But a fall in the number of Americans claiming weekly unemployment benefits, pointing to a tentative recovery in the labour market, gave a mixed picture of the economy.

BBC: Business

When the check came in, Karin realized she had a legal obligation to disclose the income to New York State, even though doing so might reduce the weekly unemployment benefits she received.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Weekly applications for unemployment benefits leapt 38, 000 to a seasonally adjusted 368, 000, the Labor Department said Thursday.

NPR: Stocks Drift Lower, Paring January Gains

The Labor Department said Thursday that weekly applications for unemployment benefits fell 18, 000, to a seasonally adjusted 324, 000.

NPR: Futures Pointing Higher After Previous Day's Rout

News was mixed on the jobs front: weekly claims for initial unemployment benefits did not rise, but they remain at a high level of 627, 000.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Fewer Americans sought unemployment benefits, dropping the average number of weekly applications last month to a five-year low, according to the Labor Department.

NPR: Futures Higher; S&P 500 Positioned For Record

Benefits included free medical and legal advice, a year's unpaid leave for pregnant women and weekly movies and dances (with a live orchestra).

FORBES: Global Life