A federal judge in Texas declares the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional, because of the federal mandate that requires Americans to buy health insurance or face an additional tax if they do not comply. Judge Reed O’ Connor says now that Congress has removed the penalty for not having coverage, the individual mandate is unconstitutional.

Governor Edwards is disappointed. He says hundreds of thousands of Louisianans could lose their health insurance, if the ruling stands through the appeals process. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry applauds the decision and says he’ll work with the state legislature to make sure those with pre-existing conditions can obtain coverage.

Today is the final day to sign up for coverage through the A-C-A and the law remains in place despite last night’s ruling. Fewer people are signing up and Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon credits an improving economy…
cut 4 (10) “…uninusred”

The holidays can be a dangerous time on the roadways so law enforcement is stepping up patrols as part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. Deputy Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Dortha Cummins says in the last five years, 139 people have died during the Christmas and New Year’s Eve holiday period.
Cut 10 (08) “…happened involved alcohol.”
Cummins says if you use Lyft during the holidays and type in the promo code Ride Smart LA, you can receive 5-dollars off on your ride home.

On Monday night, the Saints will face a struggling Carolina Panthers team. New Orleans has won back-to-back NFC South titles, but Carolina quarterback Cam Newton hints that the Saints franchise is more known for its losing…
cut 24 (13) “…own too”
Kick-off Monday is at 7:15.