The U.S. Labor department reported 198,000 unemployment applications. This is the lowest level since 1969.

• 1.7 million Americans were collecting traditional unemployment aid the week that ended Dec. 18
• The unemployment rate peaked in 2020 to 14.8%
• The unemployment rate has fallen to 4.2%, close to what economists consider full employment.
• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor 8 states set or reached all-time low unemployment rates (first recorded in 1976).
• Nebraska has a current unemployment rate of 1.8%, the lowest in the nation.