Durbin voices optimism over Obama's jobs speech

Sep. 7, 2011
President Barack Obama's address to a joint session of Congress Thursday night has the potential to be divisive; the prospect has even prompted some government officials like Illinois Congressman Joe Walsh to boycott the event.But U.S.

President prepares to address Congress as jobs situation remains stagnant

Sep. 7, 2011
When the monthly numbers came out last Friday, unemployment was still above 9 percent and the economy created no jobs--none; zero; zilch. The Republican presidential candidates quickly took the president to task while Mr. Obama was in “I’ve gotta get out there with a plan” mode.

Out of a job? Try plan B.

Aug. 31, 2011
 Whether you think the recession is over or not, it’s been hard on many people in the Midwest and the country.So, our Changing Gears team went out to find some people whose circumstances have forced them make some tough choices that are, perhaps, working out for the better.Here are three storie

Do more jobs mean more government spending?

Aug. 19, 2011
President Obama's bus tour across the Midwest this week could probably be summed up this way: jobs vs. deficits.

Private hiring up, but so are layoffs

Aug. 3, 2011
Two reports sent mixed signals about the job market Wednesday.Companies added 114,000 jobs in July, but job cuts rose to a 16-month high, according to two private reports.

Changing Gears: Decatur, Illinois: The heart of Illinois agribusiness

Jul. 26, 2011
DECATUR – Driving south from Chicago, it only takes about 25 miles to hit the corn fields.

Canada's oil bolsters Midwest. But at what cost?

Jul. 7, 2011
Last weekend, an ExxonMobil pipeline spilled about 1000 barrels of crude oil into the Yellowstone River in Montana. For those in the Midwest, it’s a reminder of last summer’s bigger pipeline break in Michigan.

Big ship diary: Life on a Great Lakes freighter

Jul. 5, 2011
Shipping may seem an outdated mode of transportation, but it's still by far the most efficient way to transport bulk material. Each year, over 100 million tons of iron ore, coal, limestone and other products travel through the Great Lakes navigation system by boat. Last November, radio producer Allison Swaim spent nine days aboard a bulk ore ship called the Calumet.

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