It's Monday, here is something beautiful
Here’s what you do: Click on the video, and pop it out to full screen.As you watch, remind yourself that this is the place they call the Rust Belt.Remind yourself that this is the place that cannot...
View ArticleBlotting Update: Detroit wants to sell you this lot for $200
Apparently, the phone has been ringing off the hook over at Detroit’s planning department.It’s all because of a few lines uttered by Mayor Dave Bing in his State of the City address last week. (You’ll...
View ArticleMeet the machine that makes most of the things in your life
This month, we’re taking a look at some of the hidden assets of the industrial Midwest – the parts of our economy that don’t often get noticed when we talk about our strengths.We found one hidden asset...
View ArticleAgriculture drives the Midwest economy – and farming is just the start of it
This month, we’re looking into some of the hidden assets of the Midwest – the parts of our economy that don’t often get noticed when we talk about our strengths (the first part of the series is here)....
View ArticleTo prepare workers, retraining programs try to predict the future
Unemployment numbers in the Midwest are bad. Not as bad as when the recession was at its worst, but there are still a lot of people looking for jobs. Even so, we keep hearing that some employers can’t...
View ArticleSpring has sprung; 99% spring events are coming
Earlier this year, we told you about The 99% Spring, the protest movement sponsored by a variety of political and labor groups including MoveOn.org, the United Auto Workers and the Teamsters Union.It’s...
View ArticleYour Story: A retraining success, but not in the industry you’d expect
Jennifer Knightstep was a researcher in the media archives at General Motors until she was laid off in 2008. Her first reaction was fear.“I panicked for a few minutes, and then I tried to think of what...
View ArticleMeasuring the costs and benefits of retraining
Measuring the success of retraining programs used to be straightforward. You just looked at how many people got better paying jobs. Now the emphasis is shifting from how job seekers benefit to how...
View ArticleDon't call it a comeback: Ethanol is bigger than ever
The ethanol refinery for Carbon Green Bioenergy rises up out of the cornfields outside Lake Odessa Michigan.The refinery was built in 2006. Mitch Miller, the CEO of the company, says a lot of...
View ArticleIt's tax season, let's talk about money and your future
Michigan Radio and Changing Gears are collecting stories about how people are planning ahead in a tough economy, and we’d like your help. What’s on your mind as you plan for what comes next?
View ArticleAre tax incentives working? Many states don't even check
Tax incentives have become the weapon of choice among states battling for new business investments. Niala Boodhoo reported in December that offering incentives has become a sort of strategy game for...
View ArticleMidwest Migration: Detroit native and others drawn to Portland
If you wanted to start life over in a new place, would you choose somewhere with a chronically high unemployment rate and struggling schools, or one that’s known as a haven for slackers? The latter is...
View ArticleChanging expectations: The new ways Midwesterners are planning ahead
Changing Gears is partnering with Michigan Radio to collect stories about how people are planning ahead in light of the recession. You can read more stories about how Midwesterners' expectations are...
View ArticleIs Detroit's comeback over? Carmakers lose market share gains
Last year, everyone in the auto industry was chuffed about Detroit’s comeback.The carmakers were enjoying a healthy rebound from the bankruptcies at General Motors and Chrysler. And for a while, at...
View Article“Where Did Everybody Go?" A Changing Gears audio documentary
Over the past few months the Changing Gears team has been bringing you stories of Midwest Migration---about those who have left the region for other parts of the country and beyond.Tune into Michigan...
View ArticleChanging Expectations: Considering every variable is difficult, if not...
Michigan Radio is partnering with Changing Gears to share stories about how people are planning ahead and how their expectations have changed in light of the recession. You can read those stories...
View ArticleOn Earth Day, turning the Motor City into "Cycle City"
Let’s face it: Detroit’s reputation as the Motor City is unshakeable. But it’s gaining ground as a city for cyclists.
View ArticleChanging Expectations: A second income is essential, but what about a third?
Changing Gears is partnering with Michigan Radio to collect stories about how people are planning ahead in light of the recession. Josh Eikenberry writes:Because I got through college, I’ll probably be...
View ArticleThe Midwest economy is getting better. Will the transformation continue?
The data is in, and the Midwest economy seems to be on the path of recovery. Our long, regional nightmare still isn’t over for many workers, but there are plenty of signs for optimism. Businesses are...
View ArticleStateside: Small shining towns
The things one searches for in a big city may very well exist in one’s hometown.In a recent article entitled, “In Praise of Smaller Cities,” Micki Maynard discussed the overlooked bounties of small...
View ArticleMidwest leaders lay out the welcome mat for immigrants
While many states in the South and West passed restrictive laws against illegal immigrants last year, officials in Dayton, Ohio were putting out the welcome mat.And they’re not alone in the Midwest.In...
View Article35 Years of Letters Within a Midwestern Family
Most Americans have ethnic and cultural roots outside of the U.S. We're asking you to share cultural traditions that are still important to you.Changing Gears is looking for stories, recipes, songs,...
View ArticleYour Story: If you love Michigan, give stuff away for free
A lot of people like where they live, but there are also people like Kedron Rhodes-who love, love, love, where they live.The 34 year-old professional designer lives outside of Grand Rapids.He just...
View ArticleArriving in a new land, alone at seventeen
Most Americans have ethnic and cultural roots outside of the U.S. We're asking you to share cultural traditions that are still important to you.Changing Gears is looking for stories, recipes, songs,...
View ArticleMichigan Primary raises a big question: Who gets credit for the bailout?
Publicus Tacitus, the Roman senator, is given credit for coining the phrase, “Success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan.”He’d feel right at home during the Michigan Republican primary...
View ArticleCake, shortbread, or pastry? Mazurek is all that, and more
As part of our Your Family Story series, we’re collecting recipes that have been passed down within families. Send in your mother’s, grandfather’s, or cousin’s famous recipe for goulash, pozole,...
View ArticleStudent debt: The cost of learning a trade
America’s student loan debt is now bigger than its credit card debt. It’s about a trillion dollars. Student loan default rates are rising. While many families struggle to afford traditional colleges, a...
View ArticleStudent debt: When fixing cars breaks the bank
Americans owe close to a trillion dollars in student loan debt.Changing Gears has been reporting on that debt, a lot of which comes from attending private, for-profit schools. They’re the fastest...
View Article4 things the Japanese earthquake taught the Midwest
A year ago, people in the Midwest were realizing the damage that the massive earthquake and tsunami had done to Japan. And, while the region affected by the earthquake is starting its long recovery,...
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