Legendary Signature Room closes leaving workers 'lost, hurt, confused'
"It sucks. I'm only 30, and I've never thought I'd have to file for unemployment."
Unemployment
Illinois' unemployment rate down, hiring up in May
The industries with the most hiring were government, finance, and hospitality.
The class of 2023 is entering the strongest job market in 70 years
With the youth unemployment rate at a 70-year low, this year's crop of new graduates is likely to have an easier time getting hired.
BuzzFeed News shutting down as parent company cuts 15% of jobs
CEO Jonah Peretti wrote in a memo that "the company can no longer continue to fund BuzzFeed News as a standalone organization."
U.S. economy adds 311,000 jobs, but unemployment rate goes up
What does this all mean for interest rates and inflation? CBS News’ Willie James Inman has some answers from Washington.
U.S. added 311,000 jobs in February as hiring remained strong
The U.S. job market has remained robust despite the Federal Reserve's concerted push to slow economic growth.
Improperly-paid unemployment payments cost Illinois taxpayers $28 billion
The Inspector General said of the $888 billion paid during the COVID-19 pandemic nationwide, more than 21% was improper.
Improperly-paid unemployment payments cost Illinois taxpayers $28 billion
Illinois taxpayers are on the hook for improperly-paid unemployment benefits to the tune of $28 billion. The Inspector General testified in Washington on Wednesday that of the $888 billion paid during the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 21% was improper.
Illinois unemployment recipients again run into problems getting 1099-G forms
CBS 2's Tara Molina brought those problems straight to the Illinois Department of Employment Security on Monday.
Illinois unemployment rate down for fourth month in a row
The biggest gains were made in the Chicago metro area, Rockford, and quad cities.
Unemployment down in Illinois for 4th month in a row
The biggest gains were made in the Chicago metro area, Rockford, and quad cities - which all saw job growth of nearly 4% or better year over year.
Report says more than $45B in pandemic unemployment aid was stolen nationwide; no accurate numbers from Illinois
Oversight essentially did not exist in Illinois.
Federal report on unemployment fraud highlights missing data from IDES
The report says more than $45.6 billion has been stolen in the U.S. – and the State of Illinois still isn’t sharing how much of your tax dollars was misspent. CBS 2's Marissa Perlman reports.
Federal report takes IDES to task for failing to disclose information
The U.S. Department of Labor wants to know how much of your money was misspent by the State of Illinois, but the Illinois Department of Employment Security isn’t sharing that information. CBS 2's Tara Molina reports.
State audit shines light on Illinois' $25 million unemployment boondoggle
A new report finds problems with the $25 million system for pandemic unemployment systems that may explain why the state can't calculate fraud.
Illinois Department of Employment Security lost $1.2 million in taxpayer money to fraudsters
The State of Illinois knowingly put taxpayer dollars into fraudsters' accounts – leaving those owed unemployment benefits struggling and, a year later, many still waiting on the money they're owed. CBS 2's Tara Molina reports.
U.S. Labor Department: $163 billion in pandemic unemployment benefits may be fraudulent
U.S. Department of Labor Inspector General Larry Turner says he believes as much as $163 billion in pandemic unemployment benefits may be linked to fraud.
U.S. Department of Labor OIG: over $163B in pandemic unemployment benefits may be fraudulent
U.S. Department of Labor Inspector General Larry Turner says he believes as much as $163 billion in pandemic unemployment benefits may be linked to fraud.
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. CBS 2's Tara Molina reports.
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.
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.
Some Chicago residents say unemployment benefits were 'hijacked'
When someone reports they did not receive their benefits on time, the IDES 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. CBS 2's Tara Molina reports.
Their Unemployment Benefits Were ‘Hijacked’ A Year Ago; They Still Don’t Have Their Money
Sharon Thomas and Mike Cosmas don’t know each other, but they have something in common: they say their unemployment benefits were “hijacked,” and they still haven't gotten their money. It all began last year after they were laid off due to the pandemic.
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.
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House fire causes roof collapse in Bridgeport
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Winning scratch-off ticket worth $1M sold at gas station in Oswego
A second scratch-off ticket worth $1 million was sold at a gas station, this time in Oswego.
Chicago First Alert Weather: Rainy morning commute
A soaking rain will impact Friday morning commuters with lighter rain continuing into the afternoon.
Residents escape overnight fire in west suburban Cicero
Red Cross volunteers are working with residents displaced by the fire.
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Residents escape overnight fire in west suburban Cicero
Red Cross volunteers are working with residents displaced by the fire.
As Chicago winters become warmer with less snow, overnight parking rules persist
Since 1980, Chicago's overnight ban prevents motorists from parking on roughly 100 miles of city streets, and about 95% of the time there was no plowable snow.
Combat resumes in Gaza as Israel accuses Hamas of violating cease-fire
Israel accused Hamas of violating a temporary cease-fire that lasted 7 days, including 2 extensions, and said combat operations in Gaza were back underway.
WATCH NOW: CBS 2 News Chicago
Breaking News, First Alert Weather, Exclusive Investigations & Community Journalism
House fire causes roof collapse in Bridgeport
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
CBS 2 Investigators
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Man called to report SUV on train tracks in Michigan, but Amtrak train hit it anyway
Amtrak said they were never notified of the SUV on the tracks before the crash last week, was despite a warning call a full 41 minutes earlier.
Could 'design flaw' blamed for Yellow Line accident be a broader problem on the CTA?
The National Transportation Safety Board said the Chicago Transit Authority was operating on out-of-date information with regard to stopping lengths.
After 38 are injured when CTA train hits snowplow, questions about what went wrong
National Transportation Safety Board investigators will be digging into the train crash - piece by piece.
Parents furious after girls are subjected to racist taunts at Minooka Community High
Minooka Community High School has faced allegations of tolerating racism in the classroom before.
Fallen Chicago firefighter Andrew Price remembered as a "light of sunshine"
Price's body was escorted to the Medical Examiner's office alongside his friends and family on Monday.
Politics
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Emotions run high as Evanston commission weighs resolution for Israel-Hamas cease-fire
People lined up to let city leaders know where they stand on the emotional issue.
As Chicago winters become warmer with less snow, overnight parking rules persist
Since 1980, Chicago's overnight ban prevents motorists from parking on roughly 100 miles of city streets, and about 95% of the time there was no plowable snow.
Henry Kissinger, influential and controversial diplomat, dies at age 100
Henry Kissinger, known for his practice of "realpolitik," was credited with helping thaw relations between the U.S. and China. But he was also accused of alleged war crimes.
Former Illinois House GOP leader Jim Durkin won't run for Cook County state's attorney
"If you're going to run in a race, you have to run knowing that you have a good chance of winning, and I see no path winning with Trump at the top of the ticket," Durkin said.
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin leads Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on gun violence crisis
"Across the country, gun violence is a public health epidemic, plain and simple," Durbin said.
Consumer News
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St. Charles residents flee senior community after 300% increase in costs
Over the last several weeks, the Saint Charles senior living community has become a bit of a ghost town.
Rivers Casino Des Plaines warns of data breach affecting customer, staffer information
Casino officials said on Thursday, Nov. 2, they determined hackers got into their system and stole personal information about Rivers Casino staffers, customers, and online sports book customers.
Illinois congressman steps in after feds fail to reimburse COVID-19 testing labs
We previously told you about small business owner Janine Morabito's struggle after getting stiffed by Uncle Sam. There are several others in the same boat.
Consumer watchdog lists '10 Worst Toys' for 2023, highlights child safety concerns
W.A.T.C.H. – World Against Toys Causing Harm – issued a list Wednesday of toys they said are hazardous and should not be in children's hands.
Whereabouts of Chicago area woman's 2019 tax return is a mystery for more than three years
CBS 2's Lauren Victory unraveled what went wrong.
Health News
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UChicago study finds fatty acid found in some red meat can help fight cancer
Before you grab your steak knife, the scientists emphasize that the point of the study is not to advise people to eat more red meat.
Northwestern student says he was hit by norovirus outbreak, and it sent him to ER
The City of Evanston has linked the outbreak to the Big Wig Tacos & Burritos at 950 Church St. in downtown Evanston, which had a $1 burrito night for Northwestern students this past weekend.
Norovirus outbreak linked to $1 burrito special for Northwestern University students
Investigators have learned that people reported stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea after eating at Big Wig Tacos & Burritos.
Peaches, plums, nectarines recalled due to deadly listeria outbreak
CDC investigating fruit from HMC Farms after one person died and 10 are hospitalized following a listeria outbreak.
Another eye drop recall pulls 28 products from store shelves
Kilitch Healthcare India is recalling the products more than three weeks after the FDA warned against their use.
Business News
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Who is moving into those vacant Bed, Bath & Beyond stores?
Who will be moving into closed Bed, Bath & Beyond stores nationwide and in the Chicago area? Court documents provide some clues.
South Shore yoga studio strives for inclusive, calm vibe
It's Small Business Saturday 2023, a big day to highlight the success of entrepreneurs who started small and are working hard to make it big.
Shoppers turn out in Ravenswood for Small Business Saturday
Three of the trolleys were running on Small Business Saturday, making eight stops in Ravenswood so people could visit their favorite shops.
Chicago's Berlin nightclub closes doors; union says club made "wrong decision"
Berlin announced that "the party" ended at 5 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 19.
Chicago's Big Shoulders Coffee tops list of best independent coffee shops
"With multiple locations in the Chicago area, Big Shoulders Coffee is a must-stop for no-nonsense artisan beans, roasted to perfection," USA Today wrote.
Sports
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Vucevic and White lead the way as Bulls beat Bucks in OT
The Bulls trailed 110-109 in overtime when Vucevic cut for a dunk with 2:28 remaining, sparking an eight-point run.
Illinois State knocks off UIC
The Flames (5-3) were led in scoring by Filip Skobalj, who finished with 17 points.
Compher, Fabbri each score 2 goals as Red Wings beat Blackhawks 5-1
Bedard, meanwhile, was so frustrated by Chicago's power play in the pivotal second period that he broke his stick hitting it against the boards before going the bench.
Ronaldo hit with $1 billion lawsuit for endorsing Binance NFTs
The $1 billion lawsuit alleges Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo's promotion of the NFTs led people into costly and unsafe investments.
Perry apologizes for 'inappropriate' behavior after Hawks terminate contract
Perry dispelled any notion that the incident involved a teammate's family member.
Weather
Entertainment
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Rolling Stones announce second concert in Chicago in June 2024
Tickets for the tour go on sale on Dec. 1. For those who signed up, the presale for tickets went live on Wednesday.
American Blues Theater opens permanent home on Lincoln Avenue in Chicago
The new venue features two theater spaces – a 137-seat proscenium and a 40-seat rehearsal studio.
Daryl Hall gets restraining order against John Oates
The pair made up the pop rock duo Hall & Oates, and put out 18 studio albums together.
"Blue Bloods" wrapping up in 2024 after its 14th season
A long-time anchor to the Network's successful Friday night lineup, "Blue Bloods" is Friday's #1 primetime program and the #3 broadcast drama on television.
The Rolling Stones tour coming to Chicago's Soldier Field in June
The Solider Field show is scheduled for June 27, 2024.
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Shoppers used buy now, pay later option at record highs over holiday weekend
Research shows buy now pay later plans are disproportionately used by people who have low credit scores or debt, and the option may get them deeper in a hole.
Santa Cruise light tour in Lake Geneva puts guests in the holiday spirit
This year's cruise promises to be a sweet ride with lots of candy and holiday fun for all ages.
Santa Cruise in Lake Geneva tours light displays in the community
CBS 2's Jackie Kostek hops onboard the Santa Cruise where guests can view various light displays setup by community residents.
Chicago First Alert Weather: Rainy morning commute
CBS 2 meteorologist Ed Curran has the forecast.
Jumpstart with Jackie: Tiger Woods returns, Tyreek Hill paying salary of videographer
CBS 2’s Jackie Kostek jumpstarts your Friday morning from the Lake Geneva Santa Cruise with the latest, including Tiger Woods playing his first round since April and Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill saying he will pay the salary of a videographer who was suspended in a backflip celebration gone viral.
Crime
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Man accused of human trafficking in Gary after woman says she was held, beaten, forced into sex
He faces charges of sexual human trafficking, criminal recklessness, criminal confinement, and battery, police said.
River North store owner frustrated as thieves hit her business again
The River North building had major damage in yet another crash and grab burglary in Chicago.
Woman whose body was found on side of road in Lake Co. identified
The Lake County Coroner's Office identified the woman as 39-year-old Megan Lewis, a Chicago resident.
CPD officer charged with falsely claiming she was robbed of $5,000
She was charged with felony disorderly conduct and false report of an offense after saying she was robbed when she was off duty, but police said that never happened.
Shooting kills man, wounds three women on Chicago's West Side
Sources said the shooting was believed to be domestic in nature.
