Reuters has not verifiedthese stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. Stocks Funds News ETFs News Russia President-elect Barack Obama plans to offer states $7billion as incentive to permanently change theirunemployment-insurance laws to cover part-time workers andprevent other laid-off workers from falling through cracks inthe coverage. Alcoa Inc (AA.N) set asset sales, a 15 percent work-forcereduction, more plant closures and a 50 percent cut in capitalspending. The Federal Reserve signaled that the recession could belonger and deeper than officials previously thought, withunemployment rising into next year and inflation slowingsubstantially. The financial company tied to Governor Richardson has ahistory of making campaign contributions in the states where itdoes business. 
Dow Chemical's (DOW.N) chief pledged to pursue legal andother avenues to remake itself after a failed plastics venture. Retailers, having just struggled through one of the worstholiday shopping seasons in recent memory, are now trying toshare the pain with their landlords. Many stores are pushing tonegotiate lower rents, warning that they mightn't be able tomake it unless their costs are cut. Apple Inc (AAPL.O) unveiled significant pricing andcopyright changes to its iTunes Store, moves by the dominantonline music seller that could spur similar action across theindustry.

Goody's Family Clothing Inc is liquidating operations,becoming the first high-profile retailer in the U.S. General Electric Capital Corp opted to forgo governmentguarantees when it sold $4 billion of 30-year bonds in a signthat the binds around credit markets are loosening. The Houston oil trader at Vitol Group whose recent marketmoves came under review by regulators is leaving the firm. Kenneth Lewis, chairman and chief executive of Bank ofAmerica Corp (BAC.N), recommended that he and top lieutenantsget no bonuses for 2008, according to an internal memo issued. and European aviation regulators are workingwith engine-maker CFM International SA to develop new safetymeasures for approximately 1,500 workhorse Airbus jetlinersused around the world Lyondell Chemical, the U.S. arm of chemical giantLyondellBasell Industries, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcyprotection.