Also ...

The Labor Department said that first-time applications for unemployment insurance totaled 322,000 last week, 5,000 more than the previous week but still in a range suggesting continued economic growth. . . . New York Times named Bill Keller as managing editor, replacing Gene Roberts. . . . Tax-free medical savings accounts will be part of any Medicare bill that moves through Congress this year, Rep. Bill Thomas (R-Calif.) promised. . . . The Clinton administration threw its support behind legislation to prevent state and local governments from slapping new taxes on the Internet, giving a boost to a bill opposed by state and local officials.