Monday Scoop: Unconstitutional Obamacare

The big story…

Federal Judge Rules Affordable Care Act Unconstitutional

On Friday, a federal judge in Texas ruled that the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, is unconstitutional, citing the act’s mandate requiring people to buy health insurance. The mandate no longer holds a fine for constituents who do not obtain insurance, a change made in last year’s tax overhaul. Without this fine, the judge was able to rule that the act is not an exercise of Congress’ power to tax the people, therefore making it unconstitutional. The lawsuit was filed by a group of Republican governors and state attorneys general and will almost certainly be appealed by Democrats, eventually making its way to the Supreme Court.

At the border…

7-Year-Old Girl Dies in Border Patrol Custody

A seven-year-old girl from Guatemala died in Border Patrol custody earlier this month and now her family is calling for a thorough investigation. The girl’s father insists that she was healthy upon arrival at the border, directly disputing reports from the Department of Homeland Security saying that she was dehydrated and malnourished. 

In food…

Farm Linked to E.coli Outbreak Recalls Cauliflower

The California farm implicated in the nationwide warning against contaminated romaine has now recalled cauliflower and other lettuce sold at the farm. So the FDA is again asking Americans to check the fridge.

In tech…

Cofounder of HQ Trivia and Vine Found dead

The cofounder of Vine and HQ Trivia, Colin Kroll, died on Saturday at age 34. Kroll was found in his apartment early Sunday morning having died from an apparent drug overdose.

In the news…

Americans Still Favor Watching News to Reading News

According to a public opinion survey by the Pew Research Center, the majority of American adults still favor watching the news rather than reading the news. While TV still dominates, digital media continues to grow rapidly and print and radio decline. Read more in Duane Paul Murphy’s report for CMN.

In Ghana…

The University of Ghana Removes Statue of Gandhi

The University of Ghana in the capital city of Accra, the West African country’s oldest and largest public university, has removed a statute of Indian independence activist Mohandas Gandhi on Friday, Dec. 14, after grassroots pressure from university lecturers. Installed two years ago in 2016, several academic faculty and staff on campus began a petition to remove the statute because of Gandhi’s previous racist comments against Black Africans made during his life and activism against British colonialism in South Asia as well as fighting for civil rights in white minority ruled South Africa during the majority of the 20th century. Read more in Duane Paul Murphy’s report for CMN.

In ancient Egypt…

4,400-Year-Old Tomb Discovered

A newly-discovered tomb of a royal priest is said to be over 4,000 years old and amazingly well-preserved. Take a look.

In higher education…

Metallica to Donate $1 Million to 10 Community Colleges

In a partnership with the American Association of Community Colleges, Metallica will be donating $1 million to 10 community colleges across the country to support students in two-year traditional trade and work-force programs.

Trending today…

Pete Davidson

Pete Davidson posted a troubling message on his Instagram account on Saturday and subsequently deleted his account. After fans raised concerns, police checked in on Davidson, who later appeared on SNL to introduce musical guest Miley Cyrus. Since then, social media has seen an outpouring of support for the comedian from fans and celebrities alike.

Last but not least…

College Media Network’s Best Albums of 2018

We asked, they answered. Take a look at CMN’s soon-to-be-famous year-end music poll.

Today’s Morning Scoop was made possible by Duane Paul Murphy, Natalia Kolenko, and the CMN Staff. Female surfers are catching a wave to equal pay as the World Surf League has promised to award equal prize money to male and female winners in the 2019 season. Cowabunga.