What, exactly, CivicLab will reveal about tax-increment financing districts; why the printed Cook County property tax bill doesn't include tax info available on the county's Web site; and how tax-increment financing raises your taxes even if you don't live in a TIF district. Length 9.3 minutes.

New lows in veracity in the age of Rahm; adding transit and restricting cars as part of private land development; and the difference between Prentice Hospital and Wolf Point. Length 17.8 minutes.

What happened to the Emanuel administration's attempt to cut a deal with Ald. Sawyer; the neighborhoods in which the mayor feels most wary of political opposition; and how we teach critical thinking about democracy. Length 12.1 minutes.

Where United's return of taxpayer subsidy will go; the story behind the $34 million TIF "return" of 2011; and Mayor Harold Washington, the father of Chicago TIF. Length 11.9 minutes.

What happens when black aldermen's constituents rebel; possible effects of the city council holding hearings on privatization deals; and the best strategy for the water-billing workers' union. Length 15.3 minutes.

Mayor Daley's legacy of public budget meetings carried on by progressive aldermen; how and why ward remapping disposes of certain aldermen; and why aldermen should vote against the mayor's proposed 2013 budget, and who might. Length 15.8 minutes.

The expectation that kindergarten will teach students to read; why Illinois didn't receive federal Race to the Top funds; and Diane Ravitch's historical perspective of school performance. Length 14.5 minutes.

Jesse White's staggering miscalculations around legislative appointments; how poorly the West Side's political leaders serve it; and comparing Rep. Smith to former Gov. Blagojevich. Length 14.9 minutes.

Standardized testing as a barometer of what a student needs to know; whether unionization factors into student performance; and whether teacher tenure actually exists. Length 11.1 minutes.

The mistake of separating teachers from the union representing them; the Chicago Teachers Union ripe for criticism; and how the board of education has broken contractual agreements. Length 13.5 minutes.