An 8-year-old in Vinton who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor earlier this year is receiving Christmas cards from across the nation. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”
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The next trial in the case that could undue Obamacare will likely be held in the New Orleans based 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. Matt Doyle has more.
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Two New Iberia residents have been taken into custody in relation to a child sex trafficking case that crossed state borders. Matt Doyle has more.
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Earlier this year, 8-year-old Drake Quibodeaux of Vinton was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. When asked what he wanted for Christmas, he made a simple request for Christmas cards. Now, the nation has responded to the 8-year-old, and his mother, Danielle, says the incoming show of support has been overwhelming.
Cut 4 (09) “…from the mail.″
Drake’s mother says only 5% of children diagnosed with his condition survive to a year and 1% to two years. Drake just recently surpassed nine months since his diagnosis.
The mother says many of the Christmas cards are coming from recognizable names.
Cut 5 (09) “…sent us stuff.”
Quibodeaux says many of the cards contain money to help with medical expenses.
Cut 6 (11) “…things he wanted.”
Drake Quibodeaux and his family will also be attending the Fiesta Bowl in Arizona and plan on visiting Disney World soon.
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A key Obamacare court case is likely headed to the New Orleans based 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals after a Texas judge struck down the entire law on the basis that the individual mandate penalty was unlawful. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the 5th is one of the most conservative courts in the nation, with two thirds of the sitting judges having been appointed by Republican Presidents.
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As part of the Republican tax reform package, the penalty for not having insurance was set to zero dollars.
Ciolino says the law has generated an interesting legal response, and the feds have decided not to defend it in court as a collection of state’s attorney generals have attacked it in court.
Cut 8 (12) “…existing law″
The Professor says the Justice Department’s refusal to defend the ACA in court has led to an unusual situation where a judge allowed non-parties to argue on behalf of the law. Ciolino says the lack of federal backing puts Obamacare’s legal defenders in a tough spot.
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Supporters of the Affordable Care Act say this is a case that was already tried in 2012, when the US Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the mandate, calling it a tax.
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Two people are under arrest for child trafficking in a case where investigators allege a juvenile was forced to engage in sexual acts across Louisiana, and even trafficked across state lines. State Police spokesperson Sergeant Jarden Sandifer credits the Special Victims Unit for putting an end to the disgusting crime.
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21-year-old Shaena Kelly and 39-year-old Derrick Hall are facing child trafficking charges. Hall also faces a charge of Carnal Knowledge.
Authorities were tipped off by the St. Landry Parish Sherriff’s Office about the activities of the two New Iberia natives, and Sandifer says a subsequent investigation tracked their movements through several areas.
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Sandifer says if you have any information about child trafficking, or are suspicious of activity that may be trafficking, you can either call LSP, or visit their website and file an anonymous report. The Sergeant has some advice for this holiday season.
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It was far from a Masterpiece, but the Saints moved a win away from claiming the top seed in the NFC with a hard fought 12-9 win over the Carolina Panthers. It’s the first time New Orleans won a game by scoring 12 points or less since 1998, but Coach Sean Payton didn’t care. He says a win is a win especially in December…
Cut 13 (09) “…to do that”
The Saints offense has struggled the last three weeks, but the defense has been playing a a high level. The Black and Gold held the Panthers to 247 yards of total offense, sacked Cam Newton four times and also forced two turnovers. Payton says it was a great effort by that side of the ball…
Cut 14 (10) “…year too.”
Quarterback Drew Brees was 25 of 35 for 203 yards and one interception. Brees says they had chances to score more points, but penalties were a problem, they had nine of them. But he says in the end they made enough plays, especially in the fourth quarter to win…
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After beating Tampa Bay and Carolina on the road, the 12-and-2 Saints will return home this Sunday to take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Brees believes this road trip has made his team battled tested…
Cut 16 (15) for a victory”