The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in locating 15-year-old Caden Cox, who was last seen on July 31 leaving his home on Rutland Road in Amite. Caden is described as a white male with brown shaggy hair, approximately 6 feet tall and 175 pounds, last seen wearing a blue shirt, blue jeans, and cowboy boots while riding a tan Mongoose bicycle with wide tires. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Juvenile Division at 985-902-2031 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-554-5245 or www.tangicrimestoppers.com.
–Southeastern Louisiana University released a detailed statement Sunday morning addressing reports surrounding the removal of analytical chemistry professor Fereshteh Emami from the Lake Maurepas Monitoring Project. Emami, who had served for three years on the team funded by Air Products and directed by biology professor Kyle Piller, was reassigned to a full-time teaching role—an action the university characterized as a personnel matter, declining to give specific reasons due to privacy policies. The statement emphasized Southeastern’s unwavering commitment to independent, transparent environmental research, affirming that Air Products has no control over the findings or researchers and that all data is publicly available through the university’s website. Southeastern also pledged to enhance monitoring efforts in Lake Maurepas, including hiring additional staff and expanding testing protocols. In a Friday meeting with SLU President Dr. William Wainwright, State Sen. Bill Wheat and Rep. Kim Coates were assured of the university’s commitment to ongoing research, with Wheat stating SLU plans to “double down” on testing in light of recent data. Coates, a vocal critic of industrial activity in the lake, reiterated environmental concerns, particularly regarding disturbing sediment. University officials say public forums will continue to be held to share progress and findings with the community.
–St. Tammany community members are invited to take part in a Community Input Session for the Northshore Square Mall Redevelopment Study on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 6 p.m. at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium, 2056 Second Street. This open forum offers residents the opportunity to share ideas, concerns, and questions directly with the future developers of the property, helping shape the vision for this key area of Slidell. For more information, email kespadron@sttammanyedc.org.
–The Tangipahoa Mosquito Abatement District has reported that 28 mosquito samples have recently tested positive for West Nile Virus, bringing the 2025 total to 103 positive samples out of 1,252 tested. While no human cases have been reported in the district this year, officials are urging residents to take basic preventive measures and review educational materials. In response to the positive results, additional mosquito control treatments will be conducted as weather permits. For more information on West Nile Virus, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/west-nile-virus/about/index.html.
–There’s still time to grab your ticket for Chillin’ with the Chamber on Saturday, August 9, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Chappapeela Sports Park Gymnasium! Hosted by the Tangipahoa Chamber and presented by Title Sponsor First Guaranty Bank, this summer celebration features delicious eats from Blackened Brew, refreshing drinks from Chamber members, and live entertainment by 3rd Street. Attendees will also have a chance to win incredible prizes, including a $10,000 grand prize or a Large Big Green Egg in a Nest, courtesy of Gabriel Building Supply. Dress is summer casual. Tickets are $125 and include admission for two—get yours now at https://bit.ly/chillin-2025.
–An all-inclusive playground is coming to Ponchatoula Rec Park, thanks to a collaboration between the Ponchatoula Jaycees and The Ace of Hearts Foundation. Designed for children of all abilities to play side by side with their siblings and friends, the playground will feature accessible equipment and a safe, welcoming environment for every family. Community members can support the project by donating, getting involved via ponchatoulainclusiveplayground@gmail.com, or simply spreading the word to help bring this inclusive vision to life.
–As Child Support Awareness Month begins, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services has relaunched its “On the Road Again” initiative, a limited-time program running from August 1 through September 30, 2025, aimed at helping noncustodial parents reinstate driver’s licenses suspended due to unpaid child support. Eligible parents can restore their licenses by making reduced payments toward their current and past-due support, along with any court-ordered fees. The initiative, which collected over $155,000 for 202 children last year, is designed to encourage parental involvement and improve long-term outcomes for families.
–The Covington Business Association invites members and first-time guests to its next meeting on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the Covington Beer Garden, located at 436 N New Hampshire Street. The social begins at 5:30 p.m., with the meeting starting promptly at 6 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a door prize if they wish to donate one.
–Louisiana State Police are investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred on the evening of July 31, 2025, on LA Hwy 1042 near Edward Wells Lane in St. Helena Parish, claiming the life of 32-year-old Christopher T. Self of Greensburg. Troopers say Self was driving a 2015 Chevrolet Impala eastbound when, for unknown reasons, the vehicle veered off the road and overturned. Self, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. A routine toxicology sample was collected as part of the ongoing investigation.
–St. Tammany Government announces the return of a classic Southern tradition with White Linen Nights, set for August 9 in Slidell and August 16 in Covington. These festive evenings invite families and friends to stroll through vibrant downtown streets, enjoy live music, and support hundreds of local artists under the stars. For outfit inspiration, viewers can tune in to the latest episode of STPG-TV’s Lifestyle at STPG-TV Lifestyle.
