Initial Filings for Unemployment Benefits in Wisconsin Dropped Last Week

Monday, February 23rd, 2026 -- 1:01 PM

(USA TODAY Network) Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Wisconsin dropped last week compared with the week prior, the U.S. Department of Labor said Thursday.

According to USA TODAY Network, new jobless claims, a proxy for layoffs, fell to 3,920 in the week ending Feb. 14, down from 4,841 the week before, the Labor Department said.

U.S. unemployment claims dropped to 206,000 last week, down 23,000 claims from 229,000 the week prior on a seasonally adjusted basis. Iowa saw the largest percentage increase in weekly claims, with claims jumping by 15.4%.

Virginia, meanwhile, saw the largest percentage drop in new claims, with claims dropping by 42.5%.

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