The Labor Department says first-time claims for jobless benefits took an unexpected drop last week, to the lowest number since 2009 began, and 20 percent lower than at its peak earlier in the year.

VOA: standard.2009.11.12

Even though the recession has forced a drop in the amount it costs to buy commercials in the big game for just the second time in history, they are still the most expensive on television.

VOA: standard.2010.01.27