As part of National Hurricane Preparedness Week, Governor John Bel Edwards, his staff, and several other officials held a press conference to signal the state’s ramp up with hurricane season less than a month away. Edwards says that state agencies will do everything that they can to ensure a strong storm response, but we all must do our part as well…:

CUT 07(12)      “…natural disaster.”

For help in putting your plan together and up-to-date information throughout hurricane season, visit getagameplan.org.

A bill seeking to ban using a handheld cellphone while driving fails to pass on the House floor. Among those opposed to the measure was Plaquemine Rep. Chad Brown, who questions how cops can reliably tell your holding your cellphone, as opposed to something else…:

CUT 05(09)      “…that’s my point.”

The bill fell short of the 53 votes needed to pass.

A Natchitoches woman, accused of the 2018 burning death of her baby boy, was taken a plea deal. Prosecutors say Hannah Barker pled guilty to manslaughter of a child under 10 and conspiracy to commit child murder. She’ll serve about 30 years. Barker’s girlfriend, who actually killed the infant, has already been convicted and will be sentenced later this year.

The proposed transgender athletes ban moves forward. Already passed in the Senate and advanced out of a House committee today, the bill drew opposition from many. Here’s Louisiana Trans Advocates spokesperson Peyton Michelle…:

CUT 10(10)      “…that need attention.”

A female athlete testified FOR the bill; saying she got a concussion on the field; courtesy of a biological male competing as a woman. The bill now moves to the House floor for what could be final passage.