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.

Illinois Job Assistance in 2025: Where to Get Help Finding Work, Reskilling, or Career Coaching

Illinois Job Assistance in 2025: Where to Get Help Finding Work, Reskilling, or Career Coaching

ILLINOIS — Whether you’re newly unemployed, switching careers, or returning to the workforce after years away, Illinois offers a range of free job assistance ...

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Medicare vs Medicaid in Illinois What’s the Difference and Which One Is Right for You

Medicare vs Medicaid in Illinois: What’s the Difference and Which One Is Right for You?

ILLINOIS — If you’re looking for health coverage in 2025, you’ve probably heard about both Medicare and Medicaid. But understanding how these two programs ...

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Illinois Residents: How Much More Are You Getting From Social Security in 2025?

Illinois Residents: How Much More Are You Getting From Social Security in 2025?

ILLINOIS — For more than 2 million people across the state, Social Security benefits are a lifeline — and every cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) matters. ...

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Cook County SNAP Help: Where to Get Food Stamp Assistance in the Chicago Area

Cook County SNAP Help: Where to Get Food Stamp Assistance in the Chicago Area

CHICAGO — From long wait times to confusing re-certification paperwork, getting help with food stamps in Cook County isn’t always easy. But across the ...

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Illinois Is Expanding License Plate Surveillance in 2025 — Here’s What Drivers Need to Know

Illinois Is Expanding License Plate Surveillance in 2025 — Here’s What Drivers Need to Know

ILLINOIS — A new law that took effect in July 2025 is expanding the use of license plate surveillance technology across the state. Under ...

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Illinois Drivers Can Now Claim Bigger EV Rebates — But There’s a Deadline

Illinois Drivers Can Now Claim Bigger EV Rebates — But There’s a Deadline

ILLINOIS — If you’ve been thinking about buying an electric vehicle, now might be the perfect time. As of July 1, 2025, Illinois has ...

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The ‘Right-Hand Rule’ Is Back — Here’s What Every Illinois Driver Must Know in 2025

The ‘Right-Hand Rule’ Is Back — Here’s What Every Illinois Driver Must Know in 2025

ILLINOIS — Drivers across the state are being reminded of a basic—but often overlooked—traffic law: the Right-Hand Rule. Illinois law now expressly enforces this ...

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Illinois Gas Tax Just Went Up Again — Here’s What Chicago Drivers Now Pay Per Gallon

Illinois Gas Tax Just Went Up Again — Here’s What Chicago Drivers Now Pay Per Gallon

CHICAGO — Starting July 1, 2025, filling up at the pump in Chicago just got even more expensive. That’s because Illinois increased its motor ...

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Chicago Minimum Wage Just Increased — Here’s How Much You Should Be Making in 2025

Chicago Minimum Wage Just Increased — Here’s How Much You Should Be Making in 2025

CHICAGO — Thousands of hourly workers in Chicago are now legally entitled to higher pay, as the city’s minimum wage officially increased on July ...

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Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive unemployment benefits. Here’s how it compares to paper checks.

How to Appeal an Illinois Unemployment Overpayment in 2025 — A Step-by-Step Guide

ILLINOIS — Thousands of residents across the state are opening letters they never expected in 2025 — overpayment notices from the Illinois Department of ...

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