The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits has reached a five-month high, according to data released by the U.S. Labor Department on Thursday, with initial unemployment claims rising to a seasonally adjusted figure of 242,000 for the week ending Feb 22.
This increase exceeds economists' expectations and is likely attributable to severe winter weather conditions in the Midwest and Northeast regions, as well as the Presidents' Day holiday leaving some temporarily without work.
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US weekly jobless claims post largest rise in 5 months
US weekly jobless claims post largest rise in 5 months
US weekly jobless claims post largest rise in 5 months
US weekly jobless claims post largest rise in 5 months
The figures do not encompass mass layoffs of federal employees.
Meanwhile, the country's broader labor market remains stable, with historically low levels of layoffs continuing to support economic growth, but concerns are mounting regarding potential job losses associated with federal spending cuts and the impacts of tariffs, which could potentially drive unemployment claims higher in the coming weeks.
US weekly jobless claims post largest rise in 5 months
US weekly jobless claims post largest rise in 5 months
US weekly jobless claims post largest rise in 5 months
US weekly jobless claims post largest rise in 5 months
Thousands of demonstrators rallied in Italy and Greece on Saturday to protest against U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, with protesters in Rome, Milan and Athens condemning Washington's actions and calling for respect for Venezuelan sovereignty.
In Rome, more than 1,000 demonstrators marched toward the area near the U.S. Embassy, calling on Washington to immediately release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.
Police blocked roads around the embassy to prevent protesters from approaching the building, but demonstrators continued to denounce U.S. actions.
"First of all, we oppose U.S. imperialist aggression. This kind of behavior is shameful. The U.S. is attacking a sovereign country, and as [U.S. President Donald] Trump himself has said, this is for oil interests," said protester Giovanni Barbera.
Saturday's rally marked the second large-scale protest in Rome this month against U.S. military operations in Venezuela, following an earlier one on on Jan 3.
Participants included members of multiple political parties, labor unions and social organizations. The protesters held banners reading "Stop imperialist interference" and "Free Maduro," urging the international community to respect Venezuela's sovereignty and the will of its people, and condemning the U.S. for violating international law.
"We are protesting the way the U.S. handles international politics. Since the events of January 3, we have seen violations of international law, and we are very concerned about how the global situation is developing," said protester Stefano De Angelis.
Organizers said solidarity rallies in support of Venezuela were held in 30 Italian cities on the same day.
Meanwhile, similar protests were also staged in Greece. About 200 people gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Athens, voicing support for Venezuela and opposition to U.S. military actions.
"We oppose U.S. imperialism and its attack on Venezuela. At the same time, the U.S. is also threatening Cuba, Mexico and Greenland. We must stand up against this behavior," said Greek protester Argiro Sirmakezi.
Protesters rally in Italy, Greece against U.S. military operation in Venezuela
