234 million dollars of BP Oil Spill settlement money is approved for five coastal and marsh restoration projects in Terrebonne and Plaquemines parishes. 3.1 million dollars will go towards the Terrebonne Houma Navigation Channel Island Restoration. Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Deputy Director Greg Grandy says it will provide a habitat for nesting birds that were impacted by the spill.

Cut 12 (02) “.birds”

That’s one of the smallest of the five projects. The biggest is the 157 million dollar Terrebonne Basin Ridge and Marsh Creation Project which will restore 1400 acres of marsh.

It may be Black Friday today but local companies hope you save some money tomorrow for Small Business Saturday. Kevin Steele Sr., owner of Steele Christmas Tree Farm in Angie, 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” 

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.” 

A Venezuelan court sentenced six American CITGO executives, one of them Lake Charles native Tomeu Vadall, to prison on corruption charges. A lawyer representing the group called the charges baseless and politically motivated. The US State Department has been working to free the CITGO Six, but the sentencing at least temporarily ends any hope of a speedy release. The Six have been imprisoned in the country for the last three years.

The Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group has authorized another 234 million dollars of BP Oil Spill money to be spent on five restoration projects in Terrebonne and Plaquemines parishes. Two of the biggest projects are the Plaquemines Parish Grand Chenier Marsh Creation Ridge, and the Terrebonne Basin Ridge and Marsh Creation Project…

Cut 11 (08) “..habitat”

That’s Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Deputy Director Greg Grandy who says LA TIG has approved 900 million this year for projects.

Southern Christmas Tree Association head Kevin Steele Sr., owner of Steele Christmas Tree Farm in Angie, says demand for the conifers is through the roof this year due to COVID. He recommends first time buyers go with the iconic Leyland cypress.

Cut 14 (09) “…growers” 

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.”

64-year-old Gwendolyn Theus, a home health nurse, died after rescuing her patient from a home fire in Delphi. Theus reportedly was alerted to the fire and tried to wheel her 71-year-old patient out of the home, but couldn’t get her through the door. She then picked her up and pushed her through the window before succumbing to the smoke. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.

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…

Cut 10 (12) “…Louisiana”

the Louisiana Trustee Implementation Group has approved 900 million dollars for restoration projects in total for 2020.

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.”

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.”

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.”

Thanksgiving is underway across the state with polls showing two-thirds to three-quarters of all Americans playing it safe by doing a low-key feast at home for just the members of their household. You’re likely stuffing your face at approaching food-coma status just the Louisiana SPCA wants to remind you not to let your pets overeat as well. Spokesperson Alicia Vial says compensate for any under the table treats with smaller portions at dinner time.

Cut 5 (09) “…that day.”

Analysis by Wallethub shows consumers are set to spend a lot less on gifts for the holidays this year as the COVID economy, and lack of federal aid puts a damper on the holidays. Analyst Jill Gonzales says gift cards appear to be gaining in popularity right now…

Cut 14 (11) “…for shipping.” 

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.”

64-year-old Gwendolyn Theus, a home health nurse, died after rescuing her patient from a home fire in Delphi. Theus reportedly was alerted to the fire and tried to wheel her 71-year-old patient out of the home, but couldn’t get her through the door. She then picked her up and pushed her through the window before succumbing to the smoke. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.

If you feel like giving thanks to that special someone in your life with a few scraps of turkey under the table the Louisiana SPCA has some good news: most of the traditional Thanksgiving spread is safe for your pets. Spokesperson Alicia Vial says that comes with one caveat, that you need to serve them the food plain without seasoning or additives…

Cut 3 (12)  “…turkey.”  

For turkey Vial recommends removing any bones or excess fat.

Governor Edwards is at home with just his wife and son at the mansion today, following his request that Louisianans avoid breaking bread with people outside of their immediate family. That’s a far cry from the massive gatherings that used to grace 1001 Capitol Access Road for Thanksgiving…

Cut 6 (12) “..will see that.”

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.” 

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.

While you’re enjoying your feast today the SPCA wants to remind you to not leave cups of alcohol unattended if you have pets in your home. Louisiana SPCA spokesperson Alicia Vial says booze can be a serious threat to your curious pets, and even a little bit can kill a smaller animal.

Cut 4 (08) “…sips.”

For food Vial says most of the Thanksgiving spread is pretty safe in limited quantities so long as you wash or rub any seasoning off of the food before giving to your friend.

Tomorrow’s Black Friday deals aren’t so hot this year. WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says they’ve surveyed all the big sellers and found average savings are only averaging 32 percent, down from 40 percent last year. That being said…

Cut 12 (11) “…out there.”

Governor Edwards is practicing what he preached for Thanksgiving this year and staying home with just his immediate household, not having his usual near 100 person gathering at the Governor’s mansion in an effort to help curb the spread of COVID-19. 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.”

Senator John Kennedy says he’s doing the same, just keeping it to his immediate family, and keeping it low-key…

Cut 11 (11) “…dead.”

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

Modified Phase Two restrictions means 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.”  

Southeast and central Louisiana have 50 to 60 percent chances of rain tomorrow for thanksgiving which could mean outdoor activities need to start being abandoned in those areas. Governor Edwards reiterated his concern that family gatherings for Thanksgiving could be disastrous should everyone be pushed indoors by inclement weather tomorrow.

Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter defends the Edwards Administrations’ decision to move back into a modified Phase Two. Kanter says that’s because 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”  

Most businesses, but not churches or schools, will be capped at 50 percent capacity until at least December 23^rd.

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 they set a modest goal, and blew right past it…

Cut 11 (12) “….**laugh**”

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”

The order will last until at least December 23^rd

The Louisiana Restaurant Association fears these new restrictions will cripple the industry just in time for the holidays. LRA President Stan 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.”

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) “..succsess” 

Hunter says initially they only expected to receive a few hundred birds.

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.”

Phase Two modified 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.

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.”

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, along with a major donation from Houston based Ceva Logistics. The turkeys were distributed last week by the United Way to families who were most in need in the area.