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”  

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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.”  

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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”

Bronikowski says if you are having a gift sent directly to a friend or family member follow these steps when checking out online so the gift will remain a secret until they open it.

Cut 4 (12)   “…the package.”  

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 to de dropped off, Bronikowski says Amazon also offers a pick-up option.

Cut 5  (12) “… up package.” 

If you have sneaky children or roommates, don’t worry about Alexa giving away a description on your order either, she’ll only give delivery notifications if you mark the order as a gift during the holidays.

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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.”

Firefighters arrived soon after, recovering the patient who was still alive. The patient is expected to make a full recovery.

Rodrigue says Theus put her patient’s life before her own when she could’ve saved herself.

Cut 7 (09) “..workers.”

The home did have functioning smoke detectors but the survivor indicated the fire spread rapidly after it began.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Rodrigue says that’s largely because the home smoldered and burned for days after the incident.

Cut 8 (08) “..rubble.”

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It was ten years ago when American Express launched Small Business Saturday, a day to bring about 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.”

With the pandemic, many small businesses have become inventive and added new ways for customers to shop, via online, thru Instagram and other social media outlets, and provide curbside service. Starns says many have had to think out outside the box in 2020.

Cut 10 (09) “….we were.”

Starns says many small businesses in the past two months report foot traffic back to almost pre-pandemic levels and are hopeful it continues despite Modified Phase Two adjustments reducing capacity. Starns says PPP loans have kept many small businesses afloat along, with determination.

Cut 11 (11) “…their dream.”

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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” 

The Saints bring a seven-game winning streak to Denver and the defense is playing its best football of the season. Linebacker Kwon Alexander has been a nice addition. Payton says Alexander’s ability and personality allowed him to fit in well…

Cut 13 (11) “…any team”

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” 

Modified Phase Two restrictions are forcing many Louisiana couples to alter their wedding plans. Brooke Thorington gets advice from a local wedding planner

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The pandemic changes shopping trends for the fourth quarter, but will it help retailers end up in the black. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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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”  

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When Governor Edwards announced Modified Phase Two restrictions this week, gatherings were reduced from 150 to 75. Many couples had already chosen to delay their weddings to the end of the year while others postponed until 2021. New Orleans area wedding planner Samantha Capone says the new restrictions are forcing some couples to alter their plans again.

Cut 4 (12) “…adjust plans.”

While many couples had to shrink their guest list down to 150 already, the latest restrictions cut that in half and some couples are being forced to uninvite wedding guests. Capone says it’s awkward, but most guests are understanding.

Cut 5 (11) “…safety.”

Capone says some catering contracts will allow you to change your menu, for example, if you have a required minimum to be spent, you can add more types of food for the event, just alter the amount.

Another alternative for couples who must reduce the guest list is live-streaming their nuptials. Capone says many companies now offer this service and it helps when you’re forced to uninvite loved ones.

Cut 6 (11) “…different way.”

Capone says most wedding vendors have added verbiage to contracts as a result of the pandemic but advises reviewing them carefully before signing.

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Holiday shopping presents a unique situation with the pandemic this year. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says online sales increased 32 percent in the second quarter of 2020 whereas overall sales for all retail are down for the first few quarters of the year. Rice says it’s difficult to predict end of year sales.

Cut 7 (11)  “…their stores.”

Rice said a retail trend that has been spurred by the pandemic this year is starting Black Friday sales before Thanksgiving along with retailers hoping to get the most out of sales or better sales by being open fewer hours. For example, more stores were closed on Thanksgiving Day than before.

Cut 8 (12) “…before.”

While the National Retail Federation is cautiously optimistic for fourth-quarter sales, 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.”

Rice says Small Business Saturday is this weekend where many local businesses offer incentives for shoppers.

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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.

Two of the biggest projects are the Plaquemines Parish Grand Chenier Marsh Creation Ridge, which will create over 600 acres of marsh, and the Terrebonne Basin Ridge and Marsh Creation Project…

Cut 11 (08) “..habitat”

The Grand Chenier and Terrebonne Basin projects will cost 65 and 157 million dollars respectively.

3.1 million dollars will go towards the Terrebonne Houma Navigation Channel Island Restoration. Grandy says it will provide a habitat for nesting birds that were impacted by the spill.

Cut 12 (02) “.birds”

The other project included is the Birds Foot Delta Hydrologic Restoration, a six million dollar dredging project.

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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.”

Steele is confident the supply is there to meet the huge expected demand. He recommends going with the iconic Leyland cypress.

Cut 14 (09) “…growers” 

Up north of the Mason-Dixon Steele says growers are facing Christmas tree shortages due to a decision to reduce supply during the economic downturn a few years ago. That shouldn’t be an issue in the warmer, wetter south, however.

Steele asks you to check out your local Christmas tree farm instead of going with plastic from a big-box retailer.

Cut 15 (10)“…this year” 

Steele also owns and operates Steele Christmas Tree Farm in Angie.

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The LSU Tigers look to pull off the upset on Saturday when they visit 5th ranked Texas A-and-M. The Aggies rank number one in the SEC in total defense and second in rushing defense, holding opponents to 96 yards on the ground. LSU Center Liam Shanahan says they ran the ball well last week at Arkansas and they want to establish the rushing attack tomorrow…

Cut 16 (16) “..this Saturday.”

The Aggies are 5-1 and they rank second in the SEC in rushing the football as Isaiah Spiller is averaging over 100 yards a game. A&M Coach Jimbo Fisher says the run game has been a key to their offensive success..

cut 17 (17) “….good to have.”

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The 23rd ranked Ragin Cajuns head to Monroe to face the winless ULM Warhawks. Louisiana-Monroe is 0-8 and they’ve yet to hold a lead in any of their games. Cajuns offensive tackle Max Mitchell on trying to avoid the upset…

cut 18 (18) “…rivalry game.”

ULM has made a change in quarterback as Jeremy Hunt has taken over for Colby Suits who has entered the NCAA transfer portal. Cajuns safety Kam Pedescleaux says they’ll be ready for Hunt, even though they don’t have much tape on him….

cut 19 (16) “…we’ll be ready”

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The Saints will visit the Denver Broncos on Sunday as they look for their eighth straight win. Playing in Denver means playing at a higher altitude, but Coach Sean Payton says leaving early would not help them…

cut 20 (20) “…rather than Friday”

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”  

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Modified Phase Two restrictions mean restaurants must reduce capacity from 75 to 50 percent. What does this mean for the already struggling industry???

cut 2 (31) … I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Tougher coronavirus restrictions go into effect today as the state is seeing a third surge of COVID-19 cases. The modified Phase Two will result in bars closing, fewer people inside restaurants and gyms, and new limits on the size of gatherings. Assistant State Health Officer Doctor Joseph Kanter says they are once again concerned about capacity at hospitals…

Cut 3 (12)  “…opened up”

Kanter says COVID hospitalizations have doubled since early October. He says the new restrictions are not just because we are entering the holiday season…

Cut 4 (09)   “…take some action”  

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” 

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Former LSU football player and Baton Rouge staple Ruffin Rodrigue has passed away.  Rodrigue played offensive line for the Tigers from 1986-89, earning All-SEC honors in 1988.  LSU coach Ed Orgeron remembers Rodrigue’s time in the purple and gold.

Cut 6 (10) “…we’re all crushed.”

Rodrigue also owned Ruffino’s Restaurant in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, which is a hotspot for locals.  Orgeron had a friendship with Rodrigue, as they both grew up in the same area.

Cut 7 (09) “..supported LSU.”

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Modified Phase Two restrictions that go into effect today means restaurants will once again have to make major adjustments and just as we approach the holiday season. President of Louisiana Restaurant Association, Stan Harris, predicts 20 to 30 percent of restaurants in the state will close permanently as a result.

Cut 8 (12) “..financial peril.”

Restaurants must reduce maximum capacity from 75 to 50-percent and the new order essentially closes most bars across the state.

Harris says the struggling industry wants the Louisiana Department of Health to show them actual data indicating a direct connection of restaurants and bars spreading the virus. Harris says LDH contract tracing data shows industrial settings topping the list and feels the restaurant industry is being unfairly targeted.

Cut 9 (10) “…Tiger Stadium.”

Harris says the type of restaurants that are impacted the most are sit-down venues as opposed to fast-food restaurants and he feels the outlook on receiving any aid is bleak.

Cut 10 (10) “….right now.”

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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 after the town got smashed by Hurricanes Laura and Delta they found a lot of folks in need of help for Thanksgiving. They set a modest goal, and blew right past it…

Cut 11 (12) “….**laugh**”

The drive saw people donate money to the United Way of Southwest Louisiana to help buy the birds. Hunter says one out of state business in particular made a big impact.

Cut 12 (11) “..succsess” 

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”