In Brief - January 24th, 2008

It's cold; well, at least it's cold for Seattle. That's probably at the top of most commuters' minds most mornings during this sun-filled week. But besides that and the elections, there are actually other things happening in the world. So let's take a quick trip through the news!

In the Pacific Northwest

• The Idaho Math Initiative, a plan to change math instruction and increase math achievement throughout the state, is currently being scrutinized by the state Legislature. State School's Superintendent Tom Luna says that the $4 million program "...is expensive, but...is an investment in getting children better prepared for the math they need."
• In what could be a test for the viability of creating a number of "Green Collar" jobs, Oregon is creating a series of tax credits with the goal of catalyzing the creation of an alternative energy industry in the state. Those credits are now facing criticism, as a legislative committee meets today whether to push proposed increases to the program forward towards a vote. What happens in Oregon could have national implications and create a model for other states interested in alternative energy to follow.
• King County Metro reported a record increase in ridership during 2007. They credit high gas prices and strong employment numbers for the growth.

Across the Nation

• Healthcare (and universal coverage of all Americans) has emerged as an important issue this election cycle at state and federal levels. The greater prominence of this topic will hopefully open the door to is a stronger focus on preventative care. That's good news in light of a new report that shows that too few adults in the U.S. are getting the vaccinations that they should.
• Energy is another major 2008 campaign topic. Internal EPA documents now show that staffers encouraged agency head Stephen Johnson allow California to regulate vehicle emissions beyond federal rules. Johnson will testify in front of Congress today on this issue.
• Surprise, surprise: Dick Cheney wants to let companies complicit in the Bush Administrtion's illegal wiretapping effort go unpunished. Beyond "retroactive immunity," a provision that was filibustered by Senator Chris Dodd in December, Cheney wants wiretapping to be expanded and made permanent. January 20th, 2009, can't come fast enough.

Around the World

• The first step towards resolving a dispute in Kenya will be taken soon as the key opposing leaders will meet this afternoon.
• A fragile cease-fire has been established in the Congo. At a high-level, the deal signals progress towards ending the conflict and associated humanitarian catastrophe, but a drill-down into the details reveals that there are challenges remaining with how the peace will specifically be brought about.
• Deforestation in the Amazon rose sharply in the latter half of 2007. A victim of what one activists calls a "frontier mentality," the Amazon is an important resource rich with plant and animal life which must be preserved, and this has become a growing governmental and international concern.

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