18:30 LRN Newscast October 19

The Louisiana Department of Health believes jambalaya contaminated with salmonella resulted in 49 cases of gastrointestinal illnes in Caldwell Parish. Thirty-one people have been hospitalized. Doctor David Holcombe, with the state office of public health, says one person who showed symptoms associated with Salmonella poisioning died, but it’s still unclear if that is the cause of his death…
cut 4 (11) “….seven days”
Holcombe says 300 plates of this contaminated jambalaya were served at a charity softball event and more cases are still possible.

Organized Greek activities at LSU are not allowed to have alcohol at their functions until at least January. That’s the decision of LSU President F King Alexander, who last week decided to allow Greek organiziations to have on-campus social events with alcohol. But after receiving cornerning reports, he’s reversed that decision.

NOAA’s long-range outlook calls for a warmer and drier winter for Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s been warm and dry for much of October, so it looks like that trend will continue…
cut 10 (11) “…bode well”
Another cold front is approaching Louisiana and there’s a good chance for rain this weekend and high temperatures will fall into the 70s on Monday.

Dr. Craig Greene will be sworn in next week as the Public Service Commissioner who will represent the Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Houma areas. Greene, who has never held political office before, explained why he ran for the position.
Cut 12 (10) “problem solving”
Greene says the biggest challenge facing the P-S-C is getting energy at the cheapest rate possible.