Low Unemployment Rate, Strong Year-over-Year Job Growth 

Low Unemployment Rate, Strong Year-over-Year Job Growth 

Governor Whitmer Header

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

March 21, 2024

Contact: [email protected]

 

Gov. Whitmer Statement on Michigan’s Low Unemployment Rate, Strong Year-over-Year Job Growth

Unemployment rate decreases to 3.9%, below 4% for the third period of time during Governor Whitmer’s tenure, and Michigan’s workforce rises at a rate more than double of the national rate year over year

 

LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statement on the latest economic data showing Michigan’s unemployment rate fell to 3.9% in February. Michigan’s labor force grew by 1.9% over the year, more than double the rate at which the national labor force grew over the same period of time.

 

“Michiganders are working hard as our economy continues to grow.

 

“With a low unemployment rate and strong labor force growth over the past year, Michigan has the momentum. More people are working, businesses are expanding, and commercial districts and restaurants are buzzing as we start spring and get ready for warmer weather just around the corner.

 

“My partners in the Michigan Legislature and I will keep working together to grow and diversify our economy by focusing on the kitchen-table issues that make a real difference in people’s lives. We will keep competing to bring good-paying jobs home, build more housing, fix more roads, support students and workers, and lower costs for working families.

 

“Let’s keep working together to move Michigan forward.”

 

A Strong Jobs Report

  • Michigan’s jobless rate matched the U.S. rate (3.9%) during February 2024.
  • The statewide unemployment level receded by 2.0% over the month, while the national unemployment total expanded by 5.5% since January.
  • Michigan’s workforce rose by 1.9% over the year, an increase over double the labor force increase seen nationally (+0.7%).
  • According to the monthly survey of employers, Michigan seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment rose by 15,000, or 0.3%, resulting in a job total of 4,472,000 in February.

 

Boys Golf Regionals are Out 2024

Boys Golf Regionals are Out 2024

Boys Golf Regionals are Out 2024.

Written Friday March 15th at 8:44 PM

These are the regionals for boys golf, the updated projections will be updated during the season.

Underlined is projected champ.

Region 2 at Currie Golf Club (Midland)

Midland

CLARKSTON

Lapeer

Bay City Western

Davison

Grand Blanc

Flushing

East Lansing

Grand Ledge

Hartland

Holt

Howell

Midland Dow

Okemos

Saginaw Arthur Hill

Saginaw Heritage

Swartz Creek

Traverse City Central

Traverse City West

 

EARLY PROJECTIONS: Traverse City Central, Clarkston, Flushing.

 

Region 3 at Twin Lakes Golf Course (Royal Oak)

ROYAL OAK

BERKLEY

GROVES

SEAHOLM

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

FARMINGTON

NORTH FARMINGTON

WEST BLOOMFIELD

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

Novi Detroit Catholic Central

Livonia Franklin

Livonia Churchill

Livonia Stevenson

Milford

Novi

Lakeland

Waterford Mott

Walled Lake Central

Walled Lake Northern

 

EARLY PROJECTIONS: Novi Detroit Catholic Central, Novi, Lakeland.

 

Region 4 at Fieldstone Golf Club (Troy Athens)

TROY ATHENS

TROY

LAKE ORION

OXFORD

ROCHESTER

ADAMS

STONEY CREEK

Chippewa Valley

Macomb L’Anse Creuse

Romeo

Macomb L’Anse Creuse North

Macomb Dakota

New Baltimore Anchor Bay

Port Huron

Port Huron Northern

Sterling Heights

Sterling Heights Stevenson

Utica

Utica Eisenhower

Utica Ford II

 

EARLY PROJECTIONS: Lake Orion, Adams, Troy Athens.

 

Region 6 at TBA

FERNDALE

Allen Park

Brownstown Woodhaven

Dearborn

Dearborn Edsel Ford

Dearborn Crestwood

Dearborn Fordson

Detroit Cass Tech

Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit

Detroit Renaissance

Fraser

Gibraltar Carlson

Grosse Pointe North

Grosse Pointe South

St. Clair Shores Lakeview

Taylor

Warren Cousino

Warren DeLaSalle

Warren Mott

Wyandotte Roosevelt

 

EARLY PROJECTION: Warren DeLaSalle, Dearborn Crestwood, Grosse Pointe South.

Boys Golf Regionals are Out 2024

Track Regionals are Out 2024

Track Regionals are Out 2024.

Written Friday March 15th at 9:40 PM

These are the early projections for the regionals during track. This will be updated during the season as we roll along into the year. Here are the early projections along with the regionals.

Underlined is projected champion.

Regional 8 at Rochester

ROCHESTER

ADAMS

STONEY CREEK

AVONDALE

GROVES

BERKLEY

SEAHOLM

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

OAK PARK

ROYAL OAK

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

TROY

Birmingham Brother Rice (Boys)

Detroit Renaissance

Detroit University-Detroit Jesuit (Boys)

Detroit Mumford (Girls)

 

BOYS EARLY PROJECTION: Adams, Detroit Renaissance, Oak Park.

GIRLS EARLY PROJECTION: Rochester, Oak Park, Troy.

 

 

Regional 9 at Milford

Milford

LAKE ORION

CLARKSTON

OXFORD

WEST BLOOMFIELD

FARMINGTON

NORTH FARMINGTON

Lapeer

Detroit Catholic Central (Boys)

Walled Lake Central

Walled Lake Northern

Walled Lake Western

Waterford Kettering

Waterford Mott

Lakeland

Farmington Hills Mercy (Girls)

 

BOYS EARLY PROJECTION: Milford, West Bloomfield, Walled Lake Central.

GIRLS EARLY PROJECTION: Walled Lake Central, Milford, Clarkston.

 

 

Regional 10 at Romeo

Romeo

TROY ATHENS

Chippewa Valley

Fraser

Macomb L’Anse Creuse

Macomb Dakota

Macomb L’Anse Creuse North

New Baltimore Anchor Bay

Port Huron

Port Huron Northern

Sterling Heights

Sterling Heights Stevenson

Utica

Utica Eisenhower

Utica Ford II

 

BOYS EARLY PROJECTION: Macomb Dakota, Chippewa Valley, Troy Athens.

GIRLS EARLY PROJECTION: Romeo, Macomb Dakota, Troy Athens.

 

 

Regional 18 at Ferndale

FERNDALE

FERNDALE UNIVERSITY

HARPER WOODS

Center Line

Detroit Denby

Detroit Country Day

Detroit East English

Detroit Henry Ford

Detroit Southeastern

Eastpointe

Chandler Park

Hazel Park

St. Clair Shores South Lake

Lamphere

Warren Fitzgerald

Warren Lincoln

 

BOYS EARLY PROJECTON: Detroit Country Day, Lamphere, Ferndale.

GIRLS EARLY PROJECTION: Detroit Country Day, Warren Fitzgerald, Lamphere.

 

Regional 19 at North Branch

North Branch

PONTIAC

Pontiac Notre Dame Prep

Armada

Croswell Lexington

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood

Goodrich

Imlay City

Macomb Lutheran North

Marine City

Marysville

North Branch

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

Brandon

Richmond

St. Clair

Yale

Birmingham Marian (Girls)

 

BOYS EARLY PROJECTION: Goodrich, Orchard Lake St. Marys, North Branch.

GIRLS EARLY PROJECTION: Goodrich, Yale, Imlay City.

Boys Golf Regionals are Out 2024

Raiders fall in Division One State title game

Raiders fall in Division One State title game.

Written Saturday March 16th at 3:07 PM

The clock struck midnight for the Raiders.

North Farmington rallied late and got it into single digits but they couldn’t overcome a rough third quarter and fell 63-52 to Orchard Lake St. Marys at the Breslin Center on the campus of Michigan State University in the Division One State Finals.

It’s the third straight year that North Farmington has fallen to Orchard Lake St. Marys.

Tyler Spratt led the Raiders with 17 points but fouled out early in the fourth quarter. Landon Williams added 16 points in the contest.

North Farmington could not stop Trey McKenney. He had a career high 32 points and had a triple double. Sharod Barnes added 11 points for the Eaglets.

The Raiders had a great season, winning 24 games and sharing the Red with West Bloomfield. They lose Spratt, Williams, Vinnie Lee, and Dylan Smith to graduation. Coach Todd Negoshian has several proven players coming back next season. Program strength is also solid for North Farmington.

They will be back, that is for sure.

More on this game will be on the podcast on Monday.

Boys Golf Regionals are Out 2024

Boys Basketball Shortcomings 2024

Boys Basketball Shortcomings 2024.

Written Saturday March 16th at 3:30 PM

Here are the shortcomings for each OAA school heading into next season. This will be updated often.

North Farmington: The Raiders made a return to the Division One State finals this season winning 24 games but lost a tough one to Orchard Lake St. Marys 63-52 in the Division One State Finals. North Farmington loses Tyler Spratt, Landon Williams, Vinnie Lee, and Dylan Smith to graduation. The Raiders have Avi Melster, Will MacShara, Robert Smith, and DJ Morgan coming back for Coach Todd Negoshian. Program strength is also strong for North Farmington. The Raiders will be back in the conversation next season.

Ferndale: The Eagles had an up and down season. They won 14 games but fell 66-44 to Warren Lincoln in the district finals. They lose Mishawn Hereford, Kaden Hudson, Markiese Young, and Trenton Ruth to graduation. Ferndale has Eden Vinyard, Toriano Adams, Cameron Fraser, Drakkar Washington, Tyler Ruth, Juilan Cardenas, and Dexter Wilson coming back for Coach Juan Rickman. Program strength is a concern for Rickman. Ferndale will look to be back with a vengeance.

West Bloomfield: The Lakers won a share of the Red and won 17 games this season. They beat Walled Lake Central 55-46 in the district semifinals but had a really rough outing with Orchard Lake St. Marys in the district finals falling 68-46. West Bloomfield loses Chris Agbugui, Donnie Watts, Caleb Caudle, and Keith Gilmore to graduation. They have De’Avion Thomas, Corey Pittman, Brendin Jones, Artis Hicks, Terrance Lowe, Ryan Hood, David Lewis, Jamad Williams, Drew Wilson, and Chris Britton coming back for Coach Arnette Jordan. Program strength looks solid for Jordan heading into next season. West Bloomfield will be back and a team to watch this offseason.

Adams: The Highlanders had a strong season winning 15 games in the always tough Red but they had a very disappointing 66-61 loss to Utica in the district finals on their home floor. Coach Isiah Novak loses William Gee and Peter Kardasis to graduation. Adams has Colin Langdon, Trenton LaGarge, Luke Marcial, and Cannon Flynn coming back along with program strength. The Highlanders should be in the mix next season and a program to watch this offseason.

Clarkston: The Wolves had an up and down year which they won 14 games. Clarkston added another district crown with their 65-56 win over Waterford Mott in the district finals. They fell 47-32 to Grand Blanc in the regional semifinals which was their lowest scoring output of the season. The Wolves lose four seniors including Peyton Fitzsimmons and Matthew Pflieger to graduation. They have Hayden Flavin, Cole Charter, Jon Kaul, and Quinn Rosenburg coming back for Coach Tim Waslik. Program strength looks to be solid for the Wolves next season. Clarkston will be a very interesting team to watch in the offseason.

Oak Park: The Knights have had an injury riddled season which saw them win five games this season. They had a 70-58 loss to Groves in the district semifinals. Oak Park has the majority of their team including Jason Harris and Geon Hutchins coming back for Coach Durrand Sheppard. Program strength is a bit concerning and something to watch. The Knights should be much improved but they need to be healthy heading into next season.

Groves: The Falcons had a much better year after a stunning loss to Seaholm in the first round last season. Groves won 13 games, a district crown, and made it to the regional semifinals where they fell 72-60 to North Farmington in a game that was closer than the score indicated. The Falcons have their three headed monster of Jon Simpson, Josh Gibson, and Paul Hubbard coming back for Coach Marc West. Program strength looks solid. Groves will be a very interesting team to watch this offseason and also next season in the Red.

Troy: The Colts had an opening season double overtime loss to Berkley but they won 22 straight games this season before falling 59-44 to Birmingham Brother Rice in district finals. Troy loses Vikrant Vedupudi, Jon Whiteside, Bryce Bauman, and Chase Kupier to graduation. They have Cameron Adams, Patrick Johnson, Andrew Lake, Leo Penoza, Cung Lian, Colin Bastein, Jack Sobotka, and Mason Parker coming back for Coach Gary Fralick. Program strength is not strong for Fralick heading into next season. It will be very interesting to see how the Colts do this offseason.

Harper Woods: The Pioneers had a really disappointing season winning eight games. They had a shocking 71-65 loss to Eastpointe in the district semifinals. Harper Woods program strength is a big concern for Coach TaJuan Porter heading into the offseason. They lose several proven players including Julian Young and Isiah Lewis to graduation. There are warning signs for Harper Woods to watch this offseason.

Troy Athens: The Red Hawks really overachieved winning 14 games. They fell three times to arch rival Troy including a 63-58 home loss in the district semifinals. Troy Athens loses a ton of proven experience including Griffin LaBay, Emmanuel Robinson, Joel Botardo, Dylan Coussi, Hayden Crum, Brayden Downey, and Luke DiGiovanni to graduation. They have Nathan Piggott, Liam Dempsey, Nate Appledorn, Brendan Tucker, and Alex Beaubien coming back for Coach Dave Scott. Program strength is a question mark to watch for Scott. It will be very interesting to see where the Red Hawks do this offseason.

Seaholm: The Maples are in a crossroads this offseason. They won six games and are coming off a tough 43-39 loss to Bloomfield Hills in the first round. Seaholm lost their head coach along with a ton of veteran players which included Findlay Sparby, Abe Miller, and Jacob Droulland to graduation. Program strength looks to be solid for next season especially their freshmen class who went 17-3 this season. The Maples coaching situation will be key to watch this offseason which direction they go.

Lake Orion: The Dragons really overachieved winning 16 games with a very young team this season. Lake Orion fell 53-32 to Waterford Mott in the district semifinals after putting 77 points on Waterford Kettering in a 77-33 blowout in the first round. Coach Jose Andrades loses four seniors in Quay Fly, Ethan Sharkey, Sam Blakeley, and Hayden Armstrong to graduation. They have Zach Parks, Ryan Rocheleau, Gabe Scott, Nick Galben, Jakobe Louris, and MJ Long coming back. The Dragons have a ton of proven experience and program strength, this will be a program to watch this offseason and also next season.

Farmington: The Falcons had a turmoil beginning to the season when Coach Byron Johnson took over the program. Farmington bounced back to win 12 games but a season ending injury to Greg Grays really derailed their season which included a 79-67 loss to Redford Thurston in the first round. The Falcons have a ton of proven proven players including Darnell Cochrane and Grays coming back for Johnson. Program strength looks to be solid especially the junior varsity whom was solid this season. There is a ton to like with Farmington this offseason.

Bloomfield Hills: The Blackhawks had a very young team but really played their best basketball down the stretch which included three wins over Seaholm including a 43-39 win in the first round. Bloomfield Hills fell 66-38 to Birmingham Brother Rice in the district semifinals. Coach Brian Canfield has a really bright future with D’Ron Mason, Philip Muhammad, and Carter Canfield coming back. Program strength looks a bit iffy for the Blackhawks. The interior will be a question mark for Canfield heading into the offseason. Bloomfield Hills looks prime for a bounce back year next season.

Southfield Arts and Tech: It has been a very tough season for Coach Terrance Porter and the Warriors. They went 3-20 which included a 53-35 loss to Livonia Franklin in the first round this season. Southfield Arts and Tech went to the White which they really struggled this season. The Warriors should be better but there are questions regarding program strength. It’s possible they could be in the Blue next season. Southfield Arts and Tech should be a team to watch this offseason.

Stoney Creek: The Cougars are in a very interesting spot heading into the offseason. Stoney Creek struggled winning six games and falling 65-56 to Utica Eisenhower in the first round. They lose Tre Walker, Evan Woodward, Dominic Faycurry, and Tommaso Sinacola to graduation. The Cougars have Gideon Beers, Chritos Marselis, Koby Rauner, Joseph Zoorob, Spencer Beckman, and Tyree Smith coming back for Coach Jeff Olind. Program strength is a mystery for Olind and his program. Stoney Creek has struggled in the two years under Olind. The offseason will be very interesting to watch for the Cougars.

Avondale: The Yellow Jackets had a resurgence under returning Coach Jaret Thomas. They won 16 games, the Blue, and took Clarkston to the brink falling 37-35 in the district semifinals. Avondale loses two seniors in Alfonzo Merritt and Elijah Corbin to graduation but they have several talented players including Jordan Bush, Jordan Clayton, DJ Moody, and Justin Greer-Sykes coming back next season. The Yellow Jackets should be in the White next season and program strength looks to be strong for Thomas. Avondale is clearly a program on the rise.

Oxford: The Wildcats were very young this season under Coach Joe Fedorichik who was in his first season coaching varsity. They won 14 games and had a very tough loss to Avondale for the Blue crown and a 64-46 loss to Grand Blanc in the district semifinals. Oxford loses two seniors in Gavin Nicks and Jay Cady to graduation. They have a ton of proven experience in Jake Champagne, Drew Cady, Robert George, Nolan Mauser, Colatrane Hudson, Brennan Elling, Parker Bennion, Cayden Smith, Jonah Lundeberg, and Luke Stoffan coming back for Fedorichik. Program strength looks to be solid. The division will be something to watch for the Wildcats, there is a chance they could go to the White. It will be very interesting to see how the offseason goes for Oxford.

Rochester: The Falcons had a rough season but played much better in February winning four straight to close the season. Rochester got a monster win over Romeo in the first round winning 51-49 on two Max Muhl free throws. The Falcons fell 45-30 to Adams in the district semifinals. Coach Nick Evola loses two seniors in Evan Crowe and Luke Lionas to graduation. They have Muhl, Noah Kim, Luke Lower, Anthony Chirco, Kellen Muhl, and Jake Tandy coming back for Evola. Program strength looks solid for Rochester. The Falcons will be a team to watch this offseason.

Berkley: The Bears had a very good season despite falling 52-39 to Groves in the district finals. Berkley loses a ton of talent after winning 14 games. They lose Donovan Powell, Owen Stone, Micah Green, Andrew Cook, Matt Bell, Ari Geller, Alex Beard, Joe Voss, and Michael Onuhoa to graduation. The Bears have Avery Johnson, Evan Young, Jacob Friedman, Evan Haenick, Sam Niyo, and Kenny Swain coming back for Coach Joe Sermo. Berkley had some big wins which included Seaholm and Troy. Program strength looks to be solid for Sermo. The Bears should be a team to watch for sure next season.

Pontiac: The Phoenix had a successful turnaround under first year Coach Andrew Myers winning three games to winning 13 games. Pontiac fell 58-48 to Clarkston in the first round. Myers has a young nucleus which includes Jeremiah Claudio coming back next season. Program strength looks to be solid for Pontiac as well. The Phoenix could be a very interesting team to watch next season.

Royal Oak: The Ravens had a very strong start to the season but had a very disappointing finish which included a 1-8 record since January 29. They fell 51-26 to Oak Park in the first round. Royal Oak loses Camden Clark and Eddie Skaleski to graduation. They have CJ Hariston, Nick Hoffman, Yurem Patino, and Ethan Cousins coming back for Coach Aaron Smith. Program strength is a huge concern for Smith. The Ravens will be a very interesting team to watch this offseason.

Ferndale University: The Eagles had a transition year for Coach Josh Nicks but they had several positives which included a 58-53 win over Detroit Osborn but fell 76-44 to Ferndale in the district semifinals. They lose Lavarr Croxton, Derrick Murray, Pierce Sanders, and DeMarco Walker to graduation. Ferndale University has Kevin Williams-Jackson, Amere Harris, Tyler Stokes, DeQuan Small, Taiwan Johnson, Antonio Jones, Dontrelle Milton, Devin Moore, and Kody Pippen coming back for Nicks. The Eagles should be much improved next season with experience. Program strength will be something to watch for Nicks this offseason.

Boys Golf Regionals are Out 2024

Girls Tennis Regionals are Out 2024

Girls Tennis Regionals are Out 2024.

Written Friday March 15th at 9:00 PM

These are the girls tennis regionals, there are early projections but these are subject to change as the season moves along and this post will be updated as well.

Underlined are projected champions.

Regional 4 at West Bloomfield

WEST BLOOMFIELD

BLOOMFIELD HILLS

FARMINGTON

SOUTHFIELD ARTS AND TECH

Dearborn

Dearborn Edsel Ford

Livonia Churchill

Livonia Stevenson

Wayne Memorial

Westland John Glenn

 

EARLY PROJECTIONS: Bloomfield Hills, Dearborn Edsel Ford, West Bloomfield.

 

Regional 5 at Troy

TROY

TROY ATHENS

ROYAL OAK

Dearborn Fordson

Detroit Cass Tech

Fraser

St. Clair Shores Lakeview

Sterling Heights Stevenson

Utica Ford II

 

EARLY PROJECTIONS: Troy, Troy Athens, Royal Oak.

 

Regional 6 at TBD

STONEY CREEK

Romeo

Utica Eisenhower

Macomb Dakota

Chippewa Valley

Utica

New Baltimore Anchor Bay

Macomb L’Anse Creuse North

Port Huron Northern

 

EARLY PROJECTIONS: Port Huron Northern, Utica Eisenhower, Stoney Creek.

 

Regional 7 at Clarkston

CLARKSTON

LAKE ORION

OXFORD

ROCHESTER

ADAMS

Lapeer

Davison

Waterford

 

EARLY PROJECTIONS: Clarkston, Adams, Lake Orion.

 

Regional 12 at North Farmington

NORTH FARMINGTON

GROVES

SEAHOLM

AVONDALE

Fenton

Holly

Milford

Lakeland

Walled Lake Central

 

EARLY PROJECTIONS: Seaholm, North Farmington, Groves.

 

Regional 13 at Grosse Pointe North

Grosse Pointe North

BERKLEY

FERNDALE

Grosse Pointe South

Macomb L’Anse Creuse

Port Huron

Sterling Heights

Warren Cousino

Warren Mott

Warren Woods Tower

 

EARLY PROJECTIONS: Grosse Pointe North, Grosse Pointe South, Berkley.

 

Regional 20 at Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood

HARPER WOODS

Birmingham Marian

Center Line

Detroit Country Day

Eastpointe

Lamphere

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

Redford Union

Warren Fitzgerald

Warren Regina