U.S. SUPREME COURT building in Washington, D.C.
Should a graphic artist refuse to design wedding websites for couples who happen to be same-sex?
The U.S. Supreme County grappled with that issue on Monday in which – according to the Associated Press – the conservative majority appeared to be sympathetic to the cause of designer Lorie Smith of Colorado, described as a Christian.
The three liberal judges suggested that allowing businesses to refuse to provide services based on convictions could open up issues of discrimination based on race or other issues.
In this case, Smith is challenging a Colorado law which requires businesses to accept all customers.
Ukraine strikes back into Russia
UKRAINE’S FLAG (Shutterstock).
Two military bases hundreds of miles inside Russia have been hit by unpiloted drones from Ukraine, according to The New York Times.
The attack is an escalation of Ukraine’s reply to missile strikes on its cities. Sources told The Times that the drone attack was aided by special forces who had penetrated close to the targets.
Russia’s official reply was that both drones were shot down, the wreckage killing three and wounding four others.
Also in the news … New economic reports showing fast growth on Monday led to declines on Wall Street. Some investors fear that growth in the economy would increase inflation, which might trigger higher interest rates from the Federal Reserve.
Sports: Bowls for USC, UCLA
It’s not the playoffs or even the Rose Bowl, but USC and UCLA each have bowl bids. USC (11-2) will play on Monday, Jan. 2 in the Cotton Bowl game in Arlington, Texas against Tulane (11-2).
UCLA (9-3) will play in the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas on Friday, Dec. 30 against Pitt (8-4).
Weather: Some sun, maybe some rain
Stay flexible in your wardrobe choices for the next week in the West Orange County area, as clouds, showers and sun may play musical chairs. The forecast for Tuesday calls for a chance of showers after 10 a.m. and before 10 p.m. Otherwise skies will be partly sunny with a high near 63 and an overnight low of 47.
Wednesday should be sunny with a high of 62 and an overnight low of 43. Thursday will be similar at 63 (44) with sunny skies, according to the National Weather Service.
Categories: The Wider World
It used to be that the Supreme Court used a so-called “ripeness test” to avoid ruling on an issue. Put simply, if the petitioner had not yet violated a law, regulation, or statute, the court would pass on it because it was not yet ripe for a decision. The current court has apparently thrown that test out the window; the baker in this case has not done anything except thought about putting up website(s). You want to see a court that engages in judicial activism? Look no more: the Roberts court is here.