Jobs report shows major comeback for Illinois
A promising jobs report shows a major comeback – and one standout is that unemployment numbers in Illinois are down to where they were pre-pandemic.
Illinois Department of Employment Security
Unemployment benefits were 'hijacked'; state still hasn't tracked down money a year later
When someone reports they did not receive their benefits on time, the Illinois Department of Employment Security is supposed to trace where the money went. But in thousands of instances the agency was slow to investigate, a CBS 2 investigation found, and IDES refuses to release critical documents that could show the scope of the problem.
More Illinois Unemployment Claimants Are Finding Themselves Locked Out By ILogin Verification System And Left High And Dry
The state security system meant to stop fraudsters from stealing unemployment money is keeping people out who really need it.
Some Illinois Residents Are Getting 1099-G Tax Forms In Mail Despite Having Thought They Cleared Up Fraudulent Unemployment Claims Taken Out In Their Names
It's tax time – and as some begin filing, they are finding out they're victims of fraud after someone applied for unemployment in their name.
Thousands Who Received Illinois Unemployment Benefits Run Into Trouble Getting Required 1099-G Tax Forms, Say State Is Of No Help
It's tax season, but thousands of taxpayers who are desperate to get the paperwork they need are finding website glitches, long waits, and still no tax forms.
Darronte Reggans Of Matteson Accused Of Fraudulently Obtaining Unemployment Benefits Using Hundreds Of People's Stolen Information
A south suburban man was facing federal charges this week on accusations that he fraudulently obtained unemployment benefits using hundreds of people's personal information without their knowledge.
Chicago Woman Wants To Know Why Nobody Has Been Charged Months After Her Unemployment Money Was Stolen
Stolen state money – why doesn't the state want it back? A Chicago woman is asking that question months after she tracked down where a fraudster stole her unemployment money, and shared the information she gathered with police and the State of Illinois.
Illinois Unemployment Fraud Victims Learn Fraudulent Accounts Opened In Their Names Are Technically Still Open, And State Can't Explain Why
Unemployment fraud victims in Illinois are being revictimized, and the state does not have an explanation why.
Illinois Department Of Employment Security Nixing Debit Cards, Going Back To Sending Paper Checks
If you get unemployment benefits from the State of Illinois, your money will now come in paper instead of plastic.
IDES Plagued By Login Problems As Thousands Still Need Access To Benefits
Tens of thousands of people are still waiting for a call back from the Illinois Department of Employments Services (IDES) about their benefits.
New ILogin Verification System Is Locking Out Illinoisans Trying To File Unemployment Claims
Imagine logging on to get your unemployment money, and getting an error message that keeps you locked out. A new additional security system designed to prevent unemployment fraud is causing new problems for many claimants.
Illinois Department Of Employment Security Promised Money Back To Unemployment Recipients After Overpayment Waivers, So Where Are The Refunds?
Their refunds from the State of Illinois are approved, but for nearly a year, some unemployment claimants have been waiting on the money they are owed.
IDES Kept Offices Closed While Many Struggled To Get Their Unemployment Benefits: What Really Happened
IDES' offices have been closed to the public since the pandemic began. The closures came as thousands struggled to navigate a system that was understaffed, ill-equipped to deal with the scope of the problem and fraught with technical issues that prevented some from getting their benefits in a timely manner, or at all.
Illinois Sees Nearly 50% Drop In Weekly Unemployment Claims; More Than 8,000 Filed Last Week
The U.S. Department of Labor estimates 8,009 new unemployment claims were filed during the week of September 6 in Illinois, according to the DOL's weekly claims report released Thursday.
Gig Workers Struggle To Get Answers About Back Benefits As Some Federal Pandemic Programs End
Tens of thousands of people in Illinois are still fighting for unemployment money they are owed from four federal pandemic programs that are now over.
Illinois Department Of Employment Security Begins Reopening Offices By Appointment Only, But Only Four For Now, And Only One In Chicago Area
The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced Thursday that it has reopened some of its offices on an appointment-only basis.
Woman Was Approved For PUA Benefits, But Later Ruled Ineligible, And Now State Of Illinois Is Garnishing Her Wages And Charging Fee For It
The State of Illinois is taking money out of one woman's paycheck for every cent she got in unemployment – saying she never should have received the benefits they approved.
More Than 18,000 Unemployment Claims Filed In Illinois Last Week Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Illinois Department Of Employment Security Launches New Website, Intended To Be More User-Friendly
The troubled Illinois Department of Employment Security has launched a new website they say will make things more user-friendly.
Unemployment Claims Are Up This Week, And So Is Number Of People Waiting For Help From Illinois Department Of Employment Security
There was another uptick in unemployment claims in Illinois this week, and in the number of people waiting for answers about benefits.
Chicago Woman Lost Thousands To Unemployment Scammer, And She Wants To Know Why More Isn't Being Done To Get Money Back
Thousands of dollars in unemployment benefits were stolen by a local scammer, and nothing was done to stop them. CBS 2's Tara Molina is Working for Chicago to follow up on this fraud case, and asked why more is not being done to get that state money back – with fraud an issue not only plaguing the state's system, but costing big money.
Illinois Unemployment Claims Remain At A High, Phone Numbers Waiting For Callbacks Still Rising
With unemployment claims still at a high and calls for help still on the rise, we are not out of the woods in Illinois.
Arson, Bomb Threats Among Crimes That Have Been Keeping Illinois Unemployment Offices Closed, Governor's Office Says
Arsons, bomb threats, and vandalism – we have been asking for months, and now for the first time, we are learning about the crimes keeping Illinois unemployment offices closed.
Scammers Are Impersonating Nearly Every Illinois State Department In Phishing Schemes, And People Are Falling For It
The Illinois Secretary of State, Department of Labor, Department of Employment Security, and Department of Transportation - we've tracked the scams that all of those state departments are dealing with right now.
WorkShare Program Allows Illinois Residents To Work While Still Collecting Unemployment, In Effort To Prevent Layoffs
The State of Illinois is making it possible for people to work and still collect unemployment – in an effort designed to prevent more layoffs.
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Latest News
Bond denied for two men charged in mass shooting outside Near North Side McDonald's
A judge denied bond Sunday in Central Bond Court (Br. 1) for accused gunman Jaylun Sanders, 21, and alleged accomplice Kameron Abram, 20.
Man charged in firing shots at off-duty sheriff's officer in Millennium Park
A man is facing felony charges after shooting at an off-duty Sheriff in Millennium Park Friday night.
Woman shot, critically wounded on Dan Ryan Expressway
Illinois State Police said the shooting happened at about 8:10 p.m. in the southbound local lanes near 47th Street.
Businesses worry about rising crime downtown after latest violent outburst at Millennium Park
"It really does suck to be down here and hear about all this going on, because it draws people away," said Lily Stein, manager of Beat Kitchen on the Riverwalk.
Firefighters respond to extra-alarm blaze at vacant Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles
Firefighters have spent hours battling the massive fire.
Man accused in homicide of mother of six in Racine, Wisconsin arrested in Chicago
The man accused of killing a mother of six and hurting another woman in Racine, Wisconsin is arrested after a standoff with authorities in Chicago Sunday.
Two men charged in mass shooting that left 2 dead, 7 wounded on Near North Side
Jaylun Sanders is charged with murder, attempted murder, and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. Kameron Abram also faces a weapon charge.
SWAT responds after man barricades himself inside building in Englewood
A man is barricaded inside a residential building in the Englewood neighborhood Sunday.
New podcast brings attention to unsolved murders of women in Chicago
A new podcast is bringing attention to dozens of unsolved murders of mostly black women in the Chicago area.
Greece Heritage Parade returns Sunday
The parade is commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Greek Declaration of Independence.
Man found shot, killed at apartment complex entrance in Gresham
A man is found shot and killed at an apartment complex in the Gresham neighborhood early Sunday morning.
2 men shot while standing outside in Lawndale neighborhood
Two men are wounded after being shot in the Lawndale neighborhood early Sunday morning.
2 people injured in rollover crash in River North
Two people are injured after a crash caused a vehicle to roll over in River North just after midnight.
1 suspect in custody, another remains loose after robbery on CTA Red Line train
One of the two offenders is in custody following a robbery on the CTA Red Line train overnight.
Chicago First Alert Weather: Another cool day with sunshine
We end the weekend with another cool day with lows in the 60s.
Chicago Teachers Union elects Stacy Davis Gates as new president
The union's incumbent vice president, Gates won 56 percent of the vote in what was one of the most hotly contested union elections in years.
1 dead, 19 wounded in weekend shootings across Chicago
At least 1 person is dead and 19 are wounded in shootings over the weekend.
Varsho's double scores 3 in 10th in Diamondbacks' 7-6 win vs Cubs
Chicago has lost four straight after winning six of eight before Arizona came to town.
Walmart security guard injured in struggle with shoplifters in Olympia Fields
One gunshot was fired during the incident, but the guard was not shot.
Chance The Snapper, Chicago's favorite gator, buffed up and ready for beach season in Florida
Chicago's favorite reptile is growing up.
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth speaks at Harper College graduation
Duckworth applauded the graduates for making it through their studies during a period of upheaval and uncertainty.
Three wounded in South Shore shooting
Three people were wounded Saturday afternoon in a shooting in the South Shore neighborhood.
Cardinal Blase Cupich ordains two new priests at Holy Name Cathedral ceremony
Cardinal Blase Cupich helped welcome two new priests to the Archdiocese of Chicago on Saturday.
Off-duty sheriff's deputy shoots man who fired shots in Millennium Park, fled onto party boat
The deputy was working a side job as a security officer at the time of the incident, according to a sheriff's office spokesperson.
Chicago First Alert Weather: Showers ending tonight, partly cloudy tomorrow
Partly cloudy skies are expected for a couple days
Latest News
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Bond denied for two men charged in mass shooting outside Near North Side McDonald's
A judge denied bond Sunday in Central Bond Court (Br. 1) for accused gunman Jaylun Sanders, 21, and alleged accomplice Kameron Abram, 20.
Man charged in firing shots at off-duty sheriff's officer in Millennium Park
A man is facing felony charges after shooting at an off-duty Sheriff in Millennium Park Friday night.
Woman shot, critically wounded on Dan Ryan Expressway
Illinois State Police said the shooting happened at about 8:10 p.m. in the southbound local lanes near 47th Street.
Businesses worry about rising crime downtown after latest violent outburst at Millennium Park
"It really does suck to be down here and hear about all this going on, because it draws people away," said Lily Stein, manager of Beat Kitchen on the Riverwalk.
Firefighters respond to extra-alarm blaze at vacant Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles
Firefighters have spent hours battling the massive fire.
CBS 2 Investigators
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Mass shooting on Near North Side was part of a growing trend in Chicago
The troubling reality is mass shootings like this are skyrocketing in Chicago compared to the rest of the country.
Eleventh contempt of court order issued against DCFS Director Marc Smith
An 11-year-old abused girl, considered a risk to herself and others, has spent two months in what's considered a shelter and has been waiting months longer for a secure residential treatment center placement.
Park Ridge man says failures by Post Office cost him opportunity to run for state Senate as write-in
Michael Walters thought he did everything right.
CBS 2 Chicago wins four regional Edward R. Murrow Awards
CBS 2 Chicago won four regional Edward R. Murrow awards, the most of any station.
Red Cross looking for volunteers to install smoke detectors
This week alone, the Red Cross has helped 132 victims in Chicago and the suburbs after house fires.
Politics
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City Council Public Safety Committee backs Mayor Lightfoot's new citywide curfew for teens
The City Council Public Safety Committee voted 14-3 on Friday to approve the one hour rollback of the curfew hours on weekends, as well as to expand the city's curfew to include 17-year-olds.
First vote on Chicago casino plan delayed, amid ongoing questions from aldermen
"We feel very confident that we have the votes to make sure that this gets over the hurdle," Mayor Lightfoot said.
Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Kentucky, Idaho and Oregon primary results
CBS News projects Chuck Edwards will win the GOP nomination in North Carolina's 11th Congressional District, defeating incumbent Rep. Madison Cawthorn.
Aldermen back more than $16M in settlements for two more lawsuits against Chicago police
One of the lawsuits involves one of four men wrongfully convicted for a 1992 double murder. That case has now cost Chicago taxpayers more than $43 million in verdicts and settlements.
Biden to invoke Defense Production Act to address baby formula shortage
Suppliers will be required to give resources to infant formula plants before sending to other customers.
Consumer News
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Demand rises for donated breast milk amid baby formula shortage
With parents struggling to navigate the baby formula shortage, breast milk donation banks are seeing a sharp increase in demand — but also a jump in donations.
Baby formula shortage still leaves families desperate, especially those restricted by federal WIC program rules
Walk into the baby formula aisle at just about any drug or grocery store around the country, and you will still see rows of empty shelves.
Abbott to resume production of baby formula at Sturgis, Michigan plant after recall
Abbott Nutrition said after its plant in Sturgis, Michigan gets back in operation, product could be back on shelves in six to eight weeks, subject to approval by the Food and Drug Administration.
Chicago gas prices hit new record, at more than $5 per gallon
According to AAA, the average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline is $5.12 as of Tuesday morning.
Parents desperate, searching for options amid persistent nationwide baby formula shortage
Parents are struggling to keep up with the nationwide shortage of baby formula – with several retailers now limiting how much you can buy. So what do you do if you can't find any?
Health
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FDA clears COVID-19 booster shot for healthy kids ages 5 to 11
There is one more hurdle: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must decide whether to formally recommend the booster for this age group.
Abbott baby formula plant could reopen in two weeks
Sturgis plant will reopen soon as nationwide out-of-stock levels of baby formula rise above 40%.
COVID-19 reaches 'high' community risk level in Evanston
The Evanston Department of Health and Human Service reported 397 new COVID-19 cases over the last seven days – up from 305 the prior week.
Advocate Aurora Health merging with Charlotte-based Atrium Health
Advocate Aurora Health will be merging with Atrium Health.
CPS launches 'Please Stay' campaign to promote mental health and prevent teen suicides
Chicago Public Schools has become the first school district in the nation to launch a new anti-suicide campaign created by Lady Gaga's Born This Way foundation.
Business
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City Council committee to vote on Chicago casino plan, which has some neighbors thinking of selling condos and leaving
There is still a push from nearby residents to stop the billon-dollar Bally's project that is planned for the Chicago Tribune Freedom Center site in River West.
Crime and chaos downtown and beyond are keeping tourists away from Chicago
Such events as the chaos downtown that led to a deadly shooting right in the middle of Millennium Park have led people to cancel trips, meetings, and events in Chicago because they don't feel safe.
Carvana tower in Skokie put on hold after Illinois suspends dealer's state license
The village of Skokie is telling Carvana it cannot build a proposed 14-story car vending tower, just three months after the project won approval from village trustees.
FTX cryptocurrency exchange opens new headquarters in Chicago
Mayor Lori Lightfoot helped cut the ribbon Tuesday morning to open the official U.S. headquarters of FTX, a Bahamas-based cryptocurrency exchange.
Bally's unveils further plans for Chicago casino; some aldermen say it's being pushed through too fast
The city did not conduct a new safety study to determine how crime would be impacted by a casino - in hopes of getting the casino up and generating revenue quickly.
Sports
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Varsho's double scores 3 in 10th in Diamondbacks' 7-6 win vs Cubs
Chicago has lost four straight after winning six of eight before Arizona came to town.
Donaldson, Anderson spar again as Yankees beat White Sox 7-5
On a steamy afternoon that saw yet another dustup between Josh Donaldson and the White Sox, DJ LeMahieu hit an early grand slam and the New York Yankees beat Chicago 7-5 in a contentious contest Saturday.
Illinois' Kofi Cockburn works out at NBA Draft Combine
He's one of the biggest players in the draft, at 7 feet and 293 pounds, but his lack of an outside game might leave him left out on draft night, and longing a bit for the old NBA game.
Cubs unveil Ferguson Jenkins statue at Wrigley Field
The Hall of Famer, considered the best pitcher in Cubs history, joins Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, and Ron Santo to be immortalized along Gallagher Way.
Rojas hits 3 home runs, Diamondbacks outslug Cubs in HR derby 10-6
With a strong wind blowing out on a warm afternoon, the teams combined to clear the brick walls 11 times — the Diamondbacks connected for seven homers.
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Entertainment
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CBS unveils 2022-2023 primetime lineup
CBS announced its 2022-2023 primetime programming lineup of CBS Originals, featuring four new dramas and more.
Dave Chappelle attacked by armed man while onstage in L.A.
The controversial comic laughed off the incident after being tackled, and video appeared to show the person who charged him being beaten onstage.
Naomi Judd, Grammy-winning singer, has died at 76
"We lost our beautiful mother to the disease of mental illness," the Judd sisters said on social media.
'Jersey Boys' is returning to a Chicago stage next week
The new national tour of "Jersey Boys" opens next week at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, celebrating the music of the Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
Lollapalooza announces daily lineup; single-day tickets now on sale
The lineup includes Thursday headliners Metallica and Lil Baby, Friday headliners Dua Lipa and Machine Gun Kelly, Saturday headliners J. Cole and Kygo, and Sunday headliners Green Day and Doja Cat.
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New podcast highlights unsolved murders of women in Chicago
A new podcast is bringing attention to dozens of unsolved murders of mostly black women in the Chicago area.
Greek Heritage Parade returns
The Greek Heritage Parade is back.
Chicago First Alert Weather: Cool day, temps climb during the week
We end the weekend with another cool day with lows in the 60s.
2 people injured after rollover crash in River North
Two people are injured after a crash caused a vehicle to roll over in River North just after midnight.
What Caught My Eye: May 22, 2022
Here's what caught Suzanne and Ed's eye this week.
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Red carpet looks from the 61st annual GRAMMY Awards on CBS.
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Bears After Dark With Cody Whitehair
