Best of the best
1| Phelps becomes most decorated Olympian ever
The details: United States Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps became the most decorated Olympic athlete ever last week. The previous record was held by Soviet gymnast Larisa Latynina, who earned 18 medals in her career.
Free speech
2| Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day a success
The details: Thousands lined up for fast-food restaurant Chick-fil-A, to support the company after the company president signaled he did not support gay marriage. The company was widely criticized by gay activists after the company reaffirmed its commitment to “Biblical principles.” Chick-fil-A reported record sales after the day of support.
Live to fight another day
3| Deal reached on government budget extension
The details: Congressional leaders agreed to a spending extension to fund the U.S. government through March 2013, averting a potential government shutdown ahead of the 2012 election. The planned vote will take place in September.
Gymnastics gold
4| Team USA takes gold in gymnastics
The details: Virginia’s Gabrielle Douglas took first in the Olympic gymnastics women’s all-around competition. She also helped the United States’ “Fabulous Five” gymnastics team win gold in the team competition. Douglas’ performance marked the first time an American won both the individual and team titles at the same Olympics.
Heroic Deputy
5| Deputy scales slope to save hiker
The details: While waiting for rescue helicopters, Nevada Sheriff’s Deputy David Rippe free-climbed up a 300-foot, 70-degree slope to help a California hiker clinging for his life to the side of a mountain. While his astonished team watched, Rippe reached the hiker, preventing him from falling until a helicopter could lift him to safety.
Good idea
6| BWI offering free WiFi
The details: BWI Airport announced Wednesday it will now offer free WiFi for its travelers. Each traveler is limited to 45 minutes of free WiFi at a time and will need to watch an advertisement before each session. Travelers can get uninterrupted WiFi for a fee.
Ouch!
7| Woman struck by arrow is recovering
The details: A woman who was struck in the head by an arrow during archery practice Tuesday evening was recovering Wednesday, according to Montgomery County police. She was flown to a hospital after the incident with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Access to education
8| MontCo schools to accommodate autistic students
The details: Montgomery County Public Schools will open autism centers at three high schools in the new school year due to the fivefold increase in the number of students diagnosed with autism over the last decade.
Faster, cheaper
9| Massive rapid transit project could help commuters
The details: According to a study by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, a 500-mile bus rapid transit network from Frederick, Md., to Prince William County, Va., could be put into place within 30 years.
Super strength
10| Woman lifts car off dad
The details: Lauren Kornacki of Virginia might have saved her father’s life by lifting a car off of him. Alec Kornacki had been working on his car Saturday when his jack slipped. Doctors told NBC Washington that he will survive his injuries, which include broken ribs, without “permanent damage.”
