Politics

Three bills targeting the LGBTQ+ community are heading to Gov. John Bel Edwards' desk after amended versions passed in Senate and House this week.

• "Don't Say Gay": The so-called "Don't Say Gay" bill (House Bill 466) prohibits discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation in K-12 public schools.
• Health care: House Bill 648 bans gender-affirming health care, such as hormone treatments or puberty-blocking drugs, to anyone younger than 18.
• Pronouns: House Bill 81, called the "Given Name Act" by its author, restricts students' preferred names and pronouns.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell is heading to South Korea this week to participate in the 2023 World Climate Industry Expo.

Driving the news: Cantrell's international travel in the past has sparked criticism that eventually led to her repaying nearly $29,000 for upgrades, such as first-class airfare to France.

The city of New Orleans is adding to its collection of online tools to help you find answers on things important to your neighborhood, from road construction to when your block’s catch basin was cleaned last.

Why it matters: No one likes to sit on hold or be transferred to five different departments. The online tools make it easy to find information on your own terms.

Louisiana representatives on Tuesday passed a "Don't Say Gay" bill, advancing it to the Senate with a vote of 67-28.

Driving the news: House Bill 466 prohibits K-12 public school employees from teaching or discussing sexual orientation or gender identity in the classroom.

The national book ban debate is encroaching on New Orleans, with Jefferson Parish Library and St. Tammany Library leaders both now reviewing books after complaints were made about LGTBQ+ content and other titles.

Why it matters: The New Orleans Public Library has so far not been targeted by efforts seen elsewhere in the state to ban or restrict books, library officials tell Axios.