1 Million Jobless Claims As State Beefs Up System | PatchPM

Share-worthy stories from the Illinois Patch network to talk about tonight:

1M Jobless Claims In 2 Months As State Promises Improved System

The Illinois Department of Employment Security has improved its online systems and hired more people for its call center.

NASCAR Weekend Canceled At Chicagoland Speedway

Coronavirus was reportedly to blame for "a large reduction in staff" at the speedway.

Officials Phase Out Hospital Site Beds At McCormick Place

This is a result of flattening the curve in the number of coronavirus cases, according to Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Lori Lightfoot.

Couples Report Being Denied Refunds For Canceled Weddings

In some cases, they used their life savings to pay tens of thousands of dollars for their weddings.

Here Are Job Openings In Illinois: Yes, There Are Lots

As unemployment soars, many companies are still looking to hire.

Worker At Amazon Illinois Warehouse Dies Of Coronavirus

The first COVID-19 death of an Amazon employee in Illinois was April 18, the company confirmed.

Also Worth a Look Today

• Mayor Says Restore Illinois 'Implementation Is Bad'
• Fireworks Seized After Loud Noises
• Free Car Delivered To Senior Citizens
• Convicted Murderer of Ex-Bear's Girlfriend Breaks Silence On 20/20
• Restaurant Returns After 8-Week Shutdown
• Man Rolls Around In Yard, Fights Officers: Police
• Beloved Hot Dog Restaurant Reopens
• Illinois-Based Ulta Beauty To Reopen 180 Stores
• Cruise Nights For June Canceled

Across America

• Joyful Homecoming For Father Who Battled 'Nightmare' Coronavirus
• U.S. Coronavirus Blog: Unemployment Hits High; Small Biz Reels

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