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WASHINGTON — Consumers boosted their spending in October at the fastest pace in seven months, while their incomes rose by the largest amount in nine months — both good signs for future economic growth.

Filings for U.S. unemployment benefits rose for a third week to the highest level since May, potentially reflecting volatility around two consecutive periods that included holidays.

The New York State Department of Transportation completed ahead of schedule the removal of hundreds of the large blue tourism signs that line highways.

The National Retail Federation said the 2018 holiday shopping season is off to an excellent start, and the tight capacity of the trucking industry is not a factor so far as retailers have more than enough inventory in stock to carry them through the end of the year.

An Illinois truck driver has filed a rare exemption request with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that he be allowed to drive a heavy truck in interstate commerce despite his medical condition that regulators say likely could cause a loss of consciousness or an inability to control a commercial vehicle.

Nancy Pelosi cleared the first hurdle to serve as House speaker by winning Democrats’ nomination Nov. 28, leaving her detractors one last opportunity to attempt to block her when the entire chamber votes in January.

Stakeholders told the members of the Environment and Public Works Committee: The country’s transportation network is desperately in need of long-term federal funding assurances meant to improve freight and commuter connectivity, the result of which could boost the economy.

Sales of new U.S. homes fell in October to the weakest pace since March 2016 as rising borrowing costs and elevated prices keep buyers out of the market.

The U.S. economy remained on a solid footing in the third quarter, matching previously reported results, as stronger business investment and a bigger boost from inventories cushioned a trade drag that matched the worst since 1984.