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Best of the Beacon for the week of June 25

In Issues & Politics

3:45 pm on Fri, 06.29.12

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Conference of American nuns will mull response to Vatican charges

In Nation

7:55 am on Fri, 08.03.12

Meeting in St. Louis next week, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious will have its first opportunity as an assembled group to consider what to do after the Vatican issued a mandate for change this spring. It calls on the conference to reorganize and more strictly observe church teachings.

The 'free' Zoo

In Commentary

7:51 am on Tue, 05.22.12

When a family of four goes to the St. Louis Zoo, they can be forgiven for not knowing it will cost them $60, $72 if they park. If they can't pay, the alternative is to tell the kids they can't do what kids do at the zoo.

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Justin Leszcz and Yellow Tree Farm

In This is St. Louis

6:13 am on Wed, 05.22.13

Justin Leszcz started getting into the world of farming by foraging and tending a very small urban farm. He now sells miscellaneous product to various restaurants in town and can be seen at farmers' markets selling his popcorn and corn meal.

Featured Articles

Save that dirt, Howard Buffett says

In Science

11:09 am on Wed, 05.15.13

Speaking to reporters at Monsanto, Howard Buffett warned that future generations would foot the bill for irresponsible soil use. He urged leaders to address thorny issues such as malnutrition and environmental destruction.

Arch Grants winners set for debut

In InnovationSTL

11:32 am on Tue, 05.14.13

Twenty winners will split a million dollars and a wide array of professional services after this year's Arch Grants competition. Victors will also see one-on-one business mentoring in their prize package. The diverse group includes everything from biotech concerns to fashion enterprises.

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Innovation and entrepreneurial activity are on the rise in St. Louis, especially in bioscience, technology and alternative energy. The Beacon's InnovationSTL section focuses on the people who are part of this wave, what they're doing and how this is shaping our future. To many St. Louisans, this wave is not yet visible. InnovationSTL aims to change that. We welcome you to share your knowledge, learn more about this vibrant trend and discuss its impact.

Featured Articles

Save that dirt, Howard Buffett says

In Science

11:09 am on Wed, 05.15.13

Speaking to reporters at Monsanto, Howard Buffett warned that future generations would foot the bill for irresponsible soil use. He urged leaders to address thorny issues such as malnutrition and environmental destruction.

Supreme Court rules unanimously for Monsanto in Roundup case

In Law Scoop

10:42 pm on Mon, 05.13.13

Vernon Bowman's challenge to Monsanto Co.'s patent on its Roundup Ready soybean seeds was billed as a David vs. Goliath contest. Goliath won and won big. The Supreme Court ruled unanimously that an Indiana soybean farmer had violated Monsanto's patent on its genetically engineered soybean seeds.

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The lambs of sacrifice in chess

In On Chess

6:13 am on Wed, 05.22.13

Last week, Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura sacrificed his crown as the King of America. He faced an individual decision to play against the best in the nation or the best on the planet. Find out what happened at that world-level tournament.

Letting perfect stand in the way of the good

In Commentary

6:12 am on Wed, 05.22.13

Our world sees rapid change in many ways -- how we view women, races, sexual minorities and other populations, for instance. While a daily delivery of new and different can be exhausting, it can force us to reflect and consider how to move forward, often incrementally, toward what is good and what bring value to our lives.

College costs - easy to attack, hard to solve

In Commentary

6:12 am on Tue, 05.21.13

Paying professors less, increasing online courses and raising class size might make the bill cheaper, but the value of the degree will be less, as well. It's not that there are no solutions, but the easy ones create their own problems.

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