Social Issues Breaking News: Jobless Claims Up Slightly

Initial claims for state unemployment benefits rose 18,000, but the increase was not enough to signal a significant shift from the recent pace of job growth. A year after she was awarded the country's highest civilian honor, lifelong unionist and immigrant rights activist Dolores Huerta received the Jefferson Award, a national prize for public service. U.S. unemployment benefit applications rose by 18,000 last week to a seasonally adjusted 354,000. Despite the gain, the level remains consistent with moderate job growth.