By Jacque Day
Illinois, Tennessee – Illinois unemployment fell for the 15th consecutive month, dropping a tenth of a point to 8.7 percent in April. This is according to preliminary data released today by the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Illinois added nearly 10,000 jobs last month. The Illinois rate has been equal to or below the U.S. rate for seven consecutive months. Jobless numbers are up in Tennessee, increasing a tenth of a point to 9.6 percent. The national rate in April increased slightly to nine percent.