Voters panic that they're about to do something stupid; the limited usefulness of mayoral "debates"; and how election campaigns resemble persistent citizen movements. Length 7 minutes.

How the investor-funded scheme demands that some kids not attend pre-K; fine-tuning delivery vs. assessing the value of pre-K; social impact bonds as the finance industry's instrument du jour. Length 5.2 minutes.

The justification for staying in school when you don't learn much; student testing as a result of the administration's obsession with metrics; and how candidates decide whether to challenge their opponents' nominating petitions. Length 5.9 minutes.

How citizens can control their government's risky financing schemes; choosing non-finance professionals to monitor government finance; and school-program funding becomes dependent on test scores. Length 5.4 minutes.

What actions Gov. Rauner might take that affect Chicago; how Rauner might grow the number of charter schools; and lax legislative oversight of school financialization schemes. Length 6.3 minutes.

The inconsistent outrage of the reform-minded against Todd Stroger; the Sun-Times Rauner endorsement and McKinney resignation as a low moment in Chicago journalism; and supporting an elected school board while opposing the election of judges. Length 5.6 minutes.

The merits of acting as the mayor's rubber stamp; one of the phoniest budget-saving devices in recent time; and parents who vote for Rahm having delusional issues. Length 5.9 minutes.

How the city decided which part of the school janitor workforce to privatize; the politics of SEIU union locals; and speculating on which city services Mayor Emanuel wouldn't privatize. Length 5.6 minutes.

How CPS's desire to maintain segregation might've kept at least one school open; Chicagoans--and especially preservationists--more reluctant than ever to speak on the record; and the false assumption about young creative types. Length 4.6 minutes.

Demographic shifts on the Southeast Side; what qualifies someone to hold the mayor's office; and "strong mayor" as code for "white mayor". Length 5.2 minutes.