217 Today: Four Democrats battle in March primary to succeed Susana Mendoza as Illinois comptroller
Sun-Times file photos
Friday, March 13, 2026
Today’s headlines:
- Some tenants in the Champaign-Urbana area are concerned about rising rent prices – and have formed a new organization to address the issue.
- When a crime is committed, police collect evidence for an investigation. Sometimes that evidence includes other people’s property.
- Six Republican candidates are making their final cases to replace Illinois U-S Senator Dick Durbin in next week’s primary election.
- An Emmy Award-nominated talk show host and alum from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will be the school's graduation commencement speaker this year.
In today’s deep dive, first elected in 2016, Susana Mendoza has been Illinois’ comptroller for nearly a decade. Now, she’s stepping aside. And four Democrats are vying for the seat.
217 Today is produced by Giuliana Means. Reporting today contributed by Fernanda Romero, Jenny Lin, Arjun Thakkar, and Isabela Nieto.
