economy

MOSCOW (AP) — At the vast skating rink in Moscow's Gorky Park, Russians say they're looking forward to a 2015 that will be as smooth as the ice, despite the country's economic and political difficulties. The ruble has sunk, tensions with the West are up, but the troubles seem to have produced a surge in national pride.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Economists are forecasting that employment data being released by the government this morning is in line with recent strong gains.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A new report by a federal consumer advocacy office says many Americans saddled with high-cost private student loans are falling into default.

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York's attorney general says another $40 million will go to organizations providing counseling and legal services to struggling homeowners, extending the existing program for two more years.

UNDATED (AP) — A quarterly survey of 46 economic forecasters generally predicts steady growth but they don't agree on the health of specific segments of the U.S. economy.

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — A fourth Atlantic City casino has gone out of business.

DANVILLE, Va. (AP) — Starting next month, America's remaining tobacco growers will be totally exposed to the laws of supply and demand.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — E-commerce company Alibaba Group is seeking to raise up to $24.3 billion to set a new record for an initial public offering of stock.

U.S. stocks are opening higher after the European Central bank pledged more stimulus to help the region's ailing economy, boosting the outlook for global growth.

Runnings is set to become Utica-Rome's newest destination for Sporting goods, automotive, power equipment and farm supplies.