The first potential Democratic challenger to Gov. Pat Quinn was Bill Daley, who officially announced his candidacy on July 30, only to drop out of the race on Sept. 16.

State Sen. Bill Brady announced his third run for governor on June 26, 2013.

Kirk Dillard officially announced his second run for Illinois governor on July 15, 2013.

On June 2, 2013, Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford officially threw his name in the mix for the Republican gubernatorial primary. 

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists discuss the week's top headlines. Check out our weekly roundup with links to all of our stories from this week.

Joel Weisman and his panel of journalists break down how Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett, Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis, and Mayor Rahm Emanuel are responding to the CPS budget crisis. Watch the web extra conversation.

A concert at the zoo, lots of used books, and a festival for kids at the Art Institute; Chicago Tonight knows what's going on this weekend.

Did Illinois business leaders lobby ratings agencies to lower the state's bond rating? Paris Schutz has the latest details on a bizarre twist in the pension debate.

There’s a battle raging over the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s plan to require all residential and business buildings taller than four stories to be retrofitted with sprinkler systems costing hundreds of millions of dollars. Churches, restaurants, and any building used for gatherings of 50 or more people would also be required to add sprinklers. Opponents say the expense outweighs the fire safety benefits. Eddie Arruza and his guests analyze both sides.

When she was 13, Karsyn Terry took second place in a national, 14-and-under pool tournament. In the 24 years that this tournament has existed, Karsyn is the first African American to make the finals. Now, after a year of intensive training with her father, she is going for first place this weekend. Jay Shefsky has a profile. Read an article.

YouTube personality Emily Graslie, creator of the "The Brain Scoop” channel, joins us to talk about her new gig at the Field Museum as its Chief Curiosity Correspondent. She will also bring some friends from the Field’s collections to share. Watch Emily's online science videos.

You might remember her as the devilish Vera on Downton Abbey. But Irish singer, songwriter, and actress Maria Doyle Kennedy also has a heavenly singing voice. She joins us for a conversation and performance.

Ald. Joe Moore responds to ethics violations alleged by Legislative Inspector General Faisal Khan. Watch the web extra video.

Illinois Rep. Deb Mell is officially sworn in to her new City Council job as alderman of the 33rd ward and her father Ald. Dick Mell's replacement. Paris Schutz has the details on that, and response from Ald. Joe Moore about ethics investigations news we broke on Sunday. Watch web extra video.

Chicago Public Schools introduced its 2014 school budget on Wednesday amid protesting parents and teachers. Officials say they will fill the $1 billion budget gap with $68 million in classroom cuts and the use of $700 million from reserve funds. Elizabeth Brackett has the details.