After years of decline, American manufacturing is on the upswing, due in part to rising wages in Asia. What are the prospects for highly skilled workers, union labor and America's middle class? What are the consequences in this election year? Also, a Russian oil tanker slowly makes its way through the ice in Alaska, and Twinkies and Wonder Bread are in trouble, because of labor costs, more expensive ingredients and customers looking for healthier food.
Banner image: A worker installs a part while working on the assembly line at the Toledo Assembly Complex on November 16, 2011 in Toledo, Ohio. Photo by J.D. Pooley/Getty Images