The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell last week, remaining within the historically healthy range of the past few years.
Matt OttFILE - A sign with information about employment is displayed during a job fair in Dallas, Jan. 14, 2026. – The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell last week, remaining within the historically healthy range of the past few years.
Applications for jobless aid for the week ending Feb. 7 fell by 5,000 to 227,000 from the previous week, the Labor Department reported Thursday. That’s basically in line with the 226,000 new applications that analysts surveyed by the data firm FactSet had forecast.Filings for unemployment benefits are viewed as representative of U.S. layoffs and are close to a real-time indicator of the health of the job market. The four-week moving average of jobless claims, which balances out some of the weekly volatility, rose by 7,000 to 219,500. The total number of Americans filing for jobless benefits for the previous week ending Jan. 31 increase by 21,000 to 1.86 million, the government said. Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.▶Cats and kittens are helping inmates heal thanks to a Flagler County rehabilitation programFamily reunited with 9-year-old son’s urn after more than a decadeCity council greenlights plans to establish community benefits agreement boardNeighbors outraged after apparent swastika painted on St. Johns County homeTelethon Rain: Every bit counts | Chief Meteorologist Richard Nunn explainsNeighbors describe chaotic scene of deadly officer-involved shooting in NorthsideSt. Johns County to stop enforcing panhandling ordinanceBlack History Month Spotlight: Pearl GrahamTocoi Creek girls basketball team not sneaking up on teams this seasonSome much-needed rain finally in the forecastMan spotted for 2nd time in stolen car fatally shot by 2 officers: JSOJacksonville mother sues man, apartment complex, landscaping company over sexual assault of daughterJacksonville mother sues man, apartment complex, landscaping company over sexual assault of daughter▶Camden County fire that closed Highway 17 contained, officials urge preparation amid dry conditions0:41The Jacksonville Free Press enters its 40th year of telling Black storiesNeighbors turn frustration toward city councilwoman after recent shooting at Westside parking lotLGBTQ+ advocacy groups claim FL legislature taking up bills that will hurt their communityBishop Kenny girls basketball team uses motivation from last year to fuel playoff driveShould Orange Park add red-light cameras at crash-prone Park Avenue & Wells Road intersection?Drought and fire risk on the rise with little chance for rain in sightPassion 4 Pets: Baroo-no Mars is looking for a furever homeCity Council to vote on Downtown Entertainment District that could extend last callFlorida AG sends criminal subpoena to Deegan administration, targets employee who posted ICE videoFlorida AG sends criminal subpoena to Deegan administration, targets employee who posted ICE videoJFRD crews working to put out fire at cardboard recycling plant near Riverside
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