North America’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards Bring Culinary Spotlight to New Orleans

BREC Highlights Progress, Tax Renewal and City-Brooks Park Vision

BREC leaders discussed the June 27 tax renewal, stressing it will not raise taxes and will help fund park maintenance and programs. They highlighted improvements made over the past year, including upgrades at Liberty Lagoon, Farr Park, and internal operations. The conversation also focused on the City-Brooks Community Park Master Plan, where two concepts were presented to nearly 300 residents for feedback. Officials said community input will help shape the park's future while BREC continues efforts to improve transparency, recreation opportunities, and public engagement.

LSU Athletic Director Verge Ausberry Shares Leadership Lessons Rooted in Family, Faith and Education

LSU Athletic Director Verge Ausberry joined Betsy Barnes for a conversation about leadership, family and the future of LSU athletics. Ausberry shared how his parents, both educators, shaped his values and taught him the importance of treating people with respect. He reflected on his decades at LSU, including his experience as a player, administrator and now athletic director. Ausberry emphasized that leadership starts with integrity, transparency and collaboration. The discussion also covered the changing landscape of college sports, including NIL, the transfer portal and revenue sharing. Ausberry said LSU must continue adapting while keeping student-athletes at the center of every decision. He highlighted mental health as a key priority and stressed the importance of helping athletes succeed long after their playing days are over. For young people who hope to attend LSU, Ausberry encouraged them to focus on academics, develop leadership skills and seek out mentors who can help guide their journey.

Louisiana Author Carrie Simon Brings Faith-Based Film to National Audience

Louisiana author and filmmaker Carrie Simon discussed her new faith-based film, Life Is My Choice, which recently wrapped production and is headed for a national release. The movie explores the impact of an unplanned pregnancy through multiple characters and focuses on themes of hope, redemption, fatherhood, and personal responsibility. Simon said the film aims to humanize the issue rather than preach to audiences. Actor and filmmaker Kevin Sorbo joined the project after seeing an earlier version at a film festival. Simon also highlighted Louisiana's film industry and her ongoing work advocating for vulnerable children through storytelling and nonprofit efforts.

Foodie Friday: Envie Smokehouse

On this Foodie Friday episode, Baton Rouge pitmaster Nick Cormier of Envie Smokehouse joins the show to talk about the craft behind his in-demand barbecue and the pop-up scene that’s taken the city by storm. After selling out night after night at Mercy Fair, Cormier explains how his backyard hobby turned into a must-try local food experience.

Southern University, ExxonMobil Launch Carbon STEM Summer Camp to Inspire Future Scientists

A new Carbon STEM Summer Camp is giving Baton Rouge-area students hands-on exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers through a partnership between Southern University and ExxonMobil. The program features collaboration between Mike Butler, Public and Governmental Affairs Manager for ExxonMobil Pipeline, and Dr. Francesca Mellieon-Williams, Associate Dean of Student Affairs for the College of Science and Engineering at Southern University. Together, they are helping students connect classroom learning with real-world applications.