Ed Helms is an Atlanta native that has surged to comedic popularity with roles on "The Office" and in the blockbuster film "The Hangover."  Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney goes off on a phone caller from Spartanburg.  Also, on this date in history an attempted assassination of President Harry Truman happened in 1950.

John Grisham has the sequel to "The Firm" atop the New York Times' best-sellers list: "The Exchange." We hear from the Southern writer that has sold more than 400 million books throughout his 30-plus year writing career. Halloween provides "Toccopola Storyteller" Jerry Short a chance to reflect on scary, creepy true tales of yesteryear.  Also, what's going on with Gov. Ron DeSantis' slipping numbers as Iowa's Republican caucus is just over two months away?

Cold weather, including freezing temps, arrive for many Southern states this week. Vice President Kamala Harris confidently stated that she and President Biden will win 2024's race when appearing Sunday on "60 Minutes."  We tell you about the minor league hockey team Savannah Ghost Pirates and their sparkling new Enmarket Arena.  Plus, a tasty recipe for Southern-styled pickled pigs' feet.

Van Zant, consisting of Southern rock brother Johnny and Donnie Van Zant, have recorded the Gov. Ron DeSantis-inspired tune, "Sweet Florida."  On this date in history, The Pinckney Treaty was signed, which established Spanish Florida's border with a then-fledgling United States.  Paul Hare updates the latest from Wall Street.  And we have plenty of food items to talk about today: onion loaf, collard greens, and hog head cheese.

A mass shooting in Maine takes the lives of at least 18.  Louisiana's Mike Johnson gets unanimous support from Republicans in Congress, as he becomes House Speaker on Wednesday. Keifer Engles examines Saturday's Florida-Georgia game in Jacksonville, and the region's big FCS contests. Also, info on the Arkansas Scottish Festival, the Maryland Crabcake Festival, and Brew Fest in Jackson, Tennessee.

Minnie Pearl was born on this date in 1912.  We hear a clip of the late comedienne at the Grand Ole Opry as part of our humor spotlight. Louisiana congressman Mike Johnson appears to be on track for being voted in as the 56th House Speaker.  And, the Arizona Diamondbacks prevail in the NLCS to advance to the World Series, where the Texas Rangers await. 

Jesus Christ is invoked as Donald Trump talked about the House Speaker chaos while filing campaign paperwork Monday in New Hampshire.  Patty Loveless and Tanya Tucker are among the new inductees in the Country Music Hall of Fame.  The Texas Rangers are headed to the World Series after capturing the American League pennant with a big win over Houston.  And, "Toccopola Storyteller" Jerry Short drops by to educate us on walnuts.

Nine Republican members of Congress have put their names in the hat for possible House Speaker replacements.  The son of Nashville's police chief shoots two police officers in La Vergne, Tennessee – then escapes.  Football greats share birthdays today: John Heisman, Bruiser Kinard, Doug Flutie, and Nick Bosa. Also, SouthernHalloweenQueen.com is a great place to visit in the days leading up to October 31.

Sidney Powell pleads guilty to her 2020 election case in Georgia.  How will this affect President Trump's legal battle?  Chicken bogs, hot tamales and the Southern Festival of Books are among the things up for celebration this weekend across Dixie.  Also, Keifer Engles, "The Pigskin Prognosticator," returns to preview Alabama-Tennessee, Air Force-Navy, South Carolina-Missouri, and more.

Coleslaw is a common buddy with seafood.  We find out why – plus share a recipe for "South Carolina Slaw."  Flannery O'Connor and a Memphis-themed restaurant in Ohio are part of the social media madness. Plus, President Biden is in Israel visiting the war-torn country's leaders.