Supply chain issues, unusual stock market activity as US prepares to reopen

Supply chain issues, sky rocketing demand and more unusual activity on the stock market: all symptoms of the economy as the country prepares to reopen.

CTA to reduce the price of 3 unlimited-ride passes starting Friday

Prices will be reduced on three of the CTA's existing limited-ride passes as a part of the city's "Open Chicago" initiative.

US unemployment claims fall to 406,000, a new pandemic low

The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits dropped last week to 406,000, a new pandemic low and evidence that the job market is strengthening.

Diapers, toilet paper, other consumer goods to cost more starting in June

The prices of many everyday items will start to rise beginning next month as the country’s economy eases its way out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lightfoot unveils broad relief package for Chicago businesses, consumers

Mayor Lori Lightfoot unveiled a package of ordinances on Wednesday designed to jumpstart recovery for Chicago businesses, workers and consumers in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Lightfoot announces $80 million in rental assistance

Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Chicago Department of Housing are announcing a new program for families struggling to pay rent.

Robust revenue allows Illinois to repay federal pandemic-relief loan early

Illinois Democratic leaders announced Thursday that they have agreed to repay federal pandemic-relief loans more than a year earlier than scheduled, saving taxpayers $100 million in interest.

US achieves another pandemic low with 444,000 new unemployment claims

The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid fell last week to 444,000, a new pandemic low and a sign that the job market keeps strengthening as consumers spend freely again, viral infections drop and business restrictions ease.

HHS redirects over $2B in COVID-19 funds for migrant children in shelters

The Biden administration says it has directed the Department of Health and Human Services to reroute more than $2 billion of COVID-19 funds to help cover the costs of supporting unaccompanied migrant children that have arrived in the U.S.

Monthly child tax credit payments to begin July 15, officials say

Nearly 88% of U.S. children are set to receive the monthly benefits under the expanded child tax credit without their parents needing to take any additional action, administration officials said.

Illinois Craft Beer Week returns May 14, kicks off with PassportPlus Challenge

The Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, the nonprofit trade association representing nearly 300 small and independent craft breweries in Illinois, announced the return of Illinois Craft Beer Week on Friday.

Unemployment claims fall to 473,000, another pandemic low

The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell last week to 473,000, a new pandemic low and the latest evidence that fewer employers are cutting jobs as consumers ramp up spending and more businesses reopen.

Biden touts economic recovery plan as Treasury Dept. starts paying out $350B in state and local aid

President Biden on Monday announced steps to make it easier for employers to hire new workers and touted the country’s economic recovery plan following a disappointing April jobs report.

Chamber of Commerce calls for end to enhanced jobless aid

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is calling for Washington to immediately stop paying out-of-work Americans an extra $300 a week in unemployment benefits, saying the boost in government aid is giving some recipients less incentive to look for work.

Biden says economic recovery a marathon, not a sprint amid weak jobs report

U.S. employers added just 266,000 jobs last month, sharply lower than in March and a sign that some businesses are struggling to find enough workers.

Man fraudulently obtained federal coronavirus relief funds to buy alpaca farm, prosecutors say

Federal prosecutors say the owner of a Massachusetts pizza parlor lied about the number of employees he had to fraudulently obtain more than $660,000 in federal coronavirus relief funds, then used some of the money to buy an alpaca farm in Vermont.

IRS delivers another batch of $1,400 stimulus checks: Here's who received them

The IRS will issue an eighth batch of stimulus checks this week, delivering payments to another 1.1 million Americans as part of President Biden's $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan.