Supreme Court Justice John Stevens announces retirement

Supreme Court Associate Justice John Paul Stevens announced his retirement this morning from the nation’s highest court of law. The New York Times reports that Stevens submitted his decision in a letter to President Barack Obama around 10:30 this morning.

The letter, addressed as “my dear Mr. President,” was not unexpected; the 89-year-old gave a hint when he didn’t hire the usual number of clerks for next year’s term. The White House has been quietly evaluating nominees for months.

Stevens was originally appointed by President Gerald Ford, serving with notables like Thurgood Marshall and William J. Brennan Jr.

As a Republican, Justic Stevens was the unlikely leader of the liberal wing of the Supreme Court.

Tiger in his usual spotlight

Tiger Woods made his return to the golf course yesterday, shooting his best opening round ever at the Masters.  ESPN reports that Tiger was greeted with mixed reactions: some cheered, some refused to clap. As expected, Tiger appeared unaffected by the crowd.

His return to what he is known for best was met with the unveiling of Nike’s new ad, featuring Tiger’s concerned face and his late father’s words seemingly speaking to his son about his recent scandal.

After seven holes today, Tiger is two back from the leaders with -4. Fred Couples, Ian Poulter and Rick Barnes are all tied at the top of the leaderboard.

Honest Abe Gets a New Home

The statue of Abe Lincoln reading on a horse will be riding its way to a new home today on the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry campus.

The Post-Standard reports that the 4,000 pound bronze state was moved to make room for a new road being built for the planned Gateway Hall. It was originally situated between Bray Hall and Walters Hall near the ESF Quad.

Lincoln’s bronze depiction was sculpted by the famous Anna Hyatt Huntington. Huntington and her husband are linked to ESF through more than just the statue. The two also donated 15,000 acres of land in the Adirondacks for use the the college in the 1930s.