Unemployment Rises In Illinois For First Time In 15 Months
Unemployment in Illinois was up modestly last month, breaking a 15-month trend of declining joblessness in the state.
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Unemployment in Illinois was up modestly last month, breaking a 15-month trend of declining joblessness in the state.
The unemployment rate in the Chicago area fell to 8.7 percent in March from 9 percent in February and from 11.1 percent in March 2010, the Illinois Department of Employment Security said Thursday.
The worsening economy has now hit teenagers, and new statistics for Illinois show that African-American teens in particular are more likely to be without a job.
Illinois' seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell for the 13th consecutive month in February, dropping -0.1 to 8.9 percent. The last time the state rate was below 9.0 percent was two years ago in February 2009.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said Tuesday that it's inappropriate for her predecessor, Todd Stroger, to seek unemployment benefits after losing his re-election bid last year.
Former Cook County Board President Todd Stroger has applied for unemployment benefits, but new Board President Toni Preckwinkle's administration has protested the claim.
Officials are reporting good news about the unemployment rate in the Chicago area.
