The unemployment rate declined in more than half of American states in July, with a record 22 states reporting jobless rates at or below 3% in another data point providing evidence against a US recession. Minnesota had the lowest rate at 1.8% last month, followed by Nebraska, New Hampshire, and Utah at 2% each, Labor Department data showed Friday. In 28 states, the unemployment rate is below the national average of 3.5% -- the lowest in five decades -- and in 26 states, the jobless rate fell to a record low at some point this year. The data are positive for President Joe Biden, whose approval ratings have been weak ... (full story)