The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office announced that 14-year-old Landon Rahaim, who had been missing since Nov. 18 after walking away from his Covington-area school, was safely located on Nov. 24 in the Covington area. Officials thanked the community for sharing information and submitting tips, and credited the work of detectives, patrol deputies, and assistance from the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office for helping bring the case to a successful conclusion.
–As Thanksgiving travel ramps up across Louisiana, State Police are urging motorists to make safety a priority and prevent the kinds of roadway tragedies that too often mar the holiday season. Troopers warn that impaired driving remains a leading threat this time of year and are asking anyone who plans to drink or use any impairing substance to arrange a sober ride, designate a driver, or rely on transportation services rather than get behind the wheel. Officials also stress the lifesaving importance of seat belts for all occupants on every trip, along with slowing down, staying alert, and avoiding distractions. Hosts are encouraged to promote safe choices by offering non-alcoholic drinks, helping guests arrange transportation, and intervening when necessary. State Police will have increased patrols throughout the holiday but emphasize that roadway safety depends on everyone. Motorists who encounter hazardous conditions or reckless drivers are asked to report them by dialing *LSP (*577).
–The Pike County Sheriff’s Office has released an update in the search for 46-year-old Reco Varnado, confirming that his last known sighting was on Nov. 13 around 7:38 p.m. at the Market Max on LA-25 in the Warnerton community of Washington Parish, Louisiana. Investigators say Varnado was seen wearing a blue beanie, an orange jacket and blue pajama pants, and was driving a blue Ford Expedition with Mississippi license plate PJV-6719. The case has been turned over to Washington Parish detectives, with Pike County authorities assisting in the effort to locate him. Anyone with information on Varnado’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office or the Pike County Sheriff’s Office.
–Louisiana State Police Troop L is seeking the public’s help identifying a male pedestrian who was fatally struck on Interstate 55 northbound near LA Hwy 442, between Tickfaw and University Avenue, at approximately 3:05 a.m. on October 27, 2025. The Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office and troopers have been unable to confirm his identity. He is described as a Black male, 18–25 years old, about 5’8″–5’9″ tall, with dreadlocks and distinctive tattoos reading “T.B.T.” on his left inner arm and “Long Live LJ” on his right inner arm. Anyone with information is urged to contact Louisiana State Police Troop L at (985) 893-6250.
–Students in the St. Tammany Parish Public School System have once again posted the highest average ACT score in Louisiana, earning a 20.4 composite for the second straight year — well above state and national averages. District leaders say the gains reflect steady academic growth and a strong focus on college and career readiness, as the newly released District Performance Score also shows continued improvements across all subjects. Superintendent Frank Jabbia credited students, teachers, and the wider community for the achievement, noting the “tremendous growth” seen by graduation. According to the district, 67% of students scored 18 or higher and 46% scored 21 or higher, with STPPS leading the state in both categories — further underscoring its position as a top-performing public school system.
–Slidell is gearing up for a festive December as the city’s annual “Christmas Under the Stars” celebration returns to Heritage Park on Dec. 12–13 and Dec. 19–20 from 6 to 9 p.m. The family-friendly event features photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday lights and decorations, Big Santa, Santa’s Mailbox, a letter-writing station, and Slidell’s Nativity alongside life-size Christmas cottages. Live entertainment includes Witness on Dec. 12, the Ozone Music Foundation on Dec. 13 and 20, and Fat City Swing on Dec. 19. Several additional community events are planned throughout the month: the Krewe of Kringle Community Golf Cart Parade will roll through Olde Towne on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 5 p.m.; the Christmas Spectacular with Vince Vance takes place Sunday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. in Heritage Park, preceded by community caroling with the Slidell Women’s Civic Club at 5:30 p.m.; and the Holiday Concert with the Northshore Orchestra will be held Sunday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. in the Slidell Auditorium. All events are free to the public.
–Livingston Parish authorities say a 14-year-old girl has been charged with first-degree murder after investigators determined she killed her newborn immediately after giving birth at her Denham Springs home. Deputies were first alerted on Nov. 21 when medical staff reported that the teen, seeking treatment, had recently delivered a baby. According to the sheriff’s office, responders later found the infant hidden inside a tote at the residence with fatal neck injuries. The teen was initially booked with failure to seek assistance and obstruction of justice, but an autopsy over the weekend ruled the death a homicide, leading to the upgraded charge. She is now being held at the Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center as the sensitive investigation continues.
–Louisiana is heading into flu season — and the Thanksgiving holiday — with the highest flu activity in the nation, as medical visits for flu-like symptoms jumped to 3.9% in mid-November, nearly double the national rate, according to new federal data. The CDC now ranks the state at level 7 on its 14-point scale tracking fever-and-cough or sore-throat visits, while most states remain under level 3. Severe illness remains relatively low, but hospital admissions have nearly tripled since early November, rising from 39 to almost 100 last week. Health officials say Louisiana often sees flu spread earlier than the rest of the country and warn that a newly mutated H3N2 strain — better able to evade prior immunity — may be contributing to the rapid uptick, though the current vaccine is still expected to offer at least partial protection. With Thanksgiving gatherings approaching, experts anticipate further increases, noting that children ages 2–4 and 5–11 currently account for more than 10% of flu-related emergency room visits in each age group.
–A Mississippi judge has sentenced Victoria Cox to 40 years in prison for her role in a deadly kidnapping that began in Louisiana and ended in Jackson. Cox pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and kidnapping for helping abduct two young sisters after their mother was killed in Loranger, Louisiana. Prosecutors say Cox and co-defendant Daniel Callihan took the girls across state lines, assaulted them, and left them in a wooded area where the 4-year-old died and the 6-year-old was found and taken to a hospital. Cox will serve her sentences concurrently, while Callihan was previously given multiple life terms. The judge emphasized the severity of the crimes as Cox tearfully acknowledged her actions.
–Dillon Road will be closed December 2 for maintenance work. Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller said a Dillon Road will be closed at a location approximately three-tenths of a mile west of the intersection of Hookfin Road in Kentwood. Miller said work is planned between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. for a cross drain replacement. The work area has been marked with white paint for reference. Detours will be posted, and no through-traffic will be allowed in the construction zone. For updates on road work in Tangipahoa Parish, consult the Tangipahoa.org website and the TPG social media channels.
–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.
