Loyola’s new College of Nursing and Health opens high-tech lab

The Loyola University New Orleans College of Nursing and Health will open a state-of-the-art Nursing Simulation Laboratory in partnership with Ochsner Health on Saturday (Oct 1). The new $1.9 million Loyola Ochsner Nursing Simulation Lab – the “Sim Lab” – on Loyola’s campus allows immersive, hands-on learning opportunities in simulated inpatient and outpatient settings, as students prepare for careers in hospitals, labor and delivery rooms, emergency rooms and other clinical settings. Loyola’s new Sim Lab is equipped with high-fidelity mannequins capable of mimicking medical conditions that will improve or deteriorate based on the intervention provided by the nursing student. These lifelike mannequins are highly complex and responsive, designed to react like humans. “Being able to practice basic nursing skills on high-tech mannequins in a simulated environment is an invaluable opportunity we are thrilled to offer our students, and we are so grateful to everyone who helped to make the Sim Lab possible,” said Dr. Cherie Burke, director of the School of Nursing, in a press release.

Broadmoor Fest offers full musical lineup at ‘neighborhood extravaganza’

Broadmoor Fest will bring live music, local foods, children’s activities and more to the Broadmoor neighborhood on Saturday (Oct. 1). Broadmoor Community Church is presenting the free one-day festival. It will feature performances by T Marie & Bayou Ju Ju, Sharon Martin, Righteous Wrong, the Jackson Square Allstars and the Broadmoor Community Church Praise Team. The festival will be held on the church grounds at 2021 S. Dupre St.

Ultramarathon runners will traverse Uptown on Saturday

St. Charles Avenue, Audubon Park, the river levee and Oak Street will be the backdrop for the cross-town New Orleans Ultramarathon on Saturday (Oct. 1). Running for Dreams, a nonprofit founded by New Orleanian and two-time cancer survivor Phil de Gruy, is sponsoring the New Orleans Ultramarathon. The urban race will lead participants through New Orleans’ beautiful neighborhoods, parks, and waterways.

Knowledge for Change Celebration supports Nola Abortion Fund at Carrollton Station on Friday (sponsored)

Register to vote, learn what will be on the midterm elections and support the New Orleans Abortion Fund with raffle donations sponsored by local businesses such as Stein’s, Wild Lotus, St. James Cheese, Picnic Whiskey & Provisions and more! This Friday, Sept. 30, acclaimed artist Mikayla Braun and educator Jaclyn Tregle partner with Carrollton Station to host the What Is Going On?! Knowledge for Change Celebration, which will provide a space where people can register to vote, with help from the League of Women Voters of New Orleans.

Find authentic Mexican fare at Loya’s in Gert Town

Don’t be fooled by the outside of Loya’s Mexican Restaurant. It’s located in a small industrial-looking building on a strip right off Earhart Boulevard. But inside, the menu is packed with authentic Mexican food made from family recipes. Loya’s owners Perla Sanchez Loya and Maria “Coco” del Socorro Loya are from Mexico City and flavor every meal they serve with their traditions and culture. 

The Loyas are mostly self-taught cooks. Maria honed her skills in restaurants in Mexico City.

Police blotter: Another carjacking in the Riverbend; robbery in Hollygrove

A carjacking and a robbery were among the crimes reported in Uptown neighborhoods over the weekend. A 19-year-old male was attacked and had his car stolen Sunday afternoon (Sept. 25) in the 600 block South Carrollton Avenue, near St. Charles Avenue. A man asked the teen for money, then physically attacked him when he refused.

17-year-old found dead inside home in Leonidas area

A 17-year-old was fatally shot inside of a Leonidas home on Sunday (Sept. 25). Police rushed to the scene when they received a call at around 2:45 p.m that a teenage boy was shot in the 9000 block of Cohn Street. When officers arrived they found Cameron Thomas with a bullet wound and called for the Emergency Medical Service. Medical responders pronounced Thomas dead shortly after their arrival.

Two overnight robberies reported on Jefferson Avenue

Two armed robberies occurred within hours of each other on Jefferson Avenue late Friday (Sept. 23) and early Saturday (Sept. 24). The first was near Magazine Street and the second at Freret Street. Four people in their late-20s were held up at gunpoint Friday night (Sept.23) on Jefferson Avenue near Magazine Street.