A 17-year-old from Vidalia has been arrested following an investigation into a vehicle burglary that led to the recovery of a stolen firearm. The gun was reported stolen eight days before the Christmas Day arrest. According to police, the firearm was later recovered, and surveillance footage showed the teen taking the gun from a vehicle and attempting to open the door of another. Bond has been set at $67,500.
Louisiana experienced a deadly 2025 Christmas holiday on its roadways. Between Christmas Day and Monday morning, 13 people were killed in crashes across the state, with most occurring in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge regions. State Police report that foggy conditions Thursday morning contributed to hazardous travel, but emphasized that drivers must adjust their speed and behavior to match conditions. Speed, distraction, impairment, or lack of seatbelt use were factors in all 13 fatalities.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol has begun its New Year holiday travel period enforcement. The period started at 6 a.m. today and will continue through midnight on New Year’s night. Troopers are increasing patrols with a focus on speeding, seatbelt compliance, and removing impaired drivers from state and federal highways. During the 2024–25 New Year travel period, MHP responded to 68 crashes, including one fatality, and made 27 DUI arrests.
In New Orleans, Bourbon Street is closed to vehicle traffic through Friday as part of the French Quarter Enhanced Security Zone. Attorney Morris Bart, who represents victims and families from the recent Bourbon Street attack, says the temporary closure is insufficient. He argues that permanent heavy-duty bollards are needed to prevent vehicle access, noting that previous decorative bollards were only capable of stopping a vehicle traveling about five miles per hour. Bart says enhanced security should be in place year-round due to ongoing risks.
The Mississippi River at Vidalia stands at 16.79 feet and is rising.
