Unemployment Rises in Florida, Louisiana, Indiana in February

February's unemployment rates have shown an upward trend across various states, with Michigan reporting increases in 16 major labor market areas. The state recorded jobless rates rising to 4.9% in the Grand Rapids area and 4.5% in Ottawa County, both higher than the previous year. Similarly, Indiana's Bartholomew County's unemployment rose to 4.4%, with statewide rates also increasing to 4.3%, while the national average edged up to 4.1%. In contrast, Louisiana celebrated 47 consecutive months of job growth, adding 19,600 non-farm jobs year-over-year, emphasizing the strength of its workforce. Florida experienced a slight increase in unemployment to 3.6%, attributed partially to federal job cuts, although state officials caution it’s too early to draw direct correlations. The labor market appears to be under pressure from federal workforce reductions and economic uncertainty, affecting hiring trends across states.