Initial Unemployment Claims Up Slightly Again Last Week

Another 17,000 Illinoisans filed for initial unemployment benefits last week, which’s around 760 more than the week before. Another 1,630 independent contractors applied for benefits last week, nearly 600 fewer than the week before. Groups of employer associations are pushing for the state to use some of the billions in federal funds to cover the unemployment trust fund debt they say could be up to $5 billion.