Matt Doyle checks in with ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley for the state of the 5^th Congressional District run-off race ahead of Saturday’s election…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

LDH reports hospitalizations in Monroe and parishes surrounding Ouachita Parish are the highest they’ve recorded since the pandemic began. Over Thanksgiving weekend 124 residents remained in the hospital with COVID as of Saturday night, on Friday it was a record-setting 129. Statewide hospitalizations are at 1,196

According to Zillow, more homes are changing hands now than in the last 15 years, something that is hard to believe in a year of economic downturn. CEO of Louisiana Realtors Norman Morris says historically low mortgage rates are allowing many to become homeowners for the first time and existing homeowners to upgrade.

Cut 4 (12) “…larger home.”

A difficult 2020 Atlantic hurricane season ends today as the year produced a record 30 named storms and 12 named storms made landfall in the United States, also a record. The most impactful storm was Hurricane Laura, State Climatologist Barry Keim says Laura tied for the most powerful storm to make landfall in Louisiana

Cut 11 (11) “..parish”

It’s Small Business Saturday this weekend and many are depending on your business more than ever this year. Jeff Palermo has more.

cut 2 (30) … I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

The SEC has made it official LSU will play rival Alabama December 5^th at 7 pm in Tiger Stadium.  The November 14^th game was postponed due to a COVID outbreak among the Tigers. The LSU-Alabama game is also on election day, the runoffs from the November 3^rd election. The last day to early vote is Saturday, Nov 28^th.

More people are shopping online this year due to the pandemic and keeping those deliveries a surprise until December 25^th can be a challenge. But Amazon is offering a few ways to help. Amazon spokesperson Alysa Bronikowski says if you are having a gift sent directly to a friend follow these steps when checking out so the delivery will remain a surprise until they open it.

Cut 4 (12)   “…the package.”  

This Sunday the Saints are scheduled to play the Broncos at Mile High Stadium and Taysom Hill is also set to make his second straight start at quarterback. Offensive tackle Ryan Ramcyzk says Hill is doing a good job of leading the offense in Drew Brees’ absence…

Cut 14 (10) “..so far” 

Kickoff Sunday is at 3 o’clock.

64-year-old home health nurse Gwendolyn Theus is being hailed for her bravery in a heroic, but ultimately fatal effort to save her 71-year-old paraplegic patient from a house fire in Delphi. Theus perished in the effort but the patient ultimately survived. Fire Marshal’s spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the cause of the blaze has not yet been determined that’s largely because the home smoldered and burned for days after the incident.

Cut 8 (08) “..rubble.”

While so many are working from home and more school-age students are back to virtual learning another problem 2020 presents is keeping packages a secret this holiday. Amazon spokesperson Alysa Bronikowski says they are offering a variety of ways to receive packages for the holidays.

Cut 3 (10)  “…Amazon hub”

State Director of the National Federal of Independent Business Dawn Starns reminds you it’s Small Business Saturday this weekend. She says many small business owners implemented curbside service for a safer customer experience.

Cut 10 (09) “….we were.”

The Saints are set to play Denver on Sunday, but the Broncos closed their practice facility today after one player and two staff members tested positive for COVID-19. As of now, the game is still set to be played. Coach Sean Payton says it’s businesses as usual for them…

Cut 12 (13) “..speed ahead” 

According to The Advocate it appears that LSU will now play rival Alabama the first weekend in December. The November 14th game was postponed due to a COVID outbreak among the Tigers. LSU will reportedly play Ole Miss on December 19th now. The LSU-Alabama game set for December 5th is also election day for run-offs from the November election. The last day to early vote is tomorrow.
With many working from home and more school-age students back to virtual learning another problem 2020 presents is keeping packages a secret. If you won’t be home to those to keep the gifts you’ve ordered a surprise from family members or you don’t have a secure location for packages, Amazon spokesperson Alysa Bronikowski says they offer also the option to pick up your packages.
Cut 5 (12) “… up package.”

A heroic home health worker dies in a Delphi home fire while trying to save her 71-year-old paraplegic patient. Fire Marshal’s spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says as the house fire broke out 64-year-old Gwendolyn Theus attempted to wheel her patient out of the house. When that failed, she dragged the patient out of bed and was trying to pass them through the window to the neighbors…
Cut 6 (10) “..that point.”

It was ten years ago when American Express launched Small Business Saturday, a day to bring awareness of the small mom and pop shops of Main Street. NFIB State Director Dawn Starns says they were asked to partner with the promotion and this year it’s more important than ever.
Cut 9 (12) “…a movement.”

Tragedy in Delphi as a selfless healthcare worker dies in a house fire attempting to save her paraplegic patient. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “  I’m Matt Doyle”  

According to The Advocate, it appears that LSU will play rival Alabama the first weekend in December this year. The November 14^th game was postponed due to a COVID outbreak among the Tigers. The Alabama LSU game set for December 5^th is also election day for run-offs from the November election. The last day to early vote is tomorrow.

More people are shopping online this year due to the pandemic and keeping those deliveries a surprise until December 25^th can be a challenge. But Amazon is offering a few ways to help. Amazon spokesperson Alysa Bronikowski says if you are having a gift sent directly to a friend follow these steps when checking out so the delivery will remain a surprise until they open it.

Cut 4 (12)   “…the package.”  

Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday, and NFIB State Director Dawn Starns says many small businesses in the past two months report foot traffic back to almost pre-pandemic levels and are hopeful it continues. Starns says PPP loans have helped keep many small businesses afloat, along with determination during this challenging year.

Cut 11 (11) “…their dream.”

The department of health reports just over 5,000 new COVID-19 cases that number includes cases that weren’t reported on Thanksgiving. 41 fatalities have also been reported today and 1,074 are currently hospitalized.

Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday, and many are depending on your business more than ever. Jeff Palermo has more.

cut 2 (30) … I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

A heroic home health worker dies in a Delphi home fire while trying to save her 71-year-old paraplegic patient. Fire Marshal’s spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says as the house fire broke out 64-year-old Gwendolyn Theus attempted to assist her patient out of the house and then was overwhelmed with smoke. Rodrigue says it’s a tragic story.

Cut 7 (09) “..workers.”

Modified Phase Two restrictions reduces gatherings from 150 to 75 forcing many couples to alter their holiday wedding plans. New Orleans area wedding planner Samantha Capone says many couples had postponed their weddings to the end of the year already and reduced to 150 guests.

Cut 4 (12) “…adjust plans.”

One child is dead and two others remain hospitalized in critical condition after a house fire late Thursday in the Scotlandville area of Baton Rouge. Fire officials said an adult is also hospitalized in stable condition. The Baton Rouge Fire department says the blaze was reported just before 11:30 and remains under investigation.

Louisiana Christmas tree farmers anticipate this could be their biggest year in more than a decade. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 3 (29)  “…Matt Doyle”  

Modified Phase Two Restrictions has forced many couples to reduce their wedding guest list from 150 to 75. New Orleans area wedding planner Samantha Capone says when some couples are forced to uninvite guests they choose to live-stream their nuptials.

Cut 6 (11) “…different way.”

Capone also says most wedding vendors have added new verbiage to contracts because of the pandemic but advises reviewing them carefully before signing.

The National Retail Federation is cautiously optimistic for fourth-quarter sales, and LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice believes retailers with a good online presence and stores like bicycle shops and DIY outlets that have seen an increase in business due in part to the pandemic will continue to do well.

Cut 9 (10) “…really knows.”

Louisiana has been approved for an additional 234 million dollars in BP Oil Spill funds that will be used to facilitate five different coastal projects. Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Deputy Director Greg Grandy says the Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group’s decision to release the money is fantastic news.

Cut 10 (12) “…Louisiana”

LA TIG has approved 900 million dollars for restoration projects in total for 2020.

LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says more retailers are starting Black Friday sales before Thanksgiving and many are open fewer hours. For example, more stores were closed on Thanksgiving Day ever than before.

Cut 8 (12) “…before.”

Modified Phase Two restrictions has reduced gatherings from 150 to 75, forcing couples who had wedding plans for the holidays to readjust. New Orleans area wedding planner Samantha Capone says having to uninvite guests to your wedding is awkward, but most people are understanding.

Cut 5 (11) “…safety.”

Christmas tree farmers are expecting a banner year as COVID has families desperate to bring a little holiday cheer to their homes. Southern Christmas Tree Association head Kevin Steele Sr. says that expectation is based on early demand and he thinks this could be their best year since 2005.

Cut 13 (12) “…tree.”

Louisianans say thanks today, although polls show most Americans will be doing so only with those in their immediate household. Senator John Kennedy says he will be celebrating the holiday only with his immediate family and he’s thankful that the pandemic could be coming to a close in the coming months.
Cut 10 (10) “…developed.”

Black Friday is tomorrow but according to WalletHub’s 2020 Coronavirus and Holiday Shopping Survey, the pandemic is forcing many to forgo exchanging gifts this year. WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says about a third of Americans won’t be looking for bargains this year.
Cut 13 (10) “…this year.”
Gonzales says if you are on a tight budget gift cards are a good option; you have a set amount and save on shipping.

While Governor John Bel Edwards asks residents to limit Thanksgiving dinner to immediate household only, due to the pandemic, he’s only dining today with his wife and son. Edwards says despite the rough year that the state has experienced he still plans to give thanks.
Cut 8 (10) “…thankful for.”

If you plan to share a bit of your feast with your four-legged best friend today the SPCA has a tip before you sneak some turkey under the table or a bit of sweet potato casserole. You may indulge in overstuffing yourself today, but Louisiana SPCA spokesperson Alicia Vial (V-Al) advises pet owners to compensate any turkey day treats with reduced portions at dinner time.
Cut 5 (09) “…that day.”

Governor John Bel Edwards is celebrating Thanksgiving at the governor’s mansion, but he did not invite anyone over. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

In Delhi, the State Fire Marshal’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding a house fire where a nurse died saving her disabled patient. 64-year-old Gwendolyn Theus, died Tuesday after being overwhelmed by smoke Monday trying to save her 71-year old patient. Firefighters eventually pulled both women out of the home. the patient was airlifted to a burn unit and is expected to recover.

The SPCA has a few tips for those who plan to give thanks to that special pet in their lives today with a few scraps of turkey and a spoonful of mash potatoes. Louisiana SPCA spokesperson Alicia Vial (V-Al) says the traditional Thanksgiving spread is surprisingly safe for pets, but only if it is served to them plain with no additives or seasoning.

Cut 3 (12)  “…turkey.”  

Black Friday is tomorrow and according to WalletHub one in three Americans are not exchanging gifts this year. WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says if you are on a tight budget the best option might be a gift card, some of the most popular ones are Starbucks, Target, and Fandango.

Cut 14 (11) “…for shipping.”