 BY DOUG GRAHAM | Staff writer East Baton Rouge Parish Superintendent Sito Narcisse announced Friday he plans to depart from the school district after accepting a voluntary buyout. A special meeting has been called for Monday to accept the resignation and to select an interim superintendent to replace him. The details of the buyout were not released.
The Louisiana Legislature gave final approval Friday to a bill that transitions some political races to closed party primaries. Gov. Jeff Landy had made closed primaries in most races a political priority heading into the special session, but ultimately lawmakers in the Senate instead opted to keep statewide, legislative and some judicial races open to all voters. The measure won't take effect until 2026. Also: Lawmakers approve congressional map, adding new majority-Black district
The USS Kidd will leave for a shipyard in Houma this spring for a much-needed makeover. The World War II destroyer has been a constant presence in downtown Baton Rouge since 1982. The vessel will be gone for at least a year. | 
