The Louisiana Department of Education has named Carra “Beth” Melton, a third-grade teacher at Bayou Woods Elementary, as the 2025 Louisiana Public Interest Fellow. Selected from the state’s top educators, Melton will spend the upcoming school year championing a math fluency initiative aligned with Louisiana’s focus on improving math instruction. With 23 years of experience, including recognition as the 2024–2025 STPPS District Elementary Teacher of the Year and a semifinalist for Louisiana State Teacher of the Year, Melton has also mentored future teachers and actively supports inclusive community organizations like Ainsley’s Angels. She will be honored at the 19th Annual Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala.
— The Southeastern Alumni Association has announced that tickets are once again available for the highly anticipated Young Alumni Social happening this Friday. Attendees can look forward to an evening of connection and celebration with fellow young alumni, complete with a complimentary drink ticket, food from local favorites, a lively photo booth, and a raffle ticket for exciting door prizes. Don’t miss out on this vibrant night — bring a friend and grab your tickets now before they’re gone! Get tickets at https://www.southeastern.edu/alumni_donors/involved/annual-events/yas/. This page includes ticket details, event info, and more.
–AN17 reports that The Hammond City Council finally adjourned its meeting just past 10:00 p.m. after addressing over 46 budget amendments—most of which passed, though final tallies are still pending. A proposed bar ordinance dealing with age limits and closing times was tabled with no set return date for a vote. The meeting was marked by a strong commitment to public input, as noted by Councilman Devon Wells. Mayor Pete Panepinto retains line-item veto authority. Stay tuned to AN17 for full coverage and updates.
–St. Tammany Parish Government announced that its Comprehensive Pedestrian & Bicycle Plan is “rolling along,” with updated maps and draft proposals now available for public review. The parish is calling on residents to provide feedback to help improve and expand safe access for cyclists and pedestrians across local communities. Two open-house workshops are scheduled in Mandeville and Slidell, offering residents the opportunity to engage directly with the planning process. For more details and to view the plan, visit: https://norpcstcpbmp.mysocialpinpoint.com/. Two meetings will be held. The first in Mandeville at Parish Council Chambers on July 15 from 5:30 to 7:30. The second in Slidell at the Towers Building on July 17 from 5:30 to 7:30.
— As hurricane season ramps up, the St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with St. Tammany Parish and others, is urging businesses of all sizes to review and update their disaster contingency plans. Several key resources are available, including the Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness site for planning tips and cybersecurity guidance, as well as the Louisiana Small Business Development Center’s comprehensive preparedness library. A federal resource at https://www.ready.gov/business also offers downloadable toolkits, employee training guides, and emergency testing materials to help teams stay ready. Don’t wait—get your game plan in place today.
–Southeastern Louisiana University graduate student and animator Thomas Nealsson of Hammond has won a prestigious Student Emmy Production Award for Animation, Graphics, and Special Effects from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Suncoast Chapter for his animated series trailer Legends From Another Earth. The only winner in his category, Nealsson was recognized at the Student Production Awards held at the University of Miami. Originally started as an undergraduate project, the trailer now serves as a proof of concept and creative outlet. His win marks the fifth consecutive Student Production Award for Southeastern students, adding to the university’s long-standing success in the Suncoast Competition, where students have earned more than a dozen Emmy® honors since 2005.
–During a murder trial this week at the Washington Parish Courthouse, three Baton Rouge men were arrested for allegedly threatening witnesses just outside the courtroom. Witnesses reported hearing statements like “I’ll do you something” and “I’ll roll up on you,” prompting a swift response from deputies. The accused—Camryn Hausey, Neolandd Archie, and Chaz Nobles—were arrested on charges of Intimidation of a Witness and are being held in the Washington Parish Jail without bond. Several court officials also reportedly overheard the threats.
–“Big Impact Louisiana” is a new video series from VIA LINK and the Louisiana Data Collaborative that spotlights nonprofit leaders and staff who are making a meaningful difference in communities across the state. Through insightful interviews, the series delves into each organization’s mission, leadership style, challenges, and successes, while emphasizing the critical role of data in advancing social impact. By promoting collaboration and raising awareness of available services, “Big Impact Louisiana” aims to inspire and inform. The series is available on VIA LINK’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/@VIALINKINC.
