Illinois Quick Hits: Comptroller Mendoza announces run for Chicago mayor

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is running for mayor of Chicago.

Mendoza said in a campaign video released on Wednesday morning that families are being squeezed by rising rents, higher fees and property taxes.

Before becoming comptroller in 2016, Mendoza, D-Chicago, served in the Illinois House from 2001 to 2011 and was Chicago city clerk from 2011 to 2016.

FUEL PRICES SLIDE LOWER

Gasoline prices have slipped steadily in Illinois and across the country over the last week to 10 days.

According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded in Illinois is $4.69, down from $4.90 one week ago. That’s still more than $1.30 higher than a year ago.

Indiana’s average is the lowest in the nation at $3.59. The national average is $4.26.

Illinois diesel prices have also dropped, from $5.99 a week ago to $5.81 on Wednesday.

MAN FACES CHARGES IN DOUBLE-FATAL CHICAGO CRASH

A Chicago man has been charged with aggravated driving under the influence in connection with a crash that claimed two lives on the Kennedy Expressway in March.

Illinois State Police special agents arrested Isaiah Olivas, 27, on Monday. ISP says a vehicle driven by Olivas rear-ended a disabled sedan with four occupants, two of whom were pronounced dead at the hospital.