Business

Uncle Sam might be getting his bailout money back faster than he thought.

Reagan National Airport has used full-body scanners since last year. TSA recently used $15 million of stimulus money for another security measure: hand swabs, which will detect residue from explosives.: Photo by Kristin McGrath"Your Safety is Our Priority" is the Transportation Security Administration's motto. And in the midst of the Obama Administration's order of 500 full-body scanners for $240 million, another security measure has been added: "explosive trace detection" or ETD. 

Billions of dollars in sales and use tax sit idle while states run short on funds, a few tax analysts and lawyers said. Photo by Photo8.com, courtesy of Flickr, Creative Commons.Businesses without a physical presence in a state they sell their goods to might not know if they have to abide by state sales and use tax rules. The easiest way to solve this dilemma is for the business to set up an office in the state they do business. Then, the guidelines are easier to follow.

Journalism experts are challenging the myth of the fourth estate, the news industry completely free from government funding in the United States, and are calling for fresh ways of funding new media through the government.  

A recent report from the USC Annenberg School of Communication revealed the U.S. government has a tradition of funding independent media through postal subsidies, public notices and tax breaks.

Anthony's Restaurant & Pizza in Falls Church, Va. opened 37 years ago: Photo by Carmer Castro for the American ObserverDespite a 40 percent decline in business in the last two years, Brinkley’s Restaurant & Lounge owner Hemm Shah refuses to cut the work hours of his employees.

“We’re still surviving,” says the owner of the Falls Church restaurant. “What I used to make, I don’t make it anymore but I will not cut their hours…as long as I can do it, I’ll do it.”

He counts on the services of a cook, three dish washers, a disc jockey and two members of his wait staff, all of whom have been with him for almost two decades.

Eastern Market, established in 1873, is one of the oldest open markets in the city and is not only a place to buy fresh food and crafts, but also a spot for the local community. On the weekends, it turns into at outdoor flea market, where vendors from all across the metropolitan region come and sell their goods.

For a closer look at the market, read Leslie Byford’s blog. Also see our slideshow below with photos taken by photojournalism student Lauren Goldstein.

The number of Americans traveling over Thanksgiving weekend is projected to increase 1.4 percent over last year, according to AAA.

Every weekend, the parking lot of Hine Junior High School in Southeast Washington, D.C., is where dreams, love and passion collide. While most of us are sleeping late, dozens of small business owners rise out of bed to set up shop between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. at the Flea Market in Eastern Market.

The flea market isn't very big. It sits across from the Eastern Market Metro stop in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. But what it lacks in size it makes up in vibrancy, eclectic products and international flavor.

Inside each booth a shopper finds more than merchandise.

Located near downtown Bethesda, the 352-square-foot Bethesda Community store is a community landmark with an 85-year history.: Photo by Kristin McGrath, American ObserverOn the corner of Old Georgetown Rd. and Southwick St. in Bethesda, Md., is a building that looks like it was plucked from another time. A tiny wooden store painted white with red trim and topped with a sign advertizing Coca-Cola “in bottles,” the Bethesda Community store has been in the neighborhood since 1924.

The life of a college student: classes, term papers and, for some, credit card debt.

All these things are a part of everyday life for 23-year-old J.K., a senior at a North Carolina University who didn't wish to be identified by her full name. She started acquiring credit card debt her freshman year and now owes $2,000.

“I got my first card in June 2007 and the other two before the end of the year,” she said. “I don't feel like it's a whole lot, but it's more than enough considering I’m working part-time and still in school.”