Smart people are everywhere, and so are people who have common sense. That's why we're looking high and low to bring readers the highlights of the week just post. Got a suggestion? Send it to:threads@washingtonexaminer.com Good growth forecast
1| Bernanke bullish on America again
The details: Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke said that he anticipates economic growth of between 3 percent and 4 percent in the new year, which is far better than economists had previously expected. This came as good news after less encouraging unemployment claims numbers.
Obama comforts nation
2| Tucson speech shows leadership
The details: President Obama comforted the nation over last Saturday's shooting in Tucson, Ariz. He urged those in public life to avoid scapegoating political opponents for the nation's ills.
Not in my state
3| Legal push vs. Obamacare grows
The details: As of last week, half of all states are suing the Obama administration to prevent implementation of President Obama's health care reform law. The change came thanks to newly elected Republican governors in Oklahoma, Ohio, Maine and Wisconsin.
Leaping lizards!
4| Breast cancer breakthrough
The details: Researchers at Nottingham University have found in trials that a protein present in salamander eggs may stop the progression of breast cancer. Andrew Johnson, the scientist behind the study, told the Mirror, "I first proposed this 10 years ago and I lost my job."
Spending cuts
5| House moves to liberate NPR
The details: Congress will consider discontinuing subsidies for National Public Radio, it was announced this week. Although NPR executives claim this would limit their editorial options, the move could free the radio syndicate from all government interference.
In the black
6| Virginia has no budget deficit
The details: Last year's belt-tightening paid off in Virginia. Legislators meeting for their 46-day session in Richmond don't have to worry about red ink. However, a deferred $600 million payment to the state employees pension plan will have to be made up.
Metro board
7| Transportation heads push for more oversight
The details: The top transportation officials in D.C., Maryland and Virginia want the Metro board to focus on more effective oversight of the transit agency's management and operations. Proposed reforms include a multiyear chairmanship to replace the current rotating one-year term.
Rhee-form
8| Ex-chancellor blasts tenure
The details: Former D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee unveiled a new nationwide policy initiative that would uncouple teacher evaluations and tenure from contract negotiations. Rhee says an inherent conflict of interest protects low-performing union members at the expense of students.
Mr. Clean
9| Ethics reforms proposed
The details: Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker backs legislation that would close "pay to play" loopholes dealing with county officials' dealings with developers. Baker also asked a task force he convened to decide whether the county needs an inspector general.
Cheaper meters
10| Arlington figures out the demand curve
The details: Not enough drivers were willing to pay $1 per hour to park at Pentagon City and East Falls Church. So Arlington County officials decided to reduce the parking fee to 50 cents per hour at 180 metered spaces starting in February.