JOBLESS CLAIMS FALL FOR SIXTH STRAIGHT WEEK

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell for the sixth straight week as the U.S. economy reopens rapidly. Jobless claims fell by 9,000 to 376,000 from 385,000 the week before, the Labor Department reported Thursday. The number of people signing up for benefits exceeded 900,000 in early January and has fallen more or less steadily ever since. Still, claims are high by historic standards. Nearly 3.5 million people were receiving state unemployment benefits the week of May 29, down by 258,000 from the week before.