We asked if you think higher property taxes are warranted for Chicago Public Schools - and you told us!  We have some of your thoughts in tonight's Viewer Mail.

Is it a broken promise or a "tough choice?" Mayor Rahm Emanuel defends a possible $150 million property tax hike to help close the Chicago Public Schools' budget gap. Eddie Arruza reports on what the Mayor had to say.

The 2009 death of political insider Michael Scott remains a mystery to some, even though it was quickly ruled a suicide. We talk to the author of a Chicago Magazine article that sheds new light on what actually may have happened that night.

Gov. Pat Quinn whacks an additional $376 million from the state's budget, signing it hours before the deadline. Eddie Arruza and his panel examine whether the cuts to Medicaid and school spending are enough to help ease Illinois' fiscal crisis.

In Chicago and northeastern Illinois, ash trees are everywhere. And wherever there are ash trees, there's a good chance there are emerald ash borers (EAB). Despite their green color, these beetles are not good for the environment. They are, in fact, responsible for the destruction of the ash trees that comprise an estimated 20 percent of Chicago’s street trees. The EAB is native to Asia, but in June 2002, EABs were spotted in Michigan, their first appearance in the U.S. Six years later, an EAB infestation was confirmed at 29th and State Street in Chicago. Since then, the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDA) has issued an eight-mile quarantine around areas with known EABs.

This week on Chicago Tonight: The Week in Review, newly released 911 tapes add even more controversy to the Memorial Day beach closings. The city's war on gangs nets 120 arrests as the top cop, Garry McCarthy, has vowed to "obliterate" them. The new school board approves hefty executive pay hikes as salary-slashed teachers protest, and CPS CEO Jean-Claude Brizard suggests teachers visit students' homes. An old court order from the Council Wars protects Ald. Ed Burke's controversial 24-7 police detail. ComEd is still reeling from the storm blackouts.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Public Schools CEO Jean-Claude Brizard want teachers to spend more time in the classroom -- but not to get scheduled 4 percent raises. Paris Schutz has the story.

Hundreds of teachers and union members took to the streets this morning to protest the Chicago Board of Education's decision to rescind a contractual pay raise for teachers. Ash-har Quraishi tells us what happened inside the school board meeting that followed. Collective bargaining agreement: See pg 117, item 47-2.2 for pay raise clause

A new form of DNA may help treat cancer, new understandings about ancient civilizations, and the important role of happiness in health. Chicago Tonight's science guy Neil Shubin talks about those stories, and his own upcoming research in the Arctic.

It took 90 years and 88 scholars at the University of Chicago to complete work on what is known as the Assyrian Dictionary. Ash-har Quraishi takes a look at the project and its historical significance. More on the Story: Web article & photo gallery The Oriental Institute: Assyrian Dictionary project

We hear what you had to say about recent stories when we read some of our viewer mail. Send Chicago Tonight your comments

It was the first, and yet, monumental day for the new Chicago Public School Board. Facing a mounting deficit, the group voted to rescind a 4 percent raise for teacher salaries. School Board President David Vitale talks to Carol Marin about the decision.

The move to rescind teacher pay raises has garnered praise from Mayor Emanuel, while drawing the ire of the Chicago Teachers Union. CTU President Karen Lewis is here to give her perspective on the issue. Chicago Teachers Union website

Season's Readings! Our panel of book lovers recommends their best bets for great summer reads. More on the Story: Guest bios and book recommendations Jessa Crispin's website More on Miguel Figueroa More on Al Gini

We hear from Michael Hogan about rising tuition, budget issues and his first year as president of the University of Illinois. Should U of I be given more resources from the state? Michael Hogan's bio

Gov. Pat Quinn signs a landmark education bill. We talk to the bill's sponsor about the changes that pave the way for longer school days and why it's harder for teachers to strike. More on the Story: Breakdown of school reforms & teacher reaction Do you think the bill will improve education in Illinois?