Corilyn Shropshire

Four-year-old Tessa Reynolds-Tyler sits on the porch with her mother, Tina Reynolds-Tyler, right, and aunt, Trina Reynolds-Tyler, as they interview Micquel Hart, not seen, as a potential in-home teacher for Tessa at their home May 24, 2020, in Chicago. The coronavirus pandemic has both women working from home, but not enough time to focus on Tessa, so they are seeking help for the summer.

Summer camps are canceling and parents are scrambling: The search for sitters who embrace social distancing

May 26, 2020 at 8:29 p.m.

It's the question that has vexed Chicago-area parents for months: With no school, uncertainty about camps and parents working remotely, who's watching the kids this summer? Many families have found...

A casket is moved through the building for a funeral at Leak & Sons Funeral Homes in Country Club Hills on May 6, 2020.

At Leak & Sons Funeral Homes, a South Side institution, ‘Our families are saying they won’t allow this pandemic to toss their loved one away’

May 27, 2020 at 8:11 p.m.

Leak & Sons Funeral Homes, started 87 years ago, has helped families bury police officers, homicide victims and singer Sam Cooke. The coronavirus pandemic has forced the South Side institution...

Chris DeJong of Big Blue Swim School puts on a face mask April 28, 2020, after exiting his location in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. The school, with five locations in the Chicago area, is closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

With no one in the water because of coronavirus, Chicago-area swim school sets its sights on expansion

May 27, 2020 at 8:29 p.m.

Chris DeJong's mother always reminded him, "Never underestimate the power of a handwritten note." The founder of Big Blue Swim School is taking that advice since his five Chicago-area locations...

Security guards from AGB Investigate Services patrol Cabrini-Green Homes public housing in Chicago on April 14, 2020.

Coronavirus pandemic brings more business, and worries, to a South Side security firm

May 27, 2020 at 8:39 p.m.

Illinois' stay-at-home order went into effect last month while Denitra and John Griffin were on vacation with their family, celebrating their 26th anniversary. That meant the couple, who own AGB...

The nation's big three national credit reporting agencies — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — have begun offering free weekly credit reports for the next year.

Equifax, Experian, TransUnion offering weekly free credit reports to consumers, citing ‘unprecedented times’

April 21, 2020 at 4:27 p.m.

The nation's big three national credit reporting agencies — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — have begun offering free weekly credit reports so consumers can monitor their financial health and any...

An International ProStar high-rise sleeper tractor is parked in July at the Navistar manufacturing plant in Melrose Park, on Jan. 9, 2020.

Temporary pay cuts. Big projects postponed. Truck manufacturer Navistar joins the ranks of companies prepping for a tough economic road ahead

April 14, 2020 at 10:31 p.m.

Navistar International is instituting temporary pay cuts, postponing big projects and delaying pension contributions to preserve cash as economic uncertainties tied to the coronavirus pandemic extend into more industries. The...

A truck driver stands in the delivery bay of the Jel Sert Co. on April 3, 2020 in West Chicago. Six workers at the facility tested positive for COVID-19.

Powdered drink maker Jel Sert shutters temporarily after six workers test positive for COVID-19

April 6, 2020 at 8:52 p.m.

The Jel Sert Co., the maker of powdered drinks and foods such as Wyler's, Hi-C and Flavor Aid, has temporarily shuttered its manufacturing division in West Chicago after six employees...

A sign stating the store is closed is posted at MaxMara on Michigan Avenue.

See a nonessential business staying open? Even your own employer? Chicago wants you to call 311.

April 2, 2020 at 9:43 p.m.

Chicago's 311 system is used to getting complaints about potholes, rats and burned-out streetlights. Now Mayor Lori Lightfoot wants to use it to investigate businesses that are open during the...

Chroma K8 Salon owner Kate Jotzat poses for a photograph at her salon on March 26, 2020, in Chicago. Jotzat had to close her business on March 14 because of COVID-19, or coronavirus, and hopes to receive low-interest loans to prevent permanent closure.

Illinois small businesses scramble for grants, loans to endure coronavirus. ‘We’re pursuing everything because we need it.’

March 27, 2020 at 5:04 p.m.

Like many boutique hotel owners in Chicago, Bedderman Lodging is in crisis mode. The Chicago-based company has shuttered the 21-room Wheelhouse Hotel near Wrigley Field and the 52-room FieldHouse Jones...

Mario Gonzalez prepares whole-grain flatbread Dec. 18, 2006, at a Cosi restaurant in Lincolnshire. On Feb. 25, 2020, the chain filed for bankruptcy protection.

After closing 30 stores, sandwich chain Cosi files for bankruptcy with plans to grow its catering business

February 25, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.

Beleaguered coffee and sandwich chain Cosi filed for bankruptcy, the second time in less than five years as it said it looks for a buyer. The restaurant chain, which is...

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