LANSING (AP) -- For the first time in more than four years, Michigan has escaped the dubious distinction of having the nation's highest unemployment rate.

The federal Labor Department said Friday Nevada had the country's highest jobless rate in May at 14 percent.  Michigan ranked second at 13.6 percent after its jobless rate declined last month.

Michigan had been saddled with the nation's highest monthly unemployment rate since April 2006.

Nevada's jobless rate rose from 13.7 percent.  That state has been hurt by the collapse in housing and a downturn in tourism.

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