Today the Board of Regents will look at proposed changes to TOPS, as the program is only funded at 70-percent under the governor’s spending plan for next fiscal year…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Southern University is one step closer to going ahead with a plan to launch a medical marijuana operation. Ag Center leaders announced Thursday that they are offering a five-year contract to a single vendor to get things rolling. Southern officials say first it’ll be important to educate the public to remove any negative stereotypes the community may have on how the drug will be used.

The big Mardi Gras weekend has arrived and cities and tows across the state will be celebrating carnival. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says Fat Tuesday is not just popular in New Orleans and Lafayette, central and north Louisiana party too. He was recently the Grand Marshall of the first parade ever in the Rapides Parish town of Ball…:
Cut 7 (10) “celebrations”
CNN reports that more than a million people visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras every year.

While many Louisianans will be celebrating Carnival this weekend, Governor John Bel Edwards is heading to Washington. Communications Director Richard Carbo says another $2 billion is needed for Louisiana to have a full and robust recovery from the Great Flood of 2016…:
Cut 15 (10) “on their feet”
He says the Governor has planned meetings with the Louisiana delegation, the FEMA Administrator and the president himself.