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.

New SNAP Legislation in Ohio Raises Alarms Across State Lines

SNAP Fraud Crackdown in Ohio Sparks Concern: Could Illinois Be Next?

CHICAGO — New legislative moves in Ohio aimed at cracking down on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) fraud and limiting what recipients can buy ...

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Schoolchildren struggling with headaches and vomiting from oil and gas plant pollution

Children Sickened by Oil and Gas Pollution Near Schools: What Illinois Families Should Know

LYBROOK, N.M. — When young Amari Werito steps off the school bus, he often smells what he calls “rotten eggs” in the air. That ...

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Daily Walking Could Slash Colon Cancer Risk: New Study Offers Hope for Survivors

CHICAGO — In a landmark clinical trial that could change how doctors support cancer recovery, researchers have found that a consistent walking routine can ...

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Cook County’s 2024 Property Tax Multiplier Finalized at 3.0355

Cook County’s 2024 Property Tax Multiplier Set at 3.0355, Raising Concerns for Homeowners

CHICAGO, IL — Cook County property owners are preparing for the impact of the Illinois Department of Revenue’s newly announced 2024 equalization factor: 3.0355. ...

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Trump and Xi May Resume Trade Talks Amid Tensions, Hassett Says

Trump and Xi May Reignite Trade Talks, But No Date Set Yet, Says White House Official

Chicago, IL — A new round of U.S.-China trade talks may be on the horizon as White House officials say President Donald Trump and ...

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Illinois Lawmakers Pass $55 Billion State Budget — But Transit Crisis Still Looms

Illinois Lawmakers Pass $55 Billion State Budget — But Transit Crisis Still Looms

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois lawmakers narrowly passed a $55 billion state budget before the spring session ended, avoiding a shutdown—but failed to approve a ...

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Chicago Dust Storm Raises Health Concerns Over Toxic Particles

Chicago’s First Dust Storm in 90 Years Likely Carried Toxic Farm Chemicals

CHICAGO, IL — Chicago experienced a rare weather event in May 2025 — its first large-scale dust storm in more than 90 years. The ...

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Social Security Garnishment Resumes for Student Loan Defaulters

Student Loan Defaulters May See Social Security Checks Garnished Starting This Month

Borrowers who have defaulted on federal student loans could soon see a portion of their Social Security checks garnished. Starting June 2025, the Department ...

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Ascension Approaches $3.9B Acquisition of Amsurg's Outpatient Centers

Ascension Nears $3.9B Deal to Acquire Amsurg’s Outpatient Centers, Including Three in Chicago

CHICAGO, IL — Ascension, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit health systems, is reportedly in advanced negotiations to acquire Amsurg, a prominent operator of ...

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South Shore Tenants Get $50K, Move-Out Extension from Dangerous Apartments

South Shore Tenants Receive $50K and Time Extension to Relocate from Dangerous Apartment Buildings

CHICAGO, IL — Dozens of tenants living in two dangerously deteriorated apartment buildings in South Shore will now receive $50,000 in court-ordered assistance and ...

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