BY DOUG GRAHAM | Staff writer Rankings released Wednesday show that West Feliciana Parish is now the highest-performing school district in Louisiana. It took the top spot, with former No. 1 Zachary schools falling to fifth place. Districts from the Baton Rouge region occupy five of the top 10 spots in the state. Meanwhile, East Baton Rouge Parish, the second-largest traditional school district in Louisiana, earned a C grade. Get a closer look at the numbers. Also: Public schools got their 2024 letter grades. See how yours did. With Facebook's parent company pitching a multibillion-dollar data center in northern Louisiana, Entergy is asking state regulators to approve construction of three new gas power plants at a cost of at least $3.2 billion, in addition to other generation resources. Members of the Public Service Commission voiced support for the project, eying the jobs and economic transformation it could bring to the area, which struggles with high rates of poverty. Read more about what Entergy wants. Gov. Jeff Landry has been working behind the scenes to ensure that the state Senate approves a sales tax hike Thursday in what will be a crucial vote to advance his complicated tax plan. If senators approve Landry’s proposals, he will need the House to follow suit, perhaps as early as late Thursday. Read about the latest developments at the state Capitol. | 