Many say the industry hasn't seen a patch as rough as what's coming since the early 1980s.

Statistics Canada reports on the gross domestic product in September. Economists forecast growth of 0.2 per cent from the previous month and annualized growth of 0.9 per cent in the third quarter.

The commercial paper is a form of debt security that was originally thought to be a secure, short-term type of investment since it's backed by assets such as credit card receivables, mortgages and car loan receivables with high credit ratings.

HERRIN - Quicker diagnoses for patients leading to improved care at Herrin Hospital are now possible with the implementation of a new MRI machine and fluoroscopic unit.

ALTO PASS - It's the end of an era in the local antique world, and the closing of a major Alto Pass business.

The Southern CARBONDALE - A Carbondale native and Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduate is the new city president and community banking team leader for Regions Financial Corporation's Southern Illinois market.

Clipius Technologies of Murphysboro was one of two runners-up selected earlier this week in the 2008 Innovate Illinois entrepreneurial innovation competition at the University of Chicago's Gleacher Center. The company creates antimicrobial coatings for spinal implants and instrumentation. It received

AECL is facing the biggest challenge of its 60-year-old existence as the federal government considers selling the Crown corporation in its effort to raise money to minimize future deficits.

The written submission, which has been filed in court, says "it is impossible to deny" that a fraud occurred at Livent, and argues the evidence clearly shows Mr. Drabinsky and Mr. Gottlieb personally directed the undertaking.

Aluminum hovered close to a three-year low and lead fell to $1,073 (U.S.) a tonne, its lowest since July, 2006, as traders priced in falling demand from the auto sector, where sales have plunged.

Meanwhile, U.S. gasoline prices continued their free fall and are now at levels not seen since Jan. 21, 2005 — good news for travellers heading home after Thanksgiving getaways.

Currency strategists said the terrorist attacks in Mumbai rattled foreign exchange markets as investors sought a safe haven in the U.S. dollar Friday morning.