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