GARDNER - The economy may be struggling, but clever minds may find opportunity and a little money in Mount Wachusett Community College's annual business-plan competition.

New economic data suggest that in these times of maybe-we're-in-a-recession-maybe-we're-not, many consumers are finally starting to exercise prudence and responsibility with regards to what economists call "discretionary" spending habits.

The Italian economy edged toward recession after the national statistics office reported Friday that gross domestic product had shrunk 0.3 percent in the second quarter compared with the preceding one.

The economy showed off unexpected signs of resilience Friday as job losses slowed, the dollar gained a bit of muscle for a change and there were even indications that food prices may be easing. The unemployment rate dipped, though that may not last.

HONOLULU (KHNL) - With our economy the way it is right now, everyone's hurting. Gas prices are higher than ever, the stretch of our dollars is dwindling. But for some, utilizing a familiar fixture from our childhood is making business boom.