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Blues Legend B.B. King Dies at 89

The King of Blues, B.B. King, died Thursday at the age of 89 at his home in Las Vegas, according to a message posted to his official website. Earlier this month, the legendary guitarist wrote he was receiving hospice care at his residence.

Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review: 5/15

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss Moody’s downgrading of Chicago’s credit, the Obama Library coming to town, and more in this edition of Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review.

Web Extra: The Week in Review: 5/15

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists continue the conversation by discussing media access to Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Gov. Bruce Rauner.  

Weekend Events Around Town: 5/15-5/17

Meet the newest inhabitants at the Shedd Aquriuam; kick off the street festival season; and enjoy a glass of wine while you stroll. Chicago Tonight has your weekend picks.

Rauner Questions Constitutionality of Pension Proposals

For the first time, Gov. Bruce Rauner discussed his concerns over the constitutionality of his and Senate President John Cullerton’s pension proposals. The governor also spoke about taking several of his turnaround agenda items “off the table,” but he wouldn’t say what those items were.

Moody’s Issues a Warning Against Illinois

Moody’s Investors Service has issued a “credit negative” warning against the state in light of last Friday’s State Supreme Court ruling rejecting changes to public pensions. It’s a somewhat tepid response to the ruling, relative to the double ratings drop Moody’s applied to city of Chicago’s credit, resulting in junk bond status. In today’s report, Moody’s says the reforms could have reduced the unfunded pension liability by about $21 billion. 

Spike Lee on “Chiraq”

Film director Spike Lee is giving few clues into the approach he'll take with his controversially titled Chiraq. But at a press conference this morning outside St. Sabina Church on the South Side, Lee did say “Chicago will survive” his take on the city’s violence that has made international headlines. We hear from the controversial director and some victims’ relatives about their support for Lee’s film which is currently in preproduction in Chicago.

By the Numbers

Chicago magazine digs further into the Chicago Police Department’s homicide numbers a year after the magazine came out with two explosive reports by David Bernstein and Noah Isackson. The reporters detailed a number of incidents in which crimes were reclassified in order to fit the narrative that crime overall was falling in the city. A year later, the duo reports that CPD continues to undercount the city’s murders in New Tricks.

Municipal Bankruptcy in Illinois

Should Chicago declare bankruptcy as its financial challenges grow in light of its credit downgrade to junk status by Moody’s Investors Service? We talk to a panel of experts about whether Mayor Rahm Emanuel should consider the move and what it would mean for city. 

Valerie Jarrett on the Obama Presidential Library

President Obama's senior advisor Valerie Jarrett sounds off on what it took for Chicago to land the Obama Presidential Library and Foundation. Paris Schutz has the details. 

Jewelry Exhibition Crowns Historic Mansion

We revisit our story about the Driehaus Museum’s show, Maker & Muse, which takes an extensive look at art jewelry of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Amphibians Invade The Shedd Aquarium

A new special exhibit opens on Saturday with 40 species of amphibians. We talk with the Shedd Aquarium's Special Exhibits manager about the "ribbiting experience."

Viewer Feedback: 5/14

We share what you had to say about Paris Schutz’s chat with Mayor Rahm Emanuel and our segment on guitar crafters at Lakland Bass when we read some of our viewer feedback.

Moody's Downgrades Chicago Schools and Parks

Moody’s Investors Service has downgraded the credit ratings of both Chicago’s schools and parks, one day after its downgrade of the city’s debt to junk status.