Good morning, Slidell.

The Slidell community mourns Wade Singletary, a Cleco lineman who died in the line of duty this week—police and sheriff officials extended condolences while Cleco said an autopsy will be conducted Monday to determine his cause of death.

Herbert Davis, 50, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to robbing a teller at Bank Plus on Gause Boulevard East when he pointed a semi-automatic handgun in November 2023 and fled with nearly $6,000; he received a 45-year sentence without parole.

Local shoppers face higher grocery costs for today’s 4th of July cookouts—beef is up 7 percent and ground beef is up 10 percent—while Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain advises choosing local, in-season items like fresh corn, Creole tomatoes and Louisiana watermelon to manage rising prices.

The fifty-sixth graduating class of North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology held its commencement on Tuesday, July 1 at the school’s conference center, where 15 students received diplomas and awards for academic and clinical success.

Program Director Heather Koepp said the class achieved a 100% retention and job placement rate—underscoring their strong entry into the diagnostic imaging field.

Louisiana wildlife experts are using tampons and donuts—along with barbed-wire enclosures—to collect bear hair samples and count black bears in the lower Atchafalaya basin.

The data will help set the rules for the state hunt next winter and guide plans to protect bear habitats.

Louisiana has passed a new law that limits phone use citations to school and construction zones and will take effect Aug.

1 with a grace period until Jan. 1 when officers may choose to issue warnings instead of fines. Local officials say the measure—authored by Rep. Brian Glorioso from Slidell—aims to reduce distracted driving, the leading cause of crashes.

Annie the Musical

8-10:30 p.m. — 767 Robert Blvd, Slidell, LA — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heartwarming tale of Annie through catchy songs and delightful performances.