The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a case that may have a major impact on the legal precedent set by the Roe versus Wade case of nearly 50 years ago. The new case, concerning a Mississippi law that seeks to ban most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy — about two months earlier than Roe vs Wade is seen as potentially pivotal in establishing how aggressively the court’s new six-justice conservative majority will move to place new constraints on abortion rights. No matter the outcome of this case, rest assured there will be others to come forward in this highly emotional issue. Abortion is an issue that is so important that many people use it to decide which candidate they will support, regardless of how that candidate feels about other issues.
Kentucky Derby winning trainer Bob Baffert was dealt another major blow as a result of Kentucky Derby winning horse Medina Spirit testing positive after the derby for a banned substance. New York horse racing officials on Monday barred the trainer Bob Baffert not only from entering the Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit in the Belmont Stakes, but also from running any of his horses at Belmont Park or at Saratoga Race Course this summer. I wonder if Baffert has got the message yet?
On Sunday, a Detroit News editorial by Nolan Finley blasted Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson for her handling of in person visits to the SOS offices, which are by appointment only. In response Benson published a guest commentary in Bridge Magazine touting the significant improvements the SOS office has made in the use of on-line services, citing 100% improvement in many cases. The truth is somewhere in between. Personally, if I do not have to visit a secretary of state office ever again and can do what is needed on-line, I will be very happy. For me, going to a SOS office was worse than going to a dentist. In fact, it was worse than most things.
The Red Wings announced today they are bringing back head coach Jeff Blashill for at least a 7th season, indicating that his current contract has been extended. They did not say for how long. Although it didn’t show in wins and losses, it is clear to most hockey experts this years Red Wing team made significant improvements over previous years. With the Wings having a boat load of draft picks available for the up coming draft, look for the Wings to improve significantly in the next few years.
I always look forward to the third week of every month, because it is the week when the Finance Committee and the Board of Directors have their monthly meetings for Packard Health. Packard has become my favorite charity and has been a passion of mine since 2011 when I served as their interim executive director. I always leave these two meeting so upbeat as a result of the work that is done by Packard Health. Packard is on the cutting edge in how it combines primary care, behavior health, social services and nutrition counseling to its patients, many of which are part of an underserved population. It also has a drive-thru Covid -19 testing and vaccination site. I love the place. If anyone is interesting in donating go to packardhealth.org.
Stay safe, wash your hands regularly, social distance, wear your mask properly and schedule your vaccine.
Orchid of the Day: Eric Haase Detroit Tiger catcher, who was just recently called up from the minors, for hitting two 400 plus feet homeruns in last nights game while playing his first game in left field.
Onion of the Day: Bob Baffert, once again.
Quote of the Day: “I love it. Casey was mad from the minute I stepped onto the field. He was never going to face Kelenic. He had three hitters to get three outs and he gave up the homer. But I will never be mad when a pitcher is frustrated coming out of a game.” Tiger Manager A.J. Hinch sharing the conversation he had with starting pitcher Casey Mize when Hinch came out to remove Mize from the game after giving up a homerun to the first batter in the 8th inning of last night’s Tiger victory.