The following stories have been hand-selected by the Assignment Desk at News4:
INTEREST RATE CUTS
Central banks around the world are moving to further slash interest rates as they seek to contain the damage from the bursting of the biggest credit bubble in history.The Federal Reserve is poised to cut its benchmark rate for the second time in two weeks at a pivotal meeting in Washington on Wednesday, and the European Central Bank yesterday suggested that it would do the same next week. South Korea announced a dramatic rate cut yesterday, by three-fourths of a percentage point. (Washington Post)
OBAMA ASSASSINATION PLOT?
Federal authorities say two white supremacists allegedly plotted to go on a nationwide killing binge, shooting and decapitating dozens of black people and ultimately targeting Barack Obama. But the Secret Service says at this point, there doesn't appear to have been any formal assassination plot against Obama. (NBCWashington.com)
METRO BAG CHECKS
Metro officials yesterday announced plans to immediately begin random searches of backpacks, purses and other bags in a move they say will protect riders and also guard their privacy and minimize delays. (NBCWashington.com)
FAIRFAX COUNTY SCHOOL BUDGET
Fairfax County teachers would not get cost-of-living raises, class size would increase and some services would be cut in a budget scenario presented Monday by Superintendent Jack Dale.The proposal assumes there will be a 5 percent reduction from the $2.2 billion spending level for the fiscal year that ends in June. It also estimates there will not be an increase in the county's portion of the school budget and a reduction in state money. (Washington Post)
WIND ADVISORY
Wind advisory for later today, winds up to 40mph expected. (NBCWashington.com)
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Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information
MARYLAND HIGH SCHOOL GRADS
At least four state school board members will vote Tuesday to delay the High School Assessments as a graduation requirement for this year's seniors, the board's vice president said Monday. Eleven of 12 board members are expected to attend the meeting on the HSAs in downtown Baltimore. With that said, state school board Vice President Blair G. Ewing said two more votes are needed to have the requirement repealed for this year's senior class. Beginning with this year's seniors, all students must pass assessment tests in algebra, biology, English and government to earn a diploma. (Gazette Newspapers)
MARYLAND LAYOFFS
State budget cuts will mean layoffs this week for 40 Maryland state employees. The filled jobs are among more than 800 mostly vacant positions eliminated because of this year's budget shortfall. Seven of the 40 people being laid off make more than $100,000 annually. (Baltimore Sun)
COLLEGE GRADUATE JOBS
The Class of 2009 is going to face fewer openings in the job market upon graduation, according to a report released this month by the National Association of Colleges and Employers that indicates a 4.4 percent drop in projected hiring rates. (The Hoya)
AIRLINE FUEL SURCHARGES
Despite lower jet-fuel prices, fuel surcharges on international tickets are much higher than a year ago, according to an analysis of airline fare data for USA TODAY. Surcharges on many tickets have doubled, and many tickets on shorter flights - which often burn less fuel - have higher surcharges than longer-distance flights. (USA Today)
