Governor-elect Jeff Landry is expected to name former Congressman Ralph Abraham the next Secretary at LDH. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is leaving office after two terms. He spoke to the media about his accomplishments. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Today begins the three-day early signing period for college football recruits and LSU’s 2024 class will feature some standout players from the Bayou State. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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It’s anticipated that Governor-elect Jeff Landry will announce the appointment of former Congressman and physician Ralph Abraham to be the next Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health today. ULM political science professor Dr. Pearson Cross….

Cut 4 (11) “…that position.”

With the majority of LDH’s budget funded by federal dollars, Pearson says it’s a plus the former congressman understands the allocation and appropriation process.

Cut 5 (10) “…quite important.”

While in Congress Abraham was in favor of the repealing of the Affordable Care Act and against Medicaid expansion, which LDH oversees. On the campaign trail, Landry stated it would be difficult to roll Medicaid back once it’s been expanded.

The pandemic placed even more scrutiny on the department and Cross says whoever is appointed Secretary will have a large responsibility.

Cut 6 (09) “…to vaccines.”

Abraham graduated from LSU School of Medicine in 1994 and practiced family medicine. In 2014 he was elected to his first of three terms in Congress. In 2020 he ran for governor but failed to make the runoff between Eddie Rispone and Governor John Bel Edwards.

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After serving two terms, Governor John Bel Edwards is leaving office next month. He spoke to the media about his accomplishments and says he’s leaving the state in better shape than he found it…

Cut 7 (11) “…a balanced budget.”

Edwards says Medicaid expansion was an easy decision for him and he is proud that no rural hospitals closed during his time in office. He also said higher education funding grew 465 million dollars in recurring general funds for operations…

Cut 8 (11) “…when I did.” 

While Edwards spoke about all of the goals he was able to achieve regarding the economy, healthcare, coastal restoration, and education, he also pointed out they occurred during multiple historic natural disasters and a global pandemic.

Cut 9 (11)  “…eight years.”

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The Better Business Bureau has drawn up its list of the top three most popular Christmas scams to avoid. Carmen Million with the Better Business Bureau says don’t give into scams trying to steal your personal information or money through social media ads.

Cut 10 (12) “…social media.”

The 2022 BBB Online Scams Report found online purchase scams were the most common scheme reported to their Scam Tracker during the holidays.

Fake texts claiming you’ve been hacked are also on the naughty list.  If you get such a text, Million says don’t respond to any unknown numbers.

Cut 11 (12) “…for it.” 

Million says buying and shipping gifts or money to unknown individuals through social media gift exchanges are also on the popular list. To avoid falling victim, she says never to make a payment by wire transfer, through a third party, or by prepaid debit or gift card, treat it as a red flag. Because if you’re victimized…

Cut 12 (07) “…trace them.” 

For more information BBB.org/AvoidScams.

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2023 was a tough year for Louisiana cattle and hay producers because of extreme heat and drought conditions. According to an LSU Ag Center report, these two agriculture entities lost more than 360 million dollars this year, and LSU AgCenter Area Beef Specialist Ashley Edwards says the hot temperatures also stressed cattle and led to much lower weights when they went to sale barns…

Cut 13 (08) “being sold.”

Herd numbers in Louisiana are at their lowest since the 1960s and cattle producer Mitch Marsalis says hay production was way down. He says disaster payments helped provide more relief…

Cut 14 (04) “…these calves.” 

Marsalis says he’s holding cattle up to two months longer to get more weight on them. Edwards says producers that can get more weight on their cattle there is a small silver lining…

Cut 15 (05) “…per hundredweight.”

Edwards expects to see lower calf birth weights in the spring and she advises producers to closely monitor these calves in their first 24 hours.

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Today begins the three-day early signing period for college football. LSU’s recruiting class features eight of the ten best players from the state of Louisiana according to on3.com. Recruiting analyst for the Bengal Tiger, Shea Dixon, says six-foot-six Zachary tight end Trey’Dez Green is an intriguing prospect…

 Cut 16 (16) “…flexed out tight end.”

The defensive secondary was a weak position group in 2023 for the Tigers. Dixon says LSU will address that by signing six defensive backs out of high school, including four cornerbacks. He says Lafayette Christian quarterback JuJuan Johnson is set to transition from quarterback to cornerback…

Cut 17 (24) “….from the start” 

The 2024 class has 27 commitments and Dixon expects they will all honor their commitment…

Cut 18 (18)  “…all sign.” 

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Angel Reese will have the opportunity to play in her hometown tonight as the seventh-ranked Lady Tigers visit Coppin State in Baltimore. Reese, who played her two years of college baseball at Maryland University, is looking forward to the homecoming…

Cut 19 (19) “…big thing.” 

Reese played high school basketball at St. Frances Academy. Her number ten jersey is retired.
After LSU’s national championship, Reese threw out the first pitch before a Baltimore Orioles game, was gifted a key to the city of Baltimore, and a basketball court in Baltimore has been named after her.

Reese says she’s looking forward to playing in front of her high school coaches and her grandparents…

Cut 20 (20) “…always remember.”

State Police have reinstated Trooper Lt. John Clary after criminal charges in the Ronald Greene case were dropped for withholding bodycam footage. In exchange, Clary will testify in the case against two officers. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt believes what’s happening is…

Cut 3 (13) “…being terminated.”

Graphic bodycam footage shows Black motorist Ronald Greene being beaten by officers in 2019. He died while in police custody.

LSU announced the commitment of transfer quarterback AJ Swann. Shea Dixon of On3.com says the former four-star recruit wanted to go somewhere he could compete for a national championship…

Cut 7 (13) “…and develop.” 

Louisiana lawmakers are preparing for four legislative sessions in the first few months of 2024. Teiko Foxx has the story…

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

LSU’s Angel Reese and Iowa’s Caitlin Clark have been named Sporting News Athletes of the Year. The publication says Reese’s dramatic rise in 2023 saw her set records on the court while building her brand as one of the most prominent faces in college athletics. The only other female to receive the title was Jackie Joyner Kersee in 1988.

State Police have reinstated Trooper Lt. John Clary after criminal charges in the Ronald Greene case were dropped for withholding bodycam footage. In exchange, Clary will testify in the case against two officers. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt says while it looks bad, terminating a civil employee is much different than a private one.

Cut 4 (05) “…firing someone.”

Greene’s mother Mona Hardin told the Associated Press she was surprised and disgusted Clary has been restored to duty.

Louisiana lawmakers are gearing up for Sessionpalooza in 2024. An organizational session, one for the congressional map, another on crime, and then the regular session in March.  LAPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says the last time they had this many sessions right off the bat was in 2008.

Cut 9 (08) “…something comparable.” 

LSU announces the commitment of transfer Vanderbilt quarterback AJ Swann. Sophomore Garrett Nussmeier is expected to replace QB Jayden Daniels as he leaves for the NFL. On3-dot-com’s Shea Dixon says Swann will bring exactly what the Tigers need to the young QB room…

Cut 6 (09) “…heir apparent.”

Swann has played in 15 games over two seasons at Vanderbilt.

LSU’s Angel Reese and Iowa’s Caitlin Clark have been named Sporting News Athletes of the year. The publication says Reese’s dramatic rise in 2023 saw her set records on the court while building her brand as one of the most prominent faces in college athletics. The only other female to receive the title was Jackie Joyner Kersee in 1988. Reese also joins the ranks of Michael Jordan, Tom Brady and LeBron James with the honor.

Catholic Priests now have the Pope’s permission to give blessings to individuals in same-sex relationships as the Vatican releases a Papal Declaration this week.  Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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At his end-of-the-year press conference, Governor John Bel Edwards said never say never on a possible return to politics. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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For some, the holidays can be difficult. Teiko Foxx has more from an LSU Health New Orleans psychiatrist on how to cope with holiday depression…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Pope Francis released an official Papal declaration permitting Catholic priests to bless members of same-sex couples. LSU professor of religious studies Michael Pasquier (PassKay) says this doesn’t mean the Church has changed its position on marriage…

Cut 4 (10) “…one woman.”

Pasquier says the declaration seeks to raise a question about pastoral blessings and does not change or expand ritual sacraments like marriage. Pasquier says the message is that all should feel comfortable seeking a blessing…

Cut 5 (07) “…a blessing.”

Pasquier says Pope Francis has not been without criticism for his willingness to discuss same-sex unions and the roles of gay and lesbian individuals in the church. But Pasquier points out that this declaration is not a departure from traditional doctrine…

Cut 6 (11) “…like marriage.”

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During his final press conference of the year and the next to last of his administration, Governor John Bel Edwards says while he doesn’t intend to run for office again…

Cut 7 (08) “…with the state.”

Edwards, a Democrat says he’s pulling for Republican Governor-elect Jeff Landry and hopes he does a good job. Edwards, along with his family and future grandchildren, will reside in Louisiana and he wants the state to continue to flourish.

Cut 8 (11) “…say never.” 

First Lady Donna Edwards stood behind the governor as he took questions from the media and he joked when asked about running again, that he couldn’t see the expression on her face.

Cut 9 (07)  “…would do that.”

After the press conference, Edwards also told reporters at the request of Landry, that the chickens will remain at the mansion, and he plans to get new chickens when he returns to Amite.

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Tis the season to be jolly but many Americans suffer from stress, depression, and sadness during the holidays. LSU Health New Orleans Chair of Psychiatry Dr. Rahn Bailey says holiday depression can stem from numerous causes.

Cut 10 (12) “…that year.”

Symptoms of holiday blues include loneliness, irritability, changes in eating or sleeping habits, fatigue, and poor concentration.

Bailey says don’t feel guilty about saying no to things like holiday parties or spending time with people. He also recommends acknowledging the issue and being more open when it comes to taking care of your mental health.

Cut 11 (13) “…speak emotionally.” 

Bailey encourages everyone to proactively seek care before the problem worsens. He urges those who are suffering from depression not to compare themselves to others who seem to have it all this time of year.

Cut 12 (13) “…the case.” 

If you feel overwhelmed, you can also speak with a trained counselor by dialing 988 on your phone.

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Heisman Trophy Winner Jayden Daniels’ spent his 23^rd birthday helping Raising Canes founder Todd Graves give away 100 bikes at the Boys and Girls Club and Baton Rouge Big Buddy program on Monday. Graves says he remembers how special it was when he got his first bike as a child…

Cut 13 (08) “…that joy.”

Canes also donated a $25,000 check to the Greg Brooks Foundation. Brooks. The LSU safety was diagnosed with brain cancer in October. Daniels says he’s honored to help out…

Cut 14 (12) “…blessing others.” 

This is the fifth year Canes and Graves have partnered with youth organizations giving away bicycles. Graves says it’s pretty special having Daniels helping him this year and not only is he proud of the quarterback’s accomplishments on the field…

Cut 15 (11) “… role model.”

Canes will give away a total of 1,500 bikes this month, in New York, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Dallas.

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The New Orleans Saints are in the final stretch of the with only the Rams, Buccaneers, and Falcons left on the schedule. The added stress of playing Thursday Night Football almost 2,000 miles away on a shortened week will prove to be a tough test, but Head Coach Denis says they’ll be prepared come Thursday.

 Cut 16 (23) “…ready to go for Thursday Night.”

Allen says they’ll have to make special accommodations with the next game so soon and they’ll focus on getting the team physically recovered also.

Cut 17 (21) “….ready to play for Thursday Night” 

Allen says before the Saints can even think about the postseason, they’ll need to finish strong and preferably with a four-game winning streak. He says to be successful in the playoffs, the Saints have to fix issues that have plagued them all season. But in the meantime, they’re concentrating on the Rams.

Cut 18 (18)  “…Rams right now.” 

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LSU Heisman-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels announces he’s not playing in the bowl game, but the Tigers’ two-star receivers, Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Junior will play in the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa on January 1st. Coach Brian Kelly says no one else has decided to opt out…

Cut 19 (18) “…we are.” 

Both Nabers and Thomas are expected to go pro after the bowl game. But Kyren Lacy from Thibodaux says he will return for his final season of eligibility. Lacy is fourth on the team in receptions with 24 catches for 463 yards and seven touchdowns…

Cut 20 (06) “…come back.”

State police have reinstated Lt. John Clary, who’d been accused of withholding the graphic body camera footage evidence of Black motorist Ronald Greene being beaten by officers. Obstruction of Justice charges against Clary were dropped after he agreed to testify in the negligent homicide trial of Trooper Kory York, who’s charged with Greene’s death.

Pope Francis has formally approved to allow Catholic priests to bless same-sex married couples. Loyola Professor of Theology Tom Ryan says it’s not necessarily a blessing of the relationship, but the people in the relationship.

Cut  14 (10) “…always blessed.”

New Ways Ministry, which advocates for LGBTQ-Catholics says the letter from Pope Francis “significantly advances” efforts to make their members feel welcomed in the church.

Heisman winner and LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels has played his last college football game. In a video announcement, Daniels said he’s opting out of the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa against Wisconsin on New Year’s Day…

Cut 15 (08) “…moving forward.”

Garrett Nussmeier will get the start at QB against the Badgers.

Grambling State has named former LSU and Nebraska assistant Mickey Joseph as its new head football coach. The Marrero native says he plans to be active in the community…

Cut 11 (09) “…would say.”

Joseph replaces Hue Jackson who was fired after two seasons.

And Governor John Bel Edwards held his end-of-the-year press conference today. When asked if he’d run for governor again, he said while he doesn’t intend to run, he says never say never.

Louisiana is the first of 49 states and six territories in the nation to have its broadband grant proposal approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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Grambling State has hired Marrero native and former LSU assistant coach Mickey Joseph as its new head coach. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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Louisiana is the first state to receive approval for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) proposal to bring high-speed, affordable, and reliable internet to residents. State Broadband Office Director Veneeth Iyengar says this will give the state first access to key resources to eliminate the digital divide…

Cut 3 (09) “…for Louisianans..”

The state can request access to more than 42 billion dollars from the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration.  

Iyengar says ConnectLA was the first to be awarded grants from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. He says the state’s plan stressed the importance of high-quality resilient infrastructure.

Cut 4 (12) “…of crisis.”

The Biden-Harris Administration “Internet for All” – Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes a 65 billion dollar investment to closing the digital divide in communities throughout the U.S. Iyengar expects the process to be finished the process before next year. He says the funds will also expand broadband access to businesses that lack adequate internet.

Cut 5 (12) “ …that problem.”  

The state hopes to wipe out the digital divide by 2029.

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On his last radio show “Ask the Governor” Governor John Bel Edwards was asked about his biggest regrets in office. The outgoing two-term governor says he has two, not raising the minimum wage and not closing the gender pay gap.

Cut 6 (11) “…so forth.”

Edwards says he’s well aware, however, that many individuals are paid more than the legal wage of $7.25 an hour in Louisiana. He presented legislation every year as governor to raise the state’s minimum wage.

Edwards says he’s also tried to close the gender pay gap in Louisiana so women who are doing the same job as men are paid equally.

Cut 7 (04) “…the country.” 

He says just about every state has seen fit to do better than the Bayou State by raising their minimum wage above the federal requirement of $7.25 an hour.

Cut 8 (09) “…to accomplish.” 

Governor Edwards is holding his end-of-the-year press conference today at 3 PM.

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Grambling State has named former LSU and Nebraska assistant Mickey Joseph as its new head football coach. Joseph replaces Hue Jackson who was fired after two seasons. Joseph is from Marrero and this will be his second stint with Grambling…

Cut 9 (09) “…very aggressive” 

Joseph was also a wide receivers coach and special teams assistant at Grambling in 2014 and 2015. He’s also spent time as an assistant at Nicholls and Louisiana Tech, so he knows the state well and plans to bring in Louisiana’s best prep stars…

Cut 10 (12) “…these kids”

In 2022, Joseph served nine games as an interim head coach at Nebraska. He was cut loose by the university in December after he was arrested for felony assault by strangulation or suffocation against his wife. The charges were dropped last April.

Joseph says he plans to be active in the community…

Cut 11 (09) “…would say.”

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Big news from the Vatican today as Pope Francis has formally approved to allow Catholic priests to bless same-sex married couples. Loyola Professor of Theology Tom Ryan says it’s not necessarily a blessing of the relationship, but the people in the relationship.

Cut 12 (12)  “…permitted.”  

In the letter, Ryan says Pope Francis is very clear that he doesn’t want the invitation to bless individuals in a same-sex marriage to be mistaken for the blessing of a marriage. He stresses that the church wants to avoid confusion.

Cut 13 (11) “…relationships.” 

Ryan also points out that Pope Francis is a very pastoral Pope. In the document, Ryan says it ends with what the Pope wants to convey.

Cut  14 (10) “…always blessed.”

New Ways Ministry, which advocates for LGBTQ-Catholics says the letter from Pope Francis “significantly advances” efforts to make their members feel welcomed in the church.

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LSU’s Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback has played his last college football game. In a video announcement, Jayden Daniels said he’s opting out of the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa against Wisconsin on New Year’s Day…

Cut 15 (08) “…moving forward.”

Garrett Nussmeier will get the start at QB against the Badgers. By opting out of the bowl game, Daniels can now prepare for the NFL draft as he could be a top-five pick. Daniels says he’ll always have a special place in his heart for Baton Rouge…

Cut  16 (07)   “…California bayou boy”

Big news from the Vatican today as Pope Francis has formally approved to allow Catholic priests to bless same-sex married couples. Loyola Professor of Theology Tom Ryan says the letter very clear that it’s an invitation to bless the individuals in a same-sex marriage, not a blessing of a marriage. He stresses that the church wants to avoid confusion….

Cut 13 (11) “…relationships.” 

LSU’s Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback has played his last college football game. In a video announcement, Jayden Daniels said he’s opting out of the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa against Wisconsin on New Year’s Day…

Cut 15 (08) “…moving forward.”

Garrett Nussmeier will get the start at QB against the Badgers.

Grambling State has hired Marrero native and former LSU assistant coach Mickey Joseph as its new head coach.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

An emu at the Monroe Zoo was killed by two stray dogs over the weekend. A spokesperson for the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo says the dogs entered the emu enclosure Saturday afternoon and staff members followed protocol and shot the two dogs.

Louisiana is the first state to receive approval for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) proposal to bring high-speed, affordable, and reliable internet to residents. State Broadband Office Director Veneeth Iyengar says this will give the state first access to key resources to close the digital divide…

Cut 3 (09) “…for Louisianans.”

The state can now request access to more than 42 billion dollars from the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

Today is the last day to mail greeting cards and packages via Priority Mail if you want them to reach their continental United States destination by Christmas. Believe it or not, Christmas is a week from today. Or you can spend a little more and send them Priority Mail Express, that deadline is Wednesday.

State Representative Randal Gaines of LaPlace wants to be the next chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party. He says he was recruited by several state and national officials to run. Gaines says voter turnout in the last election is reflective of failed leadership and not conveying the party’s message…

Cut 14 (12) “…we represent.” 

The current chair is Katie Bernhardt.

On his last radio show “Ask the Governor” Governor John Bel Edwards was asked about his biggest regrets in office. The outgoing two-term governor says he has two, not raising the minimum wage and not closing the gender pay gap.

Cut 6 (12) “…so forth.”

Edwards says he’s well aware, however, that many individuals are paid more than the legal wage of $7.25 an hour in Louisiana.

Among Governor John Bel Edwards’ proudest accomplishments in office is Medicaid expansion. While many hardline conservatives are against it Edwards, a pro-life Democrat, says allowing the working poor to have healthcare is a pro-life value.

Cut 12 (10) “…is pro-life.” 

Edwards is holding his end of the year-end of press conference today at 3 pm.

After an extremely hot and dry summer, mudbugs are starting to emerge in south Louisiana crawfish ponds, which could push the season back… St. Landry Parish crawfish farmer Zack Herbert says crawfish supply will likely be a major issue in 2024…

Cut 9 (12)  “… industry-wide.”

Ochsner receives a million-dollar grant to help combat the opioid crisis in rural Louisiana. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Today is the last day to mail greeting cards and packages via Priority Mail if you want them to reach their continental United States destination by Christmas. Yes, Christmas is a week from today. If you want to spend a little more and send them Priority Mail Express, that deadline is Wednesday.

There’s been plenty of speculation about a special session before the regular one to address the state’s property insurance crisis next year. But at a recent NOLA-dot-com town hall meeting, Insurance Commissioner-elect Tim Temple says it’s highly unlikely…

Cut 9 (11) “…timing issue.” 

With more parties this time of year there are more impaired drivers on the road, especially at night. And Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says for some the holidays can be difficult…

Cut 8 (09) “…on the road.” 

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is underway until January 1^st to deter impaired driving. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has given a grant to pay for more officers to be able to patrol this time of year.

A male juror was removed from the jury in the federal trial of former LSU employee Sharon Lewis against the school for wrongful termination and sexual harassment. According to Tiger Rag editor Todd Horne the juror, had been seen noticeably responding to a thumbs-up gesture from LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward during the trial.

North Louisiana mayors are excited about the possibility of passenger rail service along the I-20 corridor. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”