Fewer Americans seek unemployment benefits

WASHINGTON — Fewer people sought unemployment benefits last week as the impact of last month’s hurricanes on the U.S. economy faded.

Applications for unemployment aid fell by 15,000 to a seasonally adjusted 243,000. Applications were down in Texas and Florida, where hurricanes Harvey and Irma inflicted heavy damage.

The number of people receiving benefits nationwide fell by 32,000 to a seasonally adjusted 1.89 million, the lowest level since December 1973.