"Our Black Year" Seeks to Spark Change in Black Consumer Spending

Maggie Anderson made a pledge to spend money solely at black businesses, calling it the Empowerment Experiment. Her book, "Our Black Year," chronicles the struggles along that journey. Listen to her story.

Filene’s Basement Files for Bankruptcy Just in Time for the Holidays

The national discount store Filene's Basement management is planning to close down all the stores after the holiday shopping season.

Invasive Mussels a Costly Problem for Water Authorities

A fingernail-size animal is causing multimillion-dollar problems on U.S. waterways. Quagga and Zebra mussels made their way to America in the early '90s on a European cargo ship. After settling in Lake Erie, they hitchhiked to Western states often on the boats of vacationers.

For Some, Ben Ali Served More Than Half-Smokes

Founder's Death Hits Hard at Ben's Chili Bowl

Ben Ali, 82, was like a father to Jimmy Hughes, 61. Nine years ago, Hughes said he didn't have his life together. It was Ali, who died Monday night, and his wife, Virginia, who helped Hughes get back on his feet. Since then, Hughes has been an employee at Ben's Chili Bowl. "Ben helped me and helped a lot of other people," Hughes said while standing outside the restaurant. "You better believe he will deeply missed."

Eateries Reap Bounty from Inauguration Crowds

Inauguration weekend was a restaurant's owner dream, especially for eateries near the nation's Capitol. Joyous crowds of tourists and locals readily opened their wallets, even in this recession, to celebrate the inauguration of Barack Obama as the first African-American president.

Barackonomics

Selling Messages of 'Yes I Can!' — and 'Change You Can Smell'

Shannon Hardy of Brooklyn, N.Y., rushed over and plopped his knapsack onto an empty white table in Chinatown. He unzipped it and out poured a variety of pins with pictures of the 44th president, Barack Obama, the first lady, Michelle, and their daughters. "They will not let you into the parade without a button," Hardy shouted as people walked by. Vendors traveled far and wide, with many originating from New York, to be part of history and to get a stake in the money to be made from the Obama craze.

It's Hard to Leave, But Even Harder to Stay on U St.

Like a phoenix, the U Street area has risen from the ashes of the 60s riots and the 80s drugs, said Stanley Mayes, a life-long resident of the area. And, while some residents and businesses have moved on, Mayes and others refuse to leave. "I'm in for the long haul," he said.

Local Businesses Object to Tax Hikes

Owners Say Unfair Taxes Threaten Small Businesses

Fed up with escalating tax rates on commercial property in Washington, owners of small businesses met Tuesday night to air their grievances and demand a change. Ward One Councilmember Jim Graham , Ben's Chili Bowl owner Kamal Ali and Lee's Flower & Card Shop owner Rick Lee hosted a town hall meeting on small business tax relief in U Street's historic Lincoln Theater.

Sports Take a Hit in Economic Crisis

Often a Diversion From Reality, Some Sports Brace for a Taste of the Real World

Americans have always turned to sports for emotional release during tough times, but economic troubles have left corporations unable to devote big bucks to the sports world.

Students, BET Execs Debate Role of Rappers at Howard Screening

'Hip-Hop vs. America' Series Examines Effects of Lyrics

Students, professors and BET executives discuss the Don Imus controversy and the role of rappers during a recent panel discussion and screening of "Hip-Hop vs. America" at Howard University.