Tower Grove Park and the South Grand area are looking for a big influx of visitors this weekend as PrideFest celebrates gays, lesbians and everyone. Even though funding has been tight, all goals were met.

How do families in which parents work make summer safe and enjoyable for their children? The Beacon chose this article from pieces written in response to a question posted through Helium.com. Helium invites entries from writers all over the world. 

Photo by Rachel Heidenry | The Beacon 

Coffeehouses, whether chain or independent, have become so commonplace that they now serve as most anything that a neighborhood needs -- from a gathering point for a weekly euchre club or a near-to-campus location for first dates. Increasingly, though, local coffeeshops are serving as remote offices for workers who've fled their real workplaces for an hour, or two, or as full-on, de facto offices for freelancers or those with uncommon work hours.

Juneteenth began in Texas to commemorate emancipation of slaves. On June 19, 1865, Union Gen. Gordon Granger arrived on Galveston Island with about 2,000 troops to take control and enforce President Lincoln's proclamation. Juneteeth has been designated a holiday or observance by 29 states, including Illinois but not Missouri.

Reporter Bill Smith drove around the city as it prepared for the Fourth of July and easily found the American flag proudly displayed by businesses and homeowners. Not for everyone is the simple flag flying from a front porch pole, as Smith captured in the photo at right. In addition, Rachel Heidenry brings us the fire department's honor guard and the enormous flag at Market and Tucker downtown.