News Roundup and Open Thread for Friday, June 29, 2012

Morning all - hope you enjoyed the lightning - be careful out there.

While Rosi visits the Whitehouse (send pictures!), someone has to round up the day's news. So, here goes ...

ObamaCare!:

• Don't know if you heard, but the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act was upheld by the United States Supreme Court yesterday.
• A flurry of Press Releases issued from NJ Legislators with their reactions to the SCOTUS decision. And, as always, NJ.com reported how ordinary Jerseyans react.
• Among the more notable legislative press releases came from Sen. Nia Gill, who is reintroducing legislation to create a New Jersey insurance exchange pursuant to the law, and saying we better hurry. Predictably, Gov. Christie would rather we drag our collective feet.
• Oh, and last but not least, please stop calling it Obamacare - because, as NJ politics alum Steve Kornacki points out, voters LOVE the Affordable Care Act, even while not so much loving "Obamacare." Words matter again!

Higher Ed Reorganization

• "Despite significant public opposition and incomplete cost estimates," both the Senate and Assembly approved the merger formerly known as Rut-Row with bi-partisan support, and over bi-partisan opposition (which alone would make it historic).
• True confessions: I think the reorganization plan has amazing potential. Truly transformational potential. But, kudos to Sen. Bob Smith, who represents the New Brunswick-Piscataway area and its large Rutgers community, for strongly objecting to the objectively objectionable process. Someone explain to me why the rush.
• Broken clock alert: did anyone else think Murray Sabrin made some good points here?

Our Busy Legislature

• It's baaaack. Standing firm against his threats to veto it again, the Legislature is sending Governor Christie a millionaire's tax. Good.
• Handheld gambling devices OK'd for casino guests. Just don't bet on sporting events here, because that's very bad and no one does it.
• Speaking of bad things that no one does, or needs to do, Chris Christie threatens to veto a pot legalization bill for the exact same reason that he wants to willfully ignore to promote sports betting. Up is still down, but Jersey's own Jon Stewart will still be hilarious.

I'm sure I missed plenty, with these big stories dominating the news cycle, this oppressive heat, the weekend beckoning, and of course, Magic Mike opening tonight. (Oops, did I say that out loud?) So, tell me in the comments what else mattered, and maybe I'll promote it.
:)