This won't come as news, unfortunately, to many folks:

"In September, nonfarm payroll employment decreased in 43 states and the District of Columbia and increased in 7 states," the Bureau of Labor Statistics just reported.

The seven where the number of jobs actually went up from August:

— Delaware

— Indiana

— Nevada

— New Hampshire

— New Mexico

— South Carolina

— Utah

Keep in mind, though, that BLS says "over the year, nonfarm employment decreased
in all 50 states and the District of Columbia." So, while there were a few small job gains in seven states from August to September, no states were better off than they were a year ago.

The highest unemployment rate again was Michigan's 15.3%. The lowest was again North Dakota's 4.2%.

Nationally, the jobless rate last month was 9.8%.

If you like to follow the economic news, check out Planet Money.