Best of the Beacon, for week of April 23
We at the Beacon hope that you take a look at us every day, but we also know that that's not always possible. So, once a week, on Friday, we'll be highlighting some of the top stories of the week. Here are Beacon must-reads from the week of April 23.
Mixed reaction
Big or small, questions about nuclear reactors remain
Ameren is backing an effort by Westinghouse to win a federal grant for development of small modular reactors -- a product that could help the Missouri economy. But opponents of nuclear energy say the smaller reactors pose some of the same problems that large ones do.
Campaign 2012
Obama, Akin tangle over congressman's use of 'stage-three socialism' in student loan debate

U.S. Rep. Todd Akin’s penchant for comparing federal programs to “stage-three socialism’’ has caught the attention of President Barack Obama, who told college students Wednesday in Iowa that the congressman’s remarks — in reference to student loans — were “a new way to go off the deep end.”
Latest attacks in Missouri's U.S. Senate contest may later show up in TV attack ads
Missouri’s major candidates for the U.S. Senate have been sparring the last couple days on a number of different issues, big and small, that may not attract much public attention at the moment – but likely will be featured in TV ads a few months from now. The chief issue: the candidates' judgment.
Court fights may keep most initiative-petition proposals off the November ballot
Although more than 140 initiative-petition proposals were approved for circulation to collect the needed signatures, few — if any — are in a position to make it on the November ballot because of a flurry of lawsuits.
Stamp of approval
Senate approves postal service reform, passes amendments from McCaskill and Blunt

On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate passed sweeping changes to the U.S. Postal Service by 62 to 37, including an amendment from U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., to provide for a citizens' advocate to represent the public in postal closures. Tuesday, the Senate passed an amendment from U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., to make it harder to close rural post offices.
Savings accounts at your local post office? Princeton professor suggests return to America's past
Americans could mail a letter, buy stamps and make a savings deposit if the United States re-established postal savings accounts — financial tools popular around the world. The suggestion comes from a Princeton professor who will speak Thursday.
People are talking

St. Louis County Parks Director Lindsey Swanick reflects on career, looks to future
Lindsey Swanick announced earlier this year that she would retire from the St. Louis County Parks Department April 30. She spoke with the Beacon earlier this week to discuss her career and the challenges that face the parks system.

Take Five: Delia Ephron is dreaming of a lion
Her latest novel is about three women on the lam in North Carolina and the lion that changes their lives. Though she's best known as a screenwriter, Ephron said she knew from the dream that started it all that this story would be a book.

Take Five: Director Bruce Longworth on love gone wrong in easily digestible 'Othello'
If you’re intimidated by Shakespeare’s language, twisted plots and numerous characters, “Othello” offers the ideal opportunity to bond with the Bard.
Healthy debate
Report says state can save money and improve health care
Missouri’s annual medical costs are projected to double in a decade. But the state can contain this expense and improve quality by changing the way health care is delivered, says a study commissioned by the Missouri Foundation for Health.
Women in black

Sisters of Loretto at 200: Celebrating frontier past, mission of peace and justice
Two hundred years ago, three Catholic women from Maryland teaching on the Kentucky frontier lamented the lack of education for girls. They wound up founding the Sisters of Loretto, who founded Nerinx Hall and Webster College.
Musical odyssey
Second Set: Something ventured, Judge Nothing gained
Call it a mini-odyssey following Judge Nothing that wound up encompassing six events, at five venues across four counties. Along the way are detours through St. Charles, pizza and drinks in Alton, and any number of musical misadventures.

