The state senate is expected to vote this week on a new contingency plan, if the state is unable to fully fund TOPS. Currently, if the scholarship program is underfunded, TOPS students with lower ACT scores and without financial need, lose their scholarships. Jennings Senator Blade Morrish seeks to change it, so all TOPS students receive at least some scholarship money…:
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TOPS is expected to cost the state 300-million dollars next fiscal year.

Former-St. Tammany Parish District Attorney, Walter Reed, federal corruption trial begins today at a US courthouse in New Orleans today. Reed faces 19 counts of conspiracy, money laundering, and fraud. Legal analyst Tim Meche says Reed could spend a lot of time behind bars if convicted…:
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Reed allegedly spent over $100-thousand from his campaign fund for non-campaign related purchases.

Nicholls State launches a lecture series tonight that’s designed to encourage females to pursue a career as a chef. Jeff Palermo has the story..:
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Governor John Bel Edwards is set to speak before the Senate Health and Welfare committee today on Medicaid expansion. Later today, his office says Mr. Edwards will record an interview for HBO’s “VICE” regarding higher education in Louisiana.