The following stories have been hand-selected by the Assignment Desk at News4:
RETIREMENT COSTLY
Counties and municipalities looking to downsize their work forces and save money without painful layoffs might be pondering employee buyouts. Officials say, however, that the incentive-laden plans for employees to retire early, if poorly designed, can cost more than they save. That is the case in some parts of the state, the officials say. (Gazette)
ENHANCED SCREENING BEGINS
Beginning Monday, air travelers flying into the United States from Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Yemen and other "countries of interest" will be subjected to enhanced screening techniques, such as body scans, pat-downs and a thorough search of carry-on luggage. (AP/Baltimore Sun)
PERSONAL BREATHALYZER WARNING
Any revelers who used holiday parties to try out a personal breathalyzer before getting the behind the wheel should be more cautious in the new year, according to law enforcement and transportation officials. (The Capital)
MORE GAMBLING
Slot machines, table games, lotteries, firehouse bingo, horse racing, keno -- gambling is growing to unprecedented levels in the Washington area as governments search for new revenue. Though lottery revenues are falling, area jurisdictions are banking on wider gambling options to drive up profits, bridge budget shortfalls and create jobs. (Examiner)
VIRGINIA PAYDAY LOANS
Virginia is one state that's actually encouraging payday loans, specifically those offered by the government. It's a program the state's now promoting as a model for the whole country. Normally with paydays loans you get $100 to $500 with a promise to pay it back on payday at a very high interest, sometimes as much as 400 percent. (wtop.com)
11 YEAR OLD ENTREPRENEUR
Tanner Sayler sells nostalgia and adults are eating it up. The Hagerstown entrepreneur is the owner of a retro candy business, which features sweets from the past 40 years. Remember Pop Rocks, Whistle Pops, Teaberry Gum and Spree?
Thanks to Tanner, grown-ups can revisit their childhood and be kids in a candy shop once again. (Herald Mail)
