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.
Watch CBS News
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The state security system meant to stop fraudsters from stealing unemployment money is keeping people out who really need it.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Unemployment fraud victims in Illinois are being revictimized, and the state does not have an explanation why.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security is finally making headway in getting help to people stuck in its callback system.
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.
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.
Illinois' estimated claims are among 362,000 total claims filed across the country last week.
Illinois' estimated claims are among 351,000 total claims filed across the country last week.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security reported 15,570 new unemployment claims were filed during the week of August 30 in Illinois.
The Illinois Department of Employment Services is warning people to be on the lookout for suspicious texts and emails because scammers are once again on the prowl.
Illinois' estimated claims are among 340,000 total claims filed across the country last week.
The Illinois Department of Employment Security announced Thursday that it has reopened some of its offices on an appointment-only basis.
Illinois' estimated claims are among 353,000 total claims filed across the country last week.
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.
The troubled Illinois Department of Employment Security has launched a new website they say will make things more user-friendly.
A man was shot and wounded early Sunday in Chicago's West Ridge community.
A man was left in critical condition after being shot while walking in Chicago's River North district early Sunday morning.
A woman was killed and two men were injured in a head-on crash in Chicago's Jackson Park early Sunday morning.
Hundreds of thousands of people will line Halsted Street, Belmont Avenue, Broadway, and Diversey Parkway on Sunday for the 55th annual Chicago Pride Parade.
Seiya Suzuki and Michael Conforto also homered for the Cubs, who moved 6 1/2 games behind the NL Central-leading Brewers, who had won the first four meetings between the teams this season.
Fourteen new laws will go into effect in Illinois on July 1, 2026.
Prediction market Kalshi sued Illinois on Tuesday, seeking to block new taxes and license requirements set to take effect July 1.
The U.S. military says it hit Iranian targets over Iran's drone attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first American strikes on Iran since the two countries formally agreed to extend a ceasefire last week.
Led by Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, a group of Senate Democrats suggested the Justice Department violated its internal policies with the creation of the "anti-weaponization" fund.
Bolton agreed to pay a $2.25 million fine, pleading guilty to one count of retaining classified national security information.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday signed several new consumer protections into law, including a ban on junk fees.
CBS News Chicago has learned that Illinois home insurance premiums are not only higher than the nation's average, but going up faster too.
As an alternative to legalizing video gambling terminals citywide, Bally's offered to open slot machine lounges at O'Hare and Midway, saying the move would replace the $6.8 million the city budgeted from VGTs.
An Illinois law banning "swipe fees" on taxes and tips — already delayed twice by lawmakers — appears to be on life support after a federal judge that once permitted it issued a permanent injunction against it this week.
A new study from the Cook County Treasurer's office underlines growing concerns about the impact the Illinois megaprojects bill could have on the county's property tax base and overall fiscal health.
The north Chicago suburb of Glenview became the latest Illinois municipality this week to confirm mosquitoes testing positive for the West Nile virus this year.
Environmental and community groups are suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for failing to act on a petition challenging U.S. Steel Gary Works operating permit renewal.
In the four years since Roe v. Wade was overturned and Illinois became a destination for abortion care, Illinois providers and advocates have rebuilt the state's infrastructure to support the tens of thousands of people who travel to the state for abortion services every year.
June is National Aphasia Awareness Month, raising awareness of a disorder that affects a person's ability to speak, write, and understand both spoken and written language.
The Chicago Department of Public Health issued a warning Tuesday about a possible measles exposure at O'Hare International Airport.
As an alternative to legalizing video gambling terminals citywide, Bally's offered to open slot machine lounges at O'Hare and Midway, saying the move would replace the $6.8 million the city budgeted from VGTs.
Daley's Restaurant, known as Chicago's oldest, has served Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood for more than 130 years.
Walgreens is set to close in Chicago's Chatham neighborhood on Thursday, and there's growing concern about where families will get their medications.
The owners of Gene & Georgetti steakhouse are suing a concessions operator over their expansion at Midway International Airport.
DraftKings announced Monday that it is closing its sportsbook operation at Wrigley Field after only about two years.
Lionel Richie's Chicago concert at the United Center has been postponed after the singer became sick at his tour opener in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Legendary musician Lionel Richie had to cut his performance short Wednesday night in St. Paul, Minnesota, leaving fans with many questions.
Clive Davis helped shape the careers of music stars including Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen and Whitney Houston.
Claude Guillemot and a flight instructor were flying in a twin-motor Cessna 421 on Friday evening. An investigation into the crash is underway.
James Burrows directed more than 1,000 episodes of television, including every episode of the original "Will & Grace."
A man was shot and wounded early Sunday in Chicago's West Ridge community.
A man was left in critical condition after being shot while walking in Chicago’s River North district early Sunday morning.
Meteorologist Mary Kay Kleist has your 6 a.m. First Alert Weather forecast for Sunday, June 28, 2026.
A woman was killed and two men were injured in a head-on crash in Chicago's Jackson Park early Sunday morning.
While the parade makes its way south and east through Chicago’s vibrant and historic LGBTQ+ community, temperatures will already be climbing to 80 degrees with feels-like temperatures in the 90s. Jackie Kostek reports on warnings to be prepared for the heat.
Hundreds of thousands will line Halsted Street, Belmont Avenue, Broadway, and Diversey Parkway on Sunday for the Chicago Pride Parade.
Chicago's 2026 Pride Parade steps off Sunday on the North Side. Before heading to the parade, here's what you need to know.
A woman was killed and two men were injured in a head-on crash in Chicago's Jackson Park early Sunday morning.
A man was left in critical condition after being shot while walking in Chicago's River North district early Sunday morning.
A man was shot and wounded early Sunday in Chicago's West Ridge community.
An Uber driver who was assaulted during a ride said he begged Chicago police officers not once but twice for help, but was left to fend for himself.
CBS News Chicago has learned that Illinois home insurance premiums are not only higher than the nation's average, but going up faster too.
The Cook County Sheriff's Office has been a part of Illinois' enhanced CTA security plan and state-led task force dedicated to making it safe since the end of March. Their officers have worked more than 4,000 hours a month.
A rideshare driver was shot in Chicago's North Lawndale neighborhood on Monday night.
After a violent holiday weekend, Chicago city leaders are expected to announce new support for a dedicated Department of Gun Violence Prevention.
Seiya Suzuki and Michael Conforto also homered for the Cubs, who moved 6 1/2 games behind the NL Central-leading Brewers, who had won the first four meetings between the teams this season.
A lot of the work to make the new stadium iconic has already been completed or is well in progress, from the giant video board to the loads of food and drink options.
The White Sox earned their 17th one-run victory this season.
The Sky also surpassed the franchise record for points in a game of 114, with Jacy Sheldon's fourth-quarter layup breaking the mark.
A Chicago teacher is hard at work on his quest to visit every NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision stadium in America, while also strengthening bonds between the sports world and the LGBTQ+ community.
A man was shot and wounded early Sunday in Chicago's West Ridge community.
A man was left in critical condition after being shot while walking in Chicago's River North district early Sunday morning.
A 20-year-old Chicago man is accused of being the administrator of a Signal messaging group that was allegedly planning a terrorist attack on the UFC event at the White House.
Two people are dead after they were found shot behind a residential building in the Dunning community on Chicago's Northwest Side Thursday afternoon.
A registered sex offender was ordered detained until trial Thursday on charges that he sexually abused a 6-year-old girl at a bus stop in Chicago's Chatham community last weekend.
