BY DOUG GRAHAM | Staff writer Better start: When students returned to East Baton Rouge public schools last year, a litany of problems — including a shortage of drivers, a bevy of broken-down buses, and routing software that did not work — plagued the transportation system. A lot of time and money has been spent to avoid a repeat of that face-plant. On Thursday, things got off to a better start for the district and new Superintendent LaMont Cole, with officials reporting minimal problems. Read about Cole's big day. Real ID deadline: Officials say U.S. Transportation Security Administration agents will begin requiring Louisiana residents traveling by plane to have a Real ID beginning May 7 next year. Roughly 25% of the state's 4 million drivers have already obtained a Real ID, and officials hope to avoid a last-minute crush of residents at local OMV offices. Find out what you need to apply for a Real ID. Big day: Columnist Scott Rabalais says Thursday was an interesting day to be an American in Paris, as the Olympic Games saw some monumental efforts on the track and the basketball court. Read his take on the action. | 