On Thursday, officials are due to certify the results of too-close-to-call runoff races in three Chicago wards. Will a longtime political dynasty lose its council clout? Our politics team digests the top stories of the week.

Amara Enyia received big donations from some music superstars during her bid for mayor. But state election officials are now looking into exactly how that money is accounted for.

Illinois’ long-term pension debt tops $130 billion. What Gov. J.B. Pritzker plans to do – and what he won’t do – about that crushing burden.

A pair of bills would strip the state of its authority to regulate endangered species that are protected at the federal level but that might require further protections within Illinois.

A pair of bills would increase funding for biomedical and scientific research at top U.S. agencies and “defend America’s place as a world leader in scientific progress,” U.S. Rep. Bill Foster said in a statement. 

They’ll be faced with a lot of work when they reconvene from spring break. We discuss taxes, marijuana and meeting Chicago Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot with Illinois lawmakers from both sides of the aisle.

Federal prosecutors allege a Chicago developer steered business to 14th Ward Ald. Ed Burke in exchange for Burke’s help getting a City Hall permit.

Legislation proposing the separation of Chicago from Illinois is intended to spark discussion about the overarching influence of the city in state politics, not actually lead to the creation of the 51st state, says GOP state Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer.

The controversial Lincoln Yards project gets the OK from City Council as Mayor Rahm Emanuel bids farewell to the chamber. And Chicago’s inspector general releases a damming report on the police department’s so-called gang database.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel gets a warm send-off from his colleagues at his final City Council meeting. Our politics team tackles that and some of the behind-the-scenes maneuvering over Lincoln Yards.

Chicago’s next mayor won’t be sworn in until May 20, but she’s hitting the ground running. On Wednesday, Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot left the city to meet with top political leaders in Springfield.

The non-binding measure is being celebrated by environmental advocates, who note that Chicago is now the largest U.S. city to announce a timeline for obtaining all of its energy from renewable sources.

After months of debate, the controversial $1 billion public subsidy for Lincoln Yards is now law. City Council approved the measure hours after Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot softened her opposition to the project.

The latest on a possible – and major – amendment to the state constitution that would lift a requirement that all income be taxed at a flat rate.

Gov. J.B. Pritkzer is counting on Illinois to legalize recreational marijuana as part of his proposed spending plan. The latest in the ongoing debate over legalization.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Mayor-elect Lori Lightfoot cut a deal on Lincoln Yards, confusing aldermen who were set to make a key vote Monday.