The U.S. Department of Labor reported an increase in initial filings for unemployment benefits in Wisconsin during the week of Dec. 17, 2023. According to the report, new jobless claims rose to 6,352 in the week ending Dec. 23, 2023 which showed an increase from 5,605 claims in the week prior. Meanwhile, U.S. unemployment claims also rose to 218,000 last week, a rise of 12,000 claims from 206,000 the week prior on a seasonally adjusted basis. The highest percentage increase in weekly claims was noticed in Missouri, with claims jumping by 136.0%. On the other hand, West Virginia registered the highest percentage drop in new claims, which dropped by 34.4%. The USA TODAY Network is publishing regional versions of this story with data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s weekly unemployment insurance claims report.