There’s talk among higher education officials about more changes to TOPS. Higher Ed Commissioner Joe Rallo says they’re considering raising the hourly requirement for the scholarship from 24 credits per year to 30 to encourage students to graduate more quickly. He says TOPS only covers 8 semesters.

Cut 6 (11) “extra year”

Rallo says this would mean students would have to take either 15 credits per semester or 6 additional hours during the summer.

Now former-Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Charlie Melancon, says Governor John Bel Edwards is forcing him out of his cabinet position. Melancon told the AP he was asked to leave the office but wasn’t given a reason. The resignation comes just months after auditors identified financial problems in the department. Governor Edwards says it’s time to move the agency in a different direction.

Forecasters say a cold front is heading towards the state. Andy Tingler, with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles, says there’s a slight chance we could see severe weather in the Monroe and Alexandria areas along with a portion of south Louisiana.

Cut 4 (04) “a potential”

Tingler says the cold air will stick around for a couple of days, at least through Tuesday.

According to United Health Foundation, Louisiana is no longer the least healthy state in the country, as the Bayou State has moved up one spot to number 49. State Health Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee says the state still has high rates infant mortality and obesity.

Cut 9 (12) “in Medicaid”

Mississippi was the only state found to be less healthy than Louisiana.