U.S. sees increase in unemployment rate

NPR: Unemployment rate up across the U.S.

In February, 651,000 people were cut from already lean payrolls, putting the unemployment rate at 8.1%, a worse number than expected. The rate is the highest since 1983.

In South Carolina, the unemployment trust fund may need to borrow nearly $300 million more to pay benefits to the state's jobless. In Dalton, Ga., unemployment has hit 12%, the highest rate of the 14 metro areas in the state.

Nariman Behravesh, chief economist of Global Insight, told NPR that "it still looks like the jobs market is in something of a free fall. None of these numbers provide any room for optimism or hope yet."

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Gov. Riley addresses record crowd of college students on education budget

ARKANSAS: Stimulus funding could help state's schools 'go green'

FLORIDA: Schools could close as property tax revenue falls

GEORGIA: House sponsor of Sunday alcohol sales bill withdraws legislation

KENTUCKY: Mine safety inspection bill stalls in Senate

LOUISIANA: Gov. Jindal admits he's no match for Obama's speaking prowess

MISSISSIPPI: House votes to accept all stimulus funds

NORTH CAROLINA: State income tax refunds are slow in delivery

SOUTH CAROLINA: Rancor between Democrats, Republicans increasing in House

TENNESSEE: Unemployment up in all of state's counties

VIRGINIA: GOP leaders begin bid to oust stat party chairman

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