WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits last week fell to its lowest level in more than 41-1/2 years, suggesting the labor market maintained a solid pace of job growth in July. 7 N! y G) a; M7 m1 j* z4 ] : J1 ]& h R6 r3 c' B7 KThe sturdy jobs picture together with a strengthening housing market brings the Federal Reserve a step closer to raising interest rates this year. 3 a7 F6 H8 @- `/ v H; s ! l9 U2 l) T* d3 ]1 d+ OInitial claims for state unemployment benefits declined 26,000 to a seasonally adjusted 255,000 for the week ended July 18, the lowest level since November 1973, the Labor Department said on Thursday. ) l! A" u% S8 i. ]