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”

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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 arrives in Baton Rouge this afternoon for a fundraiser to benefit Republican gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone.
cut 1 (29) “….I’m Matt Doyle”

Many LSU and Saints fans are in a good mood today. The Black and Gold won their sixth straight yesterday as they defeated Arizona 31-9. Drew Brees returned from a five-week absence to throw three TD passes. And LSU is ranked number one in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time 2011. Alabama is second and the Tigers and Tide meet a week from Saturday.

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. 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.

Thousands are still waiting for the electricity to come back on in southeast Louisiana. Strong winds from Tropical Storm Olga knocked out the power in the New Orleans metro area and on the north shore. Entergy spokesperson Lee Sabatini says extra workers have been brought in….
cut 5 (11) “…by tomorrow”

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.

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.

The AP ranks LSU football number one for the first time since 2011. The Tigers beat Auburn 23-20 on Saturday as running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire rushed for 136 yards and one TD. The Baton Rouge product told running backs coach Tommie Robinson he would not be denied…
cut 17 (11) “….it happen”
Both LSU and Alabama are 8-and-0 and they will face each other a week from Saturday in Tuscaloosa.

A big fundraiser takes place today in Baton Rouge for GOP Gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone and the featured guest is Vice President Mike Pence. Rispone spent millions of his own money to get his campaign off the ground and political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says now that he is in the run-off, the Baton Rouge businessman can count on donations…
cut 5 (09) “…Pence”
Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards will appear today at the Baton Rouge Press Club.

The Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge in southwest Louisiana is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Scooter Trosclair with the state department of wildlife and fisheries says the 70-thousand acres of coastal land is a haven for wildlife, bird and fish species. Trosclair says important research also took place there in the 50s, 60s and 70s to protect the American alligator…
cut 14 (12) “….endangered species list”

Nine in ten workers admit they’ve gone into the office when suffering from a cold or the flu. Matt Doyle has the story…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Tropical Storm Olga early Saturday morning landfall left about 93,000 Entergy customers without power. Entergy spokesperson Lee Sabatini…
Cut 3 (12) “…spans of wire.”

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.

Vice President Mike Pence will arrive in Baton Rouge later today for a fundraiser to benefit Republican gubernatorial candidate Eddie Rispone. Matt Doyle has more…
cut 1 (29) “….I’m Matt Doyle”

Many LSU and Saints fans are in a good mood this morning. The Black and Gold won their sixth straight yesterday as they defeated Arizona 31-9. Drew Brees returned from a five-week absence to throw three TD passes. And LSU is ranked number one in the AP Top 25 poll for the first time 2011. Alabama is second and the Tigers and Tide meet a week from Saturday.

Research from Accountemps finds that 90-percent of workers admit to coming into the office with cold or flu symptoms. And 33-percent of the respondents say they always go to work even when under the weather. Carrie Lewis with Robert Half in New Orleans says if you’re sick, see if you can do your work from home, so you don’t get your co-workers sick…
cut 12 (10) “….all-arounnd”
The survey questioned 2,800 workers in 28 cities around the country.

The Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge turns 100 years old this year. It’s long been a haven for wildlife, birds and fisch species. But Scooter Trosclair says this Louisiana treasurer faces a threat from coastal land loss…
cut 15 (11) “…15-thousand acres”
Trosclair says the refuge has received 33 million dollars in grant funding to help strengthen shoreline protection.