The US Department of Education sent a letter to all school systems today directing them to grant specific rights to all children based on their gender identity — or face the loss of federal funds. Conservatives are outraged including Alto congressman Ralph Abraham…:
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But Equality Louisiana says this step is necessary to protect the vulnerable transgender population.

A Rapides Parish man who was allegedly soliciting money he claimed was for a sick child with cancer has been arrested after Alexandria residents reported suspicious activity to the sheriff’s office. Authorities say they discovered 48-year-old Charles Leon Lowery was a convicted sex offender and that none of his children were sick. He is charged with two counts of Cheating and Swindling due to the unlawful solicitation of money and one count Failure to Register as Sex Offender.

A 17-year-old girl from northwest Louisiana participates in two graduation ceremonies today. Azariya McClendon will get her Associates Degree from Bossier Parish Community College this afternoon, then this evening she’ll get her diploma from Ringgold High School. McClendon says she has big academic aspirations after her double graduation…:
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McClendon is the first student in her parish to earn two diplomas at the same time.