Governor Edwards opened up on gubernatorial opponent Eddie Rispone after attending a candidate forum for the second week in a row without an opponent to debate…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

A fire on destroys the Livingston Parish home of a murder suspect that is currently in jail.  The home of Errol Hicks burned down Monday.  Hicks is facing a second-degree murder charge for the September death of Carol Hutchinson.  The State Fire Marshal is investigating the blaze.

Governor Edwards holds a small lead over GOP challenger Eddie Rispone in the latest Nexstar Media Group and JMC Analytics poll. Edwards received 48-percent of the vote, while Rispone had 46-percent. Pollster John Couvillon says six-percent of the respondents are undecided and that means the race will come down to party turnout, not flashy TV ads…
Cut 9 (10)  “…run-off”
Early voting for the November 16th run-off begins Saturday.

Halloween means kids heading door-to-door in search of candy, but for children with autism, they may not be able to verbalize phrases like “Trick-or-treat” or “Happy Halloween,” so the newest trend for those children is carrying blue buckets or pumpkins to bring awareness.  Autism Society Acadiana spokesperson Robin Blackwell says if you are aware that you may encounter autistic visitors, there are some things to take into consideration.
Cut 5 (12) “…say trick-or-treat.”

Trick-or-treaters may be visiting homes with blue bucket pumpkins looking for candy. What does the blue color signify? Kevin Barnhart has the details.

Cut 1 (30) “I”m Kevin Barnhart”

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 JMC Analytics puts the governor’s race at 48 percent for Governor Edwards and 46 percent for Eddie Rispone. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Governor Edwards opened up on gubernatorial opponent Eddie Rispone after attending a candidate forum for the second week in a row without an opponent to debate…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

________________________

Halloween means kids heading door-to-door in search of candy, but for children with autism, they may not be able to verbalize phrases like “Trick-or-treat” or “Happy Halloween,” so the newest trend for those children is carrying blue buckets or pumpkins to bring awareness.  Autism Society Acadiana spokesperson Robin Blackwell says those kids will still be excited to get candy.

Cut 4 (13) “…that child-like quality.”

Blackwell says if you are aware that you may encounter autistic visitors, there are some things to take into consideration.

Cut 5 (12) “…say trick-or-treat.”

Blackwell says not all parents of autistic children are on board with the blue buckets as they feel it singles a child out for special treatment.

Cut 6 (11) “…who they are.”

The CDC estimates that 1 in 57 children are diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum.

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A new run-off poll from JMC Analytics shows Governor Edwards at 48 percent and Eddie Rispone at 46 percent with a little under three weeks until the race is decided.

Pollster John Couvillon says it’s the first time he’s seen Edwards make real progress towards the 50 percent plus one he will need on November 16^th to keep his job.

Cut 7 (10) “mark” 

Edwards has 50 percent of the vote when Edwards leaning voters were reallocated to the Governor.

Rispone is nipping at the Governor’s heels, and just outside of the margin of error to win. Couvillon says the Baton Rouge businessman needs two things to happen to overtake Edwards.

Cut 8 (11) “…crucial”

Abraham endorsed Rispone after the primary, but it’s unclear whether or not the Congressman plans on campaigning for his fellow Republican.

There’s only six percent of voters who remain undecided. Couvillon says that means this race will come down to party turnout, not persuasive and flashy TV ads.

Cut 9 (10)  “…run-off”

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Governor Edwards is rolling out a new line of attack in the governor’s race, prodding Eddie Rispone for declining to attend nearly any candidate forums or other public events with the line “Where’s Eddie?”

Rispone has only agreed to meet face to face for one event in the run-off, the October 30^th LPB debate. Edwards slammed the Republican at Monday’s press club candidate forum for dodging questions.

Cut 10 (11) “…to do”

Since Friday the Rispone campaign has not returned requests for comments, but when questioned at the airport Monday said he’s “been all over this state.”

Edwards says the reason Rispone is dodging the press and refusing to answer questions at public events is that his answers would be unpopular.

cut 11 (10) “…our state.”

The Governor singled out his opponent’s support for repealing the Medicaid expansion, and Rispone’s past support for the state’s voucher program that’s been panned by the Department of Education.

Edwards also doubled down on Rispone’s connection to a controversial GOP mega-donor, saying Rispone takes his cues from his mentor, the “corrupt puppet master Lane Grigsby”.

cut  12 (11) “…of Louisiana.” 

Grigsby was recently embroiled in a quid-pro-quo scandal involving a Baton Rouge Senate race, and was sued in September by the Department of Justice over nearly 800,000 dollars of alleged improperly claimed tax deductions.

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The Saint and Falcons have the most intense rivalry in the NFL, this according to knowrivalry.com, a project of professors from West Carolina and Northern Kentucky Universities. Contributing fans are given 100 points to distribute among teams they believe their team has the biggest beef with. West Carolina Professor David Tyler…

Cut 13 (10) “…highest aggregate score.”

The Falcons fans gave an average or 74 points toward the Saints, and Saints fans gave back 65. Tyler says Saints fans next highest rival is Carolina, a distant second place.

Cut 14 (10) “…nothing terribly meaningful.” 

Tyler says he believes it is the repetition of play that makes a rivalry stand out.

Cut 15 (08) “…to the rivalry.”

The 7-1 Saints are off this week, but return from the bye to face the 1-7 Falcons at the Superdome on November 10.

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After a slow start to the season, LSU’s defense has played much better this month and it’s now ranked as the fourth best defense in the SEC behind Georgia, Missouri and Alabama. The Tigers rank second in rush defense, allowing just 98 yards a game. Safety Jacoby Stevens’ improved play is one reason for the improved defense…

Cut 16  (21)     the year” 

LSU and Alabama are both idle this Saturday. Defensive end Rashard Lawrence says they’ll take the break…

cut 17  (14) “of rest” 

Lawrence likes there chances of winning at Alabama, because of the experience on the team…

cut  18 (14)  man”  

About 67-hundred Entergy customers in southeast Louisiana remain without power as a result of the strong wind gusts from Tropical Storm Olga over the weekend. Entergy spokesperson Lee Sabatini says some of the damaged infrastructure is difficult to get too…
Cut 4 (10) “…transformers in backyards.”
Cleco has about two-thousands without power on the Northshore.

LSU is ranked number one in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time since 2011. The win over Auburn was LSU’s third over a Top 10 team and it convinced voters to rank the Tigers over number two Alabama and number three Ohio State. Assistant Tiger Rag Editor Tyler Nunez says there’s not much separation between the top three teams

Cut 12 (05) “…six voting points” 

The State Fire Marshal and Operation Save a Life are partnering together to put more working smoke alarms in homes to reduce fire fatalities. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the $55-thousand dollar FEMA grant will help several families.
Cut 6 (10) “.use it”.
This year’s current fire fatality count is at 52, which is lower compared to time last year’s count of 60.

Visitation for former ULM President Dwight D. Vines, who died Saturday at age 88, is taking place now until 9pm tonight at First Baptist Church in Calhoun. Vines was at the helm of the university from 1976-1991. University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson remembers Vines as a great example for higher education leaders.
Cut 9 (12)  “…now ULM.”
Under Vines’ leadership, 40 new degree programs were added.

Tropical Storm Olga’s early Saturday morning landfall left at its peak 92,000 Entergy customers without power. Entergy spokesperson Lee Sabatini says they have brought in extra workers to help…

Cut 5 (11) “…restored by tomorrow.

The State Fire Marshal Office’s receives a $55-thousand grant to distribute free smoke alarms to needy families….

Cut 1 (30) “..Brooke Thorington”

 Visitation for former ULM President Dwight D. Vines, who died Saturday at age 88, is today from 5 to 9 pm at First Baptist Church in Calhoun. Under his leadership, 40 new degree programs were added. President of the University of Louisiana System Jim Henderson says Vines still had a presence on the campus in recent years and last year was named President Emeritus.

Cut 10 (08) “…quality of ways.”

Vines was at the helm of the university from 1976-1991. 

LSU is ranked number one in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time since 2011. The win over Auburn was LSU’s third over a Top 10 team and it convinced voters to rank the Tigers over number two Alabama and number three Ohio State. Assistant Tiger Rag Editor Tyler Nunez says Oklahoma’s loss to Kansas State on Saturday helps LSU’s chances of making the college football playoff

Cut 13 (07) “to Alabama.”

Tropical Storm Olga’s early Saturday morning landfall left at its peak 92,000 Entergy customers without power.  Entergy spokesperson Lee Sabatini says 80 miles per hour winds gusts produced incredible damage on the Northshore and Metro New Orleans…

Cut 3 (12)   “…spans of wire.” 

Friends and family members are gathering in Calhoun this evening for visitation for former ULM President Dwight D. Vines, who died Saturday at age 88. Vines was at the helm of the university from 1976-91.  President of the University of Louisiana System Jim Henderson remembers Vines fondly.

Cut 9 (12)  “…now ULM.”

The State Fire Marshal and Operation Save a Life are partnering to put more smoke alarms in homes to reduce fire fatalities. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the $55-thousand-dollar FEMA grant will help 5-thousand families in need because working smoke alarms have been proven to help saves lives.

Cut 8 (12) “…your home.”

To register for a free smoke alarm visit lasfm-dot-org

LSU is now at the helm of the AP top 25 Poll followed by Alabama and Ohio State. With the top three off this Saturday, that likely means LSU will be ranked number one when they visit Tuscaloosa November 9th. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor Tyler Nunez says Oklahoma’s loss to Kansas State helps LSU’s chances of making the playoffs.

Cut 13 (07) “to Alabama.”

University of Louisiana System President Jim Henderson remembers former ULM leader Dwight D. Vines, who died Saturday at age 88.

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”   

The man accused of burning a Pineville nursing home patient has been indicted by a Rapides Parish grand jury. 28-year old Marcus Casson is facing second-degree murder charges now after he was originally arrested for cruelty to the infirm. The victim suffered third-degree burns consistent from scalding liquids and died four months later.

The State Fire Marshal and Operation Save a Life are partnering together to put more working smoke alarms in homes to reduce fire fatalities. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the $55 thousand grant will allow them to purchase five-thousand smoke detectors. Cold morning lows are expected to arrive later this week. Rodrigue reminds users to keep space heaters away from combustibles and never leave them unattended.

Cut 7 (12) “…fire hazard.”

LSU is ranked number one in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time since 2011. The win over Auburn was LSU’s third over a Top 10 team and it convinced voters to rank the Tigers over number two Alabama and number three Ohio State. Assistant Tiger Rag Editor Tyler Nunez says there’s not much separation between the top three teams

Cut 12 (05) “…six voting points” 

Vice President Mike Pence returns to Louisiana today to hold a closed-door fundraiser for Eddie Rispone in Baton Rouge.  Tickets are 5,000 dollars per couple for general access. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s likely the money won’t be headed directly into the Rispone campaign.

Cut 4 (06) “indirectly”

It’ll cost you 15,000 dollars per couple to get the VIP treatment.

Assumption Parish native and Department of Energy Deputy Secretary Dan Brouillette is awaiting Senate confirmation as the nation’s next Energy Secretary. President Trump nominated Brouillette and says his experience is unparalleled. Brouillette says it’s a nomination he does not take lightly.

Cut 7 (08) “the President” 

Brouillette says the department is currently working on advancements in nuclear energy.
The Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge in southwest Louisiana is celebrating 100-years of conservation. Connor Ferrill has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Connor Ferrill”

Former ULM President Dwight D. Vines has died.  Vines was at the helm of the university from 1976-1991.  Visitation will be held today from 5 to 9 pm at First Baptist Church in Calhoun.  Services for Vines are scheduled for 10:30 tomorrow morning at the church, with interment at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetary in Rayville.  Vines was 88 when he died on Saturday.

South Louisiana and the Mississippi River Delta parishes are under a flash flood watch through Saturday afternoon as a Tropical Storm Olga in the Gulf moves towards the Louisiana coast and collides with a cold front.

47-year-old Kevin P. Miles of Pineville is under arrest facing allegations that he impersonated a woman online to solicit explicit photos. Matt Doyle has more…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m  Matt Doyle”   
The man behind the wheel of a Dodge pickup truck that caused an August crash killing two people in a St. Landry Parish is now charged with two counts of negligent homicide.  Trooper Thomas Gossen says this is another reminder for motorists to make smart decisions and not get behind the wheel when inebriated.
Cut 11 (09) “…keep everyone safe.”
35-year-old Lacy Leger of Sunset and her two-year-old daughter were traveling along the I-49 service road when the accident happened, killing both of them.
Former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s project E Pluribus Unum surveyed 800 people across the South for their views on race, with the report finding substantial disparities in how different groups view key issues. The survey found a slight plurality of both black and white respondents do not believe the Civil War was fought over slavery. Landrieu says that’s a sign that more education on the topic is needed.
Cut 8 (06) “…long time.”

Former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s project E Pluribus Unum surveyed 800 people across the South for their views on race, with the report finding substantial disparities in how different groups view key issues.

Respondents were also asked if questions about race relations were getting too much, or too little attention. 50 percent of whites said it’s receiving too much, while 66 percent of blacks say too little.

Cut 7 (09) “…that way.”

69 percent of black respondents also reported they are sometimes, or often discriminated against based on their race.

The man behind the wheel of a Dodge pickup truck that caused an August crash killing two people in a St. Landry Parish is now charged with two counts of negligent homicide.  Trooper Thomas Gossen says 48-year-old Michael Guidry crossed the centerline, striking the victims’ vehicle during early morning hours.

Cut 9 (12) “…for his arrest.”

A Pineville man has been arrested and charged with 250 counts of online impersonation after allegedly posing as a woman on social media sites to solicit sexually explicit photos from women.

46-year-old Kevin P. Miles was booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center. State Police Master Trooper Scott Moreau…

Cut 12 (09) “…users”

South Louisiana and the Mississippi River Delta parishes are under a flash flood watch through Saturday afternoon as a Tropical Depression in the Gulf moves towards the Louisiana coast and collides with a cold front.

The entire state will be impacted by rain today and National Weather Service Forecaster Phil Grigsby says some areas could see heavy downpours…

Cut 5 (10) “…overnight hours”

Second-ranked LSU continues its push for its first-ever college football playoff appearance when they host ninth-ranked Auburn tomorrow. The Tigers are undefeated with already two wins this season against teams from the Top 10. Tigers linebacker Patrick Queen says there is no letting off the gas pedal…

Cut 16  (12)     great game” 

Auburn brings the SEC’s number one rushing attack into Death Valley.

The Pelicans tip-off their home opener tonight at 7 PM against the Mavs. New Orleans is coming off of a tough, but close loss in overtime against the defending champion Raptors in the season opener Tuesday night. Ticket prices have plunged over 15 percent for the game in the last week since news broke that rookie sensation Zion Williamson would not be suiting up for the team, possibly for the rest of the year due to a knee injury.

The Mavs opened their season with a win against the hapless Wizards, where the young, foreign born duo of Kirstaps Porzingis and Luka Doncic combined for 57 points.

The injury report for the Saints week 8 matchup against the Cards Sunday is in. Drew Brees return to action for the first time since week 2 is listed as questionable, along with Alvin Kamara, who missed last week’s win over the Bears. Jared Cook is listed as out. For the Cards, superstar running back David Johnson is listed as questionable after receiving all of one carry last week.

The World Series continues tonight at 7 PM in Washington as the Nationals return home with a 2-0 lead over the Astros. Zach Greinke will take the mound for Houston vs. Washington’s Anibal Sanchez. It’s the first world series game to be hosted in Washington since 1933.

 3-3 Southeastern takes on Houston Baptist tomorrow at 2pm. The Lions have dropped two straight after starting off the season strong, and are 6^th in the Southland.

The 4-3 Southern Jaguars take on 5-2 Alcorn State Saturday at 2pm. Southern is riding a three game winning streak heading into this game against the explosive Braves QB Felix Harper who just hung 324 yards and 5 TDS on Savannah State.

4-4 McNeese takes on 1-6 Stephen F. Austin tomorrow at 3pm, and The Colonels play Abilene Christian at 3PM.

6-1 LA Tech plays 1-5 UTEP tomorrow at 7PM. The Bulldogs haven’t lost a game since dropping their opener to Texas.

5-2 Tulane takes on 5-1 Navy. The Greenwave were in the discussion for a top 25 ranking until getting clobbered last week by Memphis.