Inside Chicago Government

The validity--and relevance--of the DePaul/Marriott TIF subsidy origin story; prudent life spans for TIF districts; and the questionable benefits of having financial markets in Chicago. Length 5.8 minutes.

Whether Daley or Emanuel should bear greater blame for the city's financial mess; possible collusion between bond raters, investors, and city officials; and Chicago's best sources of new revenues. Length 5.9 minutes.

Examining the "more choice" argument for charter schools; charter schools deployed in poor neighborhoods till the gentry arrive; and whether teachers and principals self-censor, or would actually get hurt by speaking out. Length 5.8 minutes.

Why some candidates got support from both the Rahm-aligned PAC and Rahm-opposing unions; how the appointment of council committee chairs molds the rubber stamp; and the three elected aldermen most likely to resist the dark side. Length 5.6 minutes.

The heart of Chicago public schools' problem; what proponents of school closings have missed; and Rahm's non-stop political campaign. Length 6 minutes.

When the stampede for Rahm began; comparing de Blasio's first year in office to Emanuel's latest year; and the most pathetic contingent of voters in Chicago. Length 5.9 minutes.

Ald. Fioretti's real motivation for endorsing Rahm Emanuel; the validity of the "no plan" criticism of Chuy Garcia; and whether voters deserve the "lemming" label. Length 5.9 minutes.

What recourse citizens have when government won't release info; what police surveillance was actually looking for; and the "many sources" approach to requesting government records. Length 5.3 minutes.

How Mayor Emanuel's perceived financial gravitas might not work in a second term; why Emanuel has targeted some unions and not others; and whether candidates can have a serious budget discussion while ignoring tax-increment financing. Length 5.7 minutes.

Why the mayor opted to exert his personality in candidate forums but not in ads; Rahm's attributes that Obama decided he didn't need after all; and what Obama wants for Chicago. Length 5.8 minutes.