Governor John Bel Edwards gave the commencement address at LSU today, as the school is handing out a record 4,163 degrees. Edwards says this class also sets records for diversity…:
Cut 9 (11) “47 states”
The class of 2017 had more TOPS recipients than any other class in the history of the scholarship program.

A statewide poll released by Southern Media and Opinion Research finds 54-percent of the respondents think state government’s problems are primarily caused by too much spending, and 67-percent believe any tax imposed on businesses would be passed on to customers…
cut 26 (11) “…much difference”
That’s pollster Bernie Pinsonat.

An Avoyelles Parish man is behind bars following a standoff with officers that ended with the suspect shooting at the cops. State Trooper Scott Moreau says Brandon Carpenter barricaded himself inside a residence in Moreauville, and during negotiations, fired at officers injuring three of them. He says Carpenter was taken into custody around 7:30 last night.
Cut 4 (12) “maybe likely”
KALB-TV reports that Carpenter is an Army veteran who suffers from PTSD.

Thousands remain without power in southeast Louisiana after a quick but severe storm line moved through the area. The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched town in Baton Rouge early this morning.