TO A WHITE WOMAN WOULD VOTE ON SOMETHING THAT WOULD UNDERMINE INTERRACIAL MARRIAGE.

>> THERE IS A TWO-PAGE LONG FOOTNOTE IN THE BACK OF THE OPINION, WHERE THEY SPECIFIC SLI CITE THE GAY MARRIAGE DECISION AS SUPPORT FOR DOING THIS.

AND VERY CLEARLY THROUGHOUT THE PINKS YOU CAN SEE WHERE JUSTICE ALITO PUT IN THERE AND I UNDERSTAND HE IS SAYING LOOK YOU CANNOT APPLY THIS TO ANY OF THESE OTHER CASES.

HE ENDS WITH IT AT THE END OF THE OPINION CLEARLY TO CARVE THAT OUT.

BECAUSE JUSTICES GORSUCH AND KAVANAUGH WE DON'T KNOW WHERE THEY STAND.

>> AND AMI, MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT SPOKE ABOUT THIS TODAY AS WELL AND HERE SHE IS.

>> IT IS DESPAIRING MOMENT.

DEPRESSING MOMENT, I WILL SAY.

BUT UNFORTUNATELY NOT A SURPRISING MOMENT.

TOO MANY THINGS IN OUR COUNTRY HAVE BECOME HIGHLY POLITICIZED AND NOW WE KNOW WITH CERTAINTY THAT THE U.S. SUPREME COURT IS ONE OF THOSE ENTITIES.

>> WHAT WOULD ABORTION ACCESS LOOK LIKE IF ROE WAS OVERTURNED?

>> WELL, UNFORTUNATELY IN ILLINOIS, NOTHING REALLY WOULD CHANGE.

OUR LAWS HERE THE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH ACT AND ARE SO FAR OUT OF THE MAINSTREAM AND COMPLETELY PROTECT ABORTION.

THE ABORTION INDUSTRY HAS BEEN PREPARING, BUILDINGS CLINICS ON OUR BORDERS TO BRING WOMEN TO OUR STATE TO HAVE ABORTIONS AND IT'S TRAGIC.

BECAUSE OF OUR LAWS THE REPEAL OF YOUNG GIRLS CAN COME HERE AND THEIR PARENTS WOULD NOT KNOW THEY ARE HAVING AN ABORTION ALLOWING SEXUAL PREDATORS TO COVER CRIMES WITH ABORTION.

AND THE ACT MADE ABORTION VERY DANGEROUS FOR WOMEN IN OUR STATE.

IT REMOVED CLINICS UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF AMBULATORY SURGICAL CENTERS.

CORONERS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO INVESTIGATE WOMEN'S DEATHS AT ABORTION CLINICS.

YES, OUR ABORTION NUMBERS WILL INCREASE.

IT'S VERY TRAGIC FOR THE WOMEN NOT ONLY HERE IN ILLINOIS, BUT IN OUR NEIGHBORING STATES AND BEYOND BECAUSE IT IS SO VERY DANGEROUS HERE.

>> I THINK -- THERE'S SO MUCH TO RESPOND TO IN THAT STATEMENT BUT I WILL SAY THIS... THAT AMONG OTHER THINGS THAT THE LOGIC OF THIS OPINION LEADS TO IS THAT CERTAIN FORMS OF BIRTH CONTROL CAN AND UNDOUBTEDLY WILL BE OUTLAWED IN CERTAIN STATES.

SUCH THINGS AS IUD'S OR A PILL.

AND EVEN ASSISTED TYPES OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE LIKE IVF WHICH LEADS TO THE CREATION OF EMBRYOS THAT ARE NOT IMPLANTED AND THERE'S NOTHING IN THE LOGIC OF THIS OPINION THAT WOULD SAY THAT IS PROBLEMATIC.

>> OBVIOUSLY A LOT TO DISSECTOR WE ARE OUT OF TIME.

THANKS TO OUR GUESTS FOR JOINING US, CAROLYN SHAPIRO, AMERI KLAFETA, AMY GEHRKE AND PETER BREEN.

>> THANK YOU.

>> AND NOW TO PARIS FOR REACTION WITH LOCAL MEMBERS OF CONGRESS.

>> THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS DRAFT DECISION ARE MAMMOTH BECAUSE IF THE VOTE TO OVERTURN ROE VS. WADE STANDS IT PUSHES THE QUESTION OF ABORTION BACK INTO THE POLITICAL PROCESS.

AS WE MENTIONED ILLINOIS LAW WOULD PROTECT ABORTION RIGHTS.

HOW WILL LAWMAKERS TACKLE THIS POLITICAL ISSUE AT THE FEDERAL LEVEL AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR THE UPCOMING MIDTERMS.

>> JOINING US ARE DANNY DAVIS A DEMOCRAT FROM AUSTIN NEIGHBORHOOD AND CONGRESSWOMAN JAN SCHAKOWSKY A DEMOCRAT FROM EVAN TON.

WE INVITED ALL ILLINOIS REPUBLICAN CONGRESS MEMBERS BUT NONE ACCEPTED OUR INVITATION.

TO SUMMARIZE THIS DRAFT OPINION IT SAYS THAT ROE WAS WRONGLY DECIDED IN 1973 THAT THERE IS NO CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO ABORTION AND THAT IT IS A QUESTION THAT SHOULD BE LEFT UP TO THE POLITICAL PROCESS.

YOUR REACTION?

>> WELL, THE VAST MAJORITY OF AMERICANS OVER 70%, THAT'S PRETTY MUCH ALL THE DEMOCRATS AND 75% OF INDEPENDENTS AND THE MAJORITY OF REPUBLICANS, DO NOT WANT TO SEE ROE VS. WADE OVERTURNED.

AND THE SUPREME COURT IS DOING IS GOING AGAINST THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE.

WE HAVE HAD ROE VS. WADE FOR OVER HALF A CENTURY ALMOST.

AND IT HAS MEANT THAT WOMEN YOU KNOW, I WEAR A PIN THAT SAYS ROE VS. WADE WAS NOT THE BEGINNING OF WOMEN HAVING ABORTIONS.

IT WAS THE END OF WOMEN DYING FROM ABORTIONS.

AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN IF THEY HAVE THEIR WAY.

WOMEN WILL DIE.

BESIDES THAT THEY WILL TAKE AWAY OUR FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT, OUR THRESHOLD RIGHTS OF BEING ABLE TO CONTROL OUR OWN BODIES AND MAKE OUR OWN DECISION AND PLAN OUR LIVES.

AND THEY WANT TO PUT WOMEN BACK INTO I DON'T KNOW, A BACK ALLEYS TO HAVE ABORTIONS AND TO TREAT US AS SECOND-CLASS CITIZENSES.

I AGREE WITH THE GOVERNOR WHO SAYS J.B. PRITZKER SAID HELL, NO.

WE TRUST WOMEN IN ILLINOIS.

>> LOTS OF CONSEQUENCES HERE.

CONGRESSMAN DAVIS WHERE ARE CONGRESSIONAL EFFORTS THEN TO CODIFY THE RIGHT TO AN ABORTION.

IT PASSED THE HOUSE AND IS IN THE SENATE.

>> WE ARE GOING TO BE PUSHING HARD TO CONVINCE THE SENATE THAT THEY NEED TO FILE A SUIT.

-- FOLLOW SUIT.

THE AMERICAN PEOPLE MANY OF US FEEL WE HAVE BEEN SUCKER-PUNCHED BY THE SUPREME COURT.

BY OUR SUPREME COURT, MAKING A DECISION OR GETTING READY TO MAKE A DECISION THAT WE HAVE NOT LIVED WITH FOR A LONGTIME.

WE AND I AGREE WITH GOVERNOR PRITZKER, WE DON'T WANT TO GO BACKWARDS.

WE WANT TO GO FORWARD.

WE WANT WOMEN TO HAVE EVERY RIGHT AND EVERY CHOICE TO DETERMINE THEIR HEALTH NEEDS AND THEIR HEALTHCARE.

THAT IS A GOD GIVEN RIGHT AND NO ONE SHOULD TAKE IT AWAY.

>> IS THERE ANYTHING IN THE DRAFT OPINION THAT LEADS YOU TO BELIEVE THERE MIGHT BE FUTURE CHALLENGES TO STATES LIKE ILLINOIS THAT DO PERMIT ABORTION AND THAT THOSE CHALLENGES WITH THE CONSERVATIVE SUPREME COURT COULD BE SUCCESSFUL?

>> I DON'T THINK THERE IS ANY QUESTION THEY WANT TO HAVE IT AS A NATIONAL PROHIBITION ON ABORTION NOT JUST AMONG STATES.

BUT YOU KNOW THEY HAVE GONE FURTHER IN THAT OPINION, THERE WAS A MENTION OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGE.

I THINK THESE FAR RIGHT REPUBLICANS WHO DON'T REPRESENT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE'S VIEWS, WOULD LIKE TO UNDO SO MANY OF THE RIGHTS THAT PEOPLE HAVE HARD -- FOUGHT HARD FOR AND WON IN THIS COUNTRY.

AND WE'RE GOING TO ORGANIZE.

THIS IS GOING TO BE A BIG ISSUE, A BIG ITCH ISSUE IN THE UP -- ISSUE IN THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS.

AND I THINK WOMEN AND MEN THAT SUPPORT WOMEN ARE GOING TO BE COMING OUT TO VOTE.

AND TO SAY NO TO THIS DRACONIAN SUGGESTION.

>> CONGRESSMAN DAVIS BACK TO THE EFFORT IN THE SENATE IT SEEMS LIKE IT WOULD HAVE TO COME DOWN TO ELIMINATING THE FILIBUSTER.

THERE MIGHT BE TWO REPUBLICANS THAT WOULD SUPPORT A PRO ABORTION LAW.

BUT DO YOU THINK THE SENATE WILL ELIMINATE THE FILIBUSTER?

IT SOUNDS LIKE JOE MANCHIN WOULD STILL NOT BE IN FAVOR OF THAT?

>> WE'RE GETTING CLOSER AND CLOSER.

WE'VE NEVER HAD AS MUCH DEBATE IN MODERN TIMES ABOUT THE FILIBUSTER.

I THINK THERE ARE NOT ONLY ELECTED OFFICIALS, MEMBERS OF CONGRESS, MEMBERS OF THE SENATE, BUT I THINK THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE BEGINNING AND HAVE WARMED UP TO THE IDEA THAT YOU DO WHAT IS NECESSARY.

AND IF ELIMINATING THE FILIBUSTER IS THE ONLY WAY TO MAKE IT HAPPEN, THEN LET'S ELIMINATE THE FILIBUSTER AND MAKE IT HAPPEN AND MAKE IT REAL.

>> CONGRESSWOMAN YOU MENTIONED THE POLITICAL RAMIFICATIONS IS THIS IN SOME SENSE A GIFT FOR DEMOCRATS POLITICALLY AS THEY DID FACE A UPHILL ROAD IN THE MIDTERMS AND THIS IS AN OPINION THAT DEMOCRATS SEEM TO SHARE WITH THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE IN THE COUNTRY.

>> I HAVE NO DOUBT THIS IS GOING TO BE A POSITIVE FOR DEMOCRATS AND FOR INDEPENDENTS TO SAY THAT THESE RIGHTS ARE NOT GOING TO BE TAKEN AWAY.

ABOUT THE FILIBUSTER ALL WE NEED ARE A COUPLE MORE DEMOCRATIC SENATORS IN THE UNITED STATES SENATE AND THEN WE CAN LIMIT OR ELIMINATE THE FILIBUSTER.

WE WILL HAVE ENOUGH VOTES.

AND SO I THINK THAT DANNY IS RIGHT.

THAT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ARE SICK OF REPUBLICANS STYMIEING ALL OF OUR MAJOR EFFORTS TO HELP THEM.

I'M TALKING ABOUT PEOPLE IN THEIR LIVES.

SO I THINK THIS IS GOING TO BE A REAL TURNING POINT AND THAT THEY ARE GOING TO BE SORRY.

IF I WERE A REPUBLICAN RIGHT NOW, I WOULD BE VERY WORRIED BECAUSE PEOPLE DO NOT LIKE THIS POLICY.

OF ELIMINATING ROE VS. WADE.

>> CONGRESSMAN DAVIS I WANT TO SWITCH GEARS.

ONE OF YOUR COLLEAGUES, ADAM KINZINGER INTRODUCED A BILL THAT WOULD AUTHORIZE MILITARY ACTION IN UKRAINE IF RUSSIA USES BIOLOGICAL OR CHEMICAL WEAPONS.

IS THAT SOMETHING YOU AND YOUR COLLEAGUES WOULD SUPPORT?

>> YOU KNOW WE ARE HOPING THAT RUSSIA WILL EXERCISE A BIT OF SANITY.

AND WILL NOT GO THERE.

WILL NOT DO THAT.

WILL NOT PUSH US UP AGAINST THE WALL.

WHERE THERE'S NO OTHER ALTERNATIVE.

WE ARE HOPING.

I'M HOPING THAT WE DON'T GET TO THAT POINT.

THERE WILL BE A LEVEL OF SANITY THAT WILL COME TO Mr. PUTIN AND RUSSIA AND WE WON'T GET TO THIS BARBARIC ACTION OF USING BIOLOGICAL WARFARE AND INTRODUCING OUR WORLD TO DISASTER.

>> IF RUSSIA DOES CROSS THAT UNTHINKABLE REDLINE WOULD YOU BE PREPARED TO SUPPORT THE BILL TO AUTHORIZE MILITARY ACTION?

>> LOOK, THIS IS NOT GOING WELL FOR VLADIMIR PUTIN AT ALL.

IN ANYWAY.

THIS WAR HAS BEEN A DISASTER.

AND THERE ARE DEFINITELY BEHIND THE SCENES NEGOTIATIONS, FOR SOME SORT OF RESOLUTION OF THIS.

HE THREATENS ALL KINDS OF THINGS INCLUDING UNFORTUNATELY, NUCLEAR WEAPONS.

YES, HE HAS HIS THUMB ON THE BUTTON.

BUT WE ARE HOPING THAT THOSE ABSOLUTELY HUGE WAR CRIMES ARE NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.

AND I AGREE WITH DANNY WE WOULD RATHER FIND AN EXIT RAMP WITH VLADIMIR PUTIN TO JUST STOP THE CARNAGE THAT WE'RE SEEING THERE.

AND YOU SAW THAT THE PRESIDENT WAS IN KYIV AND NOW NANCY PELOSS THERE WE'RE DOING EVERYTHING TO HELP.

THE PRESIDENT ASKED FOR $33 BILLION I'M SURE WE WILL BE WILLING TO GIVE THAT.

WE'RE MOVING ALONG.

BUT I DON'T WANT TO PREGUESS WHAT PUTIN IS DOING IN THE MEANTIME I'M HOPING THAT DIPLOMACY IS GOING TO CONVINCE HIM AS WELL AS HIS POOR PERFORMANCE.

>> A LOT ON DEPRESS' PLATE.

THANKS TO CONGRESSMAN DANNY DAVIS AND CONGRESSWOMAN JAN SCHAKOWSKY FOR JOINING US.

>> THANK YOU.

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

>> AND STILL TO COME ON "CHICAGO TONIGHT" IT'S BEEN DECADES SINCE CHICAGO HOSTED THE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION BUT TODAY THE CITY ANNOUNCES ITS BID FOR 2024.

WHY RICHARD IRVIN HAS A ROLE IN DETERMINING WHETHER SOME LOCAL CANDIDATES MAKE THE BALLOT.

APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN FOR THE CITY'S CASH ASSISTANCE PILOT AND WHAT THE LAUNCH COULD MEAN FOR FUTURE GUARANTEED INCOME PROGRAMS.

AUCTIONING OFF PIECES OF HOLLYWOOD HISTORY FROM THE "THE MATRIX" ONE OF THE FILMMAKERS CHICAGO'S LILLY WACHOWSKI.

FIRST, SOME OF TODAY'S TOP STORIES... >> MAYOR LIGHTFOOT IS DENYING REPORTS THAT SHE IS POISED TO CHOOSE BALLY'S BID FOR A CHICAGO CASINO.

MULTIPLE MEDIA OUTLETS REPORTED THAT THE MAYOR WAS ABOUT TO CHOOSE BALLY'S BUT THE MAYOR TOLD WTTW NEWS THE REPORTS ARE QUOTE SIMPLY NOT TRUE.

BALLY'S PROPOSAL WOULD PUT A TEMPORARY CASINO AT THE TRIBUNE PRINTING PLANT AND PLANS TO BUILD A 1.7 BILLION CASINO COMPLEX WITH A HOTEL AND OTHER ENTERTAINMENT ON THE SITE.

BALI HE IS ONE OF THREE BIDDING FOR THE CASINO LICENSE.

>> SOME 65 CHICAGO PUBLIC SCHOOL SENIORS ARE HONORED FOR PURSUING EDUCATION DEGREES WITH THE AIM OF RETURNING TO THE CITY TO TEACH.

THE SENIORS ARE ATTENDING CEREMONY AT THE CULTURAL CENTER.

THEY HAVE COMMITTED TO PARTICIPATE IN TEACH CHICAGO TOMORROW.

THE C.P.S.

INITIATIVE DESIGNED TO INCREASE THE DIVERSITY OF TEACHERS IN THE WORKFORCE.

C.P.S.

CURRENTLY HIRES ROUGHLY 140 DISTRICT GRADUATES AS TEACHERS BUT HOPES TO TRIPLE THAT NUMBER TO MORE THAN 500.

THE DISTRICT SAYS MOST OF THESE NEW HOMEGROWN TEACHERS WILL BE BLACK OR LATINO.

>> AND STUDENTS AT PLEASANTDALE MIDDLE SCHOOL ARE CELEBRATING TODAY.

THE FIFTH GRADE STUDENTS WERE STUDYING GEOLOGY WHEN THEY DISCOVERED ILLINOIS DID NOT HAVE A STATE ROCK AND WENT TO WORK.

THE STUDENTS CONDUCTED A SURVEY OF 1200 PEOPLE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN SANDSTONE, LIMESTONE AND DOLOSTONE.

DOLE PHONE MONEY AS DOLOMITE WAS THE WINNER.

THEY LOBBIED SPRINGFIELD MEMBERS TO PASS A BILL TO MAKE DOLOSTONE ILLINOIS' OFFICIAL STATE ROCK.

HE WAS SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR AND CELEBRATED AT THE SCHOOL TODAY.

>> 89-YEAR-OLD WILLIE NELSON WILL BE THE ACT OF THIS ILLINOIS' STATE FAIR.

SEEN HERE ON WTTW'S SOUND STAGE IN 2010 WILL BE PERFORMING WITH HIS FAMILY ON AUGUST 16TH.

IN 1985, NELSON COFOUNDED FARM AID TO RAISE AWARENESS AND MONEY FOR STRUGGLING FAMILY FARMS.

THE MANAGER DESCRIBED NELSON AS A TRUE CHAMPION FOR FARMERS.

TICKETS GO ON SALE SATURDAY.

>> AND AS WE MENTIONED, CHICAGO OFFICIALLY UNVEILED ITS PITCH TO HOST THE 2024 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION IN A FLASHY NEW VIDEO WITH THE HELP OF FAMILIAR FACES AND VOICES.

TAKE A LOOK.

>> FRESH, OPPRESSION WE'RE FIGHTING FOR EQUALITY WHY WE'RE KNOWN AS THE HEARTLAND OF DEMOCRACY.

♪MFNG [♪♪♪] >> BARACK OBAMA THERE IN GRANT PARK AFTER WINNING THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION AND RECOGNIZE THE VOICE THAT IS RAPPER AND CHICAGO NATIVE COMMON.

WTTW NEWS REPORTER HEATHER CHERONE JOINS US WITH MORE.

THAT IS A VERY FLASHY VIDEO THERE.

DOES THE CITY MAKE A STRONG CASE TO HOST THE DNC IN 2024?

>> WELL IT IS A COUPLE MINUTES OF AN ADVERTISEMENT FOR CHICAGO IN THE SUMMER.

COMPLETE WITH LANDMARKS AND SUNSHINE AND ALL OF THE FAMOUS CHICAGOANS.

AND IT MAKES A POLITICAL CASE THAT CHICAGO IS BEST EQUIPPED TO MAKE THE CASE FOR THE DEMOCRATS IN 2024 AS REALLY AN ISLAND OF CIVIL RIGHTS, BLACK LIVES MATTER AND GAY RIGHTS.

AND THAT IS AN EXPLICITLY POLITICAL ARGUMENT THAT IS UNUSUAL FOR THESE VIDEOS.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO HOSTING THE EVENT IN CHICAGO?

>> GOVERNOR J.B. PRITZKER SAYS IT WILL INFUSE $150 MILLION INTO THE STATE ECONOMY.

AND THAT WILL BE MUCH-NEEDED BY CHICAGO'S HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM INDUSTRIES.

AND THE HOTEL INDUSTRY STILL HAS YET TO RECOVER FROM THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

SO THERE IS A LOT OF DESIRE TO WIN THIS CONVENTION.

>> AND OF COURSE THE CITY HAS HOSTED TWICE BEFORE IN 1996, AND 1968.

REMIND US WHAT THOSE WERE LIKE?

>> THE 1968 CONVENTION IS BEST REMEMBERED FOR THE POLICE RIOTS THAT ERUPTED IN DOWNTOWN CHICAGO.

AND THE 1996 CONVENTION WAS EXPLICITLY MARKETED BY RICHARD M. DALEY TO EXERCISE THE GOATS.

THE CONVENTION SUPER CHARGED THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE WEST LOOP HOME TO FANCY RESTAURANTS AND CONDOS AND MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT IS CERTAINLY HOPING A 2024 CONVENTION COULD BRING THAT REDEVELOPMENT TO PARTS OF THE CITY THAT ARE STILL STRUGGLING.

>> A LOT AT STAKE FOR THE CITY AND THE STATE.

HEATHER CHERONE THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> THANKS, BRANDIS.

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

>> PARIS, BACK TO YOU.

>> THANKS.

AURORA MAYOR AND REPRESENT GUBERNATORIAL HOPEFUL RICHARD IRVIN BACKED A SUCCESSFUL EFFORT TO SHUTDOWN A LOCAL ELECTION COMMISSION A MOVE THAT GIVES HIM MORE POWER CONCERNING WHETHER OR NOT CANDIDATES CAN STAY ON CITY BALLOTS.

NICK BLUMBERG JOINS US NOW.

WHY DID OPPONENTS LIKE RICH RIP WANT IT SHUTDOWN?

>> THE AURORA ELECTION COMMISSION HAD A SIMILAR FUNCTION TO THE CHICAGO BOARD OF ELECTIONS, REGISTERING VOTERS AND RULING ON CHALLENGES, ADMINISTERING ELECTIONS.

SUPPORTERS SAID SINCE THE CITY SITS IN MULTIPLE COUNTIES IT WAS EFFICIENT TO HAVE A CENTRALIZED BODY TO HANDLE ELECTIONS.

OPPONENTS SAYS COULD HANDLE THE ELECTIONS AND WAS A FINANCIAL DRAIN.

OPPONENTS TRIED MULTIPLE TIMES TO GET THE COMMISSION SHUTDOWN.

IN 2018 THEY GOT A REFERENDUM TO DO THAT AND THAT REFERENDUM PASSED BY MORE THAN 1400 VOTES.

NOW, IN A STATEMENT ABOUT WHY HE THOUGHT THE COMMISSION SHOULD BE ELIMINATED IRVIN'S CAMPAIGN SPOKESPERSON TOLD US MAYOR IRVIN IS PROUD OF HIS STRONG RECORD IN CUTTING WASTEFUL SPENDING AND ELIMINATING UNITS OF GOVERNMENT, HE WILL BRING RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP TO THE STATE BY FIGHTING TO REDUCE WASTEFUL SPENDING AND PUT MORE MONEY IN THE POCKETBOOKS OF ILLINOIS FAMILIES.

>> IRVIN HAS A ROLE IN OVERSEEING THE BALLOTS.

>> WITH THE COMMISSION GONE STATE LAW OUTLINES THE LOCAL OFFICIALS WHO OVERSEE BALLOT CHALLENGES FOR MUNICIPALITY CANDIDATES.

IN THE CASE OF AURORA IT'S IRVIN, THE CITY CLERK HE APPOINTS AND THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE ARAUR ACITY COUNCIL.

LAST YEAR IRVIN AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BOARD RULED THAT AN ALDERMANIC CANDIDATE COULD REMAIN ON THE BALLOT AMID CHALLENGES THAT HE HAD NOT LIVED IN AURORA LONG ENOUGH AND THERE WERE IRREGULARITIES WITH THE PETITIONS.

IRVIN AND WAR MAN ARE FRIENDS AN ATTORNEY SAID THAT IRVIN DID NOT NEED TO RECUSE HIMSELF.

HE LATER TRANSFERRED MONEY FROM HIS CAMPAIGN TO WARMAN WHO WAS ELECTED.

THE SYSTEM WHERE OFFICIALS DETERMINE BALLOT ELIGIBILITY IS A FUNCTION OF STATE ELECTION LAW AND USED IN OTHER CITIES AND TOWNS AROUND THE STATE BUT ADVOCATES FOR ELECTION LAW REFORM SAY IT'S RIFE WITH POTENTIAL CONFLICTINGS OF INTEREST.

>> THE PEOPLE ON THE ELECTORAL BOARDS AND DECIDING WHO GETS TO STAY ON THE BALLOT WHEN THE PETITION CHALLENGES COME TO THEM THEY HAVE A DIRECT STAKE WHO WINS THESE ELECTIONS AND THEREFORE WHO GETS TO BE ON THE BALLOT.

IT IS AN INHERENT CONFLICT OF INTEREST.

THERE'S GOING TO BE BIASED TOWARDS THEIR FRIENDS AND ALLIES WHO MAY WELL BE INCUMBENTS.

AND THEY ARE GOING TO BE LESS DISPOSED TO JUDGE FAVORABLY CHALLENGERS OR PEOPLE THAT DON'T THINK WILL VOTE FOR THEM IF THEY MANAGE TO GET ELECTED INTO OFFICE.

>> NICK, THERE WAS A CAMPAIGN THAT TOOK PLACE TO ELIMINATE THIS ELECTION COMMISSION AND YOU FOUND SIMILAR CAMPAIGN DONORS THAT WE'VE SEEN IN OUR PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS INTO IRVIN.

>> THAT IS RIGHT.

IRVIN'S MAYORAL CAMPAIGN FUND CONTRIBUTED $2500 TOWARD THAT EFFORT TO SHUT THE COMMISSION DOWN AND OTHER FINANCIAL BACKERS INCLUDE MANY PEOPLE IN THE BUSINESSES THAT WE HAVE BEEN REPORTING ON THAT GOT CITY DEALS AND BACKED IRVIN AND CAMPAIGN FUNDS TIED TO HIM.

WE HAVE THE DETAILS ABOUT THAT WEB OF CAMPAIGN MONEY ON OUR WEBSITE AND MORE ABOUT CHARGES OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND IMPROPER USE AS CITY FUNDS AS PART OF EFFORT TO SHUTDOWN ELECTION COMMISSION.

>> NICK BLUMBERG THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> THANK YOU.

>> UP NEXT A LOOK AT THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF THE CITY'S CASH ASSISTANCE PILOT PROGRAM.

PLEASE STAY WITH US.

>> APPLICATIONS FOR CHICAGO'S CASH ASSISTANCE PILOT PROGRAM ARE NOW OPEN.

ELIGIBLE ' KANTDS WILL BE ENTERED INTO A LOTTERY TO DETERMINE WHO GETS $500 A MONTH FOR ONE YEAR.

ULTIMATELY 5,000 HOUSEHOLDS WILL RECEIVE CHECKS IN ONE OF THE LARGEST TESTS OF GUARANTEED INCOME IN THE COUNTRY.

JOINING US HA RISH PATEL, NICOLE ROBINSON, C.E.O.

OF YMCA LEADING OUTREACH EFFORTS FOR THE PILOT AND RICHARD WALLACE FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF EQUITY AND TRANSFORMATION ON THE CITY'S ADVISORY GROUP.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

MORE THAN 100,000 APPLICATIONS IN PROCESS.

ARE YOU SURPRISED BY THAT AMOUNT?

>> I'M NOT SURPRISED.

BECAUSE WE KNOW THAT NEED IS VERY HIGH.

I'M HEARTENED TO FIND OUT THAT THE APPLICATION IS SIMPLE ENOUGH THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE APPLIED.

AND WERE ABLE TO FINISH THE APPLICATION.

THAT THE CITY INVESTED IN OUTREACH.

OF THAT IS ALL GREAT AND DISHEARTENING TO KNOW THAT SO MANY OF OUR NEIGHBORS NEED CASH SUPPORT RIGHT NOW, BOTH BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC AND ALSO FOR THE HISTORICALLY FOR YEARS WE HAVE NEGLECTED SOME OF OUR NEIGHBORS.

>> NICOLE, THE YWCA YOU HAVE BEEN LEADING OUTREACH EFFORTS WITH DOZENS OF ORGANIZATIONS, WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING TO GET THE WORD OUT?

>> WE'VE BEEN DOING EVERYTHING, BRANDIS.

WE'VE PUT TOGETHER SETS OF MARKETING MATERIALS TO SPREAD THE WORD IN COMMUNITY.

AND PARTNERS ARE STANDING SHOULDER TO SHOULDER TO THE YWCA TO GET THE WORD OUT.

FLYERS ARE BEING HANDED OUT INTO THE COMMUNITY.

ORGANIZATIONS ARE SENDING E-MAIL BLASTS.

WE ARE HAVING VIRTUAL ASSISTANCE WHERE PEOPLE CAN RESIDENTS CAN HEAR AND LEARN ABOUT THE PROGRAM AND LEARN HOW TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION.

WE ARE HAVING IN-PERSON EVENTS WHERE PEOPLE CAN LEARN ABOUT WHAT THEIR OPTIONS ARE AND AGAIN IT'S FOR EVERYONE.

SO CAREGIVERS, PARENTS, UNDOCUMENTED, THERE IS ASSISTANCE IN SIX DIFFERENT LANGUAGES WE'RE MEETING PEOPLE WHERE THEY ARE SO THAT FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO APPLY, THERE IS A SOLUTION TO HELP THEM.

WE ARE AT LIBRARIES, THE DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES HAS BEEN GREAT THEY'VE OPENED ALL THEIR COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTERS.

THESE ARE ALL PLACES WHERE RESIDENTS CAN WALK IN AND SOMEONE CAN GIVE THEM COUNSEL AND ADVICE HOW TO APPLY.

THE APPLICATION TAKES 15-20 MINUTES.

SO IT'S DOABLE.

THEY CAN START IT IF THEY DON'T FINISH THEY CAN COME BACK TO IT.

AND THERE'S SOMEONE TO HELP.

HA RISH IS SPOT ON WE ARE MAKING IT EASY AND OUTREACH IS WORKING WITH 100,000 PEOPLE IN THE Q.

>> AND TO THAT LAST POINT YOU MADE IF YOU DON'T FINISH THE APPLICATION YOU CAN COME BACK.

WE KNOW 100,000 APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN STARTED NOT NECESSARILY COMPLETED AND SUBMITTED.

THE NONPROFIT GIVE DIRECTLY WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR DESIGNING THE APPLICATION AND ADMINISTERING THE PROCESS.

WE SPOKE WITH GIBB ABOUT THAT PROCESS.

>> ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WE CHALLENGING WAS HOW DO YOU CREATE A APPLICATION THAT IS ACCESSIBLE AND ESPECIALLY FOR POPULATIONS THAT ARE NOT SUPER TERVEG LITERAL -- LITERATE THAT MAYBE HOUSING UNSTABLE AND MAY NOT HAVE CONSISTENT ACCESS TO PHONES OR COMPUTERS.

WHAT WE HAVE BUILT IS AN APPLICATION THAT CAN BE DONE BY AN INDIVIDUAL BY THEMSELVES, REALLY SIMPLE IT TAKES 20 MINUTES TO FILL OUT AND IT CAN BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE ASSISTED MODEL.

>> RICHARD SOME OF YOUR ORGANIZATIONS' MEMBERS WERE INVOLVED IN TESTING THIS INITIAL APPLICATION.

WHAT IS THE FEEDBACK BEEN?

>> YES, I MEAN WHAT WE KNEW INITIALLY IS THAT ACCESSIBILITY AND ELIGIBILITY WERE OFTEN BARRIERS.

ONE OF OUR ORGANIZERS WERE ABLE TO GET MEMBERS TO TEST OUT THE APPLICATION.

AND THEY SAID THAT IT WAS ACCESSIBLE.

AND THEY SAID THEY WERE ELIGIBLE.

AND SO FOR ME THAT WAS THE KEY FOR ME TO BE LIKE OK WE'RE GOING TO CONTINUE TO PROMOTE THIS AND POST IT UP ON INSTAGRAMS AND SOCIALS AND SEND OUT NEWSLETTERS AND GET AS MANY FOLKS THAT FOLKS WHO DID NOT MEET THE CRITERIA FOR OUR CHICAGO TEACHER FUND TO APPLY FOR THIS GUARANTEED INCOME PILOT.

>> AND RICHARD WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT TO INSURE THAT THE APPLICATION IS ACCESSIBLE AND EASY TO UNDERSTAND?

>> I THINK WE'VE LEARNED A LOT THROUGH THE BEGINNING OF THE PANDEMIC.

I REMEMBER WHEN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS OF CHECKS WERE LEFT DURING THE CARES ACT BECAUSE PEOPLE DID NOT HAVE ACCESS TO T WE LEARNED A LOT DURING THE PANDEMIC AND PEOPLE GETTING ACCESS TO TESTING OR ACCESS TO VACCINATIONS BECAUSE THERE WAS INEQUITIES IN THE CITY THAT SURFACED DURING THE P.M. THAT PROVED TO US IT WAS IMPORTANT TO INSURE THAT OUR FOLKS HAD EASE OF ACCESS, TO THE THINGS THEY NEED IN ORDER TO SURVIVE.

SO FOR, I THINK, MOST OF THOSE LEARNINGS THAT CAME ACROSS THE PAST TWO YEARS WERE ALL APPLIED IN FASHION FOR THIS PROJECT.

>> WHAT ARE THE OUTCOMES THE CITY MIGHT BE LOOKING AT TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT THIS PILOT CAN BE EXTENDED OR MADE PERMANENT?

>> I THINK WHAT WE KNOW IS THAT CITIES ALREADY HEARD FROM 100,000 PEOPLE OUR NEIGHBORS PEOPLE WHO PAY TAXES.

PEOPLE WHO VOTE.

SO I KNOW THAT THE CITY ALREADY GOT A STRONG RESPONSE FOR 5,000 SLOTS THEY HAVE 100,000 PEOPLE WHO HAVE APPLIED THAT IS 95,000 FOLKS WHO GET AN ALTERNATIVE TO GETTING DIRECT CASH.

THAT IS ONE MESSAGE.

AND SECOND IS I THINK THAT THEY ARE GOING TO FIND THE VALUATION PARTNERS WITH THE CHICAGO AND THE ECONOMY LAB THAT IS DOING THE STUDY AND THAT STUDY IS GOING TO SHOW THAT WHEN YOU MAKE THINGS SIMPLE AND EASY AND EMPOWER PEOPLE AND LET THEM DECIDE WHAT TO DO WITH THIS MONEY, HOW THEY WANT TO HELP THEIR FAMILY THAT THAT ACTUALLY IS THE MOST EMPOWERING IN THE SIMPLEST WAY TO HELP OUR NEIGHBORS.

WHEN THAT HAPPENS WE WILL SEE CHANGES IN ALL THE DEPARTMENTS WHO PROVIDE SERVICES IN THE CITY AND WE ARE GOING TO SEE SOME SORT OF PERMANENT CASH PILOTS.

THERE'S 100 PILOTS LIKE THIS IN THE NATION.

I THINK CHICAGO BEING ONE OF THE BIGGEST WILL HAVE SUCH A CENTRAL PART TO SHARE THE RESULTS.

>> NICOLE WHAT KIND OF IMPACT CAN $500 A MONTH HAVE ON FAMILIES WHO DO GET INTO THE LOTTERY?

>> A HUGE IMPACT, BRANDIS.

WHEN I THINK ABOUT IT, THIS DECISIONS ABOUT CARAY PAIRS, HEALTH INSURANCE COPAYS, SCHOOL FEES, EXTRA FOOD.

THERE'S SO MANY THINGS THAT A FAMILY NEEDS THAT EVEN WITH OTHER PROGRAMS THAT EXIST TODAY THEY DON'T COVER THE FULL COST.

THEY DON'T COVER THE UNEXPECTED UNPLANNED FOR EXPENSE THAT A FAMILY MIGHT HAVE.

THE OTHER THING, I SAY AROUND THE IMPACT IS PARALLEL PROGRAM DURING THE PANDEMIC THE CHILD TAX CREDIT WAS EXPANDED AND THERE WAS A REPORT RELEASED EARLIER THIS MONTH BY THE BROOKINGS INSTITUTE WHERE 70% OF FAMILIES THAT RECEIVED $300 A MONTH ON THIS PROGRAM THEY DID JUST THAT THEY SPENT IT ON THINGS TO SUPPORT THAT FAMILY, TO EXTEND THE WELL-BEING OF THE FAMILY.

TO REDUCE THE STRESS.

THE WHOLE CITY OUR COUNTRY IS HANGING ON A STRING AS A RESULT OF THIS PANDEMIC.

AND THE IDEA OF NOT WORRYING EVERYDAY HOW TO MAKE RENT, HOW TO PAY UTILITIES, HOW TO DO ALL THOSE THINGS.

THAT IS GOING TO GIVE FAMILIES RELIEF.

AND THE DATA FROM OTHER PROGRAMS LIKE THE CHILD TAX CREDIT SHOWS THAT FAMILIES WE CAN TRUST THEM THEY KNOW WHAT TO DO.

>> FOR THE FAMILIES THAT RECEIVE T RICHARD 30 SECONDS LEFT DO YOU THINK AMERICA ARE WE CHANGING THE WAY WE FEEL ABOUT PROGRAMS LIKE THIS ABOUT GUARANTEED INCOME PROGRAMS SINCE THERE ARE 100 OF THEM IN PROCESS ACROSS THE COUNTRY?

>> YEAH, I BELIEVE IT IS A MAJOR SHIFT.

AND SHOUT-OUT TO THE FOLKS LIKE THE NATIONAL WELFARE RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS THAT WERE FIGHTING FOR THIS AND TO SEE IT HAPPEN 70 YEARS LATER, 60 YEARS LATER, IT IS A VERY HUGE LEAP FOR OUR CITY.

I THINK 4 OR DEMOCRACY AS WELL.

AND THROUGH THE PILOTS YOU WILL GENERATE A BASE OF FOLKS WHO CAN TURNOUT AND BEGIN TO ADVOCATE AT THE VOTING BOOTH AROUND HOW THEY WANT TO SEE THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS AND THE STATE TO SHOW UP IN THEIR LIVES.

>> THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

>> THANK YOU.

>> THANK YOU.

>> BACK WITH MORE "CHICAGO TONIGHT" RIGHT AFTER THIS... >> HOLLYWOOD HISTORY HITS THE AUCTION BLOCK IN CHICAGO.

THE FOUR MATRIX FILMS SET STANDARDS FOR MOVIE MAKING AND ARTIFACTS ARE UP FORBID.

THE FILMMAKERS GREW UP IN THE BEVERLY NEIGHBORHOOD AND CALL CHICAGO HOME.

MARC VITALI SPOKE WITH ARTIST AND FILMMAKER LILLY WACHOWSKI ABOUT AN AUCTION WITH A CAUSE.

>> REMEMBER... ALL I'M OFFERING IS THE TRUTH, NOTHING MORE.

>> THE TRUTH IS THE FAMOUS RED AND BLUE PILLS ARE NOT UP FOR AUCTION BUT THERE ARE PROPS AND MODELS FROM ALL FOUR MATRIX MOVIES.

PLUS ITEMS FROM FILMS BY THE FAMILY INCLUDING V FOR VENDETTA AND CLOUD ATLAS THE FILM WITH TOM HANKS AND HALLE BERRY.

AND BOOTS FROM JUPITER ASCENDING.

THERE IS STUFF THEY HAVE ACCUMULATED IN NEARLY 30 YEARS OF FILMMAKING.

>> IT'S EVEN JUST PERSONAL STUFF STUFF WE'VE COLLECTED.

GIFTS TO US.

FROM FANS AND YOU KNOW, CELEBRITY TYPES.

SO, YEAH, IT'S WE'RE JUST CLEARINGHOUSE.

>> THEY'VE HELD ON TO A FEW ITEMS.

>> YEAH, I STILL HAVE A FEW THINGS THAT ARE COOL.

I HAVE ONE OF THE RED CHAIRS FROM THE MATRIX MOVIE.

I HAVE ONE OF THOSE.

>> FREE YOUR MIND.

>> LLAMA IS LILLEY'S SISTER KNOWN AS THE BROTHERS THEY HAVE COME OUT AS A TRANSGENDER WOMAN.

THEIR CLEARINGHOUSE AUCTION INCLUDING FUTURISTIC WEAPONS AND MORE TRADITION ONES WILL BENEFIT THE TRANSYOUTH FUND LAUNCHED BY POP STAR ARIANNA GRANDE.

>> IT IS A FUND THAT BENEFITS MULTIPLE ORGANIZATIONS AND PARTICULARLY IN STATES THAT ARE TARGETING TRANSPEOPLE IN THEIR LEGISLATURE.

WE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO DO THIS.

WE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO HAVE FUNDRAISERS TO PROTECT TRANSPEOPLE.

WE'RE GOING TO STAND UP FOR EACH OTHER.

IT'S JUST A MATTER IF YOU KNOW, OUR ALLIES AND PEOPLE ARE GOING TO STAND UP FOR US, TOO.

>> THEY ARE WORKING WITH THE CHICAGO AUCTION HOUSE THAT SPECIALIZES IN MAGIC.

THIS TIME THEY ARE DEALING WITH MOVIE MAGIC INCLUDING SCALE MODELS USED BY THE SPECIAL EFFECTS CREW.

>> BEHIND YOU YOU HAVE ONE OF THE SENT NILS FROM THE "THE MATRIX" TO SHOW THE PEOPLE MAKING THE FILM WHAT WE WANT TO SEE ON SCREEN.

THE THINGS THAT ARE ESSENTIAL TO CREATING THAT MOVIE MAGIC.

>> THE LIGHTNING RIFLE IS USED IN ONE OF THE KEY SCENES IN THE HERO PROP SO THIS IS THE ONE YOU SEE UP CLOSE IN THE FILM.

AND IS WIELDED BY ONE OF THE MAIN CHARACTERS IN THE FILM.

>> AND THOUGH THEY'VE MADE MOVIES ALL OVER THE WORLD, THEY REMAIN DEDICATED TO THEIR HOMETOWN.

>> I'VE ALWAYS CALLED CHICAGO HOME AND ALWAYS HAD A RESIDENCE HERE.

THERE WAS SOMETHING THAT WAS REALLY GROUNDING AND INSULATING ABOUT THAT SPACE BETWEEN LA AND CHICAGO.

AND I THINK IT ALLOWED ME AND MY SISTER TO I DON'T KNOW, MAKE BETTER ART.

>> NOW, PIECES OF THEIR CREATIVITY WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR FANS TO BID ON.

>> I LOVE THE IDEA THAT ME AND LANNA ARE ABLE TO PUSH THESE AT TOMORROWS OUT INTO THE ATOMS OUT INTO THE WORLD FOR SOMEONE TO CHERISH.

THEY ARE NOT DOING MUCH GOOD TO US EXCEPT FOR YOU KNOW, FEEDING OUR EGO WHICH IS, WE CAN DO WITHOUT.

>> FOR "CHICAGO TONIGHT" THIS IS MARC VITALI.

>> THE AUCTION IS CALLED ENTER "THE MATRIX".

IT'S SCHEDULED FOR 10:00 A.M. THURSDAY MAY 12 AT POTTER AND POTTER AUCTIONS IN CHICAGO.

MORE ON OUR WEBSITE.

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

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

STAY CONNECTED BY SIGN UP FOR YOUR DAILY BRIEFING.

AND YOU CAN GET "CHICAGO TONIGHT" STREAMED ON FACEBOOK, YouTube AND OUR WEBSITE, WTTW.COM/NEWS.

>> AND YOU CAN ALSO GET THE SHOW VIA PODCAST AND THE PBS VIDEO APP.

AND PLEASE JOIN US TOMORROW NIGHT LIVE AT 7:00 P.M. >> NOR ALL OF US HERE AT "CHICAGO TONIGHT" I'M BRANDIS FRIEDMAN.

>> I'M PARIS SCHUTZ.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.

STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE AND HAVE A GREAT EVENING.

[♪♪♪]