Author: Emily Gautreaux

LSU Partnership Positions UNO for a Bold Campus Rebirth

The UNO Lakefront campus, long recognized as a cornerstone of higher education and community engagement in the region, entered a defining moment as it prepared to transition into the LSU System, as per this news release from Louisiana State University. Once home to nearly 17,000 students prior to Hurricane Katrina, the campus’s enrollment had declined to roughly 5,000 students in recent years, prompting an urgent need for fresh investment and renewed strategic direction. Temporary operational stability had been achieved thanks to the Louisiana State Legislature’s allocation of $20 million to the University of Louisiana System during the 2024 legislative session and the efforts of UNO leaders. Still, the spirit of alumni and the strength of the Lakefront community remained steadfast, anchoring hopes for revitalization.

A major milestone will occur on July 1, 2026, when operational oversight of the Lakefront campus officially shifts from the University of Louisiana System to the LSU System. This change signaled far more than a procedural governance update. It represented an opportunity to reimagine the university’s academic mission, rebuild enrollment, and fully activate the value of its remarkable lakefront location. To guide this process, a new transition team composed of alumni, industry specialists, and administrators from both institutions was formed. The group planned to convene on November 5 for a half-day planning session focused on academic priorities, facility improvements, athletics, and community partnerships.

The transition team’s agenda drew inspiration from successful models at LSU Alexandria, LSU Eunice, and LSU Shreveport—campuses that had strengthened enrollment and academic programming by sharing resources across the LSU System and aligning academic offerings with regional workforce needs. Chancellors from these institutions were scheduled to share insights during the planning session, emphasizing strategies that had generated measurable success.

A central focus of the upcoming transition involved reshaping the academic profile of the Lakefront campus to align with Louisiana’s contemporary economic landscape. Proposed enhancements included expanded healthcare education in collaboration with LSU Health, broader engineering pathways that reflect industry demand, and strengthened national-defense and research initiatives leveraging the campus’s unique location. The plan also included growing arts administration programs and elevating hospitality, tourism, and culinary offerings—logical expansions in a city globally renowned for its cultural and gastronomic identity. With New Orleans serving as one of the world’s leading destinations for food, hospitality, and culture, the campus stood well-positioned to become a premier educational hub for these industries.

Athletics also remained a significant part of the UNO Lakefront identity. The transition group included well-known figures such as former head basketball coach Tim Floyd and former athletic director Ron Maestri, both of whom would help ensure that Privateer traditions remained central even as new strategies were introduced. With increased enrollment, intensifying alumni engagement, and collaboration with LSU Athletics, future LSU New Orleans sports programs—such as basketball in the Arena and baseball at Maestri Field—would be poised for competitive and sustainable growth.

Collaboration extended beyond campus boundaries. Leaders from sectors such as tourism, healthcare, technology, real estate, maritime industries, national defense, and finance were expected to provide guidance throughout the transition. Their support aimed to strengthen economic mobility, expand career opportunities, and position the Lakefront campus as an engine for regional growth.

Ultimately, the shift into the LSU System represented more than a structural realignment. It symbolized the renewal of the original vision for the LSU New Orleans Lakefront campus: a thriving, world-class institution where students could innovate, discover, and prepare for meaningful futures. As the transition unfolded, one message echoed clearly—New Orleans deserved a flagship institution fully aligned with its culture, its industries, and its aspirations.

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Four Years of Progress Highlight Statewide Academic Improvement

The Louisiana Department of Education released its 2024–2025 School and District Performance Scores, marking the fourth consecutive year of statewide academic improvement. Students across the state reached their highest overall rating since the creation of the current 150-point accountability model. The announcement reflected a statewide commitment to instructional quality, with educators and families contributing to sustained academic progress. As summarized from the remarks of State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley, the multiyear gains demonstrated the potential unlocked when schools remain focused on strong instruction and targeted academic outcomes.

Louisiana’s overall statewide score for 2025 reached 80.9, representing an academic improvement and increase of more than five points since 2021 and nearly one point above last year’s rating. All index areas either improved or held steady, indicating widespread progress. Individual School and District Performance Scores were posted publicly through the LDOE data portal, allowing families and educators to examine local results. The Department also released a statewide list recognizing top-performing school systems and campuses for both growth and achievement. Together, these results demonstrated progress across Louisiana’s K-12 education system and across school types, including elementary, middle, and high schools.

This year’s letter-grade distribution also reflected meaningful momentum and academic improvement. Statewide, 21% of schools earned an A, 31% earned a B, and 32% received a C. Only 12% of schools were rated D campuses, and 4% received an F. Elementary and middle schools showed substantial improvement, with 44% earning an A or B. High schools demonstrated even stronger performance, with 70% earning one of the top two letter grades. These gains aligned with ongoing initiatives across Louisiana public schools to strengthen curriculum pathways, expand targeted interventions, and improve instructional supports for educators.

The release also marked the final year of performance scores calculated under the state’s outgoing accountability formula. The existing model has often been viewed as outdated, overly complex, and misaligned with the expectations needed for true career and college readiness. Next year, the state will introduce its redesigned system—Grow. Achieve. Thrive.—which raises expectations, clarifies measures, and places more emphasis on whether students graduate prepared for a career, college, or military service. Schools and districts will receive ratings through a streamlined scorecard centered on three major expectations: Grow, meaning students make meaningful academic progress each year; Achieve, meaning students reach proficiency in core subjects; and Thrive, meaning students graduate on time and prepared for postsecondary pathways.

To support schools ahead of this shift, the LDOE also released simulated 2025 performance scores using the Grow. Achieve. Thrive. model. These simulations were not official results but served as a preview of how the new accountability structure may impact future ratings. Early feedback from districts indicated that the clearer design and increased alignment with readiness expectations would help schools guide long-term planning more effectively.

Alongside K–12 results, the Department published the 2025 Early Childhood Performance Profiles, which applied to publicly funded early learning centers across the state. This included child care centers, Early Head Start/Head Start programs, and school-based pre-K sites. Each location received a rating based on rigorous classroom observations focused on instructional quality, educator-child interactions, and overall learning environments. Community networks responsible for early childhood coordination also received separate performance profiles reflecting system-level quality across Louisiana.

The statewide early childhood rating rose to 5.54, marking a 0.05 increase from the previous year. More than 95% of early childhood sites were rated Proficient or higher, with 73% receiving High Proficient or Excellent status. Community networks showed similar success, with 95% earning top-tier ratings. Additionally, all observation domains increased statewide, reflecting continued improvement across instructional, emotional, and organizational practices. Notably, early language support for infants and toddlers—from birth to age two—met the benchmark for high-quality practice for the first time, as measured within the Engaged Support for Learning domain.

The release of the 2024–2025 performance data underscored steady, statewide growth and signaled the beginning of a new era in Louisiana’s accountability approach. With four consecutive years of rising scores and a redesigned model ahead, Louisiana schools are positioned to continue strengthening academic outcomes and supporting long-term student success.

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Exploring Brisbane: Culture, Coastlines, and Contemporary Style

Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is a subtropical city known for its warm climate, riverfront lifestyle, and rapidly growing cultural identity, as per this travel guide from Travel + Leisure. Long considered a gateway to the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, the city now stands confidently on its own, offering a mix of world-class dining, modern architecture, outdoor experiences, and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. With major attractions, vibrant neighborhoods, and significant momentum leading up to the 2032 Olympic Games, Brisbane continues to establish itself as one of Australia’s most compelling urban destinations.

Today, Brisbane ranks among Australia’s fastest-evolving capitals, fueled by a wave of innovative dining, new cultural investments, and the global spotlight brought by Bluey and the countdown to the 2032 Olympic Games. Chefs return from Sydney and Melbourne to build their own culinary identities, local designers shape fresh creative precincts, and major infrastructure projects redefine the skyline.

At the center of this reawakening is The Calile Hotel, an architectural landmark lined with palms, breezeways, and cream-toned curves. Designed by Richards and Spence, the hotel stands as both a lifestyle hub and a symbol of Brisbane’s new direction. Its presence anchors James Street—the city’s most influential retail and dining precinct—where boutiques, restaurants, and cultural programming shape one of the city’s strongest creative identities.

Travelers seeking accommodations with personality can look to Miss Midgley’s, a restored 1860s schoolhouse in New Farm that now hosts five thoughtfully designed suites. Each space blends heritage brickwork with modern comforts, including full kitchens, plunge pools, and garden-facing rooms perfect for extended stays. For a panoramic alternative,Emporium Hotel South Bank offers Brisbane River views from its infinity pool and immediate access to the city’s cultural zone.

Nearby, the elegant Spicers Balfour Hotel channels traditional Queenslander architecture—wide verandas, timber details, and leafy perspectives. The property sits close to Balfour Kitchen & Bar, where Vietnamese-inspired dishes highlight the region’s fresh produce and tropical climate.

Travelers looking for immersive experiences turn to Bluey’s World, an interactive recreation of the Heeler family home filled with music, games, and charming set pieces from the hit Brisbane-born series. Wildlife enthusiasts find a quintessential Australian experience at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s oldest and largest koala refuge, located just outside the city.

Across the river, South Bank showcases Brisbane’s subtropical lifestyle—jacaranda-lined walkways, parklands, and striking views of the city skyline. Here, visitors explore QAGOMA, home to international exhibitions and one of the nation’s most significant collections of Indigenous art.

Sports remain central to the city’s culture. Brisbane supports multiple major teams, including the Broncos, Reds, andLions, who play at the energetic Suncorp Stadium. Game days bring the city to life, with crowds moving throughCaxton Street toward kickoff.

For shopping and dining, the James Street precinct remains unmatched. Boutiques such as Camargue, Samantha Ogilvie, and P. Johnson sit alongside design-forward Australian brands like Zimmermann, Venroy, and Dinosaur Designs. Restaurants including Gerard’s Bistro, Same Same, and Biànca ensure the area stays lively from morning into late evening.

Beyond the city limits, Brisbane serves as a gateway to stunning natural escapes. Moreton Island offers shipwreck snorkeling, sand tobogganing, and dolphin encounters just 75 minutes offshore. Nearby, North Stradbroke Island—known as “Straddie”—promises surf breaks, freshwater lakes, and relaxed coastal towns. To the south, the Gold Coast shines with high-rise beachfronts and world-renowned surf, while Noosa lures travelers with national park walks and crystal-clear bays.

Brisbane’s best season runs from April to October, when humidity eases and outdoor festivals fill the city. Highlights include the Brisbane Festival each September, major sporting events, and art programs that animate the riverfront and cultural precincts.

With its subtropical climate, bold architecture, natural escapes, and a rapidly developing culinary and creative scene,Brisbane emerges as a city fully stepping into its moment. Whether explored for a weekend or used as a launching point for Queensland’s coast, it offers a rewarding mix of culture, design, and relaxed urban energy.

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Grand Isle Oyster Revival Marks Its Strongest Year Since the 1980s

The oyster industry in Grand Isle reached a remarkable milestone in 2025, celebrating its most successful harvest season since the early 1980s. After decades of environmental challenges that reshaped the coastal landscape, innovative aquafarming strategies and renewed regional collaboration helped restore the island’s reputation as one of Louisiana’s most storied seafood producers, according to this article from HoumaToday. The resurgence also coincided with the rise of Grand Isle Jewels, a unified brand designed to elevate visibility, strengthen distribution, and showcase the distinct flavor profiles cultivated in the island’s waters.

This coastal turnaround gained statewide attention, particularly because of its impact on the broader seafood sector. According to the Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission, Louisiana’s seafood industry contributed more than $2.4 billion annually to the state’s economy. Prior to the highly successful launch of the Grand Isle Jewels brand, JEDCO President and CEO Jerry Bologna emphasized the importance of this revival for both cultural and economic growth. He noted that the cooperative branding effort supported the ongoing work to diversify local business opportunities, strengthen cultural ties, and promote Louisiana’s celebrated culinary resources.

The Grand Isle Jewels initiative officially debuted in April, establishing a collective identity similar to geographic designations associated with well-known specialty foods across the United States. The umbrella brand represented every off-bottom oyster grown in Grand Isle, including producers such as Barataria Beauties, Bayside Oysters, Bright Side Oyster Co., BooZoo Oyster Co., Island Oyster Co., Lady Nellie, Little Moon, Silver Spoon Oysters, Go Fish, and Top Water Oyster Co.. This shared approach boosted recognition not only within Louisiana but also among national buyers eager for premium Gulf Coast seafood.

Throughout the holiday season, Grand Isle Jewels farmers opened multiple pickup locations for residents across South Louisiana and beyond. Sites were available in Grand Isle, New Orleans, Lafayette, and St. Rose, ensuring that customers could enjoy freshly harvested oysters as part of their seasonal gatherings. Home delivery routes extended from Baton Rouge to the Florida Panhandle, offering convenient access to the region’s signature briny harvest. Customers could find full pickup schedules, delivery routes, and ordering details on the official Grand Isle Jewels website.

The cooperative also expanded its restaurant partnerships across the Southeastern United States and into Texas, supported by a growing distribution network made possible through Inland Foods, one of the nation’s major specialty seafood suppliers. The increased visibility led to widespread national interest. Prior to the successful broad distribution of the brand, Kirk Curole, owner of Bayside Oysters, shared that inquiries began arriving from Alaska, New England,California, and many other coastal regions, all eager to feature Grand Isle Jewels on their menus. He expressed pride in helping restore the island’s historical reputation as a home for some of the best-tasting oysters in the world.

At the heart of this revival were the modern off-bottom farming practices now widely used across Grand Isle Jewels farms. Unlike traditional dredging techniques, these methods suspended oysters in floating cages just beneath the water’s surface. The cages, filled with hundreds of thousands of robust larvae known as seeds, remained protected yet fully exposed to the rich natural food sources that drifted through the island’s waters. This approach allowed the oysters to develop in an environment shaped by both marine and estuarine influences, a trait made possible by the unique mix of water flowing through Grand Isle Aquapark.

The restoration of Grand Isle’s oyster industry illustrated how coastal innovation, community partnerships, and targeted branding could restore a historic sector once threatened by environmental decline. Through this renewed momentum, Louisiana’s seafood legacy continued to flourish, allowing a new generation of consumers to experience the flavors that had defined the region for decades.

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Gulf Shrimp Jalapeño Bites with Buttermilk Dip

Smoky appetizers hold a long-standing place in gatherings across the South, and these Shrimp Jalapeño Bites from LouisianaCookin bring together several ingredients closely associated with Louisiana culinary traditions. The combination of seafood, creamy cheese, and crisp bacon results in a bold starter that blends comfort with heat. By pairing fresh jalapeño halves with a savory shrimp filling, this recipe elevates the familiar popper into something richer and more distinctive—particularly when served alongside a cool Buttermilk–Green Onion Dip. This appetizer echoes flavors often celebrated in coastal communities such as Houma and Lafayette, where shrimp and peppers appear frequently in local cooking.

Ingredients for Shrimp Jalapeno Bites:

Directions for Shrimp Jalapeno Bites

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the prepared sheet.
  3. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the bacon is partially cooked but still flexible. Transfer slices to paper towels to drain.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, minced green onion, and garlic, stirring until smooth.
  5. Fold in the chopped shrimp and Monterey Jack until the mixture is evenly blended.
  6. Spoon the filling into each jalapeño half. Wrap a piece of bacon around each filled pepper and secure with wooden picks.
  7. Heat a grill pan over medium heat. Place the poppers on the pan, turning as needed, until all sides are golden and the centers are heated through, 5 to 7 minutes.
  8. To prepare the dip: stir together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup finely chopped green onion, ¼ cup sour cream, ¼ cup buttermilk, and ½ teaspoon Creole seasoning. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use, up to 4 days.
  9. Serve warm with the Buttermilk–Green Onion Dip.
  10. Garnish with additional sliced green onion, if desired.

Shrimp Jalapeño Poppers pair well with a variety of Southern-inspired dishes that balance heat, smokiness, and creaminess. Classic staples such as Cajun Dirty Rice or smothered potatoes complement the poppers’ bold flavor and add hearty texture to the plate. For a fresh, crisp contrast, many cooks opt for chilled sides like Creole coleslaw or a simple tomato-cucumber salad, which helps offset the richness of the cheese and bacon. Skillet cornbread, a staple across the South and commonly associated with food traditions in Acadiana, is another popular pairing, offering a neutral but flavorful base.

For gatherings or tailgate-style spreads, these poppers also work well beside grilled favorites such as Andouille sausage, marinated chicken thighs, or charred vegetables. Their smoky profile blends easily with other items prepared on a grill pan or outdoor pit. Serving them alongside roasted corn, red beans, or crisp okra fries adds variety while keeping with Louisiana-leaning flavors. With the cooling Buttermilk–Green Onion Dip on the plate, these combinations create a balanced menu that fits both casual events and larger parties.

These Shrimp Jalapeño Poppers bring together signature elements of Gulf Coast cooking—fresh shrimp, creamy cheese, and smoky bacon—into an appetizer that stands out for its balance of flavor and texture. The grilled exterior provides char and crispness, while the rich interior blends seafood and heat in a way closely tied to Louisiana culinary traditions. When paired with the Buttermilk–Green Onion Dip, the dish offers harmony between spice and coolness, making it a strong addition to cookouts, game-day gatherings, or any menu celebrating bold Southern flavors.

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UL Lafayette Apprentices Gain Real-World Construction Insight

Developed through a collaboration between the UL Lafayette College of Engineering and the University’s Office of Facility Management, the initiative, Engineering Structured Apprenticeship Program, known as ESAP, has been structured to bridge academic study with hands-on project experience. By the close of November, the partnership will welcome ten selected students who will begin working on active improvement and building projects unfolding across the University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus, as per this news release. While Facility Management teams gain additional support for ongoing construction needs, the arrangement simultaneously strengthens the preparation of future construction leaders.

As explained by Dr. Ahmed Khattab, dean of the College of Engineering at UL Lafayette, the collaboration has been designed to immerse students in the construction process from the client’s perspective. He noted that this vantage point allows participants to better understand how decisions are made, how expectations are communicated, and how project goals evolve over time. In summarizing his remarks, the program’s purpose centers on helping students cultivate professional awareness and managerial confidence that will ultimately make them more effective construction managers after graduation. Through intentional design, ESAP offers a multifaceted learning environment that integrates classroom knowledge with supervised, real-world application.

This new initiative intertwines academic coursework, documented work experience, and opportunities to earn professional certifications. Together, these components strengthen one another, creating a structured route toward industry readiness. Each participant receives guidance from both an academic advisor within the College of Engineering and an assigned industry mentor connected to the Office of Facility Management. The program’s framework ensures that students are not only completing tasks but also understanding how their work contributes to broader goals such as safety, scheduling, compliance, and overall planning for campus development at UL Lafayette.

One of the central advantages of ESAP is the opportunity for construction management students to work side-by-side with Facility Management personnel on major projects. These are not simulated assignments; they are real, ongoing construction initiatives that shape the landscape and functionality of the University. This exposure helps students see how large-scale undertakings are conceived, organized, and managed by the project owner—knowledge that is crucial for navigating the expectations and challenges that often arise in professional construction environments. The experience also offers early insight into quality assurance, workflow coordination, and communication protocols that guide effective project delivery.

According to Scott Hebert, director for Facility Management, the apprenticeship brings a distinct competitive edge to student participants. He emphasized that graduates emerge from the program with a strong blend of technical skill, applied experience, and customer-oriented understanding. Summarizing his comments, graduates are better positioned to perform confidently in their first roles because they have already interacted with real clients, responded to authentic project constraints, and recognized firsthand the importance of aligning construction processes with organizational goals. The combination of these elements sets ESAP participants apart as emerging professionals ready to contribute immediately to the construction sector.

Beyond building technical proficiency, the Engineering Structured Apprenticeship Program reinforces the broader purpose of experiential education. Students are placed in environments where their academic studies can be tested and expanded. They also gain first exposure to industry credentials, learn how to interpret construction documentation, and participate in decision-making discussions that mirror those found within professional contracting firms. The careful blend of mentorship, coursework, and applied learning strengthens the pipeline of future contractorsand project managers who will take on leadership roles in shaping contemporary infrastructure.

The program reflects an institutional commitment to developing a knowledgeable, practice-ready workforce. As apprentices contribute to evolving improvements across campus, they simultaneously influence the future of the University’s built environment. Those seeking more information about the structure of the apprenticeship or upcoming opportunities may reach out to Dr. Sharon LaHood, coordinator of the construction management program.

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