Figures released by the U.S. Department of Labor indicate for the fourth consecutive month, Maryland has experienced employment gains.  The Gazette reports that the areas experiencing the largest growth were hotels and restaurants, professional and scientific services, and construction.

The unemployment rate in Maryland fell to 7.1 percent in June from 7.3 percent in May, as some 9,500 people stopped seeking work. The state rate remained considerably below the national rate of 9.5 percent. Nevada had the highest jobless rate at 14.2 percent, while North Dakota had the lowest at 3.6 percent.