By Jon Lowenstein–Aurora for USN&WR

The state of the economy is a common topic on the streets of America. Here in Chicago, heavy construction is a visible sign of some vibrancy in the city's economy, but other area companies like Boeing are still suffering the effects of last year's recession and the aftershock of September 11 as production slows from lower demand. Want to learn more? Read "Day of Reckoning," from the August 5, 2002 issue of U.S. News & World Report.

Immigration Rally 2006 View this essay

With an overhaul of immigration law stalled in Congress, demonstrators gathered April 10 in rallies nationwide to denounce the legislation. (4/12/06)

A Line in the Sand View this essay

This winter, U.S. News & World Report photographer Jim Lo Scalzo drove the length of the U.S.-Mexican border from El Paso, Texas, to San Diego, Calif. (3/10/06)

Yemen View this essay

Yemen, an impoverished Muslim nation on the Arabian Peninsula, became a surprising U.S. ally in the wake of September 11. A look at the country and its people (3/3/06)

Fixing Your Brain View this essay

Welcome to the new science of brain repair. Mickey Lawson, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, underwent surgery to ease his symptoms. (2/20/06)

New Orleans 2006 View this essay

U.S. News photographer Jim Lo Scalzo captured images of those to whom the real challenge of rebuilding will fall. Here's what he saw (2/18/06)

View the entire U.S. News photography archive.