Inside Chicago Government

Dave and Ben discuss their co-written article on the secret "do not hire" classification of layed-off Chicago public school teachers. Length 10.1 minutes.

Why Ben's not afraid of mayoral retribution; which candidate has the most similarity to Daley; and when Ben will write about the Daley legacy. Length 9 minutes.

Why the Chicago Public Schools administration would authorize a contract violation; how charter schools might circumvent anti-patronage protections; and who actually makes decisions to dismiss teachers. Length 8.1 minutes.

Whether the Daley administration's really lied about tax-increment financing; why state Rep. John Fritchey really wants the city to give up TIF reserves; and the limits of cynicism. Length 7.4 minutes.

The effects of crime cameras on policing; whether police officers should beat up bad guys; and respect versus fear of the police. Length 7 minutes.

What fundamental rights private operators of public land can deny the public; appropriate uses of park space versus leased space; and restrictions that a reasonable person might expect. Length 5.6 minutes.

What Mick Dumke brought to the Reader and Joravsky's articles; the future of government reporting at the Reader post-Dumke; and a look at the Chicago News Cooperative's reporting. Length 7.9 minutes.

Why the inspector general audited tax-increment financing; the fact of Millennium Park's non-budget development; and why aldermen think the IG shouldn't investigate TIF. Length 8.5 minutes.

Whether teachers and students should sacrifice for administrative largesse; how Mayor Daley helps private firms compete with public schools for public dollars; and what it takes to get the public's attention. Length 8.1 minutes.

Ben Joravsky reflects on the tenure and departure of Alison True, the recently-fired editor of the Chicago Reader. Length 8.7 minutes.