Presidential race still tied with six days to go: Reuters/Ipsos poll – According to a poll, the presidential race is virtually tied as of Thursday. President Barack Obama has 47 percent of likely voters and his opponent Mitt Romney follows with 46 percent. Reuters

Crime down in first six months of 2012, FDLE says – The crime statistics for Florida counties has been released for the first half of 2012. Crime has declined in Daytona Beach and but rose in Orlando, Kissimmee and Leesburg. The Orlando Sentinel

Mitt Romney’s campaign airing ad in Florida tying Obama to Hugo Chavez, Fidel Castro’s niece – Mitt Romney’s campaign has started a Spanish-language ad in Florida that claims Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez would support president Obama. The spot features Chavez saying that if he were American he would vote for Obama. The Washington Post

Ex-Penn State president charged in Sandusky case – Former Penn State President Graham Spanier has been charged in the Jerry Sandusky case. He had previously told a grand jury that he was not aware of a university police investigation of the coach. USA Today

Storm-crippled NYC stirs back to life but gridlock persists – The New York City subway system began running Thursday for the first time since Hurricane Sandy. Police, in terms of traffic, are enforcing mandatory carpool systems. CBS News