By the numbers: A record number of Louisiana public high school graduates have reached the benchmarks required to obtain TOPS, the state education department says. More than 19,200 students who graduated in 2017 were eligible for a TOPS award, up from nearly 18,400 a year earlier. Fifty-two percent of last year’s graduating class qualified for TOPS, the first class in state history to have more than half its graduates reach that standard. The Associated Press has the full story.
Age debate: Louisianans will continue to be able to buy assault weapons before they can buy alcohol, lawmakers decided Tuesday. Senators rejected the proposal to ban the sale of assault rifles to people under the age of 21 by a vote of 26-9. State law currently allows assault weapons to be sold to anyone 18 or older. Democratic Sen. Troy Carter framed his bill as a common-sense gun restriction in the wake of mass shootings like the February massacre at Parkland, Florida, high school. The Associated Press has the full story.
The final word: Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan will not run for re-election, his office has confirmed, injecting another layer of uncertainty as Republicans face worries over losing their majority in the fall. Ryan, 48, announced his plans at a closed-door meeting of House Republicans this morning, some of those present tell The Associated Press. His tone was somber, and he read directly from prepared remarks. Ryan will serve out his term and retire in January. Among those whose names are being floated as Ryan’s possible replacement as House Speaker are House Majority Leader McCarthy of California and House Majority Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana. Read the full story.
