WASHINGTON — Fewer Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week, though applications remain above levels consistent with a healthy economy. Unemployment benefit applications fell 16,000 to a seasonally adjusted 414,000, the second drop in three weeks, the Labor Department said Thursday. That’s a positive sign that layoffs are slowing. Still, applications have been above 400,000 for 10 straight weeks, evidence that the job market is weak compared to earlier this year. Read full article >>