Author: Emily Gautreaux

Louisiana’s New LA GATOR Program Sees Huge Demand in First Year

In honor of last month’s designation as the Month of the Military Child, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) unveiled a new online resource hub called the LA GATOR Program tailored specifically for military families, as per this new release. Developed through a strategic collaboration with Barksdale Air Force Base, this digital platform serves as a centralized support system, designed to help military-connected students and their families more easily navigate Louisiana’s educational landscape.

State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley emphasized that the resource reflects Louisiana’s ongoing commitment to providing equitable access to quality education for all students, especially those whose families serve in the armed forces. He acknowledged that military families face unique obstacles and transitions, and explained that the new hub aims to make the school experience as smooth and welcoming as possible for these students.

The newly launched section of the LDOE’s website consolidates critical tools and information to simplify school transitions for military families. These students often relocate multiple times during their academic careers, and frequent moves can create disruptions in learning, graduation planning, and special education services. The resource hub is intended to minimize these interruptions and offer consistent support as families move into, around, or out of Louisiana.

Colonel Michael Maginness, Installation Commander at Barksdale Air Force Base, expressed his gratitude for the initiative, noting that military families endure challenges inherent to military life, including relocations, deployments, and the emotional toll of service. He stressed the importance of supporting these families through accessible, inclusive, and high-quality educational options. Maginness described the new online tool as a symbol of shared responsibility and a tangible way Louisiana is stepping up to support those who serve. He voiced his confidence that the site would be a valuable asset for families across the state.

The military families resource hub offers several standout features. One of the most impactful is the advance enrollment information, which guides families on how to enroll their children in Louisiana schools even before they arrive in the state. This forward-thinking feature allows for greater continuity in students’ educational journeys.

Another important element is the set of quick links to key resources, including school system directories, details about school choice, graduation pathways, and special education services. These tools are intended to put essential information at families’ fingertips, eliminating the need to search through multiple channels.

The site also includes a spotlight on Louisiana’s Purple Star Schools—a designation awarded to schools that go above and beyond to support military-connected students. These schools have demonstrated a strong commitment to creating a welcoming and understanding environment for students from military families.

Additionally, the hub provides accessible information about the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, a national agreement that helps reduce educational disruption when military families move between states. This compact covers issues like records transfers, enrollment, course placement, and graduation requirements—factors that often pose difficulties during frequent moves.

With over 12,000 military-connected students currently enrolled in Louisiana’s public school system, which spans more than 1,300 schools across 124 school systems, this resource arrives at a critical time. The LDOE’s commitment to these students is clear: provide continuity, reduce barriers, and support academic success.

The LA GATOR Scholarship Program stands as Louisiana’s first education scholarship account (ESA) initiative, offering eligible families access to dedicated scholarship funds that can be used for a broad range of approved educational expenses. These include tuition and fees for nonpublic schools, tutoring sessions, educational therapies, curriculum materials, dual enrollment college courses, and school uniforms. Signed into law by Governor Landry, the program marks a significant expansion of educational freedom and opportunity across the state.

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A No-Fuss Crispy Chicken Dinner Packed With Comfort and Flavor

There are nights when we all crave a meal that feels like a warm hug — something hearty, colorful, and deeply satisfying, but without the hassle of a complicated prep or a pile of dishes. For those evenings, this recipe for One-Skillet Crispy Chicken With Brothy Beans from Food 52  is the answer you’ve been looking for. It’s a dish that manages to deliver layers of flavor, gorgeous textures, and vibrant colors, all with minimal effort. The crispy chicken thighs boast golden, shatteringly crisp skin, while the hearty beans, tender kale, and juicy tomatoes simmer together in a fragrant, savory broth. It’s the kind of meal that instantly lifts your spirits and leaves you feeling nourished and content.

Ingredients:

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 1½ pounds)
  • 2 cups cooked cannellini beans (either homemade or from a 19-ounce can)
  • 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained of their juice
  • 4 cups packed kale, either curly or Tuscan variety
  • 1½ cups chicken stock (homemade or store-bought), plus a little more if needed
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped finely
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon chile flakes, or to your taste
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seed, lightly crushed
  • Zest from 1 lemon, finely grated
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

  1. Start by generously seasoning the chicken thighs with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. In a large 12-inch skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, lay the chicken thighs skin-side down. Let them cook undisturbed, allowing the fat to render and the skin to become deeply golden and deliciously crispy. This can take anywhere from 15 to 25 minutes, depending on your stove. If the skin begins to brown too quickly, simply lower the heat slightly. Once the skin is crisped to perfection, transfer the chicken to a plate, making sure to leave the rendered fat behind in the skillet.
  2. Return the skillet to medium heat and toss in the finely chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about six minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This fond is packed with savory flavor and will enrich the broth beautifully. Stir in the minced garlic, crushed fennel seed, red chile flakes, and lemon zest, letting everything cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Add the chicken stock, kale, cannellini beans, and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Nestle the browned chicken thighs into the skillet, ensuring that the crispy skin remains exposed above the broth. Let everything simmer, uncovered, for another 5 to 10 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F when checked at the thickest point. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.
  4. To serve, spoon a generous helping of the brothy beans and greens into shallow bowls. Top each serving with one of the crispy chicken thighs, either left whole for dramatic presentation or sliced into bite-sized pieces for easier eating. If you like, pair this dish with a chunk of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the flavorful broth.

This One-Skillet Crispy Chicken With Brothy Beans is proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create a deeply satisfying and elegant meal. The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity: rich flavors develop naturally from the careful browning of chicken, aromatic sautéing, and gentle simmering. With just one skillet, a few pantry staples, and a handful of fresh ingredients, you can bring a restaurant-worthy dinner to your table any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or someone you love, this dish is sure to be a repeat favorite.

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Roanoke Island’s Crown Jewel: How to Spend a Weekend in Manteo

Tucked away on Roanoke Island, Manteo, North Carolina, offers an experience that blends natural beauty, history, and small-town charm. As part of the famed Outer Banks—a 120-mile chain of barrier islands stretching from the Virginia border to Ocracoke—Manteo provides a tranquil escape from the high-rise condos and bustling beach towns further up the coast. Though only eight miles long and two miles wide, Roanoke Island leaves a lasting impression, with Manteo as its heart and soul, as evidenced by this travel guide from Southern Living.

Water is at the core of life here, and opportunities to explore it abound. Charter a shrimping and crabbing boat with Risky Business Shrimping & Crabbing Charters, where you can spend half a day casting lines and hauling in fresh catch. These tours run seasonally from June through September and offer a hands-on connection to the area’s maritime heritage.

While Manteo doesn’t offer direct beach access, a quick 10-minute drive transports you to the shores of Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, or Duck. But Manteo’s waterfront is far from lacking. Stroll the scenic boardwalks or wander the historic downtown where quaint, locally owned shops, bookstores, and cafes fill the streets. Stop into Downtown Books for literary browsing, grab a coffee at Charis Coffee Company, or browse the gift collections at Sisters Boutique or Nest.

Lodging in Manteo reflects the town’s quiet elegance. The White Doe Inn provides an upscale bed-and-breakfast experience, with gourmet three-course breakfasts served daily and a peaceful wraparound porch ideal for unwinding. For waterfront views, the Tranquil House Inn and Roanoke Island Inn are excellent choices, offering spacious rooms and scenic decks overlooking Shallowbag Bay.

Nature enthusiasts should plan to spend time in the Elizabethan Gardens, a ten-acre botanical haven designed to evoke the majesty of the Elizabethan era. Wander through the Sunken Garden, admire seasonal blooms, or sit quietly on a bench along the Great Lawn, surrounded by fragrant flora and chirping birds.

Manteo also offers a unique perspective into history through immersive attractions. The North Carolina Aquarium features both indoor and outdoor exhibits, including otters, stingrays, and educational programming on sea turtle conservation at the STAR Center. For an even deeper dive into the past, head to Island Farm, a living-history site where interpreters in 19th-century attire demonstrate blacksmithing, cooking, and early coastal farming.

Across the Manteo Bridge, Roanoke Island Festival Park brings colonial history to life with costumed interpreters and a replica of the Elizabeth II, a ship that carried English settlers to Roanoke Island. This site also hosts one of Manteo’s signature experiences: The Lost Colony play at Waterside Theatre. Running since 1937, this outdoor drama recounts the story of the mysterious disappearance of the 1587 English settlement.

The town’s culinary scene is rooted in tradition and fresh ingredients. Local favorites include Darrell’s Seafood Restaurant, where the menu features long-standing Outer Banks staples, and Stripers, a three-level waterfront spot known for its seafood steamer pots. For casual dining, Poor Richard’s Sandwich Shop serves hearty subs on a back deck with harbor views. Greek cuisine lovers will want to try Olives, a charming taverna offering classics like gyros, spanakopita, and saganaki.

A walk along the docks also leads to the Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse, a charming in-shore lighthouse that resembles a cottage more than a tower. Inside, explore exhibits that highlight maritime history and view an antique Fresnel lens on loan from the U.S. Coast Guard.

Manteo isn’t just a destination—it’s an immersion into the rhythms of coastal life, where history, hospitality, and nature converge. Whether you’re watching dolphins at dawn or stepping into the pages of early American history, this hidden gem on Roanoke Island leaves visitors with a deeper appreciation for North Carolina’s Outer Banks.

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Terrebonne Parish Advances Recovery with $117 Million in Hurricane Ida Relief

In the aftermath of Hurricane Ida and its devastating impact on South Louisiana, Terrebonne Parish was awarded over $117 million in federal relief funds to aid in long-term recovery, as per this article from HoumaToday. This substantial allocation—totaling $117,627,676—came with stipulations: each project had to be formally proposed by the parish and individually approved before any funds could be distributed or spent. Furthermore, all funds must be utilized before the deadline of August 2027.

As of now, 14 out of 28 submitted projects have received the green light. According to Terrebonne Parish Planning and Zoning Director Christopher Polaski, the approval process has moved slower than anticipated, largely due to the high volume of submissions from across Louisiana. He noted that this wasn’t just about Hurricane Ida; previous storms like Laura and Delta have also contributed to the mounting need for recovery initiatives, overwhelming the system that administers these funds.

Among the most ambitious of the approved projects is the development of a small business incubator in downtown Houma. The parish purchased the Whitney Bank building with the intent to convert it into a supportive hub for local entrepreneurs. While the bank continues to rent out the bottom floor, the remainder of the structure will be transformed into incubator space using $1.5 million in recovery funds.

Another major initiative focuses on the restoration of housing and human services offices. The original facility was lost to Ida, and plans are underway to establish a new office under the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program. While the total cost of the project stands at approximately $5 million, about $2 million will come directly from the federal recovery allocation.

To support the region’s vital seafood industry, $3 million has been approved for the second phase of Terrebonne’s seafood aid program. The first phase provided financial assistance for equipment replacement. This next step will fund a comprehensive study to determine the best use of remaining funds, possibly supporting projects like public docks or a cold storage facility equipped with backup power.

Infrastructure repairs and studies make up a significant portion of the approved Hurricane Ida relief projects. A $1.5 million sewage system study will assess both the current infrastructure and the treatment facilities, with the goal of making joint improvements across the system. Parish President Jason Bergeron emphasized that the two components—collection and treatment—must be updated together for any upgrades to be effective.

Another $1.5 million will go toward the replacement of the main 24-inch water line, a critical piece of infrastructure for Terrebonne Parish. Similarly, $3 million has been designated for upgrades along Main Street, aimed at both beautification and traffic calming. This project will align with a road exchange agreement between the parish and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD).

Another environmentally-focused project involves a 4,000-acre stormwater management basin made possible through a land donation by Shell. The basin is designed to hold approximately 1.7 billion gallons of water and will also serve as a space for recreation and wildlife conservation. This project has received $9 million in funding.

On the education and workforce front, Terrebonne Parish is investing in the future with a new aviation program at the Houma-Terrebonne Airport. The parish has already purchased two hangars and is currently recruiting instructors for a program focused on Aviation Maintenance Technician training. This initiative has been granted $5 million.

These approved projects reflect a wide-ranging and multifaceted approach to Terrebonne Parish’s post- Hurricane Ida recovery—spanning infrastructure repair, economic development, environmental stewardship, and cultural revitalization. As the parish continues to submit proposals, more efforts are expected to be funded in the coming months.

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Louisiana Recognizes Top Civics Students with New Diploma Seal

In a move designed to elevate the importance of civic understanding among high school students, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) has introduced a new recognition called the Freedom Framework Diploma Endorsement, per this article from LDOE . Officially approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), this endorsement will be awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional performance in civics education by scoring Mastery or higher on the LEAP 2025 Civics assessment.

Set to take effect in the 2025–2026 school year, the initiative will provide qualifying students with a red, white, and blue honor cord to wear proudly at their graduation ceremony. In addition, a distinctive diploma seal will be added to their high school diplomas, signifying their achievement in the field of civics.

Dr. Cade Brumley, Louisiana’s State Superintendent of Education, emphasized the long-term impact of strong civic education. He explained that a solid foundation in government and U.S. history not only helps students thrive academically but also empowers them to participate meaningfully in civic life. The new diploma endorsement, he added, reflects the state’s growing commitment to reinforcing civics instruction across schools.

Diploma endorsements are specialized recognitions students can earn to highlight academic achievement in particular subject areas. These endorsements appear on high school diplomas and serve to honor students for their dedication, interest, and mastery of a specific discipline. Beyond acknowledging personal accomplishment, endorsements can also strengthen a student’s academic résumé and signal college or career readiness to future institutions or employers.

The new civics endorsement is part of Louisiana’s broader Freedom Framework, which restructured the state’s K–12 social studies standards to offer a more rigorous, detailed, and skill-building curriculum. These updated standards were adopted in 2022 under the leadership of Dr. Brumley and rolled out during the 2023–2024 academic year.

The Freedom Framework aims to tell the full story of American history with a dual focus: honoring the concept of American exceptionalism while acknowledging the nation’s ongoing efforts to form a more just and inclusive society. The standards emphasize landmark moments that shaped the country’s democratic ideals—such as the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation, and the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment.

By organizing historical content in a more logical and chronological manner, the standards are designed to improve students’ understanding of key events and ideas. Moreover, the framework integrates essential academic and civic skills, ensuring that students not only absorb historical facts but also learn to analyze, interpret, and engage with complex social and political issues.

Since the introduction of the Freedom Framework, Louisiana has gained national recognition for its approach to social studies education. The state has even advised others in crafting similarly rigorous and balanced civics standards. According to the LDOE, the Freedom Framework sets a high bar for content precision, narrative clarity, and student skill development, making it one of the most robust civics education models in the country.

By creating the Freedom Framework Diploma Endorsement, Louisiana continues to lead by example. This new recognition not only celebrates individual student achievement but also reaffirms the state’s belief in the value of informed citizenship. As civics education becomes increasingly essential in today’s complex political and social climate, programs like these help prepare the next generation of engaged, knowledgeable Americans. Encouraging students to excel in civics not only promotes academic rigor but also strengthens democracy by fostering a deeper understanding of rights, responsibilities, and the role individuals play in shaping their communities and the nation.

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One-Pot Southern Comfort: Crawfish Boil Chowder Recipe

Nothing says “Southern comfort” quite like a steaming bowl of chowder infused with the flavors of a classic Louisiana crawfish boil. This Crawfish Boil Chowder recipe from Louisiana Cookin brings together everything you love about a backyard seafood boil—spicy sausage, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and succulent crawfish tail meat—and transforms it into a rich, creamy, soul-warming soup. Perfect for a chilly night, a casual get-together, or just a taste of home, this dish captures the heart of Louisiana cooking in every bite.

This chowder recipe calls for traditional ingredients you’d typically find tossed across a newspaper-lined table at a crawfish boil. But instead of serving everything separately, the elements are chopped, simmered, and blended into a velvety, spiced chowder base. The result is a cozy, indulgent bowl with bold flavor and irresistible texture.

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Begin by filling a large stockpot halfway with water and bringing it to a boil over medium-high heat. Stir in the crawfish boil seasoning mix until dissolved. Once the water is seasoned, add the whole onions, potatoes, and sausage links. Allow these to cook for approximately 15 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Next, add the frozen corn and continue boiling for an additional five minutes. Once cooked, drain everything and let the vegetables and sausage cool to a manageable temperature.
  2. Once cool, remove any tough outer layers or root ends from the onions and chop them into bite-size pieces. Slice the corn kernels from the cobs and discard the empty cobs. Cut the potatoes and sausage into bite-sized chunks. Set all of this aside—you’re building the flavor one layer at a time.
  3. In a cast-iron Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour to form a pale golden blond roux. This step is crucial—it thickens the chowder and adds a nutty depth. Slowly pour in the seafood stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once the mixture is smooth, stir in all the prepared vegetables and sausage. Add the heavy cream, bring the mixture to a low simmer, and let it gently cook for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally and monitor the thickness. If it becomes too thick, thin it out with more stock or water. If it remains too loose, you can prepare a quick beurre manié by combining two tablespoons ofsoftened butter with two tablespoons of flour and whisking it into the pot. When the chowder reaches the desired consistency, stir in the crawfish tail meat and let it simmer gently for another 10 minutes. Crawfish doesn’t take long to heat through and will remain tender if not overcooked.
  4. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. Ladle the chowder into bowls and garnish with a whole boiled crawfish and a sprinkle of fresh green onion tops. For the perfect finishing touch, serve with warm, crusty French bread—ideal for soaking up every last drop of that creamy broth.

This Crawfish Boil Chowder offers a delicious twist on a beloved Louisiana tradition. It’s comforting, hearty, and filled with the bold, spicy, and savory flavors that define Southern cooking. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply craving a taste of home, this recipe is sure to warm hearts and fill bellies.

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