 BY DOUG GRAHAM | Staff writer New direction: East Baton Rouge Parish schools Superintendent LaMont Cole plans to sift through possible candidates to take over the district's two IDEA charter schools, which announced last week they would close at the end of the school year. Cole says he wants someone the take over operation of IDEA Bridge and IDEA Innovation for next school year, the final one in IDEA's three-year deal. Beyond that, he is keeping his options open. See what this could mean for students.
Bad actions: The U.S. Department of Justice released a report Thursday detailing abuses by Louisiana State Police, including the use of excessive force, often unjustifiably using Tasers and escalating minor incidents with people who do not pose a threat. The report did acknowledge ongoing reforms put in place by State Police. But is says more needs to be done. Read more about the findings.
Restore and protect: Louisiana's coastal agency has set its annual proposal of flood protection and restoration plans, which includes a total of 133 projects stretching across coastal Louisiana with a total price tag of $1.8 billion in the next fiscal year. See some of the biggest projects included in the plan. | 
