Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards and his Republican challenger Eddie Rispone went after each other last night in the only debate before the November 16th election. Rispone says the state’s economy has been horrible with Edwards as governor…
cut 28 (05) “…50th”
But Edwards says employment numbers from the Trump administration shows Louisiana’s economy is outpacing the south…
cut 29 (06) “….repeatedly”
Early voting begins Saturday.

Families will need to bundle up for trick or treating tonight. Aaron Davis with the National Weather Service says temperatures will be in the mid 40s in north Louisiana and low 50s in south Louisiana during trick or treat times and it will also be windy…
cut 12 (06) “…as well”

Matt Doyle spoke with State Police about how to make sure your kids stay safe during tonight’s chilly trick-or-treating…
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

And nutritionist Althea Zanecosky recommends filling your child up with chocolate milk before they go trick or treating. Zanecosky says chocolate milk is better for you than eating a bunch of candy bars…
cut 5 (11) “….chocolate”

The only debate before the November 16th election was a spirited one last night. Right out of the gate, there was a heated discussion between Governor John Bel Edwards and Eddie Rispone on Medicaid expansion. Rispone previously proposed freezing enrollment in an effort to tackle some of the program’s issues…
cut 7 (10) “….dollars and cents”
Governor Edwards says a freeze to enrollment would result in 300,000 people losing healthcare.
cut 8 (10) “…an actual repeal”
The night also saw the two argue over criminal justice reform, job creation, infrastructure, and taxes. And Edwards attacked Rispone’s lack of interest in holding any other debates, while Rispone says he’s busy campaigning around the state.

It will be a chilly night for trick-or-treating. National Weather Service Shreveport Meteorologist Aaron Davis says temperatures tonight will be about 20 degrees colder than what we’ve been used to over the past week.
Cut 11 (09) “time.”
And we are looking at a cold Friday morning. The northern half of the state is under a freeze warning tomorrow morning from 3 AM to 9 AM and a frost advisory is in effect from midnight until 8 AM.

State Police is providing families with some tips to keep your kids safe for trick-or-treating. Trooper Taylor Scrantz says kids should wear wristbands with your cellphone number just in case they get lost and make sure they are visible to drivers…
Cut 14 (11) “…location”
And Scrantz says motorists should use caution and drive slowly through residential areas and intersections leading to neighborhoods.

It was a feisty debate between Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards and Republican challenger Eddie Rispone. Rispone told viewers last night his background as a businessman would lead to more jobs, lower taxes and he’ll find ways to put more money towards roads. Edwards says that’s great, but Rispone’s proposals lack details and he’s not willing to discuss them…
cut 9 (10) “…comes jobs”
This is the only scheduled debate before the November 16th election. Edwards said they could have debated on Monday at the Baton Rouge Press Club, which starts at 12:00, several hours before Vice President Mike Pence arrived in the Bayou State. But Rispone responded with this…
cut 10 (09) “…to even think that’
Early voting for the November 16th election begins Saturday.

A nutritionist recommends serving your kids a glass of chocolate milk before trick or treating…
Cut 1 (28) “I”m Brooke Thorington”

And you’ll need to bundle up for trick or treating as we are looking at a chilly afternoon and cold night. In fact, the National Weather Service has issued a freeze warning tomorrow morning for the northern half of the state, while southwest Louisiana is under a frost advisory. National Weather Service Meteorologist Aaron Davis says the first freeze is about two weeks ahead of schedule…
cut 13 (11) “…work”

In the only debate leading up to the November 16th gubernatorial runoff, the candidates packed in plenty of fireworks. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (45) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A registered dietician says parents should consider serving children chocolate milk before trick or treating tonight. Althea Zanecosky says chocolate milk is rich in nutrients and a cup of low-fat chocolate milk contains only two teaspoons of sugar compared to almost eight teaspoons in a candy bar. And she says after drinking milk, your child would have less space for candy…
cut 6 (10) “…every day

State Police is advising families that children should only trick or treat in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets. Trooper Taylor Scrantz says parents can find accurate information regarding the presence of sex offenders and predators in their neighborhoods…
cut 15 (10) “…,org”
Scrantz says if you find out a sex offender is attending a costume party or giving out candy where children are present, notify local law enforcement.

A nutritionist recommends serving your kids a glass of chocolate milk before heading out to trick or treat.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I”m Brooke Thorington”

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There may be only one debate leading up to the November 16th gubernatorial runoff, but the candidates packed in plenty of fireworks. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (45) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Matt Doyle spoke with State Police about how to make sure your kids stay safe during tonight’s chilly trick-or-treating…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________

Nutritionist Althea Zanecosky recommends giving your kids a glass of chocolate milk before trick-or-treating.  Zanecosky says trick-or-treating can be a sport, one that involves heavy lifting of stuffed candy bags for two to three hours. To make sure your kid is prepared, give them something nutritious.

Cut 4 (11) “can use.”

You might be surprised to hear someone tell you to have some chocolate before you spend the night collecting chocolate, but Zanecosky says there’s a big difference between a bar and a glass…

Cut 5 (11) “…candy”

The average glass of chocolate milk has two teaspoons of sugar, where the average bar packs eight.

Zanecosky says filling your kids stomach with heathy chocolate milk means less space for candy bars, and adds that opens up an opportunity for education…

Cut 6 (10) “…every day”

____________________

The only debate scheduled prior to the gubernatorial debate was a spirited one and took place last night.  Right out of the gate, the discussion between Governor John Bel Edwards and Eddie Rispone put the focus on Medicaid expansion.  Rispone has previously proposed freezing enrollment in an effort to tackle some of the program’s issues.

Cut 7 (10) “…dollars and cents.” 

Governor Edwards says a freeze to enrollment would result in 300,000 people losing healthcare.

Cut 8 (10) “…an actual repeal”

The night also saw the two argue over criminal justice reform, job creation, infrastructure, and taxes.  Edwards attacked Rispone’s lack of interest in holding any other debates.

Cut 9 (09)  “…comes to jobs.”

Edwards specifically targeted Ripsone’s no-showing of the Baton Rouge Press Club this week, but Ripsone says he had bigger guests in town later that afternoon.

Cut 10 (09) “…to even think that.”

Early voting for the run-off begins Saturday.  The run-off Election Day is November 16^th.

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It’s going to be a chilly night of trick-or-treating for families across the state.

Nation Weather Service Shreveport Meteorologist Aaron Davis says tonight temperatures will be about 20 degrees lower than we’ve been used to over the past week.

Cut 11 (09) “time.”

Davis cautions parents to bundle up their kids, or put on a few extra layers under those costumes tonight. He says it’ll be incredibly windy, and that will exacerbate the already low temperatures.

Cut  12 (06) “as well.” 

And those frigid temperatures will continue into Friday morning. Davis says the season’s first freeze is set to come about two weeks ahead of schedule…

Cut 13 (11) “…work.”

_____________________________

State Police has some tips to keep your kids safe as you head out into the cold tonight for some trick-or-treating.

To start, Trooper Taylor Scrantz says make your kids wear wristbands with your cellphone number just in case they get lost and make sure they are visible to drivers…

Cut 14 (11) “…location” 

He also recommends planning your route along well-lit streets on sidewalks.

For parents who are concerned about the possibility of their child getting abducted, Scrantz recommends dropping by State Police’s website for a list of local offenders…

Cut 15 (10) “…tab on LSP.org”

Internet Explorer or Safari is recommended for those hoping to access the registry of offenders.

Scrantz also does not recommend allowing your kids to eat from candy that has already been opened. He says before allowing your children to chow down on chocolate, check the bag…

Cut 16  (09)    there” 

Scrantz also advises parents not allow their children to go out tonight without a guardian.

__________________________

ULM returns from a bye week to host Arkansas State for homecoming Saturday. The Warhawks are 3-and-4 overall, two and one in the Sun Belt West Division and tied with the Ragin Cajuns for first place. ULM Coach Matt Viator says he’s still waiting to see his team play a complete game…

cut 17  (11) “soon” 

Viator says Saturday is a big game for his team…

cut  18 (18)  “west side”  

The Red Wolves have won nine straight over the Warhawks. On Offense, Arkansas State is led by Omar Bayless, who has 60 catches in eight games. Viator says the Red Wolves receivers are impressive…

cut 19 (12)   “really incredible”   

State Police releases a report detailing concerns by a counselor in 2014 that former Livingston Parish SWAT Commander Dennis Perkins was engaging in “grooming” with a young girl that would prep her for future abuse. Perkins and his wife were arrested last week on numerous child sex crimes charges, and Perkins has been fired from LPSO.

Livingston Sheriff Jason Ard spoke earlier in the day before the new revelations came out, defending his office’s decision to retain Perkins in 2013 after a Baton Rouge officer personally reported inappropriate conduct against his step-daughter outlined in the State Police report. Ard blamed the BR cop for coming to him personally instead of filing a paper report, and deflected blame for Perkins’ continued employment to other groups as well…

Cut 4 (11) “…years ago”

The Sheriff says there are no reports of incidents or allegations against Perkins’ in his official file.

Four contractors are expected to submit bids by Friday with their plans on how to clear the site of the Hard Rock Hotel collapse. New Orleans Fire Chief Tim McConnell says the responsibility of taking down the building is on the property owner, but the city has been hands-on with the analysis of the demolition plans.

Cut 7 (09) “…an active investigation.”

The building collapsed on October 12^th, killing three and injuring numerous others.

LSU will likely be the number one team in the Associated Press Top 25 poll when they visit second-ranked Alabama on November ninth. But Coach Ed Orgeron says they are not paying attention to the current rankings.

Cut 9 (11)  “…towards that”

The hype is just starting to build on this potential number one versus number two match-up.

Livingston Sheriff Jason Ard defends his decision to employ Dennis Perkins, who is in jail on sex crime charges. Matt Doyle reports Ard had a combative press conference with reporters today about an incident that happened with another child in 2013…

Cut 1 (30) “…Matt Doyle”

The Alabama Fan who poisoned the iconic Auburn University trees and Louisiana resident Harvey Updyke was a no show in court today. Updyke who lives in Albany, Louisiana was due in Lee County, Alabama for failure to pay restitution. Updyke posted on his facebook page that he was taking a bus from Louisiana to Alabama on Tuesday to appear in court and he was expected to be jailed. He has only paid $6,900 of the court-ordered $800-thousand.

LSU will likely be the number one team in the Associated Press Top 25 poll when they visit second-ranked Alabama on November ninth. Last year, Alabama shutout LSU in Tiger Stadium. But Nick Saban says the Tigers are completely different offense…

Cut 12 (11) “…at it” 

The nation’s report card indicates Louisiana has made the more improvements than any other state in 8^th grade math. Eighth graders were ranked 48^th for math. State Superintendent of Education John White says among the challenges to tackle in Louisiana is attracting STEM teachers to the education field.

Cut 14 (11) “…to the classroom.”

However among ACT scores in the state fell from 45^th to 49^th.

Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard addresses reporters about the arrest of his former SWAT commander Dennis Perkins. Perkins and his wife are in jail on child sex crime charges. A Baton Rouge TV station has uncovered a 2013 incident involving alleging improper behavior by Perkins against a Baton Rouge officer’s step-child. Ard says he blames the BR cop for not filing an official complaint.
Cut 3 (10)   “investigation.” Four contractors are expected to submit bids by Friday with their plans on how to clear the site of the Hard Rock Hotel collapse.  New Orleans Fire Chief Tim McConnell says an exact timeline on demolition is unclear.

Cut 6 (10) “…every single day.”

The nation’s report card indicates Louisiana has made the more improvements than any other state in 8^th grade math. However, the state dropped from 45^th to 49^th on the ACT, Louisiana is one of 15 states requiring all high school students to take the ACT and ranked 13^th among those, only ahead of Mississippi and Nevada. State Superintendent of Education John White says those results are a letdown.

Cut 15 (11) “…better next year.”

The number one ranked LSU Tigers will play the second-ranked Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa on November 9^th. Alabama Coach Nick Saban says Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will be a game-time decision after undergoing surgery last week to correct a high ankle sprain. Saban says he’s well aware of the challenge LSU presents

Cut 11 (12) “successful.”

Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard speaks publicly, defending his decision to keep SWAT Commander Dennis Perkins on staff. Perkins and his wife are accused of sex crimes involving children. WBRZ uncovered a 2011 restraining order filed against Perkins over allegedly using his LPSO vehicle to stalk someone. Ard says they have no record of it.

Cut 5 (11) “by that”

WBRZ reports the restraining order was stamped received.

Four contractors are expected to submit bids by Friday with plans on how to clear the site of the Hard Rock Hotel collapse.  New Orleans Fire Chief Tim McConnell says public safety priority, but there is still a focus on how to recover the two bodies that remain inside the structure.

Cut 8 (10) “…about doing that.”

According to the nation’s report card, Louisiana has seen more improvement in eighth-grade math than any other state. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”   

A Monroe man is charged with seven counts of assisting escape and accessory after the fact in the escape of seven men from the Richland Parish Detention Center.  38-year old Trevor Toney is accused of helping seven inmates during their escape to Ouachita Parish on Monday. Investigators say Toney helped the inmates force their way out of the facility and then paid for a hotel room for them. All seven have been booked in the Ouachita Correctional Center as fugitives from justice.

Livingston Sheriff Jason Ard defends his decision to employ Dennis Perkins, who is in jail on sex crime charges. Matt Doyle reports Ard had a combative press conference with reporters today about an incident that happened with another child in 2013…
Cut 1 (30) “…Matt Doyle”

The other big story is tonight’s gubernatorial debate between John Bel Edwards and his Republican challenger Eddie Rispone. It will air on Louisiana Public Broadcasting at seven P-M. Early voting for the November 16th election begins Saturday.

The nation’s report card ranks Louisiana between 44th and 49th in math and reading assessments. However, the report shows the state has made more improvement than any other state in 8th-grade math. State Superintendent of Education John White says the findings indicate the state is turning around.
Cut 13 (12) “…answer is yes.”
Despite the improvement, eighth graders are still ranked 48th in the country.

In New Orleans, engineers are still trying to determine the best path towards bringing down the partially collapsed Hard Rock Hotel construction site. New Orleans Fire Chief Tim McConnell says the city has been hands-on with the analysis of the demolition plans…
cut 7 (09) “…active investigation”