A bill is heading to the governor’s desk that will ensure that all TOPS students get at least part of their award if the program is not fully funded. Jennings Senator Blade Morrish says under the current law if TOPS is underfunded, it becomes a needs/merit based hybrid. He says it isn’t fair to eliminate students with a 21 ACT score before those with a 32, because they both earned it.
Over 50-thousand Louisiana students are eligible for a TOPS award.
State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson told the House Transportation Committee that Louisiana may need toll roads to pay for highway construction projects. During the discussion, Wilson says tolls will only work on roads with heavy volume.
The number of traffic fatalities increased substantially from last year over the Memorial Day Weekend, according to State Police. Trooper Jesse LaGrange says they investigated 9 fatal wrecks, which resulted in 14 deaths. He says this is a sharp rise from last year’s 7 traffic related fatalities and it’s because of a lack of personal responsibility.
LaGrange says over 100 suspected drunk drivers were arrested over the long weekend.
LSU’s live mascot Mike VI has made the first step in his cancer treatment process, getting a CT scan to assess the tumor in his face. Ginger Guttner with the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine says Mike will be treated at the Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center in Baton Rouge, and the center will cover the cost of his treatment. But she says there will be other expenses associated with his care, and people can make donations.