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] War hero
1| Afghanistan vet presented with Medal of Honor
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The details: Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Arthur Petry was present the Medal of Honor at a ceremony at the White House on Tuesday. In 2008, Petry lost a hand in the act of tossing a live grenade away from his fellow soldiers. His action saved two lives.
Cutting back
2| Mich. cuts welfare benefits
The details: The Michigan Senate passed a 48-month limit on welfare for recipients who can work. The proposal, which will save the state $77.4 million, also raises the income caps for the program in order to stop punishing those who find and take low-paying jobs.
Spared for now
3| Illinois judge rules to keep funding Catholic charities
The details: An Illinois judge has prevented Illinois from shutting down four Catholic Charities regional adoption programs. In keeping with Catholic beliefs, the groups refused to place children with gay or unwed couples.
Cooking cancer
4| New technique eradicates tumors in mice
The details: Korean researchers have discovered a way to kill cancerous tumors by cooking them with low-volume magnetic injections. The technique could someday supersede conventional cancer treatments.
Blinking on spending
5| Minn. gov drops tax hike demands
The details: Minnesota’s two-week-long government shutdown may soon end, after Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton “reluctantly” agreed to sign a GOP budget that contains cuts and no tax hikes. Dayton had been demanding higher taxes.
Cap it
6| D.C. Council moves to reduce salaries
The details: Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy Lanier makes $253,817 per year, more than members of President Obama’s Cabinet earn, making her the fourth-highest-paid police chief in the United States. Councilwoman Mary Cheh wants the council to restore its $179,096 salary cap for top city officials.
Sale surge
7| Home sales increase without tax benefit
The details: Despite the expiration of a first-time homeowner tax incentive, pending home sales in the Washington area are surpassing last year’s totals. Experts hope this signifies a return to a more normal — and stable — real estate market.
Riding again
8| New Metro escalator opens
The details: The first of Metro’s 588 escalators scheduled to be replaced opened Monday at Foggy Bottom. Since January, commuters there have had to endure construction chaos and wait in long lines just to walk up nonworking escalators.
Tax reprieve
9| Muni holders catch a break
The details: District residents who invested in out-of-state municipal bonds will get a one-year tax reprieve. Ward 3 Councilwoman Mary Cheh says taxing the bondholders is unfair because they bought the bonds believing they wouldn’t be taxed on their profits.
Revamping
10| New businesses coming to H Street
The details: Steuart Investment Co. will break ground next week on a major commercial and residential development project on H Street. After enduring construction of a new streetcar line, the neighborhood will soon welcome a 215-unit apartment building and a Giant Food store.
