City Commission candidates, from left, Dennis Constance, Aron Cromwell and Lance Johnson participate in a public forum Monday at City Hall.

Photo by Philip Heying

A U.S. flag hangs above the Boeing 747 line at Boeing Co.’s airplane assembly plant in Everett, Wash. Today, “Made in USA” is more likely to be stamped on airplanes, silicon chips, medical equipment and other goods bought by companies than on TVs, toys, clothes and items you’d find on store shelves.

Ted S. Warren/AP Photo

The 50th anniversary of Barbie is commemorated by a lineup of Barbie dolls from different eras, starting with the original Barbie in a black and white swimsuit, right, in a display by Mattel at Toy Fair 2009 at the Javits Center in New York.. The fair runs through Wednesday.

Craig Ruttle/AP Photo

John Troutman and Karen Anderson celebrate Christmas Eve with their kids … in style. From left, back row, are Chris Troutman, then Chase Anderson holding Duffy, John Troutman, Taylor Anderson with Wyn, Joanna Troutman Bergkoetter, Luke Bergkoetter holding Matilde, and Karen Anderson, front, sitting on the floor. Karen, Lawrence, submitted the picture.

Chinese construction workers eat dinner, consisting of boiled water and bread, in freezing temperatures Monday in Bucharest, Romania. Hundreds of Chinese workers are camped outside their embassy in Bucharest, trying to get home because Romanian construction companies, some running out of business because of the global economic crisis, have failed to pay them for the past two months.

Vadim Ghirda/AP Photo

Vikki Hankins, who was recently released from prison, is living temporarily at a hotel in Orlando, Fla. Like others who are leaving prison during an economic slump, Hankins would be helped by the federal Second Chance Act if Congress approves funding for the new program.

John Raoux/AP Photo

Ken Davis book about KU basketball features pullout replica pennants, tickets, contracts, notes and other memorabilia for fans to examine and enjoy.

Photo by Philip Heying

“Self Portrait,” by Jenny Aucott of Free State, Best of Show winner.

Special to the Journal-World

Over the past few years, global forces have sent grain prices on a roller coaster ride. Here is a look at the average prices per bushel that east central Kansas farmers have received for corn and soybean. Source: Kansas Agriculture Statistics and Kevin Dhuyvetter, Kansas State University.

Photo by Christine Metz

Bernie, left, and Jared Faust discuss their day’s work on Thursday at the Faust family farm. Area farmers have been struggling to adapt to highly volatile commodity and supply prices. The Fausts, of Overbrook, only recently decided to put in a corn crop this year.

Photo by Philip Heying

Oklahoma forward Blake Griffin, right, goes up for a basket against Texas Tech’s Michael Prince during OU’s victory on Saturday in Norman, Okla. The Sooners are well on their way to the NCAA Tournament, but the Red Raiders don’t have much of a shot.

Alonzo Adams/AP Photo

Kansas University guard Brady Morningstar takes an elbow from Kansas State’s Denis Clemente (21) during a 2009 game in Manhattan.

Photo by Richard Gwin