Best of the Beacon for week of June 4
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 highlight some of the top stories of the week. Here are Beacon must-reads from the week of June 4.
Four-alarm political battle
St. Louis battle over firefighters pensions mirrors battles elsewhere
The fight between St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay and the city's firefighters over pensions is not unique. Other cities are also struggling with the rising costs of retirement benefits, as the economy slams city revenue and pension systems' investments.
East Side Story
As Democrats regroup, Republicans eye making southern Illinois a stronghold
After this November's election, Illinois Republicans could wind up representing most of central and southern Illinois in Congress. They've been helped by Democrat Brad Harriman dropping out of the race for Illinois' 12th District. First of two parts.
Democrats have obstacles to overcome to find candidate to replace Costello
Last week, Brad Harriman, the Democratic candidate for Illinois' 12th congressional district, annouced that he was leaving the race because of health reasons. Now Democrats are scrambling to find a replacement. Second of two parts.
Running behind
Weeks before race, local Komen group is hopeful that controversy will not cut into participation
The Komen Race for the Cure in St. Louis hosts the largest race to fight breast cancer. Last year, the event attracted 60,000 people. Although this year's registration is off by 10 percent, Komen officials say it's too early to tell the final total.
Investment in future?
Student loans provide tough lesson in economics
With student loans the only form of credit that isn't being paid down, many people see student debt as the next economic bubble. Financial aid administrators say students get credit counseling, but repayment time can still bring sticker shock.
'They had no choice'
'War Horse' and the Great War's equine holocaust
In the climactic scene of “War Horse,” a British soldier saves a wounded horse named Joey from being destroyed. But the upbeat endings of the play and the film trivialize the disturbing end for the vast majority of war horses after World War I.
Power politics
Opponents of new license for nuclear plant face long odds
They have asked the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to take into account the aging that will occur at the plant and Missouri's relatively weak efforts to develop alternative sources of energy, such as wind and solar.
Rock on
Second set: Real rock provided by Mark Thomas Quinn
There's a second classic rock radio station in town, and Thomas goes to the voice of El Monstero and other classic tributes to talk about the St. Louis rock scene back in the day and the city venerates the golden age.
On the homefront
National housing forum in St. Louis highlights public-private partnerships as solution
The Bipartisan Policy Center along with former U.S. Sen. Christopher Bond and the Jack Kemp Foundation hosted a housing forum yesterday to highlight housing challenges in the nation and to present possible solutions to the challenges.
Picture perfect
Odell Mitchell Jr. looks back on sterling career with show at Sheldon
We asked Mitchell, who was an award-winning photographer for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch for 24 years, to select some of the pictures that will be in the exhibit and write what made that image special for him.
