As Independence Day nears, St. Tammany Fire Protection District 11 is urging residents to celebrate responsibly and safely when using fireworks. While officials strongly discourage the use of consumer fireworks due to the high risk of injury and fire, they advise those who choose to use them to follow strict safety precautions: always read and follow label instructions, never allow children to handle fireworks, keep a bucket of water or hose nearby, light fireworks one at a time and move back quickly, and never relight a “dud.” Fireworks should only be used outdoors, away from buildings, dry grass, and flammable materials. Alcohol and fireworks don’t mix, and spectators should maintain a safe distance. The department emphasizes that professional public fireworks displays are the safest way to enjoy the holiday and encourages residents to attend local shows instead.
–STOPS will host safeTALK – Suicide Alertness for Everyone on Saturday, July 19, from 9 a.m. to noon at the NAMI Training Room on the Safe Haven Campus in Mandeville. This evidence-based program, developed by LivingWorks, equips community members with the skills to identify individuals experiencing thoughts of suicide and connect them to appropriate intervention resources. The $50 training is approved for 3 CEUs by the NASW-Louisiana Chapter, and scholarships are available. To register, email the organizer. safeTALK emphasizes practical steps—Tell, Ask, Listen, and KeepSafe—empowering participants to become proactive suicide alert helpers in just a few hours.
–The National Weather Service is monitoring an area of showers and thunderstorms currently over the northwestern Caribbean Sea, expected to move into the Bay of Campeche by Saturday or Saturday night. A low-pressure system could form, with slow development possible Sunday or Monday if it remains offshore along Mexico’s coast. Regardless of development, heavy rains are expected over parts of Belize, Guatemala, and southeastern Mexico. The system’s chances of formation remain low—10% over the next 48 hours and 20% over the next seven days.
–Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to join Gov. Jeff Landry on Friday for the signing of Senate Bill 14, landmark legislation aimed at banning certain food additives in schools and increasing ingredient transparency in foods sold across Louisiana. Bill author Sen. Pat McMath of Covington expressed pride in the bipartisan support the measure received, suggesting the presence of Kennedy underscores the law’s national significance. He noted that the law, which he described as a combination of several bills, aligns with the priorities of both Kennedy and former President Donald Trump. The law prohibits state-funded public and private schools from serving meals containing 15 specific additives, including several artificial dyes and sweeteners such as aspartame and sucralose. McMath emphasized that the bill reflects a broader effort to prioritize health and nutrition, adding that new labeling requirements—including QR codes on packaged foods with certain additives—are intended to empower consumers with clearer information.
–On June 25, 2025, a joint investigation into child exploitation by the Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit, FBI, and St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office led to the arrest of two men—23-year-old Caden A. Rampino of Covington and 25-year-old Justin K. Dixon of Plaucheville. Both were charged with Indecent Behavior with Juveniles and Computer-aided Solicitation of a Minor, while Dixon faced an additional charge of Attempted Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile. They were booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center, and the cases remain under investigation. Authorities emphasize the importance of public awareness and reporting suspicious activity through http://la-safe.org to aid in protecting vulnerable individuals and combating exploitation.
–Earlier this week, the Amite City Police Department responded to a reported theft at Walmart on W. Oak Street and quickly apprehended the suspect, identified as 50-year-old Trace Bell of Roseland, LA. Bell attempted to flee the scene westbound on a bicycle but collided with a patrol vehicle’s door near the I-55 overpass and continued on foot before being taken into custody. He faces multiple charges, including theft, aggravated flight from an officer, simple criminal damage to property, and being a fugitive for failing to register as a sex offender. Police thanked the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Department for their assistance.
–The Hammond Regional Arts Center (HRAC) has unveiled a new community-centered initiative—the Free Little Art Gallery (FLAG)—a miniature, open-access art installation designed to make art more accessible and foster spontaneous creative exchange. Inspired by the popular “Little Free Library” movement, FLAG invites the public to engage with original art in a simple yet powerful way: by taking a piece that resonates with them or contributing a small work of their own. From painted canvases to tiny sculptures and handcrafted creations, all types of small-scale artwork are welcome. Located in front of the Hammond Downtown Development District at 2 West Thomas Street in Hammond, Louisiana, the gallery operates on a “take a piece, leave a piece” model and is free and open to all. “The Free Little Art Gallery is about more than just sharing art—it’s about making art accessible, surprising, and part of daily life,” said Melissa Griffin, Executive Director of HRAC. “We’re thrilled to offer a space where anyone can participate, regardless of age or skill level.” By placing the gallery in a high-traffic public area, HRAC hopes to bring creativity into everyday encounters and strengthen community bonds through shared artistic experiences. This initiative underscores the Arts Center’s mission to promote local talent, cultivate cultural appreciation, and ensure the arts remain a vibrant and integral part of community life.
–On February 9, 2025, during Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, a halftime show disruption led to the arrest of 41-year-old Zul-Qarnain Kwame Nantambu. According to Louisiana State Police, Nantambu, hired as an extra performer, deviated from his assigned role by running across the field with a Sudanese flag displaying the message “Sudan and Free Gaza.” He refused to comply with security commands and was quickly apprehended. Though he had authorized field access for the performance, investigators determined he was not permitted to stage a demonstration. Following an investigation, Nantambu surrendered to authorities on June 26 and was booked into the Orleans Parish Justice Center on charges of Resisting an Officer and Disturbing the Peace by Interruption of a Lawful Assembly. The case remains under investigation.
–On June 25, Washington Parish Sheriff Jason Smith and ADAPT, Inc. Executive Director Rusty Fornea signed a memorandum of understanding to join forces in the fight against substance abuse and mental health challenges in the parish. The partnership, supported by HRSA Grant #G28RH46312, will equip deputies with vital tools and training—including harm reduction strategies, overdose response with naloxone, and Mental Health First Aid—while fostering close collaboration with ADAPT’s peer support specialists to assist incarcerated individuals with recovery and reentry planning. With most crimes in the parish tied to drug activity and mental health disorders, the initiative marks a major step in shifting toward health-focused public safety. Sheriff Smith emphasized the life-saving potential of the alliance, which will remain in effect through August 2026.
–Leadership Tangipahoa is now accepting applications for its next class of local leaders, and they’re looking for individuals who are ready to make a difference in their community. If you’re interested in developing your leadership skills and connecting with others committed to positive change in Tangipahoa Parish, apply today! The deadline to submit your application is Friday, June 27. For more information and to apply, visit www.leadershiptangi.org.
–The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office has officially welcomed its newest (and perhaps most charismatic) team member—K-9 “Detective Bruno,” a 9-month-old narcotics detection dog who kicked off his first shift with style and attitude. Sporting a red bandana, mirrored shades, and a custom vest request reading “Not today, drug mule,” Bruno arrived with a list of non-negotiables, including tinted windows, tennis balls, and a firm ban on the song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”—which he claims is “career sabotage.” Assigned to the Narcotics Division, this floppy-eared prodigy is already making a name for himself, promising to sniff out crime while silently judging your center console—and maybe growing a beard to fit in with the human detectives.
–Louisiana businesses are urged to register with the Louisiana Business Emergency Operations Center (LABEOC) to receive the most up-to-date emergency preparedness information tailored specifically for the business community. Established in 2005 following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, LABEOC plays a vital role in helping businesses and nonprofits prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. Developed through a public-private partnership with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, the NIMSAT Institute at UL Lafayette, and Louisiana Economic Development, LABEOC provides critical tools and resources to help businesses weather storms and reopen quickly. To register and learn more, visit LABEOC’s official site.
–WWL-TV reports that just one month into the 2025 hurricane season, a federal decision could hinder storm forecasting efforts, as the Department of Defense plans to take offline a key microwave satellite used by NOAA for tracking tropical systems. The satellite, crucial for early storm detection in the central Atlantic, provides data on cloud patterns, temperatures, and other variables that feed into forecasting models. Louisiana Chief Meteorologist Chris Franklin emphasized its value in identifying systems before hurricane hunters are deployed, warning that the loss of this data could reduce the accuracy of intensity forecasts as the season progresses.
