Students who had the GPA, but were a few points shy of qualifying for TOPS in high school could get another shot at the scholarship under a bill almost to the governor’s desk. The legislation would allow students who scored at least a 17 on the ACT, but have a 3.2 GPA after two years in college to collect TOPS. New Orleans Senator Wesley Bishop:
cut 8 (09) “go on”
The bill would affect 47 current Louisiana college students.

A toddler in Jeanerette suffered second-degree burns to her body in a house fire that investigators believe was caused by a charging cell phone left in a bed. Ashley Rodrigue, with the State Fire Marshal’s office, says electronic devices should always be properly ventilated when charging…
cut 6 (08) “….unfortunate fire”

A pair of medical marijuana bills are nearing final passage. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

The Department of Corrections says Angola guards thwarted an attempt by an inmate who tried to escape. Authorities say Kristopher Schoeni, who has been serving a life sentence since 2000 out of Calcasieu Parish for aggravated rape, ran away from the farm line, shots were fired, but he was eventually tackled by officers.