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June 2024
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While I may spend plenty of time in the courtroom or the office, when summer rolls around, I’m just as likely as anyone to hit the open road. Route 66, the “Mother Road,” as some people call it, runs right through our area, offering a slice of Americana that’s too delightful to pass up. If you’re planning a road trip this summer, let me share some must-see stops along Route 66 in St. Louis that combine natural beauty, wildlife, and local flavor. Meramec Caverns First up on your road trip should be the Meramec Caverns. These caverns are incredible mineral formations centuries in the making. The guided tours are not only informative but also quite breathtaking if you choose to go via riverboat. The cool underground temperature also makes it a perfect escape from the summer heat. As a history enthusiast, I appreciate the caverns’ rich history as a hideout for the infamous outlaw Jesse James. Ted Drewes After exploring the depths of Meramec Caverns, you’ll want to treat yourself to something sweet. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is an iconic St. Louis stop that has been serving up delicious treats since 1929. Their frozen custard is so thick that they serve it upside down! I recommend the “Concrete,” which is a blend of frozen custard and any mix-ins of your choice — it’s a favorite for locals and travelers alike. World Bird Sanctuary Next, the World Bird Sanctuary offers a remarkable chance to engage with nature and learn about bird conservation. HIT THE ROAD! Visit These Must-See Attractions on Route 66 in St. Louis REFERRALS WELCOME Thank you for referring clients to us over the years. You will never be
The sanctuary spans over 300 acres and is home to eagles, owls, falcons, and many other bird species. It has live bird shows, hiking trails, and educational programs that make it an excellent stop for families. Lone Elk Park A few miles down the road, Lone Elk Park provides a scenic retreat with its beautiful landscapes and wildlife. You can see elk, bison, deer, and a variety of waterfowl in their natural habitats. The park offers an escape to wilderness that feels worlds away from the courtroom or office. Endangered Wolf Center Finally, the Endangered Wolf Center is a unique conservation that is close to my heart. This facility focuses on preserving and protecting wolf species through carefully managed breeding programs and public education. Visiting the center gives you insight into the challenges and triumphs of wildlife conservation. Each of these stops along Route 66 in St. Louis offers a unique way to enjoy your summer road trip while learning a bit more about the natural and cultural heritage of this historic route. Whether you’re interested in the leisurely pace of bird watching, the thrill of seeing wolves up close, or simply enjoying some of the best frozen custard you’ll ever taste, Route 66 has something for everyone. So, take it from an attorney who knows the value of a good break — pack up your car, gather your family or friends, and make this road trip a summer to remember. Safe travels!
embarrassed by a referral to our office. We’re always available to lend a helping hand to anyone with any legal need. Just give us a call at (314) 961-5678 or visit us at BeckLawMO.com .
www.becklawmo.com | 1 -Paul Beck
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City Official May Block Online Critic, High Court Rules SOCIAL SILENCE
Figuring out how the First Amendment applies to social media is no easy task. The U.S. Supreme Court shed new light on the issue with a recent ruling upholding a public official’s constitutional right to block a critic from commenting on his personal Facebook account. In a unanimous ruling, the Supreme Court held that James Freed, city manager of Port Huron, Michigan, did not violate the First Amendment when he blocked Facebook comments by city resident Kevin Lindke criticizing the city’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Writing for the court, Justice Amy Coney Barrett went a step further by defining a new two-part test for deciding when public officials are bound by the U.S. Constitution to allow commenters to speak freely on their social media accounts. First, the official must be authorized to speak for the government on issues covered in their social media posts. Second, they must use that social media account to exercise that authority. The decision in Lindke v. Freed drew fire from free-speech advocates. “You just got blocked on social media!” declared Lisa Remillard, a TV journalist and media coach, to viewers on TikTok. Lindke’s posts were highly critical, saying Port Huron’s response to the pandemic was “abysmal” and that “the city deserves better.” In his complaint, Lindke argued that Freed’s Facebook page
was a public forum and that he had unfairly discriminated against Lindke by deleting unfavorable comments. Although Freed’s Facebook page looked and worked like an outlet for city news and a forum for citizen concerns, Freed didn’t have the authority to communicate on behalf of the government. The court held that he was acting as a private citizen when he blocked Lindke’s comments, and the First Amendment is binding only to the government, not individuals. Therefore, the court ruled that Freed was exercising his own First Amendment rights rather than violating Lindke’s. “To misuse power, one must possess it in the first place,” Justice Barrett wrote. The court’s ruling acknowledged that the line between government and private communication blurs on the social media accounts of the nation’s 20 million state and local government employees. In Lindke v. Freed , Freed had converted a private Facebook account to a public page before becoming city manager. In 2014, after being named to the post, he added descriptions of himself as a “public figure,” along with a photo of himself wearing a suit with a city lapel pin. Most of his posts were about his personal life, but he also shared city news, including yard-waste collection plans and news releases from other city departments. The Supreme Court is wrestling with other cases addressing additional issues, such as whether states can prevent social media sites from taking down posts they find objectionable or whether the federal government can ask sites to remove content officials regard as misinformation. An earlier case involving former President Donald Trump was headed for the Supreme Court in 2019. In that case, Twitter users sued Trump for blocking them from an account he used to disseminate news and announce policies. A federal appeals court ruled that Trump violated the Constitution because he used the account as a government official, subjecting him to the First Amendment. However, after Trump left office, the Supreme Court dismissed the lawsuit as moot.
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TAKE A BREAK
UNLOCK THE MYSTERIES OF FORT KNOX
ADVENTURE CAMPING FATHER GEMINI HIKING JUNETEENTH PARK PICNIC PRIDE SANDALS SUNBURN SWIMMING
From Gold Bars to Priceless Artifacts
We all know the country’s gold reserve is securely stored in a vault at Fort Knox. However, have you ever wondered about the exact amount of money housed in the vault or who can access it? A treasure trove of interesting facts lies hidden in the billions bunker of Kentucky, but here are a few tidbits we know. Gold The first pieces of gold arrived at the fort in 1937 and had to be transported by a top-secret caravan. Every gold bar weighs 27.5 pounds, and Fort Knox currently holds about 147.3 million ounces of gold. By today’s standards, that’s almost $300 billion. The most gold to ever be held at the fort was in 1941 when it contained 649.6 million ounces. Security This building is one of the most secure in the country; no one person knows the whole combination number to access the vault of gold. The information is split up among several different people. The exterior has two separate electric fences and an additional concrete barrier. The government spends about $5 million yearly to protect the site, including other security measures like searchlights. Visitors are rarely allowed inside, but Franklin Roosevelt did get to inspect the gold vault himself in 1943, making him the only U.S. president in history to visit. Other Valuables Fort Knox has also kept other valuable, historic items safe. During WWII, the government kept the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence within its walls. In 1978, it housed the cape of the king of Hungary and the Magna Carta, the medieval English charter of rights. The military even stored supplies of morphine sulfate inside during the Cold War due to the fear they might run out of painkillers if foreign sources of opium dissipated.
Delightful Banana Bread
Ingredients
• 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1 tsp baking powder • 1 tsp baking soda • 1/4 tsp salt • 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar • 2 large eggs • 2 cups mashed ripe bananas • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan. 2. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. 3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. 4. Add eggs and mashed bananas and mix until blended. 5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until blended. 6. Stir in walnuts. 7. Pour batter into prepared pan. 8. Bake for 65–70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool before serving.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Paul’s Guide to St. Louis’ Route 66 Highlights
1
Supreme Court Okays Muting Facebook Commenters … Sometimes
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Delightful Banana Bread
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Fun Facts About America’s Treasure Trove
Find a New Passion in Programming
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Computers do not run on magic — they run on code. Computer programmers write the code that prompts every action on a computer, similar to how composers write sheet music for musicians to play their instruments. If you are intrigued, consider getting into programming as a hobby or even to start a new career. Why learn to code? For one, it can help build professional skills — it empowers you to create and solve problems, and it’s a desirable skill. With that added ability comes a high-income opportunity to the tune of $85,000 per year. Even if you’re not looking for a new career, coding can give you confidence and a new perspective on technology, and it’s fun, especially when you can start creating your own websites, apps, or computer games! Education resources and methods have changed. Thankfully, you don’t have to thumb through a dry textbook or an antiquated website with a sterile white background to Never Too Late Find Fulfillment in Learning to Code
learn how to write code. Websites like Boot.dev are inspired by fantasy books and games and put you in the shoes of an adventurer. You can choose which programming language you want to learn and then earn rewards as you complete various puzzles and challenges. Just decide which coding language you want to learn, take online courses, watch video tutorials, and even check how others code. Then practice. Anyone can learn to program, regardless of their age, gender, nationality, or professional background.
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