Illinois Unemployment Rate Falls Again In May

Illinois' unemployment rate fell in May to 9.1 percent. It was the second straight monthly drop after a series of increases earlier this year.

The state Department of Employment Security says Thursday that May's decrease was due in part to gains in construction employment.

The state added a net 3,900 construction jobs during the month. Department Director Jay Rowell says better weather after a cold, wet spring helped.

Employers around the state also added 8,200 professional and business services jobs. That category often includes many temporary positions.

Illinois' jobless rate still remains much higher than the 7.6 nationwide unemployment rate for May that was reported earlier this month.