In this week’s edition ofSpotlight Politics:

City Council colleagues of Ald. Jim Gardiner (45th Ward) are calling for him to be punished after text messages show himusing offensive languageand seeking to withhold city services from a constituent.

Along-awaited contract dealwith the union representing rank-and-file Chicago police officers moves toward approval, as the city and Chicago Police Department facea class-action lawsuitover stop-and-frisk practices.

State lawmakers return to Springfield with hopes of getting a comprehensive energy deal over the finish line.

Teachers and students raise concerns about overcrowding at CPS schools and possible spread of COVID-19.

And afight over affordable housingon the Northwest Side could pose a key test to aldermanic privilege.

Our politics team of Amanda Vinicky, Paris Schutz and Heather Cherone takes on those stories and more.