One sector that has seen an increase in sales this year despite COVID is the real estate industry, Brooke Thorington tells us how things are in the Bayou State

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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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.” 

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Today marks the end of the 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Matt Doyle spoke with State Climatologist Barry Keim about this record breaking year…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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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.”

Morris says some areas across the state are reporting quite an increase in sales compared to 2019, for example, in Northeast Louisiana, residential sales are up 13-percent, in the Central part of the state they’ve seen an increase of 16 million in sales, Northwest Louisiana is up 8-percent and the New Orleans market is up 15-percent.

Cut 5 (11) “…11 months.”

Morris says many buyers are looking for additional space to create a home office now that more employers are allowing workers to work from home during the pandemic.

Morris also credits Realtors for their adaptability to the changing market and embracing technology to show homes for a safer experience.

Cut 6 (10) “…COVID time.”

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The race for the open 5^th District Congressional seat will be decided Saturday with state lawmaker Lance Harris up against retiring Congressman Ralph Abraham’s former Chief of Staff Luke Letlow. ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says Letlow is the favorite given his substantial fundraising lead…

Cut 7 (10)  “…place.”

Harris has raised half a million dollars to Letlow’s 1.1 million.

But Stockley cautions against counting Harris out. He says this race is likely to come down to geography with Harris being from Alexandria and Letlow hailing from Ouachita Parish.

Cut 8 (10) “…election.”

Letlow secured 33 percent of the vote in the first round while Harris grabbed 17-percent, just nudging past Democrat Sandra Christophe’s to make the runoff.

Democratic candidates secured about a third of the vote in the primary, but Stockley says many of those voters will not cast a ballot in the December runoff…

Cut 9 (11) “…vote.

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A historic 2020 Atlantic Hurricane Season ends today, one Louisiana residents will remember for a long time. State Climatologist Barry Keim notes the 30 total named storms broke the record of 28 set in 2005, and of those 30, five made landfall in Louisiana, another record.

Cut 10 (08) “…December”

12 named storms made landfall in the United States, also a record.

Southwest Louisiana is still recovering from Hurricanes Laura and Delta. Keim says Laura tied for the honors of being the most powerful storm to make landfall in Louisiana in recorded history.

Cut 11 (11) “..parish”

Laura made landfall on August 27^th. After that ten named storms then developed in September, also a record, including one day where three named storms formed within six hours of each other, another record.

Keim also says we had a highly unusual number of dual landfalls, where named storms make landfall practically in the same place at different times.

Cut 12 (13) “.Louisiana”

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It wasn’t much of a football game, but it goes down as a Black and Gold victory as New Orleans defeated the quarterback less Denver Broncos 31-3. Because of COVID issues involving the Broncos QBs, Denver was forced to use a practice squad receiver and running backs as their quarterbacks. Coach Sean Payton summed it up well…

Cut 13 (06) “…it is what is”

The victory improves the Saints record to 9-2 and New Orleans starting quarterback Taysom Hill is not apologizing for taking advantage of the short-handed Broncos…

Cut 14 (12) “…get it” 

Hill only threw for 78 yards. But Payton says the game plan was to keep the ball on the ground…

Cut 15 (10)“…of that” 

Hill rushed for 44 yards and two touchdowns, while Latavius Murray led all rushers with 124 yards and two touchdowns. Denver completed just one pass and had 112 yards of offense.

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It was a rough night for LSU’s offense in 20-7 loss to Texas A-and-M on Saturday night. The Tigers rushed for just 36 yards and starting quarterback TJ Finley had another bad game on the road, throwing for 118 yards and two interceptions. Coach Ed Orgeron says the offensive line didn’t give Finley much help

Cut 16 (22) “..should of.”

After Finley threw a pick six, Max Johnson played a little better and threw for 113 yards and one touchdown. Orgeron said numerous times in the post-game that the Tigers need a better plan

cut 17 (17) “….better plan.”

LSU’s defense played well. They gave up a 52-yard touchdown run by Isaiah Spiller, but senior QB Kellen Mond was just 11-of-34 for 105 yards. Linebacker Micah Baskerville led the way with 12 tackles. He says the team plans to stick together

cut 18 (18) “…getting better”

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The 23rd ranked Ragin Cajuns won their fifth in a row as they beat ULM by 50. U-L Lafayette quarterback Levi Lewis accounted for five touchdowns in the 70-20 win. Coach Billy Napier says it was a good performance by the offense in their first game since November 14th…

cut 19 (21) “…Central Arkansas game”

Lewis threw for 147 yards and three touchdowns. Trey Ragas and Elijah Mitchell each rushed for over 90 yards and a touchdown. Freshman Kyren Lacy led the receivers with five catches for 48 yards and a touchdown. Napier’s offense produced 511 total yards…

cut 20 (20) “…in mind”

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”