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.

Strong Storms Followed By Triple-Digit Heat Index Could Grip Chicago This Weekend

Strong Storms Followed By Triple-Digit Heat Index Could Grip Chicago This Weekend

CHICAGO — As summer officially begins this Friday, Chicagoans should brace for a one-two weather punch: intense storms, followed by one of the hottest ...

|

Puerto Rican Arts Alliance Wins City Council Approval For New Avondale Community Center

CHICAGO — The Puerto Rican Arts Alliance has received key approval from the City Council to move forward with its long-planned expansion in the ...

|
Chicago’s Snap Curfew Approved By Council, But Mayor Plans Veto Over Youth Crackdown

Chicago’s Snap Curfew Approved By Council, But Mayor Plans Veto Over Youth Crackdown

CHICAGO — A new ordinance allowing police to issue a “snap curfew” during disruptive youth gatherings narrowly passed the Chicago City Council on Tuesday, ...

|
Ald. Jim Gardiner Cleared of Ethics Violations, Drops $20K Fine After Legal Ruling

Ald. Jim Gardiner Cleared of Ethics Violations, Drops $20K Fine After Legal Ruling

CHICAGO — On June 16, the Chicago Board of Ethics unanimously voted to clear Ald. Jim Gardiner (45th Ward) of ethics violations—including charges tied to ...

|
Illinois Gambling Revenue Hits Record $1.7 Billion Amid Surge in Online Activity

Illinois Gambling Revenue Hits Record $1.7 Billion Amid Surge in Online Activity

ILLINOIS — Illinois has officially reached a new peak in gambling-generated tax revenue, bringing in $1.7 billion in 2024—marking the highest figure in the ...

|
Illinois Pushes Toward Carbon-Free Energy Amid Data Center Surge

Illinois Pushes Toward Carbon-Free Energy Amid Data Center Surge

CHICAGO — As Illinois braces for a sharp rise in electricity usage driven by the expansion of data centers, energy experts and public voices ...

|
Pedestrian Critically Injured After Being Hit on Eisenhower Expressway in Chicago

Pedestrian Critically Injured After Being Hit on Eisenhower Expressway in Chicago

CHICAGO — A pedestrian was critically injured early Thursday after being struck by a vehicle on the outbound Eisenhower Expressway, according to state officials ...

|
Chicago Public Schools Spend Up To $93,000 Per Student As 150 Buildings Sit Half-Empty

Chicago Public Schools Spend Up To $93,000 Per Student As 150 Buildings Sit Half-Empty

CHICAGO — A new investigation reveals that Chicago Public Schools (CPS) are operating around 150 under-enrolled schools, with some buildings serving just a few ...

|
Columbia College Lays Off 20 Faculty Members Amid $38M Budget Crisis

Columbia College Lays Off 20 Faculty Members Amid $38M Budget Crisis

CHICAGO — Columbia College Chicago has announced the layoff of 20 full-time faculty members, including 18 tenured professors, in its latest effort to reduce ...

|
Weiss Memorial Hospital’s AC Breakdown Forces Full Patient Relocation Amid Summer Heat

Weiss Memorial Hospital’s AC Breakdown Forces Full Patient Relocation Amid Summer Heat

CHICAGO — In the midst of a dangerous summer heat wave, Uptown’s Weiss Memorial Hospital has suffered a catastrophic air conditioning failure, forcing the ...

|