AM Briefing: Lawmakers Will Vote On Budget; Stem Cell Bank To Close

Good morning. Top local stories and what we're watching this Thursday:

-- The Supreme Court will rule on the national health care overhaul today. While our state law will still be in place regardless, we'll have local reaction and how the decision affects us.

-- State lawmakers are expected to vote today on a compromise $32.5 billion budget for next fiscal year.

-- Massachusetts lawmakers approved an MBTA bailout bill and a bill that authorizes $200 million for the maintenance and upkeep of municipal roads and bridges.

-- Having exhausted its funding, a UMass stem cell bank — a major part of the governor's Life Sciences Initiative — will close at the end of the year. [Boston Globe]

-- Hundred of jobs are at stake as Department of Defense officials are today expected to announce cuts to a military communications network being developed in Taunton. [Globe]

-- After rejecting a tentative contract deal last week, workers at the Pilgrim nuclear plant and some elected officials will rally at the State House. [Associated Press, via FOX-TV]

Sports:

-- The Sox topped the Blue Jays, 10-4, for the team's fifth straight series win.