Best of the Beacon for the week of June 25
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 this week. Not surprisingly, they focus largely on the Supreme Court's landmark decisions.
Order in the court
Analysis: The case that challenged conventional wisdom
Surprise. If there is a single theme to the story of “Obamacare,” it is that surprises have lain in wait at every turn. The biggest surprise may have been Thursday when the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act.
Hope, dismay, caution among local reponses to health ruling
Top Missouri Republicans swiftly pivoted after blasting the Supreme Court decision upholding the federal health-insurance law. The GOP’s political battle buzzword now is "tax." Democratic responses were short, and many were silent.
Missouri Republicans recast health care measure as 'massive tax' while Democrats mull options
Top Missouri Republicans swiftly pivoted after blasting the Supreme Court decision upholding the federal health-insurance law. The GOP’s political battle buzzword now is "tax." Democratic responses were short, and many were silent.
Supreme Court upholds Affordable Care Act while limiting federal power
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld President Barack Obama's health-care law in a 5-4 decision, with Chief Justice John Roberts providing the deciding vote. The court put limits on some of Congress' most potent powers -— its power to regulate commerce.
Missouri case shaped Supreme Court's decision on juvenile justice
The road to limiting severe punishments for juveniles convicted of murder runs through Missouri. The first step was taken by the Missouri Supreme Court in Simmons vs. Roper. Missouri court's opinion became the framework for the U.S. Supreme Court’s.
Supreme Court ruling was clear defeat for Arizona, say legal experts
Both sides, the White House and Arizona Gov. Janet Brewer, claimed victory in the Supreme Court’s decision on immigration. Legal experts are not so divided; they say the decision affirms the preeminence of the federal government in immigration.
Local legislators, immigration advocates say nation needs comprehensive reform
The Supreme Court sided with the federal government in three of four provisions in the Arizona immigration law. While local reaction varied, most all agree that a comprehensive immigration policy would be best. "We can't have a 50-state patchwork," said one source.
In other news...
House holds attorney general in contempt; Clay, Carnahan, others walk out
WASHINGTON – Eric H. Holder became the first sitting attorney general – the highest law enforcement officer – to be held in contempt of Congress by the U.S. House. The 255-67 vote by the Republican-controlled House spurred a walkout by more than 100 Democrats.
Preservation Board denies demolition of AAA building
As many preservationists had hoped, the city's Preservation Board voted unanimously Monday night against the demolition of the AAA building on Lindell. Now the request for a permit must go to the Cultural Resources Office, which is likely to deny it.
Reverse logic
'Flipped classrooms' seen as new teaching tool
The concept lets students watch teachers' lectures at home, then come to class and work on problems or projects traditionally assigned as homework. Proponents say new technology lets the approach reach a wider range of students.
Music to their ears
New Symphony contract comes after decade of struggle, is 'model' for other orchestras
The St. Louis Symphony’s new contract agreement is the product of trust forged in response to adversity, according to Symphony president and CEO Fred Bronstein. The four-year labor pact stands as a beacon of hope amid troubles in other cities.
Future shock
Winning projects envision new life for Pruitt-Igoe site
More than 40 years after demolition began on the ill-fated public housing complex in north St. Louis, a call for visions on how the 57-acre site can be redeveloped brought a variety of concepts. Read about the winners.
