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After hearing from so many laid-off workers – frustrated by failures of the Illinois Department of Employment Security's new callback system - we asked IDES and the Governor's office how many people are staffing the phone lines, how that staffing breaks down, and where those people are.
We got dozens of emails on Wednesday alone from people still not getting the answers they need from the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
Who is on the other end of the line when you call the Illinois Department of Unemployment Security?
Thursday marks three weeks since the Illinois Department of Employment Security debuted a callback feature – something the state called a solution for those trying to get through over the phone. But we've learned for many, their calls that aren't coming.
State Rep. Jonathan "Yoni" Pizer (D-Chicago), representing the 12th House District, said he received an unemployment benefits debit card he never asked for just Wednesday.
Analysts expect more than $1 million new claims when the report is released Thursday morning, and that could only make it worse for people still struggling to get benefits they are owed.
"If we're just wasting more money by creating these beautiful IDES, cards and mailing them out across our state, it's ridiculous," Cindy Pille said.
As many wait for unemployment benefits or the debits cards they need to access that money, it turns out some people are getting those cards in the mail when they never even applied for unemployment.
Many jobless Illinois workers have taken advantage of the state's new feature in which they can skip countless calling and long hold times and let someone from the state's Department of Employment Security call them back. The problem is, some wait times have turned into days.
A new audit of the Illinois Department of Employment Security reveals systemic failures long before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
The state system built to offer lifelines to those who are out of work is riddled with gaffes, according to one worker empathizing with people waiting months for unemployment money.
People with jobs email the CBS 2 Investigators all the time saying they've been approved for unemployment benefits.
"Over a thousand times. It's frustrating. Meanwhile the bills are coming in. I've got to have money to pay those bills. It's just nerve racking."
CBS 2 is Working for Chicago as we continue to hear that many people are waiting to receive benefits they are owed. Some are struggling to get simple answers from the state.
Hundreds of phone calls, but no solution – we continue to hear from people who can't get through for help with unemployment claims or the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program.
Audits are holding up the federal money they're desperate for - that's what some gig workers tell CBS 2.
Just in the past week, we've heard from dozens of people who are still waiting on unemployment benefits – some since March.
There were 1,542,000 new claims filed across the country last week.
We have taken the allegations made by IDES workers to Gov. JB Pritzker to see how he plans to address the concerns they brought up.
CBS 2's extensive reporting as part of its "Working for Chicago" series continues to uncover how the state's system for applying for and processing unemployment claims is not only overwhelmed, but incapable of handling the extraordinary number of new claims from the beginning.
Illinois State Rep. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) said a constituent in her district made her aware of the data breach, after inadvertently accessing a spreadsheet with names and personal information for thousands of unemployment applicants.
We have told you story after story of people trying to get mistakes fixed by the state's unemployment benefits office.
It's hard enough navigating the state's unemployment process, but losing your job in the pandemic can be especially tough if you're one of the most vulnerable people during this time – senior citizens.
How could someone who currently goes to work every day for the state get approved for unemployment benefits?
The state's unemployment benefits system was designed to catch fraudsters trying to collect benefits to which they are not entitled. If they get a birth date or other critical information wrong, they get blocked from getting the money.
Caleb Williams threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns for the Bears (4-7), who lost their fifth straight.
The body was found just after 9 a.m. in the 2800 block of South DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
Lake County Sheriff's detectives responded to a burglary alarm at the café in the 34500 block of Route 45 in Third Lake, Illinois.
Chicago police said that just before 2 a.m., the officer was confronted by an armed person in the 100 block of East 57th Street, and the two exchanged gunfire.
Chicago police said the victims were standing on the sidewalk when shots were fired.
The 29-person team will advise the prosecutor's office on everything from handling gun violence cases to wrongful convictions to public corruption.
Parking garage managers said the number of parkers is down since the pandemic, as more people work remotely, leaving them struggling to make a profit.
Cook Cook State's Attorney Kim Foxx sat down with CBS News Chicago to reflect on her legacy after eight years in office.
President-elect Donald Trump announced Gaetz as his nominee to be attorney general last week.
The reopened Pilsen facility is one of three that Mayor Brandon Johnson promised would reopen by the end of the year.
So far, despite several requests, the woman has not been able to get a hold of her medical records to send to her new doctors.
Those in the industry who spoke to CBS News Chicago said their margins are already so slim that an increased liquor tax could drive business owners to close their doors.
Robin McElroy said she loves everything about her Morgan Park home—except for the panic-inducing surprises she has been getting in the mail about her supposedly unpaid taxes.
Scammers often get financial information and personal details, or lure in veterans with videos that claim they can win lots of money,
It's the season of giving, but if you're not careful with finances, you could be getting a hefty bill at the end of the holiday season.
Little Penelope Lo Destro's parents were about to start their family when there was a terrible diagnosis.
Lattes and other espresso-based drinks may not be available at some McDonald's restaurants due to a glitch with coffee machines.
The FDA sent a warning letter flagging "significant violations" of manufacturing regulations for Tom's of Maine toothpaste.
The 65-year-old actor and stand-up comedian, best known for portraying Joey Gladstone on "Full House," said he first noticed symptoms in October.
An attorney representing a conservative prosecutor struggled Monday to convince Wisconsin's liberal-leaning Supreme Court to reactivate the state's 175-year-old abortion ban.
Owner Ricky Burns made a big dream come true in the tiny space on Western Avenue in West Ridge.
Those in the industry who spoke to CBS News Chicago said their margins are already so slim that an increased liquor tax could drive business owners to close their doors.
The nonprofit Far South Community Development Corporation is working to create everlasting change—and has a vision specifically for the commercial corridor at 115th and Halsted streets.
Wonder Group, a New York-based food ordering company that touts "fast fine" dining, is set to be Grubhub's new owner.
Foxtrot will be pouring free drip coffee between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. at the Fulton Market location to celebrate the reopening.
The 17-time Grammy Award-winning artist's new album features 12 songs.
The British pop star is bringing her Brat 2025 arena tour to the Allstate Arena on April 28 at 7 p.m
Ravyn Lenae, a rising R&B star from the South Side of Chicago, is among the artists announced Wednesday for the popular California desert music festival.
Speaking to American Theatre in 2018, Vire said he arrived in Chicago as a "lapsed actor," and fell into theatre criticism "through the back door."
"America demanded it and now it's happening: Taco Bell's new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news, I'm hosting the Oscars," Conan O'Brien said.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also says he's waiting to hear President-elect Donald Trump's proposals on resolving the conflict.
Woolery began hosting "Love Connection" after spending 11 years on "Wheel of Fortune." He also hosted the game show "Lingo" in the early 2000s. Woolery's podcast co-host and friend said he died at his home in Texas with his wife present.
Representatives from the least developed countries and small island nations walked out of negotiations at the summit on Saturday. They said they're frustrated over the process and are still interested in talks, but they want a fair deal.
Trump chose key members for his administration over the weekend, with most still face confirmation hearings.
A 16-year-old male was taken by the CFD to Mt. Sinai in critical condition with a gunshot wound to the abdomen and later died.
The shooting happened as crowds were packing downtown for the annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza.
Caleb Williams threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns for the Bears (4-7), who lost their fifth straight.
Chicago police said that just before 2 a.m., the officer was confronted by an armed person in the 100 block of East 57th Street, and the two exchanged gunfire.
Chicago police said the victims were standing on the sidewalk when shots were fired.
The body was found just after 9 a.m. in the 2800 block of South DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
The 29-person team will advise the prosecutor's office on everything from handling gun violence cases to wrongful convictions to public corruption.
Cook Cook State's Attorney Kim Foxx sat down with CBS News Chicago to reflect on her legacy after eight years in office.
A judge released Constantin Beldie on electronic monitoring in October, after he allegedly beat and tried to kidnap his estranged wife. He's now accused of killing her weeks later.
So far, despite several requests, the woman has not been able to get a hold of her medical records to send to her new doctors.
The police department has spent $22.6 million in overtime this year for officers working special events — only about $2 million of which has been reimbursed to the city.
Caleb Williams threw for 340 yards and two touchdowns for the Bears (4-7), who lost their fifth straight.
Pippen, playing in the arena where his Hall of Fame father's retired number hangs, had 26 points in the first three quarters for Memphis, which has won three of its last four.
Brandi Robinson is an undefeated pro boxer from Sauk Village, who is now preparing for a big fight later this month in Rosemont.
Jeremiyah Love scored three touchdowns, tying a school record with his 11th straight game with a rushing TD, and No. 6 Notre Dame ended No. 18 Army's 13-game winning streak with a 49-14 victory at Yankee Stadium.
Luke Altmyer found Pat Bryant for a catch-and-run, 40-yard touchdown pass with 4 seconds left, sending No. 24 Illinois to a wild 38-31 victory over Rutgers.
The shooting happened as crowds were packing downtown for the annual Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza.
The NBA is urging its players to take additional precautions to secure their homes following reports of recent high-profile burglaries of dwellings owned by Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis and Kansas City Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
K9 officer Riggs served 8 years on the force. He was 10 years old.
One man suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to an area hospital for treatment, police said.
The woman was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in critical condition.
