‘We may at last be getting our Michael Moore. A virtuous Michael Moore!’

The Obama administration’s plans are running smack into an industry buzz saw that they might not escape.

TWI launched just a year ago. Since then, our staff has run over 4,400 posts and pieces and broken news that furthered some of the most important stories of the year. Check out the most viewed stories of 2008 and the TWI staff’s favorite reads.

President-elect Barack Obama has said he will take a different approach to health, environment and energy agencies.

It’s a Washington tradition. Outgoing administrations try to ram through a slew of new federal regulations. But the Bush administration has expanded on this, seeking to push through at least 90 changes that can affect the health and safety of millions. Here are five examples.

For the last eight years, scientists have accused the Bush administration of tampering with, suppressing or even ignoring scientific findings that conflicted with its policies. Their central question is what could the next president do to restore scientific integrity.

As lawmakers mull another economic stimulus, green industries could be key. With the economy in turmoil and oil prices in dramatic flux, many experts argue the best way to tackle these problems is an enormous federal investment in renewable technologies.

As a weird new wrinkle of the exploding mortgage crisis, the flailing housing market in California was tied to a 276 percent increase in West Nile virus cases, according to a scientific journal.

Sen. John McCain is left of the GOP base when it comes to the environment. But though he may draw in independents and moderate Democrats, can he hold on to his party base?

McCain’s presidential crusade perseveres even as “Act of God” isolates his pick for vice president.