While Governor John Bel Edwards asks residents to limit Thanksgiving dinner to immediate household only, due to a third surge with the pandemic, dinner at the mansion will be much different this year. Edwards says in the past he’s invited his six siblings, their spouses along with their children and grandchildren for Thanksgiving to the Governor’s Mansion.

Cut 6 (12) “..will see that.”

Louisianans say thanks today, although polls show most Americans will be doing so only with those in their household. Senator John Kennedy says he will be celebrating the holiday only with his immediate family. He acknowledges it has been a tough year so far.

Cut 9 (12) “…tired.”

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 biggest threat to your pets on Thanksgiving is booze. She says even a small quantity of hard liquor can kill a small animal.

Cut 4 (08) “…sips.”

Black Friday is tomorrow and according to WalletHub the deals that you typically see aren’t as discounted for 2020.  WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says discounts in the past averaged 40-percent off, but this Black Friday the average savings are 32-percent, but there are some bargains to be found.

Cut 12 (11) “…out there.”

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.”

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According to WalletHub Black Friday discounts are down 8-percent this year but there are some bargains out there, Brooke Thorington tells us where to find them

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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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.”  

For turkey Vial recommends removing any bones or excess fat. Also good to go is cranberry sauce, but in limited quantities depending on the sugar content.

Vial says the biggest threat to your pets on Thanksgiving is booze. She says even a small quantity of hard liquor can kill a small animal.

Cut 4 (08) “…sips.”

You may indulge in overstuffing yourself today but Vial advises pet owners to compensate any under the table treats with reduced portions at dinner time.

Cut 5 (09) “…that day.”

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While Governor John Bel Edwards asks residents to limit Thanksgiving dinner to immediate household only, due to a third surge with the pandemic, dinner at the mansion will be much different this year. Edwards says in the past he’s invited his six siblings, their spouses along with their children and grandchildren for Thanksgiving to the Governor’s Mansion.

Cut 6 (12) “..will see that.”

Edwards says he will break bread this year at the mansion with his wife Donna and son that attends LSU, and forgo a large dinner this year.

Cut 7 (12)  “…Baton Rouge.”

Edwards says despite the rough year that the state has experienced he still plans to give thanks for the blessings that have been bestowed upon him.

Cut 8 (10) “…thankful for.”

With a vaccine for COVID expected to be available to a majority of residents by mid-2021 Edwards hopes this time next year we can all gather together with family and friends and celebrate.

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Louisianans say thanks today, although polls show most Americans will be doing so only with those in their household.

Senator John Kennedy says he will be celebrating the holiday only with his immediate family. He acknowledges it has been a tough year so far.

Cut 9 (12) “…tired.”

Kennedy says he’s thankful that the pandemic could be coming to a close in the coming months.

Cut 10 (10) “…developed.”

Many families are keeping it low key today with the virus raging across the country. Kennedy is no different.

Cut 11 (11) “…dead.”

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Black Friday is tomorrow and according to WalletHub the deals that you typically see aren’t as discounted for 2020.  WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says discounts in the past averaged 40-percent off, but this Black Friday the average savings are 32-percent, but there are some bargains to be found.

Cut 12 (11) “…out there.”

Gonzales says nearly 11-percent of items at major retailers will be more expensive on Black Friday than their current Amazon.com prices.

According to WalletHub’s 2020 Coronavirus and Holiday Shopping Survey, Gonzales says the pandemic is forcing many to forgo exchanging gifts this year.

Cut 13 (10) “…this year.”

Gonzales says if you are on a tight budget this year the best option might be a gift card, some of the more popular ones for 2020 are Starbucks, Target, and Fandango.

Cut 14 (11) “…for shipping.” 

According to WalletHub the average Black Friday discount on Amazon is 27-percent, whereas other major retailers, such as JCPenney, Macy’s, and Khol’s are offering an average discount of 52-percent.

New coronavirus restrictions go into effect as the state moves into a modified Phase two. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “  I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Renters and homeowners in parishes that are eligible for assistance after Hurricane Laura have until Friday to register for help. Federal assistance includes help for temporary housing, rental assistance, and repair or replacement of damaged property. For more info go to fema.gov

Modified Phase Two restrictions mean restaurants must reduce capacity from 75 to 50-percent. President of Louisiana Restaurant Association, Stan Harris says LDH contract tracing shows industrial settings topping the list of community spread and feels the restaurant industry is being targeted unfairly.

Cut 9 (10) “…Tiger Stadium.”

Harris predicts 20 to 30 percent of restaurants that close today will not reopen.

The Lake Charles “Mayor’s Turkey Challenge” helps 2,000 needy families in the hurricane-ravaged city get turkeys in time for Thanksgiving. The drive saw people donate money to the United Way of Southwest Louisiana to help buy the birds. Mayor Nic Hunter says one out of state business in particular made a big impact.

Cut 12 (11) “..success.” 

Modified Phase Two restrictions go into effect, ultimately closing bars and limiting capacity to 50-percent inside restaurants and gyms. Governor Edwards says his latest public health emergency order will remain in effect through December 23rd and he does not expect restrictions to loosen in time for Christmas, based on the reports he’s receiving from health experts…

Cut 5  (07) “..around the country” 

The President of Restaurant Association of Louisiana says restrictions on restaurants, reducing capacity from 75 to 50 percent, could result in 20 to 30 percent of eateries closing their doors for good. Stan Harris says the impact will be felt in the already struggling industry.

Cut 8 (12) “..financial peril.”

Former LSU football player and Baton Rouge staple Ruffin Rodrigue has died. Rodrigue played offensive line for the Tigers from 1986-89, and owned the popular eatery Ruffino’s Restaurant in both Baton Rouge and Lafayette. LSU coach Ed Orgeron had a friendship with Rodrigue as they both grew up in the same area.

Cut 7 (09) “..supported LSU.”

An effort to deliver turkeys to residents in the beleaguered City of Lake Charles is a big success, with the “Mayor’s Turkey Challenge” bringing over 2,000 birds to needy residents. Mayor Nic Hunter says the United Way determined who was most in need and made sure they had their turkeys in time to start defrosting them ahead of tomorrow’s festivities.

Cut 13 (06) “…in need”

New coronavirus restrictions go into effect as the state moves into a modified Phase two. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “  I’m Jeff Palermo”  

The state reported 1,234 COVID-19 cases today and 27 additional deaths. Hospitalizations from the virus increased by 25 bringing the total to 1,077. Vent usage also increased by three to 116.

Modified Phase Two restrictions mean restaurants must reduce capacity from 75 to 50-percent. President of Louisiana Restaurant Association, Stan Harris says LDH contract tracing shows industrial settings topping the list of community spread and feels the restaurant industry is being targeted unfairly.

Cut 9 (10) “…Tiger Stadium.”

Harris predicts 20 to 30 percent of restaurants that close today will not reopen.

Former LSU football player and Baton Rouge staple Ruffin Rodrigue has died. Rodrigue played offensive line for the Tigers from 1986-89, and owned the popular eatery Ruffino’s Restaurant in both Baton Rouge and Lafayette. LSU coach Ed Orgeron was friends with Rodrigue.

Cut 7 (09) “..supported LSU.”

Governor Edwards says the state’s move back into a modified Phase Two should persuade people against gathering with others outside their household for the holidays. Edwards says the holidays are here, but holiday parties are a recipe for disaster right now.

Cut 14 (08) “…dangerous.” 

The Louisiana Health Department expects to begin receiving the first COVID vaccine by mid-December. Stacy Hall, Director of the Office of Public Health Immunization Program says they are waiting on guidance from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices on who gets vaccinated first. Hall predicts that the public will then be able to receive COVID vaccinations by mid-2021.

Cut 11 (11) “…unexpected happening.”

Hall says healthcare personnel and those most likely to die from COVID will be among the first to be vaccinated.

It’s time to start defrosting that frozen turkey if you want it ready for baking or frying tomorrow. Before you start to defrost that bird, Ag Commissioner Mike Strain wants you to know that they can be covered in salmonella, and washing your bird can spread those germs up to three feet from the sink.

Cut 4 (12) “…poultry.”

Today is typically the one busiest travel days of the year however AAA projects 50-million Americans will travel for Thanksgiving this year a drop from 55 million last year. Louisiana AAA spokesperson Don Redman says if you are traveling by air, even with estimated travel down by 50-percent for airlines this year don’t expect to have an empty seat beside you to stretch out.

Cut 9 (08) “…entire flight.”

Redmond also reminds travelers to check what restrictions are in place for your intended destination COVID-wise.

Governor Edwards says due to the state’s surging COVID case numbers we will be moving back to a “modified” Phase Two. Edwards says the new restrictions are very similar to what we had for most of the summer.

Cut 12 (11) “..maximum” 

Bars will be banned from operating in any parish with a greater than five percent positivity rate, down from the current ten percent limit. functionally closing nearly all bars. Stadium capacity at sporting events will be limited to 25 percent.

The order takes effect Wednesday and will last until at least December 23^rd, but Edwards warns he’s likely to extend the order through the end of the year.

Cut 14 (13) “..before us” 

As Thanksgiving approaches many are attempting to get tested in advance for COVID so they can enjoy a traditional holiday gathering, however, Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says nothing is foolproof when it comes to the coronavirus.

Cut 9 (12) “…still risk”

Senator Bill Cassidy becomes the first member of the Louisiana Republican Congressional Delegation to publicly acknowledge President-elect Joe Biden’s win. ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says as more states certify their results and Biden’s electoral vote lead grows it’s only a manner of days, or at most weeks before most of the rest of the delegation joins Cassidy.

Cut 8 (11) “..same.”

Governor Edwards says due to the state’s surging COVID case numbers we will be moving back to a “modified” Phase Two.

Edwards says the new restrictions are very similar to what we had for most of the summer.

Cut 12 (11) “..maximum” 

Bars will be banned from operating in any parish with a greater than five percent positivity rate, down from the current ten percent limit. functionally closing nearly all bars. Stadium capacity at sporting events will be limited to 25 percent.

Many are attempting to a rapid test before Thanksgiving… however, Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says no test is 100 percent accurate. Dr. Kanter says the best thing is to celebrate with immediate household only and he’s following his own advice.

Cut 11 (13) “….next year.”

Those who are traveling by car for Thanksgiving will find prices lower at the pump this year. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Louisiana is $1.84 at the pump. Redman says it’s all about demand, which is much less than in years past for Thanksgiving, due to the pandemic and fledgling economy.

Cut 4 (10)   “…pretty low.”  

Senator Bill Cassidy becomes the first member of the Louisiana Republican Congressional Delegation to publicly acknowledge President-elect Joe Biden’s win by tweeting“I voted for President Trump, but Joe Biden won. ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says there’s little political downside to conceding at this point.

Cut 7 (09) “..legitimately.”

Cassidy strolled to reelection for another six-year term on November 3^rd, winning 59 percent of the vote.

It’s the time of year when many are traveling over the river and thru the woods to gather for Thanksgiving, and those traveling via automobile are seeing the lowest gas prices in years. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says the average price a gallon in Louisiana is $1.84 at the pump.

Cut 3 (07)  “…by vehicle.”

The Krewe of Bacchus will roll virtually next year, and fans of the big New Orleans parade will be able to follow along on February 14th on an app that will also allow them to catch throws. Bacchus captain Clark Brennan says after you catch throws virtually, you’ll collect your stash in person, even utilize curbside pick-up.

Cut 14 (09) “…the den.” 

The app is called “Throw Me Something Bacchus!” and will be available for download Jan. 6th.

Some school system leaders are frustrated with the state’s policy of quarantining any student who has “close contact” with a confirmed COVID case for two weeks. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The state has surpassed one-thousand coronavirus patients in the hospital. It’s the first time since August that Louisiana hospitals have had this large of a coronavirus patient count. The state reported 24 more deaths Monday bringing the death toll to 6,039. Governor Edwards holds a COVID media briefing at 2:30 today.