local
US weekly unemployment claims fall to 208,000, fewest in 10 weeks
By Josh Skluzacek at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC)
· July 16, 2026
· 2 min read
WASHINGTON (AP) — Filings for unemployment benefits fell last week to the lowest level in 10 weeks as U.S. layoffs remain historically low.
The number of Americans applying for jobless aid in the week ending July 11 dropped by 8,000 to 208,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday. That’s well ...
Key takeaway The number of Americans applying for jobless aid in the week ending July 11 dropped by 8,000 to 208,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
In the Minneapolis area, the decline in US weekly unemployment claims to 208,000 may have a positive impact on the local job market, which has been closely tied to the national economy. As layoffs remain historically low, Minneapolis businesses may be more likely to hire and expand their operations, potentially leading to new opportunities for residents. The city's diverse economy, with major industries such as healthcare, technology, and retail, may also be influenced by the national trend of stabilized jobless aid applications. However, the recent layoffs at major companies like Microsoft, which has a presence in the Twin Cities, serve as a reminder that the local job market is not immune to national trends and company-wide decisions. As the local economy continues to evolve, Minneapolis residents and businesses will be watching to see how these national trends play out in their own community.
About this story
Original reporting by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 16, 2026 ·
Source: KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? WASHINGTON (AP) — Filings for unemployment benefits fell last week to the lowest level in 10 weeks as U.S. layoffs remain historically low.
The number of Americans applying for jobless aid in the week ending July 11 dropped by 8,000 to 208,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday. That’s well ...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 16, 2026 by KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Josh Skluzacek at KSTP 5 Eyewitness News (ABC). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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