As new claims overwhelm an unprepared and inefficient system, the state has been pre-approved for a $5 billion loan from the federal government to ensure benefits continue to be paid.

Opposition to Pritzker’s order is growing, as small business owners sue to challenge the governor’s ability to order them into ruin.

The state’s unemployment rate continues to soar as joblessness hits more than 1 in 5 workers.

Small businesses have struggled since their doors were forced to close March 21. A new poll shows 75% of Illinoisans want them to be allowed to reopen now.

Illinois’ self-employed workers have been unable to receive assistance since the pandemic began. Now the state wants them to apply, be denied, and apply again for help.

COVID-19 and measures to contain the disease have resulted in unemployment that’s over 50% higher than the worst months of the Great Recession.

State sheds 34,100 jobs during early stages of COVID-19 economic fallout.