Marisol Vega

Marisol Vega

Marisol writes about how city decisions affect everyday people. From housing and schools to city programs, she breaks down the news so it’s easy to understand. Her focus is helping readers know what’s changing and how it matters to them.

Costco’s ‘Stupid Food Court Change’ Has Shoppers Furious — And It’s Even Worse Than You Think

Costco’s ‘Stupid Food Court Change’ Has Shoppers Furious — And It’s Even Worse Than You Think

CHICAGO — Costco shoppers are furious over what many are calling a “stupid” change to the store’s beloved food court — and it’s causing ...

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Slain Boy’s Mother Demands Justice ‘Stop Using My Son’s Name While You Fight Me in Court’

Slain Boy’s Mother Demands Justice: ‘Stop Using My Son’s Name While You Fight Me in Court’

CHICAGO — The mother of 11-year-old Jayden Perkins, who was fatally stabbed in a horrifying March 2024 domestic violence attack, has issued a searing ...

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Cicero’s Minimum Wage Just Went Up — Here’s the New Rate for July 2025

Cicero’s Minimum Wage Just Went Up — Here’s the New Rate for July 2025

CICERO, ILLINOIS — Workers in Cicero just got a raise. On July 1, 2025, the town’s minimum wage officially increased to $14.05 per hour, ...

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Evanston Workers: Minimum Wage Just Increased — Here’s the New Rate for July 2025

Evanston Workers: Minimum Wage Just Increased — Here’s the New Rate for July 2025

EVANSTON, ILLINOIS — If you’re working a part-time or hourly job in Evanston, your paycheck might be slightly larger this month. That’s because Evanston ...

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How to File for Unemployment in Illinois Full 2025 Guide for New Claimants

How to File for Unemployment in Illinois: Full 2025 Guide for New Claimants

ILLINOIS — If you’ve recently lost your job, had your hours cut, or were laid off due to economic conditions, you may be eligible ...

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Illinois Medicaid and Medicare Delays in 2025: Wait Times, Recertification Backlogs, and Premium Pressures

Illinois Medicaid and Medicare Delays in 2025: Wait Times, Recertification Backlogs, and Premium Pressures

ILLINOIS — If you’ve applied for Medicaid or Medicare in 2025 — or tried to renew your benefits — there’s a good chance you’ve ...

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How to Apply for SSDI or SSI in Illinois — And What To Do If You’re Denied

How to Apply for SSDI or SSI in Illinois — And What To Do If You’re Denied

ILLINOIS — If you’re unable to work due to a serious illness or disability, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or ...

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Illinois SNAP Rule Changes in 2025: What’s New for Food Stamp Recipients This Year

Illinois SNAP Rule Changes in 2025: What’s New for Food Stamp Recipients This Year

ILLINOIS — A number of important changes to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) policies took effect in 2025 — and they’re already impacting thousands ...

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Chicago Hotels Are Banning Plastic Toiletries Starting July 2025

Chicago Hotels Are Banning Plastic Toiletries Starting July 2025

CHICAGO — Starting July 1, 2025, hotels across the city are no longer allowed to offer single-use plastic toiletry bottles, including the travel-size shampoos, ...

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Cook County Workers: Minimum Wage Just Increased — But It’s Still Lower Than Chicago

Cook County Workers: Minimum Wage Just Increased — But It’s Still Lower Than Chicago

COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS — If you work in a Cook County suburb outside of Chicago, your paycheck may look slightly different this month. That’s ...

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