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The United States Pursues Its Lithium Independence

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Running Numbers by Karl Friedhoff

The hunt for the key battery component is only the beginning of the story.

Construction continues at the Thacker Pass lithium mine near Orovada, Nevada
Rick Bowmer / AP
Global Economy

This man may be Chicago's biggest global philanthropist — and you've probably never heard of him

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ChicagoGlobal by H. Lee Murphy

A military veteran and businessman, the founder of DT Global has both a corporate and humanitarian presence in many of the world’s political hot spots.

Headshot for John DeBlasio
John DeBlasio
Global Economy

How Old Town School of Folk Music brings the sounds of the world to Chicago

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ChicagoGlobal by Jack Benjamin

If, as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote, "music is the universal language of mankind," then the Old Town School of Folk Music is a great place to become fluent.

People with instruments perform on stage behind standing microphones
Old Town School of Folk Music
Culture

Foreign Policy Experts Fear the Threat Is Coming from Inside the House

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Running Numbers by Coauthors

Large majorities of Democratic and Independent foreign policy elites say they are more concerned about internal threats than external ones.

Security fencing installed around the US Capitol
J. Scott Applewhite / AP
US Foreign Policy

From stockyards to plant protein, Chicago is a leader in global food innovation

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ChicagoGlobal by AJ Caughey

Chicago already has one of the nation’s largest food manufacturing workforces. The city is positioning itself to become the global leader in food innovation and manufacturing.

A person wearing latex gloves handles small sprouts in pots
Anatoliy Gleb
Food and Agriculture

Here's a global biz that Illinois still dominates

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ChicagoGlobal by H. Lee Murphy

"Illinois is the epicenter of soybean production," declares one industry expert. It's an advantage that benefits the entire state, not just farmers. It's also turning some farmers into international ambassadors.

Farming machinery harvesting soy beans
Joshua A. Bickel / AP
Food and Agriculture

Carol Moseley Braun's latest mission: Shining a spotlight on Africa

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ChicagoGlobal by H. Lee Murphy

Late last month the former senator was quietly sworn in as the new chairman of the United States African Development Foundation, an aid organization now marking its 40th anniversary in Washington, D.C.

Image of Carol Moseley Braun
AP Photos
Global Politics

Why a German publisher made a board game about Chicago's sewers

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ChicagoGlobal by AJ Caughey

Raising Chicago introduces players to an underexplored part of Chicago's early history. The game's transatlantic journey reflects global shifts in the booming board gaming market.

Lithograph of raising of a block of brick buildings on Lake Street, Chicago
Edward Mendel
Culture

Why the U.S. economy is outperforming much of the rest of the world

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ChicagoGlobal by H. Lee Murphy

Our economy grew a robust 3.1% last year and new job creation continues to surpass all expectations. One economist sits down with Crain's to talk about the trendlines for the nation — and for the Midwest.

A person looks at a large screen of the Japanese stock market
Eugene Hoshiko / AP
Global Economy

Monaco on Lake Michigan? How NASCAR's second annual street race hopes to boost Chicago's economy

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ChicagoGlobal by Jack Benjamin

Vying for international expansion, NASCAR's Grant Park race—akin to iconic global events like Monaco GP—bolsters Chicago's economy with a $109M impact.

In-motion image of racecars with the Chicago skyline in the background
Morry Gash / AP
Global Cities