Initial filings for unemployment benefits in Connecticut rose last week compared with the week prior, the U.S. Department of Labor said Thursday.

New jobless claims, a proxy for layoffs, increased to 4,589 in the week ending April 13, up from 2,937 the week before, the Labor Department said.

U.S. unemployment claims remained the same at 212,000 last week on a seasonally adjusted basis.

Connecticut saw the largest percentage increase in weekly claims, with claims jumping by 56.2%. Delaware, meanwhile, saw the largest percentage drop in new claims, with claims dropping by 64.5%.

The USA TODAY Network is publishing localized versions of this story on its news sites across the country, generated with data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s weekly unemployment insurance claims report. 

The product, Infinite Herbs organic basil, was sold in 2.5-ounce clamshell packages between Feb. 1 and April 6 in Trader Joe’s stores in 29 states and the District of Columbia.

Connecticut towns with Trader Joe’s stores include:

• Danbury
• Darien
• Fairfield
• Glastonbury
• Manchester
• Orange
• Stamford
• West Hartford
• Westport

Seven of eight people with salmonella infections reported eating basil they’d purchased at Trader Joe’s, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. “Traceback” data determined the basil was produced by Florida-based Infinite Herbs, LLC, the agency said.

One person was hospitalized after becoming infected with salmonella, an organism that can cause serious illnesses or even death.

States where the basil was sold also include Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont and Wisconsin, as well as the District of Columbia.

Salmonella infections were reported in Minnesota (four), Florida (three), and Georgia, Missouri, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Wisconsin, each with one illness.

Advocates and Connecticut youth are pushing for expanding state Medicaid coverage for residents, including immigrants, up to 18 years old. Students from different districts adopted varied approaches: some gave up a day of their spring break to travel to the Capitol, while others skipped school to attend training sessions at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford Wednesday morning. Alongside immigration supporters, the students learned how to make their voices heard.

Eric Cruz Lopez, a program coordinator at Connecticut Students for a Dream, said he believes there is support for expanding eligibility for Connecticut’s Medicaid program known as HUSKY.

“We just don’t have the money that’s been allocated up to 18,” Lopez said. “Because we know that there’s a lot of people in our community — our staff, our members — who need help.”

While last year’s bipartisan budget approved expanding HUSKY eligibility through age 15 starting July 1, 2024; Lopez and advocates are pushing for coverage up to 18 years old.

Students, ranging from 14-to-18 years old, from various cities, including New Haven, Danbury, Hartford and West Hartford, many of whom are immigrants themselves, shared their personal stories and experiences with health care access.

Dorys Yanbay, originally from Ecuador and a 15-year-old student in Danbury, said ensuring access to health care is not just a matter of personal importance, but a fundamental human right.

“Many people here don’t have the security to go to the hospital or go and get medical attention,” Yanbay said.

Jermy Rodriguez is a 16-year-old originally from the Dominican Republic currently residing in Danbury. Despite needing medical attention, he recounted instances where he and his family without insurance couldn’t afford necessary treatments.

“There was a time I couldn’t access a dentist and I actually needed real attention,” Rodriguez said. “My annual checkup, I haven’t had one since like two years ago or so. We should tell politicians that this is a really serious issue within the state of Connecticut.”

State Sen. Matt Lesser, a Democrat, chanted with advocates on Wednesday. Lesser said expanding HUSKY health care would cost $1.9 million next year. He said it’s a relatively small investment in the context of a $25 billion annual budget.

Connecticut Public reached out to the state Senate Republican party for their comment, but did not immediately hear back.

Lesser said while they hope for expansion he remains proud of the success of extending HUSKY health care eligibility to all children 15 and younger last year, which he said served over 14,000 children across the state.