The big discussion today at the Capitol will be centered around the TOPS scholarship program. A bill by Kenner Representative Julie Stokes would make students pay back TOPS money if they drop out or fail. She says lawmakers will look at an amendment so student would not be penalized if they are able to graduate later…:
Cut 8 (06) “a loan”
Another bill would raise the GPA requirements to retain the scholarship once a recipient is in college.

A rally in support of legislation to have 17-year-olds charged as juveniles rather than adults takes place on the State Capitol steps today. Meg Garvey with the Youth Justice Coalition says 17-year-old in the juvenile justice system could help kids get back on the right track, as studies show convicted teens are 34 percent less likely to re-offend….:
cut 12 (09) “in life”
Governor John Bel Edwards is expected to speak at the rally.

Congressman Ralph Abraham of Richland Parish is in Cuba today where he’s hoping to make Louisiana a trade partner once the US lifts the embargo. He says right now Cuba is getting their rice and other imported goods from Vietnam and Taiwan:
Cut 5 (10) “the globe”
Abraham says it’s time to empower the Cuban people and help their economy grow. He says beef, poultry, corn, and soybeans will hopefully follow shortly after they secure a deal to send Louisiana rice to Cuba.

The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office says a pedestrian was struck by a train in Calhoun Tuesday evening, and suffered fatal injuries. They identify the victim only has a young female juvenile that lives in the area. The accident is currently under investigation and no further details are being released at this time.