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 past. Got a suggestion? Send it to [email protected]. TSA reform
1| Paul to introduce bill
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The details: Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, will introduce the American Traveler Dignity Act, which will hold TSA employees to the same standards as average citizens in terms of physical contact and causing physical harm through radiation.
Uniting for a purpose
2| Families of Sept. 11 victims honor them with charity
The details: As the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks approaches, families of the victims are encouraging charities and businesses to organize volunteer opportunities in hundreds of U.S. cities to honor those who lost their lives in the attacks.
Increasing understanding
3| Scientists discover new information about cancer
The details: Scientists at Hebrew University identified the parts of DNA that are most likely to break in the early stages of cancer. These discoveries could lead to the development of new procedures to prevent or treat cancer in the early stages.
End to ethanol subsidies?
4| Senate reaches a deal to end two ethanol subsidies
The details: Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said she reached a deal with ethanol-supporting Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and John Thune, R-S.D., to end a 45-cent-a-gallon tax credit for blending ethanol in gas and a 54-cent-a-gallon tax on imported ethanol by the end of the month.
Debt ceiling warning
5| Senators work to block president from acting alone
The details: Sens. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., and John Cornyn, R-Texas, introduced a resolution stating that the president does not have the authority to ignore the federal debt ceiling when it is reached next month.
People power
6| Dream Act is on the ballot
The details: For the first time in two decades, Maryland voters will be able to override their state legislators, thanks to a successful petition drive to stop implementation of the state Dream Act granting tuition benefits to illegal aliens. A referendum on the unpopular law will be on November’s ballot.
Buh-bye
7| Councilwoman steps down
The details: Disgraced Prince George’s Councilwoman Leslie Johnson finally tendered her resignation after public calls for her departure reached a crescendo. Johnson pleaded guilty to conspiracy in a developer bribery scheme with her husband, former County Executive Jack Johnson.
Temporary reprieve
8| Pentagon to stagger Mark Center move
The details: Pentagon officials agreed to move a third of the 6,400 defense workers relocating to Alexandria’s Mark Center in September to give local officials a bit more time to figure out the traffic mess. But the remaining 4,200 workers will arrive by the end of the year.
New look
9| Metro unveils updated design
The details: Metro unveiled its updated 7000 series rail cars, which feature rubber floors, video screens and security cameras. The first of the new 428 blue and gray railcars on order will arrive in 2013.
E Street beautification
10| Post-Sept. 11 barriers coming down
The details: Rusting fences and concrete jersey barriers erected outside the White House after the Sept. 11 attacks will be replaced with a low wall that doubles as a bench. The winning redesign conceals needed security barriers and restores the former feeling of openness in the Ellipse.
