LSUS debaters experience luck o' the Irish during European tour
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Three LSUS debaters recently returned from the 28th annual Montgomery Cup in Europe. During the 14-day debate and cultural exchange tour, the students visited Ireland, Wales and England.
LSUS students Micah Robinson, Addison Jacobsen and Emily Dowd competed alongside the University of Central Missouri, the organizers of the tour. The teams debated at the University of Cork, Trinity University, University College of Dublin and Cardiff University on the tour.
'The (Montgomery Cup) debate style is different than what we normally do, but these kids enjoyed getting to compete and the anxiety with learning a new style,' said LSUS debate coach A.J. Edwards, who has participated in three Montgomery Cups as a coach. 'But by the end, we were commenting how quickly they took to it.'
Robinson and Jacobsen logged a tournament win and a second place in four debates. Dowd also debated her way to win in a different event that didn't have a tournament structure.
'Debate over there is an extracurricular activity, but it's taught throughout their schools from the time they are young,' Edwards continued. 'Some of our kids have only been debating for two years, so to step in and hold your own against kids who have been doing it their whole lives, that's pretty remarkable and tells you the talent we have.'
Shreveport firefighters learn life-saving extrication skills
The students visited cultural sites in Cork, Dublin, Cardiff and London, including Blarney Castle, repository of the Book of Kell (ancient text that first proclaimed the Gospel to the Irish more than 2,000 years ago), the Tower of London, and Westminster Abbey. They also took in a little theatre in London.
'The craziest thing was that the highlight of the entire trip might be driving through the countryside in Wales,' Edwards said. 'The interstate was shut down, and we took the charter bus the back way to Cardiff, which took 6.5 hours instead of three. But the kids were in awe of how pretty the scenery was, and they talked about it for two days after.'
Debate team members said they couldn't have made the trip without support from the LSUS administration, the LSUS Foundation and the Noel Foundation, which provide financial support as well as logistical support for classes missed during the trip.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Yahoo
Meet What's New with Florida's Historic Coast's New Amenities
2025 brings new flights, fresh bites, and an endless list of hot things to do. Hastings farming heritage is celebrated in new mural Newly reconstructed Fort Mose St. Augustine, FL, June 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Florida's Historic Coast is the place to stay and play this summer and into the Fall with tons of new amenities and adventures to elevate any trip. New Places to StayNow under construction, the AC Hotel St. Augustine by Marriott, situated on the San Sebastian River in St. Augustine's Historic District, is bringing a thoughtful perspective on luxury. Slated to open this fall, the new space features 142 guest rooms, 1,500 square feet of meeting space, a lounge serving cocktails and a curated menu, the latest in integrated technology, and a 65-slip marina. Nestled in the heart of St. Augustine's historic district, guests at Yalhalla at Griffin Estate, a meticulously restored rental property offers a blend of modern comfort and old-world elegance, featuring a private pool, spa and fire pit, pool table, bar, 4 king suites, and more. Yallaha at Griffin Estate is perfect as a destination for wedding parties and large families looking for luxury enjoy easy access to iconic landmarks, vibrant dining, and shopping. Fresh BitesRagga Surf Cafe has brought its laid-back beach vibe to the San Sebastian Riverfront on Riberia Street. It has fresh, scratch-made breakfast and lunch specialties served alongside specialty coffee drinks. The Floridian, a pioneer in St. Augustine's farm-to-table movement, will lose its doors in the Historic District to bring two new wild ideas to life: Bea's Fine Foods + All Day Café and Jefe's Fish Wagon. Both will be located on Anastasia Blvd. and are set to open Summer of 2025. Bea's Fine Food + All Day Café is named after co-owner/chef Genie McNally's grandmother, Bea's will be a fun, fresh, and inventive take on some of her favorite things. Jefe's Fish Wagon will feature fully customizable burritos and sandwiches served up from the brand-new food truck. Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen is now home to Executive Chef Donald 'Don' Green, whose extensive banquet experience will elevate the Renaissance St. Augustine Historic Downtown's event and meeting spaces. Meehan's Irish Pub + Seafood House announced that homegrown Chef Corey Brown will helm the traditional Irish scratch kitchen. Lynda's at the Ocean Club Restaurant, part of the newly renovated Ponte Vedra Ocean Club, hired Chef Luis Abbey, previously at the Westin Resort in Jekyll Island, GA. Michael's is now open in its new coastal location at the Hyatt Place Vilano Beach, where Chef Michael Lugo continues serving his inspired fare, paired with an award-winning wine list. Two new spaces opened in Historic Downtown St. Augustine: Saint and The French Pantry. Saint offers Italian fine dining with a beautiful courtyard and open-air balcony seating right on the bayfront. Recently opened on 36 Granda Collective concepts, featuring The French Pantry, serving French-inspired baked goods and heartier fare, along with Little Miss Ha, La Petite Kitchen, and Cache Cache. Each brings a unique perspective to the shared culinary experience. In nearby Hastings, the Hastings Coffee Company has become the place for coffee and community where guests gather and chat over espresso drinks, hand-poured coffees, and locally sourced treats. Explore and PlaySt. Augustine's Florida Water Tours is welcoming a new boat to its fleet. 'Great Blue Heron' will be ready to help passengers discover the real Florida this summer, with ecotours, sunset cruises, wine tastings, and more. Rated for 49 passengers, the family-owned and operated outfit can now accommodate 109 passengers between its three boats. I n Ponte Vedra, TPC Sawgrass has promoted Matt Borocz to General Manager of the expansive Ponte Vedra property, which hosts the international THE PLAYERS Championship and encompasses two world-class golf courses, NINETEEN restaurant, and over 13,000 square feet of banquet and meeting space. The settlement of Garcia Real de Santa Theresa de Mose, now referred to as Fort Mose Historic State Park, was established in 1738 as the first free black settlement in the United States and was inhabited by former slaves, who escaped through the original Underground Railroad, which flowed from Georgia and the Carolinas to Spanish St. Augustine. Fort Mose Historic State Park serves as a historical and cultural destination and features a newly opened reconstruction of the fort structure, and after 30 years of work, Fort Mose has once again become a tangible structure. The replica fort, new centerpiece of the park opened in May 2025, and was constructed at a cost of $3 million, raised through grants, donations, and fundraising events like the annual Fort Mose Jazz & Blues Series. Fort Mose is open Thursday through Monday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with guided tours of the new fort are at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Concerts at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre just got way cooler, with the addition of The Amp Shop and Box Office, offering exclusive Amphitheatre-branded apparel, collectibles, and in-person concert ticket sales to avoid online ticketing fees. The expansion also includes The Kookaburra Coffee Outpost, a full-service coffee shop offering a comprehensive menu of coffee, espresso, house-made baked goods, and retail coffee products. August 1, 2025 will mark the reopening of the Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, an indoor live music venue that has undergone an extensive renovation designed to elevate the listener experience. The Hall is hitting the ground running with a full slate of performances, including Dan Tyminski Band, Sister Hazel, and Melissa Etheridge. Tickets for the summer/fall line-up of performers are now on sale. The rural community of Hastings has added a new piece to its growing public art collection with a mural by Kelsey Montague. Secured through the St. Johns Cultural Council's Art in Public Spaces grant program the artwork celebrates the area's rich farming heritage with vibrant imagery of local crops, native wildlife, and an interactive vegetable cart pulled by a real bicycle. And, St. Johns County's multigenerational Treaty Park is now home to 12 new pickleball courts, bringing the total to 20 courts, making it the perfect location for some friendly competition. FlightsGetting here is easier with new flight options. Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) now offers nonstop flights to New Castle, Delaware, through Avelo; a route to Austin, Texas, courtesy of Delta Airlines; and Allegiant started direct service to JAX from Des Moines, Iowa, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Akron-Canton, Ohio. Arajet is expanding into the Orlando market with new nonstop service between Orlando Sanford International Airport and Punta Cana International Airport in the Dominican Republic. In addition to their existing service at JAX, Breeze Airways will begin service between Daytona Beach International Airport and Akron-Canton, Ohio, as well as Ocean City, Maryland, this fall. Coming with a group or looking for a meeting spot that strikes a balance between work and play? Be sure to download the new Group Travel Guide, the penultimate tool for planning meetings and group events. Located midway between Daytona Beach and Jacksonville, Florida's Historic Coast includes historic St. Augustine, the outstanding golf and seaside elegance of Ponte Vedra, the rural beauty of Hastings, Elkton, St. Johns, and 42 miles of pristine Atlantic beaches. Visitor Information Centers are located at 10 Castillo Drive, St. Augustine; 200 Solana Rd. Suite B, Ponte Vedra Beach: and at the St. Johns County Beach Pier Park, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach. For advance travel information, call 1.800.653.2489 or go to the Visitors and Convention Bureau website at Check us out on social media Instagram @FloridasHistoricCoast; @ViajaStAugustine, and and Twitter @FlHistoricCoast # # # Attachments Hastings farming heritage is celebrated in new mural Newly reconstructed Fort Mose CONTACT: Barbara Golden St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & The Beaches Visitors & Convention Bureau 9046698142 Bgolden@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
National Geographic
a day ago
- National Geographic
How to experience 6 of Europe's most musical cities
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). While many cities can lay claim to being hubs of musical creativity, only a few become truly synonymous with a certain sound. After all, Vienna will always waltz to the tune of Strauss and few can imagine Seville without the passion of flamenco. In some cases, a city is its music. And, like that of a gifted composer, the European repertoire is vast. Whether for pop or classical, folk or techno, travellers will find no shortage of cities to immerse themselves in Europe's great soundtrack. There are hands-on workshops, interactive museums that chart the story of a genre, and nightly shows at age-old venues — perhaps the closest thing to seeing a city's soul. Whatever your taste, here are six of the best in which to plan a tuneful escape of your own. The Museo del Baile Flamenco houses costumes, art and interactive exhibits, which chart the history of the genre, with shows in the courtyard or cellar events space. Photograph by Getty Images, Miguel Sotomayor 1. Flamenco in Seville Seville's heart beats with flamenco. The stirring trinity of song, dance and music has its roots in the city's Gitano communities and has become an emblem of both Seville and Spain; such is its cultural value that it was added to the UNESCO Intangible World Cultural Heritage list in 2010. Tablaos are the place to experience the dance. Packed each night of the week, these venues can range from the casual La Carbonería, where locals come for tapas and a show, to more venerable institutions such as Peña Flamenca Torres Macarena, a stage and cultural hub for new and established performers, or El Arenal, where punters can enjoy a full-course dinner with a show. But the street is perhaps the most authentic stage of all. An outdoor performance might stir into life on the grand Plaza de España; on a tree-shaded patio in the Barrio de Santa Cruz, or in Triana, the buzzy, working class district said to be the birthplace of flamenco. The area is home to the Teatro Flamenco, a bijou theatre that holds nightly performances, as well as the workshop of teacher and guide Eva Izquierdo, who runs hour-long flamenco classes for budding bailadores (dancers). For an edifying experience, the Museo del Baile Flamenco houses costumes, art and interactive exhibits, which chart the history of the genre, with shows in the courtyard or cellar events space. Date for the diary: The annual Feria de Sevilla is a lavish celebration of Andalucian culture with parades, traditional dress, sherry and plenty of flamenco. 20-26 April 2026. Listen to: A Tu Vera by Lola Flores. More than just watering holes, Galway's atmospheric pubs have a proud tradition of hosting and championing Irish folk (or Irish trad) musicians. The Crane Bar heads up any list of must-visit venues, with both floors of this lively Victorian haunt host packed-out sessions each night of the week. Photograph by Getty Images, Thomas Winz 2. Irish folk in Galway The rousing sound of a fiddle is never far away on Ireland's west coast. Huddled against the Atlantic, Galway is a bastion of traditional culture, where poets, artists and musicians have long found a place to hone their craft in the city's bustling bars and salty-aired granite streets. More than just watering holes, Galway's atmospheric pubs have a proud tradition of hosting and championing Irish folk (or Irish trad) musicians. The Crane Bar heads up any list of must-visit venues: both floors of this lively Victorian haunt host packed-out sessions each night of the week, while Monroe's Tavern focuses on Irish-language music, and often throws dancing and poetry nights, too. With its charming web of streets festooned with flags and hanging baskets, the Latin Quarter is not to be missed. It's the beating heart of the folk music scene: buskers can be heard on street corners, covering classic ballads or trying out their own original tunes, while the pubs here make a fine place to while away an evening with a whiskey or two. Tigh Neachtain has been trading since 1894 and has platformed several well-known Irish folk artists, including acclaimed accordionist Sharon Shannon. Over at the charming Tig Choili, twice-daily live music sessions come courtesy of local and visiting musicians alike. Date for the diary: Now in its fourth year, the Galway Folk Festival promises a spirited programme of live music sessions across the city. 4-8 June. Listen to: My Irish Molly O by De Danann. Stockholm has been a powerhouse of European pop and now, fans can dig into the city's hit-making heritage at the Swedish Museum of Performing Arts, which explores the history and future of music, theatre and dance. Photograph by Getty Images, Kavalenkava Volha 3. Pop in Stockholm Ace of Base, Roxette, The Cardigans, Robyn and, of course, ABBA… Sweden's musical exports reads like a festival headline bill. For decades, Stockholm has been a powerhouse of European pop and now, fans can dig into the city's hit-making heritage at the Swedish Museum of Performing Arts, which explores the history and future of music, theatre and dance. The Avicii Experience tells the story of the late, chart-topping DJ with a collection of unreleased music and virtual-reality karaoke, while the club Trädgården sees revellers dance beneath Skanstullsbron bridge. And, in the city that gave the world Spotify, vinyl still has its place; Bengans, Snickars and Mickes record stores are a music-lover's dream, while Pet Sounds sells used records beside a cocktail bar. But no trip to the city would be complete without a whirl around ABBA The Museum, where the career of Sweden's most successful act is celebrated through interactive exhibits and memorabilia. Date for the diary: Drömmen Festival will bring together pop legends from Sweden and around the world, including Ronan Keating, Gipsy Kings and Shirley Clamp. 7 June. Listen to: It Must Have Been Love by Roxette. 4. Classical in Vienna Just like the Danube, music flows through the heart of the Austrian capital. Some of history's greatest virtuosos — from Mozart to Haydn, Beethoven to Strauss — lived and worked in Vienna, leaving a musical legacy that's as rich as a Habsburg palace. When it comes to live music, the Vienna State Opera shines as one of the world's most opulent music venues, while the Golden Hall at the Musikverein is home to the Vienna Mozart Orchestra. Mozart's legacy lives on in performances at the Orangery at Schönbrunn Palace, the space where he premiered The Impresario in 1786. The House of Strauss, meanwhile, is the world's only remaining concert hall where all four Strausses performed. Not everything takes place in palatial surrounds though. Intimate piano recitals are held at the Mozarthaus, where the composer lived, while the Annakirche is a baroque jewel of a church that hosts affordable concerts. Date for the diary: 2025 is the bicentenary of Johann Strauss's birth. A special concert by the Vienna Philharmonic, Vienna Symphony Orchestra and violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter will mark the big day on 25 October. Listen to: The Blue Danube by Johann Strauss II. The French capital is peppered with old-school jazz clubs, and few are as hallowed as Le Caveau de la Huchette, on the Left Bank. Photograph by Getty Images, Shironosov 5. Jazz in Paris When American troops were stationed in Paris during the First World War, they brought with them the improvised rhythms of jazz. In the years that followed, this sound took Paris's music halls by storm and has become entwined with the city's soundscape. The French capital is peppered with old-school jazz clubs, and few are as hallowed as Le Caveau de la Huchette, on the Left Bank. The building dates to the 16th century and has staged countless stars of swing in its time, including Sidney Bechet and Lionel Hampton. On the Right Bank, life on the Rue des Lombards saunters to the sound of jazz, for it's home to three of the city's finest bars: crowds squeeze into the Duc des Lombards, Sunset/Sunside and Le Basier Salé for late-night jam sessions. But, if one figure epitomises the French jazz era, it's Josephine Baker who turned heads in 1926 when she performed at the Folies Bergère wearing a banana skirt. The legendary music hall remains an art deco icon of Paris's musical heritage. Date for the dairy: Jazz festivals include Jazz à La Villette, held in the Parc de la Villette. August/September 2025, dates TBC. Listen to: Black Trombone by Serge Gainsbourg. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the underground electronic music scene offered West and East Berliners a way to come together. Photograph by Getty Images, Mahiruysal 6. Electronic in Berlin If German reunification had a sound, it would be one of wavy synths and drum machines. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the underground electronic music scene offered West and East Berliners a way to come together. Since then, the city has become the pounding heart of European electronica. Venues have popped up in disused landmarks across the city, harking to the 1990s when students began squatting in abandoned buildings. A fine example is Tresor, which began in the cellar of a former department store in 1991. Now housed in a decommissioned power plant, its killer sound system draws fans from across the world. Kater Blau — a former soap factory — is a popular, open-air summer spot beside the River Spree, while ://about blank takes a political approach to techno, offering 'hedonistic, insurrectionalist dialectic'. Top of any list, however, is Berghain, the cathedral-like club where (almost) anything goes. Top-quality sound and performances aside, the mysterious entry policy is all part of the appeal and has revellers queuing for hours. Date for the diary: Rave the Planet Parade mixes rave culture with political demonstration. 12 July. Listen to: Autobahn by Kraftwerk. Published in the European Cities Collection 2025 by National Geographic Traveller (UK). To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Contrasting fortunes of two listed Victorian buildings on same street
On a street in north Belfast, two Victorian buildings with colourful histories sit facing each other. The Crumlin Road Courthouse and the Crumlin Road Gaol have had very contrasting fortunes since they both closed in the 1990s. The jail, which is owned by the Department for Infrastructure, has been transformed into a popular tourist attraction, a conference and wedding venue and is also now home to a whiskey distillery. Meanwhile on the other side of the road the courthouse lies empty and derelict. It has suffered numerous arson attacks and is a shell of its former self, with weeds and trees growing where its roof once was. However, new plans have now been submitted for a mixed-use development which could turn it into a hospitality, tourism, educational and commercial space. Both buildings were constructed in the mid-19th Century and designed by the architect Sir Charles Lanyon. The courthouse has changed hands a number of times since it closed in 1998 but various development plans have failed to get off the ground. Its new owners are hoping their proposals will prove more successful. Their plans include the restoration of the Victorian front of the building and the recreation of one of its courtrooms. A tunnel beneath the road, which connected the courthouse to the jail, would be reinstated and there would be a partial demolition and new build to the rear. Johann Muldoon, from Manor Architects, is involved in the new scheme. "For most of our heritage in Northern Ireland, we see all these proposals, but they really struggle to find a sustainable use that is economically viable," she said. "That is why I think a lot of our heritage seems to degrade." She hopes the mixed use plan for the site might improve its chances. "Why we have those proposed uses is to balance what we've got in terms of heritage offering, in terms of a tourism, against the commercial viability and the sustainability of it all." The sorry state of the courthouse stands in contrast to Crumlin Road Gaol on the other side of the road. Its former inmates included the likes of former Irish taoiseach (prime minister) Eamon De Valera, former Northern Ireland first minister Ian Paisley and IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands. It closed as a working prison in 1996 and is now a popular tourist attraction where the public can visit the cells and learn about its history. Local historian Tom Liggett, who used to give tours of the jail, thinks it is essential that its past is never forgotten. "While there are people who take a stance that all this should be destroyed and you should forget about it, I wouldn't agree with that," he said. "I think local history is told from our perspective - a working-class perspective - and it's hidden and it shouldn't be hidden." Last year a whiskey distillery opened in one of the wings. John Kelly, chief executive of McConnell's Irish Whisky Distillery, was among those behind the development. "A wing lay derelict for many, many years, and we saw the opportunity of bringing the McConnell's story, dating back to 1776, into a wonderful heritage listed building," he said. "For us, it's three parts of the business: it's the brand, it's the distillery and it's a wonderful tourist attraction." So can the courthouse learn anything from its opposite neighbour and should we as a society do more to protect our built heritage? Rita Harkin, the Architectural Heritage Fund's development manager for Northern Ireland, said: "We have to be able to use these buildings to tell our stories. "And that's a reflection of a city and a place that it's grown in confidence, to be able to look honestly at our past to use that to move forward." You can hear more on this story by listening to the latest episode of Red Lines. Belfast's Crumlin Road courthouse fire 'deliberate' The Crum: From conflict to concerts
