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.

Sidetrack Bar Could Become First Gay Bar Inside a U.S. Airport — Planned for O’Hare Terminal 1

Sidetrack Bar Could Become First Gay Bar Inside a U.S. Airport — Planned for O’Hare Terminal 1

CHICAGO — In a groundbreaking proposal that blends LGBTQ+ history with aviation hospitality, Sidetrack, Chicago’s iconic gay bar, is bidding to open a new ...

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Alderman Pushes Crackdown on Smoking Across CTA Trains and Platforms

Alderman Pushes Crackdown on Smoking Across CTA Trains and Platforms

CHICAGO — As Chicago’s transit system struggles with post-pandemic issues and a looming $770 million budget shortfall, Ald. Bill Conway (34th) is calling for ...

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New Illinois Taxes Take Effect July 1: Gas, Vaping, Betting, and More to Cost Extra

New Illinois Taxes Take Effect July 1: Gas, Vaping, Betting, and More to Cost Extra

ILLINOIS — Starting July 1, Illinois residents will begin paying more for several everyday goods and services, as a new round of taxes kicks ...

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Solana And XRP ETFs Face July Deadline As SEC Opens Public Comment Period

Solana And XRP ETFs Face July Deadline As SEC Opens Public Comment Period

CHICAGO — The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has taken another step toward a decision on Solana (SOL) and XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) ...

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Blue-Collar Wages Under Trump See Biggest Jump in Nearly 60 Years, Treasury Data Shows

Blue-Collar Wages Under Trump See Biggest Jump in Nearly 60 Years, Treasury Data Shows

CHICAGO — A new federal analysis shows that blue-collar workers have seen one of the most significant real wage increases in U.S. history, marking ...

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Metra Secures $104 Million in CMAQ Grants to Modernize Key Chicago Rail Stations

Metra Secures $104 Million in CMAQ Grants to Modernize Key Chicago Rail Stations

CHICAGO — In a major boost to regional transit infrastructure, Metra has announced it will receive over $104 million in grants from the Chicago ...

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Chicago Faces Flooding Risk as Slow-Moving Storms Sweep In From the West

Chicago Faces Flooding Risk as Slow-Moving Storms Sweep In From the West

CHICAGO — A new band of slow-moving storms has begun forming to the west of Chicago, prompting forecasters to warn of a potential flooding ...

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Chicago City Council Approves Snap Curfew Law With 27–22 Vote

Chicago City Council Approves Snap Curfew Law With 27–22 Vote

CHICAGO — The Chicago City Council has approved a controversial new ordinance that grants police the authority to impose “snap curfews” across the city ...

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Speaker Mike Johnson Criticizes Chicago Mayor for Opposing ICE Raids Amid Immigration Surge

Speaker Mike Johnson Criticizes Chicago Mayor for Opposing ICE Raids Amid Immigration Surge

CHICAGO — House Speaker Mike Johnson delivered strong remarks against Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson during a recent Fox News appearance, accusing the mayor of ...

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Charlotte Flair Sparks Outrage After Calling Chicago the ‘Worst Wrestling City in the World’

Charlotte Flair Sparks Outrage After Calling Chicago the ‘Worst Wrestling City in the World’

CHICAGO — Wrestling superstar Charlotte Flair is making headlines — and not in a good way for Chicago fans. During a recent episode of ...

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