Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop L are asking for the public’s help identifying a man struck and killed while walking along I-55 northbound near LA 442 around 3:05 a.m. on October 27, 2025. The victim, a Black male believed to be 18–25 years old and about 5’8″ to 5’9″ tall with dreadlocks, had distinctive tattoos reading “T.B.T.” on his left inner arm and “Long Live LJ” on the inside of his right arm. Despite extensive investigative and scientific efforts, his identity remains unknown. Anyone with information is asked to contact State Police Troop L at (985) 893-6250.
–The Tangipahoa Chamber is inviting business leaders and community partners to its Annual Installation and Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at the Southeastern Louisiana University Student Union Grand Ballroom, an event expected to draw more than 400 attendees and presented this year by Intralox. Chamber President and CEO Melissa Bordelon encouraged local businesses to participate as a show of engagement and support, noting that the luncheon serves as a key kickoff to the 2026 business year. The program will celebrate 2025 accomplishments under outgoing Board Chairman Chance Enmon of Jani-King Gulf Coast and welcome incoming Chairman Matt Emmons of Crescent Title, while also honoring outgoing board members and installing the 2026 Board of Directors. The Chamber will recognize its 2025 Businesses of the Year, Premier Investors, and several distinguished volunteers, including the recipients of the Frances Chauvin Volunteer of the Year, Board Member of the Year, and Ambassador of the Year awards. Registration is open for tables, individual seats, and sponsorships—available through Dec. 1—with no tickets sold at the door. For details or reservations, visit the Chamber’s website or call 985-345-4457.
–NAMI Southeast Louisiana is expanding its annual NAMI Angels initiative this year as it works to deliver comfort and connection to more than 1,000 people who will spend the holidays in behavioral health and substance-use treatment facilities rather than with loved ones. Launched in 2008, the program collects community donations to provide Christmas-morning gifts that help ease feelings of isolation and remind recipients that they are supported and remembered during what can be an especially difficult season for those living with mental illness. Last year’s effort supplied over 1,000 gifts to adolescents, adults, seniors, and veterans across mental health hospitals and residential communities in Southeast Louisiana, and with additional facilities joining in 2024, NAMI aims to reach even more individuals. The organization is inviting the public to donate unwrapped items—including socks, travel-size toiletries, snacks, journals, puzzle books, and small entertainment items—or contribute through its Amazon Wish List, monetary donations, or mailed checks. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 18 at NAMI’s Northshore, Mid-City, and Westbank campuses, as well as additional drop-off sites listed on its website, with all contributions going directly toward brightening the holidays for residents in care.
–The Hammond Police Department has arrested a local man in connection with the fentanyl overdose death of 28-year-old Jacob Massi, who died on October 5 following what investigators determined to be fentanyl-poisoned heroin. After a joint investigation by HPD’s Narcotics Unit and the DEA’s Fentanyl Overdose Response Team identified 34-year-old Christopher Harrison of Hammond as the suspected dealer, an undercover agent arranged a controlled heroin purchase on November 13. Harrison was taken into custody without incident, assisted by HPD’s Street Crimes and K-9 units and the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit, and was found in possession of heroin that field-tested positive for fentanyl. He was booked with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl, and second-degree murder in Massi’s death. Police emphasized the deadly risk posed by fentanyl, which is frequently mixed into heroin and counterfeit pills, and urged anyone with information about narcotics activity to contact HPD or Crimestoppers. They also reminded the public that people struggling with addiction can call 988 for help.
–St. Tammany Parish Library will officially launch its new Mobile Library Branch with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 18 at 11:30 a.m. at the Lacombe COAST Center, where attendees can tour the Lobby Stop vehicle. The Mobile Library, developed as part of Goal 3 of the Library’s 2023–2028 Strategic Plan to expand innovative services and technology, has already made over 108 visits to COAST centers, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities since its April rollout. The branch began service in February with a pilot Books-by-Mail program for Meals-on-Wheels clients, and now homebound residents of St. Tammany Parish can apply for the service. More information and applications are available at sttammanylibrary.org/mobile or by calling 985-837-2444, ext. 2400.
–The Hammond Police Department is seeking public assistance in locating 12-year-old Harmony Alieca, a Hammond resident last seen on Nov. 16 at approximately 9 p.m. at 105 Rosewood Circle. Harmony, a Black female, was wearing pajamas and a pink bonnet when she disappeared; her father believes she may have left to meet a boy. Anyone with information is urged to contact Hammond Police at 985-277-5701 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-554-5245, where callers may be eligible for a cash reward.
–Hammond firefighters responded early Tuesday morning to a residential structure fire on Phoenix Square. Called at approximately 1:13 a.m., crews found smoke coming from one unit of a duplex apartment and quickly brought the fire under control. One person was transported to North Oaks Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
–At least 200 immigration agents are expected to be deployed to New Orleans by the end of the week, following their ongoing enforcement operation in Charlotte, N.C., known as “Operation Charlotte’s Web,” where authorities have reportedly made 130 arrests. The redeployed agents will launch a new operation in New Orleans called “Operation Catahoula Crunch,” according to ABC News.
–Rouses Markets is set to expand its Gulf Coast presence by acquiring ten Winn-Dixie stores in Louisiana and Mississippi from Southeastern Grocers, with the deal expected to close in early 2026. Locations in New Orleans East, Destrehan, Franklinton, Gramercy, Central, Hattiesburg, and other Northshore and Westbank sites will be rebranded as Rouses, bringing the family-owned chain to 76 stores across three states. Rouses owner Donny Rouse called the acquisition “the right move” as Winn-Dixie focuses on other regions. All current Winn-Dixie employees will be offered positions with Rouses, and stores will remain open during the transition, closing for about seven days for rebranding. Southeastern Grocers plans to concentrate its business in Florida and will rebrand as The Winn-Dixie Company in 2026.
–The 1st Annual Community Thanksgiving Service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23, in Reimers Memorial Auditorium at 305 E. Charles St., with a reception to follow in the attached First Christian Church Fellowship Hall. The service will feature music from a community choir composed of Southeastern Gospel Choir and local church choir members under the direction of Dr. Frances Fonza. Rev. Jerry Hanible of Greenfield Missionary Baptist Church will deliver the message, joined by pastors from First Christian, Grace Episcopal, First Presbyterian, and other local churches. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for local Blessing Boxes. For more information, call 985-345-0374.
–Northshore Technical Community College and The 1881 Institute are launching an evening CNC Machining course in Fall 2025, expanding access to advanced manufacturing training through a partnership supported by LCTCS, Louisiana Economic Development, Haas Automation, and The 1881 Institute. Focused on 5-axis machining, the program aims to strengthen Louisiana’s workforce by preparing students for high-demand technician roles with hands-on, industry-aligned instruction. NTCC Vice Chancellor Dr. Melandie McGee said the initiative will boost regional economic vitality by opening pathways to high-paying careers in advanced manufacturing, while 1881 Institute Executive Director Bahiy Watson noted the collaboration brings proven high-skill training from New Orleans to the Northshore. Students will learn CNC fundamentals, safety, machine operation, CAD/CAM, and earn industry-recognized certifications, with classes held Nov. 3–Dec. 18 on NTCC’s Hammond Campus. More information is available by calling 985-545-1667 or emailing ntccworkforce@northshorecollege.edu.
–The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce honored a dozen standout local businesses during its 23rd annual Business Appreciation Luncheon on November 13 at Benedict’s in Mandeville, celebrating contributions across nine categories. Chamber President and CEO Lacey Osborne highlighted the event’s focus on gratitude and the vital role businesses play in the parish’s quality of life. This year’s honorees included American Boulevard Bistro, Aperitif Spritz + Bites, and NOLA Southern Grill for the Golden Spoon Award; Griffin & Furman, CPAs for the All-in-the-Family Award; JD Bank’s Northshore location for Out-of-the-Gate Running; AFX Pro for the Go Give Award; Palmettos on the Bayou and The River Chase II Building for the Site-to-See Award; the Children’s Museum of St. Tammany for Service with a Smile; Northshore Technical Community College for Innovation; Globalstar for the Tammany Proud Award; and Resource Bank for the Legacy Award.
–The Blood Center is urging residents to donate blood ahead of the holiday season, a time when the need for lifesaving donations remains high even as contributions typically decline. Officials thanked current donors for giving a “gift of hope and second chances,” noting that a steady blood supply is essential for patients facing trauma, surgery, cancer treatments, and other urgent medical needs. The organization says many families are celebrating holidays together this year because of the generosity of anonymous donors in the community. To help maintain adequate supplies through one of the most critical times of the year, The Blood Center encourages the public to find a nearby blood drive, schedule an appointment, and invite others to join them in donating.
–Nunez Community College’s Culinary Arts and Entrepreneurship program was highlighted at the Michelin American South awards on Nov. 3 in Greenville, S.C., with two alumni and a current student contributing to New Orleans restaurants earning Bib Gourmand recognition for “great food at a great value.” Alum Chef Roni Dacula serves as executive sous chef at Saba on Magazine Street alongside current student and line cook Kelsey Juan, while former student Justin Kennedy owns Parkway Bakery and Tavern, with both restaurants among 11 in New Orleans on the 2025 list. Juan, who earned a culinary scholarship for Fall 2025, said working alongside Dacula in a Bib Gourmand kitchen confirms her career path, while Chef Ruth Varisco, Nunez’s Culinary Arts Coordinator, praised the program for preparing students for success in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Spring 2026 classes at Nunez begin Jan. 20, with Winter Intersession online courses available Dec. 18–Jan. 15; applications are open at Nunez.edu.
–Angels Grove Rescue Horse Ranch is gearing up for its annual fundraising hoedown on Saturday, Nov. 29, offering a day of family fun to support rescued horses and the ranch’s therapeutic programs for children. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Angels Grove Ranch in Bush and features live country music by Lane Bleu, food and drinks from Drago’s—including its famous oysters—artist meet-and-greets, Cowboy Santa photo ops, rescue-animal encounters, auctions, door prizes, a petting zoo, line dancing, and extra-fee pony and hayrides. All-inclusive tickets, available at the gate, are $50 for adults and $25 for children. The ranch, which provides horse rescue, horsemanship lessons, birthday parties, and youth ministry programs, is also seeking craft vendors to participate. For tickets or vendor inquiries, call 985-789-3148 or email AngelsGroveinfo.@gmail.com.
–Northshore Technical Community College has named Taryn Spikes-Webb as its new Outreach Program Manager, a role funded through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration Program, administered by the UNO Research and Technology Foundation. Through this grant, NTCC will lead educational initiatives that teach Northshore residents how to properly maintain onsite wastewater treatment systems, supporting public health and improving regional water quality in partnership with Pontchartrain Conservancy, St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Abatement, and Nova Southeastern University. Spikes-Webb, who has spent six years at NTCC and founded the Washington Parish STEM & Innovative Learning Center, brings a strong background in STEM/STEAM outreach and a passion for hands-on education. She said she is excited to advance environmental education that inspires community action. In her new role, she will develop programs using NTCC’s Mobile STEM Lab, engage schools and local governments through events and workshops, create sustainability-focused outreach materials, and manage EPA grant activities. More information is available at northshorecollege.edu.
