The state Department of Employment Security says Illinois unemployment rose to 9% in January.
That was up from 8.7% in December and back to almost the 9.1% rate of January 2012.
Department Director Jay Rowell blamed the uneven recovery the state has experienced since the recession.
The number of unemployed people in the state rose by 4% to 594,800. The state added a relatively small 7,100 jobs in January.
The biggest job losses were among companies in the trade, transportation and utilities sector where the state lost a net 5,500 jobs in January. Government agencies also shed a net 1,500 jobs. Educational and health services employers added 5,500 jobs.
The U.S. unemployment rate was 7.9% in January. That was slightly higher than December.
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Thursday, June 13 2013 1:45 PM EDT2013-06-13 17:45:09 GMT
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Even a fire hydrant is feeling the Blackhawks spirit, especially after Chicago's midnight victory over the Boston Bruins at the United Center in triple overtime.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:55 PM EDT2013-06-13 01:55:01 GMT
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Forecasters say hot weather could give way to violent storms across parts of Illinois and are warning residents to be prepared for strong winds, hail and even tornadoes.
Monday, June 17 2013 3:09 PM EDT2013-06-17 19:09:21 GMT
On the first day of deliberation, the jury hearing former Chicago alderman Ambrosio Medrano's trial found him guilty of bribery. He could face up to five years in prison.
On the first day of deliberation, the jury hearing former Chicago alderman Ambrosio Medrano's trial found him guilty of bribery. He could face up to five years in prison.
Monday, June 17 2013 2:44 PM EDT2013-06-17 18:44:33 GMT
A spokeswoman for Gov. Pat Quinn says he has fully backed the tough pension proposal supported by the Illinois House and has "fought hard" to get it passed.
A spokeswoman for Gov. Pat Quinn says he has fully backed the tough pension proposal supported by the Illinois House and has "fought hard" to get it passed.
Amy Le started out behind the wheel at Duck-N-Roll. Now she's bringing some Asian-Latin spice to Chicago's financial district with her new restaurant Saucy Porka. Ever heard of a "baco?"
Amy Le started out behind the wheel at Duck-N-Roll. Now she's bringing some Asian-Latin spice to Chicago's financial district with her new restaurant Saucy Porka. Ever heard of a "baco?"
Monday, June 17 2013 12:48 PM EDT2013-06-17 16:48:35 GMT
Jewel-Osco was offering a $0.05 per gallon discount on fuel at Shell stations for every $50 in grocery purchases. But they have decided to cut the program.
Jewel-Osco was offering a $0.05 per gallon discount on fuel at Shell stations for every $50 in grocery purchases. But they have decided to cut the program.
Father's Day is only two days away. Do you have a present for your dad yet? David Viggiano, the gift and gadget guy, showcased some of the coolest new tech gadgets you can get – all under $100!
Father's Day is only two days away. Do you have a present for your dad yet? David Viggiano, the gift and gadget guy, showcased some of the coolest new tech gadgets you can get – all under $100!
Friday, June 14 2013 1:57 PM EDT2013-06-14 17:57:37 GMT
Democratic leaders in the Illinois Legislature said Friday that they would try again to pass a pension-reform plan backed by House Speaker Michael Madigan, rejecting Quinn's request for committee.
Democratic leaders in the Illinois Legislature said Friday that they would try again to pass a pension-reform plan backed by House Speaker Michael Madigan, rejecting Quinn's request for committee.
Friday, June 14 2013 1:47 PM EDT2013-06-14 17:47:11 GMT
Mayor Emanuel's office has some good weekend news, but there's a catch. Free Sunday parking begins this weekend in some neighborhoods, while paying hours are extended in others.
Mayor Emanuel's office has some good weekend news, but there's a catch. Free Sunday parking begins this weekend in some neighborhoods, while paying hours are extended in others.
Thursday, June 13 2013 10:34 PM EDT2013-06-14 02:34:57 GMT
It may be the most painful symptom of the economic illness that has put Chicago at a tipping point: our unemployment rate is the highest in the Midwest.
It may be the most painful symptom of the economic illness that has put Chicago at a tipping point: our unemployment rate is the highest in the Midwest.
Facebook is introducing hashtags, the number signs used on Twitter, Instagram and other services to identify topics being discussed and allow users to search for them.
Facebook is introducing hashtags, the number signs used on Twitter, Instagram and other services to identify topics being discussed and allow users to search for them.
Monday, June 17 2013 6:53 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:53:27 GMT
If you are looking for a cookie form of summers refreshing watermelon, then the wait is over.
By: Zoe Sobel, FOX32 News Intern(Chicago) If you are looking for a cookie form of summers refreshing watermelon, then the wait is over. Meet the watermelon Oreo which is the newest member of their limited-edition
Monday, June 17 2013 5:54 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:54:56 GMT
Duane T. Horton
A Chicago moving company employee is being held without bond after being charged with stealing more than $27,000 worth of jewelry from a north suburban customer, Pioneer Press is reporting.
A Chicago moving company employee is being held without bond after being charged with stealing more than $27,000 worth of jewelry from a north suburban customer, Pioneer Press is reporting.
