1:30 PM Newscast

Governor Edwards says the state is ramping up COVID testing capacity with the goal of being able to perform 200,000 tests in a month by May. The Governor says to meet that number, the state is trying not to have to rely so much on importing testing supplies.

Cut 10 (10) “…so forth”

Edwards says the minimum testing capacity needed to enter Phase One of reopening the economy is 140-150,000 tests a month.

The NFL held the first round of it’s “Virtual Draft” last night and the Saints grabbed a highly regarded interior lineman, while a school-record five LSU Tigers were drafted in the 1st round. At 24 the Saints grabbed Michigan big man Caesar Ruiz. NFL Analyst Mike Detillier says linebacker was a more pressing need, but the center was the best interior lineman in the draft.

Cut 12 (09) “…contract”

 

Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo says the Easter Sunday tornado that swept through the city carried paperwork from the Masur Museum in Monroe into a Mississippi town 138 miles away.  Mayo says someone found it and mailed it back.Mayo says that wasn’t the only act of kindness as a Monroe, New Jersey resident anonymously mailed the city a $100 donation after hearing of the tornado’s impact on the town.  Mayo read a letter from the donor.

Cut 7 (13) “…and rebuilding lives.”

The money will be used at a local food bank.

The Dean Lee Research Center in Alexandria will need to be rebuilt after taking direct hit from a tornado on Wednesday night. LSU AgCenter Central Region Director Tara Smith says thankfully the LSU-Alexandria campus did not suffer any major damage and no injuries were reported. She says the mega-shelter that the state uses during hurricanes also took a direct hit

Cut 4 (07)_ “…fairly unharmed”