The Louisiana Renaissance Festival celebrated its best opening weekend ever, welcoming record crowds for a weekend full of sunshine, family fun, and medieval merriment. Ren Fest organizers thanked attendees for making the kickoff such a success, saying, “What else can we say but ‘Thank Ye!’” The festival continues each weekend through December 8 in Hammond, with themed events including Pirate Weekend on Nov. 8–9. Tickets and schedules are available at www.renfest.net.
–The Slidell Police Department will honor the “Good Samaritan” from a recent shoplifting incident that gained national attention with its Citizenship Award on Tuesday afternoon. The woman, who assisted Sgt. Kahrs during a pursuit captured on body camera footage, came forward after police asked the public for help identifying her—but initially declined recognition for her actions. Officials say she has since agreed to attend the ceremony, where Sgt. Kahrs will also be present to present the award. The event will take place at 3 p.m. on Tuesday at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium.
–Lakeview Hospital has launched its annual Holiday Gift and Children’s Toy Drive to support St. Tammany Project Christmas, a nonprofit that helps local families in need by providing gifts for children and food for Christmas dinners. From November 17 through December 5, community members can drop off new, unwrapped toys, gift cards, or other donations at the hospital’s Human Resources Department, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 95 Judge Tanner Blvd. in Covington. Suggested donations include educational toys, sports equipment, clothing, and items for teens. For more information, call Tiche Bodet at 985-867-4166.
–Geaux Jobs Workforce Area 20 is hosting a Career Fair today at the Florida Parishes Arena, connecting job seekers with employers ready to hire, including North Oaks Health System, Walmart Distribution Center, Ferrera Fire, and Central Oil and Supply. The event runs from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. and encourages attendees to bring résumés and dress professionally. Geaux Jobs, a certified One-Stop Center serving 10 Louisiana parishes, offers career resources and employment services to help residents take the next step toward their future careers.
–Punjabi Dhaba restaurants in Hammond, Louisiana, and Ridgeland, Mississippi, are stepping up to help their communities by offering free lunch boxes to current SNAP beneficiaries following the recent cancellation of SNAP benefits. The meals, featuring hot Indian dishes, will be available daily from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. through next Tuesday, on a first-come, first-served basis. Organizers say the effort aims to support families in need with nutritious, comforting meals served with care.
–Slidell Mayor Randy Fandal is inviting the community to a special Veterans Day Concert this Sunday, Nov. 9, at Heritage Park, featuring a performance by the Northshore Community Orchestra. The free event runs from 4 to 6 p.m. and will honor local veterans through an evening of patriotic music and community spirit. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the celebration. More information is available at www.myslidell.com.
–The Mandeville Trailhead Market continues to draw crowds each weekend, offering visitors a chance to shop local and support more than 90 artisan vendors. Held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 675 Lafitte Street in Mandeville, the market features a wide selection of locally crafted goods, farm-fresh produce, baked items, and handmade products. Shoppers can enjoy live music on stage from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. while exploring the vibrant market atmosphere. For a weekly vendor map and listing, visit www.experiencemandeville.org.
–Five Slidell-area restaurants are teaming up this month to support Military-Veterans Advocacy (MVA), a Slidell-based nonprofit that serves and advocates for veterans and active-duty service members nationwide. Throughout November, diners at Assunta’s Fine Italian Cuisine, Camellia Café and Catering, T. LeBlanc’s Creole Kitchen, Sedra Bistro, and Pizza Platoon can round up their bills to the nearest dollar—or donate more—with proceeds benefiting MVA. The organization, led by retired Navy Commander John B. Wells, has championed key policy changes for veterans, including legislation extending Agent Orange benefits to U.S. Navy veterans. Other restaurants interested in joining the effort can contact MVA at 985-641-1855.
–St. Tammany Parish Government is highlighting the strong partnership between Church of the King, Convoy of Hope, and the American Red Cross of Louisiana Logistics Team in Covington. This collaboration recently delivered over 30 pallets of shelf-stable food, provided by Convoy of Hope, to help restock food banks throughout St. Tammany Parish. The Red Cross Logistics Team worked efficiently to unload the shipment, which volunteers will soon sort and distribute to local food banks. Parish officials expressed their gratitude to everyone involved, emphasizing how community partnerships strengthen St. Tammany and make a real difference for residents in need.
–Hammond High Magnet School has been named one of the nation’s Top 50 CLEP® High Schools for the 2024-25 academic year, recognizing students who earned the highest number of college credits through College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams. The honor marks the inaugural year of the College Board’s Top 50 CLEP High School Achievement Awards, which celebrate schools that expand college credit opportunities and promote academic advancement. Hammond High students earned an impressive 528 college credits, reflecting the school’s strong commitment to helping students accelerate their path to higher education success.
–Governor Jeff Landry has proclaimed November 2–8, 2025, as Drowsy Driving Prevention Week® in Louisiana, joining a national campaign led by the National Sleep Foundation to raise awareness about the dangers of driving while fatigued. Landry and Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Executive Director Lisa Freeman are urging drivers to prioritize rest, noting that drowsy driving contributes to roughly one in five fatal crashes nationwide. From 2020 to 2024, Louisiana recorded 58 fatal crashes linked to driver fatigue, and officials believe the true toll is likely higher. Throughout the week, the LHSC will share safety tips on social media and host a webinar with the NSF on November 10 to promote alert and safe driving habits.
–The Pearl River Police Department is commending one of its officers for exceptional work during a traffic stop in the early morning hours of Friday, October 31. The stop led to the arrest of a suspect on multiple serious charges, including reckless operation of a vehicle, possession with intent to distribute a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance, and illegal possession of a firearm—specifically an AK-47. Thanks to the officer’s alertness and professionalism, both illegal drugs and a dangerous weapon were taken off the streets. Department leaders praised the continued dedication and teamwork of PRPD officers, whose commitment to keeping the community safe remains unwavering.
–The MICHELIN Guide unveiled its first-ever American South selection Monday night in Greenville, South Carolina, recognizing 228 restaurants across 44 cuisine types — including 10 new One MICHELIN Star establishments and one Two Star standout. Emeril’s in New Orleans earned Two MICHELIN Stars, praised for its refined take on Creole cuisine under Executive Chef E.J. Lagasse. Louisiana also saw two New Orleans restaurants — Saint-Germain and Zasu — each receive One MICHELIN Star for their contemporary and seafood-forward menus. The announcement, which expands the Guide’s reach to the Southern U.S. and includes Atlanta’s pre-existing selections, also honored 50 Bib Gourmands and four special award winners, celebrating the region’s culinary creativity and depth.
–Louisiana ranks fourth-lowest in the nation for broadband internet access, with only 85% of households reporting a subscription in 2023 — below the national average of 90%, according to new data. Mississippi ranked last at 82%, followed by New Mexico and West Virginia at 84%. While fast internet is expected to expand into rural Louisiana under newly updated federal rules, many small towns still report feeling left behind. Only six parishes — St. Charles, St. Tammany, Ascension, Lafayette, Livingston, and West Baton Rouge — exceeded the U.S. average for broadband access, while several rural parishes continue to lag far behind due to infrastructure gaps, high costs, or lack of interest in service.
