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 [email protected] No blank check
1| Rise in debt ceiling voted down
Recommended Stories
The details: Many Democrats in the House joined with Republicans in defeating a politically unpopular increase to the national debt ceiling, 318-97. The vote means that spending cuts must be included in any forthcoming deal for a debt ceiling increase.
Black Gold, Texas Tea
2| Oil wells spring up
The details: Twenty new onshore oil fields were discovered in Texas, and 3,000 new wells are expected by the end of the year. This will create jobs and increase America’s oil production by about 25 percent in the next decade, decreasing dependence on foreign oil.
Breast cancer breakthrough
3| Stress drugs can block spread
The details: Researchers at Trinity College in Dublin have found that blocking hormones associated with high stress can reduce the spread of cancer.
Lead balloon
4| Call for another stimulus denied
The details: Democrats on the energy and water subcommittee of the House Appropriations called for another stimulus package, and were promptly shut down by Chairman Hal Rogers, R-Ky. “We haven’t tried that before,” Rogers quipped.
Happy ending
5| Heartwarming tornado story
The details: An Alabama family devastated by recent tornados found their dog, who had been swept away by a storm three weeks earlier. The terrier, Mason, is expected to recover from two broken legs.
Suicide watch
6| Metro station manager honored
The details: Metro’s top officials awarded station manager Timothy Lee, a 27-year employee, a plaque for thwarting two suicide attempts in a little over a year. The latest, in April, involved a woman dangling her legs from the platform at Landover station.
Human roadblock
7| Va. raises penalties for human traffickers
The details: Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell signed a law Thursday upgrading human trafficking to a class-two felony, which could result in 20 years to life in prison and up to a $100,000 fine. The law also drops the requirement for a victim to testify.
Area unemployment down
8| D.C.-area unemployment drops to 5.4 percent
The details: D.C. had the second-lowest unemployment rate among big cities in April. The unemployment rate in the District dropped from 6 percent last year to 5.8 percent in March to 5.4 percent in April.
Maryland repeal
9| Tuition petition garners support
The details: Organizers of a petition to repeal the law allowing illegal immigrants in Maryland to pay lower, in-state tuition have collected over 60,000 signatures. If validated, a statewide referendum on the law will be required.
Most valuable land in America
10| Washington home prices rise
The details: Washington was the only major metropolitan area to record a climb in home prices in the first quarter of 2011. House prices increased by an average of 4.3 percent, while falling in 19 other major cities.
