USA TODAY Network

Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Georgia dropped last week compared with the week prior, the U.S. Department of Labor said Thursday.

New jobless claims, a proxy for layoffs, fell to 4,501 in the week ending August 16, down from 4,771 the week before, the Labor Department said.

U.S. unemployment claims rose to 235,000 last week, up 11,000 claims from 224,000 the week prior on a seasonally adjusted basis.

Kentucky saw the largest percentage increase in weekly claims, with claims jumping by 180.0%. Wyoming, meanwhile, saw the largest percentage drop in new claims, with claims dropping by 33.9%.

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