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]
SEALs saluted
1| Strong debut for new movie
The details: A pro-military film featuring the courage and sacrifice of Navy SEALs topped the box office last weekend, taking $24.7 million. The film resonated well with audiences, scoring an A, according to CinemaScore.
Now hiring
2| Unemployment applications dip to a 4-year low
The details: The number of people newly seeking unemployment benefits fell slightly last week to 351,000, marking a four-year low. According to the Labor Department, the economy added 243,000 net jobs in January, for the most in nine months.
Jobs for Ohio
3| Oil shale development could create 65,000 jobs
The details: A team of economists and energy and geology experts released a study this week suggesting that Ohio could see more than 65,000 jobs from development of its oil shale resources. The study claims that more than $4.9 billion could be added to the state’s economy by 2014.
Relief for Syria
4| Red Cross aid convoy reaches Homs
The details: A Red Cross convoy has reached the badly damaged Syrian city of Homs, to offer aid to the populace. Syrian rebels recently abandoned the city after a violent 26-day assault by the Syrian government.
Longer Lives
5| Liver cancer breakthrough
The details: Researchers in Korea have found they can double the survival period of liver cancer patients using a combination of existing therapies. The team of doctors employed embolization and chemotherapy to target the blood vessels that supply nutrients to cancer cells.
Defending right to work
6| Dulles Rail funding imperiled
The details: Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli and Department of Rail and Public Transportation head Thelma Drake both confirmed that the right-to-work state will not provide $150 million for the Dulles Rail project if unionized contractors are given preferential treatment under a project labor agreement.
Informed consent
7| Ultrasound bill passes
The details: Following the lead of 20 other states, Virginia will require women seeking an abortion to undergo an external, “jelly on the belly” ultrasound beforehand. Gov. Bob McDonnell had amended the bill to eliminate an internal ultrasound, which he said was too invasive.
Cherry blossoms
8| Early bloom predicted
The details: Washington will get another benefit from this year’s mild winter. Its iconic cherry blossoms, which attract more than a million visitors annually, are expected to bloom early this year to mark the District’s 100th cherry blossom celebration.
Eagle-eyed
9| Raptor rescued from train yard
The details: Metro Transit Police and the Raptor Conservancy of Virginia rescued an injured bald eagle that was spotted inside a track fence near the Van Dorn station. The eagle, which had a broken wing, was taken to the RCV’s Falls Church facility for treatment.
Bunny-eared
10| Bo Obama stars in video
The details: First pooch Bo Obama appeared in a video wearing pink and white bunny ears to remind Washingtonians that the ticket lottery for the historic White House Easter Egg Roll ends March 5. Bo himself will appear on one of the souvenir eggs.
