Republican state senator Fred Mills from St. Martin Parish is facing backlash today after he casted the tie-breaking vote to kill a bill that would ban gender-affirming healthcare for transgender minors. Mills sided with Democrats to defeat the legislation in Senate Health and Welfare. Louisiana Republican Strategist Lionel Rainey…
cut 6 (09) “…how does this happen”
Rainey says the bill would prevent life altering medical procedures on youth who are confused about their gender identity. But during committee debate, Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau says gender-affirming care has the support of several major medical organizations
cut 16 (12) “….needed therapy”
Opponents of the legislation pointed to studies that show transgender youth are less at risk for depression and suicidal thoughts if they are able to access gender-affirming care.

A bill that would end capital punishment in Louisiana has failed to pass out of the House Criminal Justice Committee. Opposing the bill was 18th Judicial District Attorney Tony Clayton, who says the death penalty still has a place in Louisiana justice… as punishment for the worst of the worst…:
CUT 09(09) “…the death penalty
Louisiana is one of 27 states that still allow capital punishment, but no one has been put to death here since 2010. The measure failed on an eleven to four vote.

Triple-A estimates 42-million people will travel this Memorial Day weekend. Spokesperson Don Redman says today is a good day to make sure your vehicle is ready for the long road trip…
cut 13 (13) “…for help”