Mike Tobin Archive

Detroit emergency manager poised to make deep cuts, amid protests

Published March 26, 2013

As Kevin Orr begins his stint as the first-ever emergency financial manager for Detroit, he's already facing a backlash -- from civil rights leaders like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson who have descended on Detroit to oppose his installation. But this isn't the first time a Michigan city has been thrown into this situation because of poor financial decisions. 

Chicago's efforts against illegal firearm possession may face Statehouse obstacles

Published March 04, 2013

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, as well as the city's police superintendent and district attorney, are calling for legislation to toughen the penalty for illegal firearm possession and for so-called truth-in-sentencing law.

Chicago has tough gun laws, but leads nation in gun violence

Published January 04, 2013

Any night in the Austin neighborhood on Chicago’s West side can explode into gunfire. 

Critics question aim of $25-per-gun tax in Chicago

Published December 28, 2012

With gangland shootings becoming an every-day occurrence in Chicago, the Board of Commissioners in surrounding Cook County is trying anew to tackle the deadly problem -- with another tax. But already, some are questioning whether the move is more about making a statement than addressing the violence. 

Campaigns step up efforts to win undecided Ohio women

Published October 26, 2012

In Ohio battle, campaigns track voters' every move

Published October 24, 2012

With a razor-thin margin in the polls, mobilizing the support base has rarely been as important as it is in this election. And the ground game is probably most intense, and detailed, in the battleground of Ohio. 

Ohio official calls feds early voting expansion an intrusion

Published October 09, 2012

Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted is appealing to the US Supreme Court – ironically - to get the federal courts out of the Buckeye State voting process. This is in response to a federal appeals court overturning republican-backed restrictions on early voting. 

Mighty Mississippi low on water as drought hits artery of commerce

Published August 16, 2012

As long as there have been people on the continental US, the Mississippi has been a major artery for commerce. The coast guard estimates that now 50-to-60 billion dollars of commerce are pushed between her banks every year.

Wounded veterans bike against the odds in endurance-testing race

Published August 11, 2012

Juan Carlos Hernandez was a crewmember on a Chinook helicopter with the 101st airborne in Afghanistan.

Chicago Fights Gangs with New Weapon

Published July 16, 2012

A surge in shootings and gang violence has prompted authorities to launch a new initiative.