Another 1.5 million Americans claimed unemployment benefits last week, higher than what many economists had expected.
While that's the fewest weekly applications since mid-March, it's still at a historic high.
It's the 13th straight week with the total number of claims above 1 million.
About 29.1 million workers are receiving jobless aid during COVID-19 pandemic.
Most U.S. states reported fewer applications last week, but some such as Texas, New York, New Jersey and Nevada, posted higher initial jobless claims.