Recession Briefing 5.14

What you need to know today to survive and thrive in the recession.

Despite the sour economy, mainstream music has been remarkably free of songs about tough times. Country music seems to be the exception. (Associated Press)

Dollar stores are cleaning up: Nearly half of all U.S. households now shop at the low-price stores each month. (Los Angeles Times)

Faced with tough economic realities, more adult children are moving back into their parents’ homes. The AARP found that 11% of adults between 35 and 44 were living with their parents or in-laws. (New York Times)

New unemployment claims rose to 637,000 last week, despite expectations that they would fall. Ongoing claims also set a record at 6.56 million. (Bloomberg)…