Weekend Reads

Here is a selection of top-rated news and opinion stories for the week ending June 4, as rated by NewsTrust reviewers. 

The New Poor: Blacks in Memphis Lose Decades of Gains

by Michael Powell - New York Times

Review by Walter Cox:

This story follows the usual prescription in contemporary journalism--it focuses on individuals to tell the larger story. In this effort it largely succeeds, and a devastating portrait of the large financial institutions emerges. Wells Fargo is singled out as a primary culprit in their aggressive promotion of lending practices that targeted prospective borrowers who especially lacked prudence in economic matters--the newly emerging black middle class.

For Christians in Iraq, the threats persist

by Aamer Madhani - USA Today

Review by Jon Mitchell:

Very well-crafted story that's important for Iraqis and Americans alike. It's interesting to read the reactions of American politicians, because it reveals the extent to which they feel the U.S. is responsible for a power vacuum in Iraq that allows this sort of persecution. On the Iraqi side, this story is strongly supported by a blend of interviews.

Atomic Waste Gets 'Temporary' Home

by Rebecca Smith - Wall Street Journal

Review by Dale Penn:

Smith provides a fairly deep look at the current status of nuclear waste storage - and paints a bleak but seemingly realistic picture for the future of these sites. Don't miss the interactive Graphics tab as it provides important information in a highly effective manner.

Israeli Force, Adrift on the Sea

by Amos Oz - New York Times

Review by Kristin Gorski:

Compelling. How Oz writes about the power of ideas -- and that they cannot be dispelled by force -- speaks strongly not only to this issue, but also to other similar ones throughout history and currently happening now.

Why Pakistan needs the Separation of Religion and State

by Juan Cole - Informed Comment

Review by Elizabeth White-Nadler:

A very informative and well written piece which explores the historical and cultural context for the current conflicts between Muslim groups in Pakistan. The more familiar a reader is with the history of the region, the more he will glean from the article, but even without previous background readers will feel far better informed on this complex issue. Cole spends more time describing history than making his argument about division of religion and government, but careful analysis of the material provided does support the conclusion he reaches.

Analysis: Tilting Miranda toward the police

by Lyle Denniston - SCOTUSblog

Review by Beth Wellington:

Denniston, who has written on the Supreme Court for over 50 years provides more depth in this recap than can be found in the pieces breaking in the mainstream media, such as at the LA Times and WSJ. I would have liked it, however, if he had, as in the other articles, quoted from the dissent. (I've included that statement in quotes, although it comes from the AP story, not this one.

Thanks to Walter Cox, Jon Mitchell, Dale Penn, Kristin Gorski, Elizabeth White-Nadler and Beth Wellington for their thoughtful contributions this week!

-- Compiled by Kaizar Campwala