The Victory Belles will spread holiday cheer with a special Christmas performance on Monday, Dec. 1, at 5 p.m. at the Hammond Branch of the Tangi Library, honoring military veterans and the community with festive music and spirit. The event is free to attend and promises to be a joyful way to kick off the Christmas season.
–The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed a case of measles in an adult resident of Region 9, which includes Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes. Officials say the individual was exposed during international travel, and their vaccination status is unknown. A public exposure occurred at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, and health departments will directly notify anyone who was on the same flight as the infected individual.
–Fans are invited to celebrate the rivalry between Nicholls State University and Southeastern Louisiana University at the River Bell Classic Tailgate on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, from 2 to 5:30 p.m. on the Pottle Music Building grounds in Hammond, ahead of the 6 p.m. kickoff. Hosted by Tangi Tourism and Louisiana’s Cajun Bayou Tourism, the pre-game tailgate will feature free food, drinks, and prizes as the Colonels and Lions gear up to face off in the annual River Bell Classic.
–Southeastern Louisiana University will hold two commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the University Center to celebrate its graduates. The 10 a.m. ceremony will recognize students from the Colleges of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Education, and Science and Technology, while the 3 p.m. ceremony will honor graduates from the Colleges of Business and Nursing and Health Sciences. As the university concludes its centennial anniversary, guests are welcome to attend, with reminders that the venue enforces a clear bag policy, prohibits outside food and drink, and will have standard security measures in place. Lion Traxx shuttles will operate before and after each ceremony, which are expected to last about 90 minutes. Additional event details and guest information are available on Southeastern’s commencement FAQ page or by emailing registrar@southeastern.edu.
–Bogue Chitto Horse Rentals is introducing a brand-new experience with Ride N’ Dine: Neon Nights on November 28, featuring evening trail rides at 5:00 and 6:30 p.m. at Bogue Chitto State Park. Riders will explore glowing, color-lit trails on horseback before gathering around a campfire to enjoy a chef-inspired Cowboy Cornbread meal under the stars. Spots are limited for this first-ever nighttime horseback adventure, and reservations can be made at www.boguechittohorserentals.com.
–The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services celebrated its 27th annual Adoption Celebration on Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Governor’s Mansion, honoring 508 families who adopted 650 children and youth from foster care over the past year. DCFS Secretary Rebecca Harris praised the families for saying “yes” to creating forever homes, highlighting that 311 siblings were adopted together—a rise of 8% from last year—and that adoptions of teens also increased to 50. The event also recognized outstanding contributions with the Forever Family, Forever Partner, Forever Champion, and Lifetime of Family awards.
–Southeastern Louisiana University will kick off the holiday season with the return of the First Lady’s Tree Lighting on Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 7 p.m. at the Student Union. The event, one of the final celebrations of the university’s Centennial year, will feature festive train rides, a snow maze for students, and an evening filled with music, lights, and Lion pride.
–Business leaders across Louisiana’s coastal and water management sectors will gather Wednesday, Nov. 12, for the 1st Annual Coastal Connect: Matchmaking and Networking Expo at the Coastal Center at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux. Presented by CPRA, the Coastal Technical Assistance Center, and Louisiana APEX Accelerator, the event will feature business-to-business networking from 9 a.m. to noon and a matchmaking session from 10 to 11:30 a.m., offering prime contractors and subcontractors 10-minute, face-to-face meetings to explore partnerships and future projects aimed at strengthening Louisiana’s coastal economy.
–Denham Springs is planning a major development with its first-ever hotel and conference center, a project city leaders say will bring new business and hospitality opportunities to the area. Mayor Gerard Landry announced that a proposed Hilton Garden Inn and adjoining conference center would be built on 22 acres near Pete’s Highway and Rushing Road, offering a long-needed venue for meetings and events that currently send residents to Baton Rouge. The estimated cost includes $30 million for the 130-room hotel, $3 million for the conference center, and $15–20 million for infrastructure and roads.
