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“China will be the world’s largest economy, it hopes to change the world’s currency regime, and it certainly has the public relations advantage right now,” says Ted Fishman, a Chicago writer and author of “China, Inc.”

Two more bits of economic news to consider:— "Existing-home sales rose sharply in December, when sales increased for the fifth time in the past six months," the National Association of Realtors says.

"Fewer Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week, suggesting hiring will pick up," the Associated Press writes.According to the Employment and Training Administration, 404,000 people filed first-time claims for the benefits, down by 37,000 from 441,000 the week before.The agency adds tha

Many in Chicago's business world are hoping that today’s visit from Chinese President Hu Jintao will signal the beginning of a long and prosperous relationship with the Chinese mainland.  Mr.

On U.S. farms, gleaning is making a comeback, as a national anti-hunger organization has turned to the ancient practice to help feed the poor.

Florida is a national leader in orange and grapefruit production.But in the past few years, landowners have given up on more than 100,000 acres of citrus groves, which have become a threat to producers of the state's signature crop.The abandoned groves are breeding grounds for pests and diseases.