On the morning of July 12, 2025, Louisiana State Police Troop L responded to a fatal single-vehicle crash on Interstate 59 near the Interstate 12 interchange in St. Tammany Parish. The crash claimed the life of 64-year-old Barry D. Stockstill of Picayune, Mississippi, after his northbound 2001 Mercury Mountaineer, which was towing a trailer, veered off the road, struck a tree, and overturned. Stockstill, who was properly restrained, was pronounced dead at the scene, while a restrained passenger sustained moderate injuries and was transported to a hospital. A routine toxicology sample was collected as part of the investigation. Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of safe and attentive driving, as well as proper seat belt use for all vehicle occupants.
–The National Weather Service is monitoring a trough of low pressure offshore the Atlantic coast of northern Florida, which is currently producing disorganized showers and thunderstorms over parts of Florida, the northwestern Bahamas, and nearby Atlantic waters. The system is expected to move westward across Florida and into the northeastern Gulf of Mexico by late Tuesday. While environmental conditions may support gradual development as it tracks west to west-northwest through the Gulf later this week, chances of tropical formation remain low—10% over the next 48 hours and 30% over the next seven days. Regardless of development, heavy rainfall could lead to localized flash flooding across Florida and the north-central Gulf Coast through the latter half of the week. Meanwhile a Heat Advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday for portions of southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi, with heat index values expected to reach between 108 and 110 degrees. The combination of high temperatures and humidity may lead to heat-related illnesses, particularly for those without adequate cooling or hydration. Residents are urged to take precautions by drinking plenty of fluids, staying in air-conditioned spaces, avoiding prolonged sun exposure, and checking on vulnerable relatives and neighbors.
–A town hall meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Lions Club in Ponchatoula (750 E Pine Street) to discuss the proposed carbon capture project beneath Lake Maurepas and its potential environmental impact. Hosted by Senator Wheat, Representatives Muscarello, Mack, and Kim Coates, the meeting aims to inform the public about Air Products’ permit application, which includes construction of an ammonia and hydrogen facility, pipelines, and CO₂ injection wells—activities that could permanently destroy over 149 acres of wetlands and further stress the already vulnerable lake. Organizers are urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to hold a public hearing before approving any permits and are calling for an extension of the July 30 public comment deadline. Residents are encouraged to attend, learn more, and raise their voices to protect local wetlands, storm buffers, and the Lake Maurepas ecosystem.
–Starting Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 8:00 PM through Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 6:00 AM, weather permitting, partial lane closures will occur on both eastbound and westbound I-12 at the bridge overpass at LA 21 in St. Tammany Parish for bridge construction. The right lane will be closed nightly from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM on July 16 and 17, and from 9:00 PM to 8:00 AM on July 18. One lane will remain open at all times, with emergency vehicle access maintained, but motorists should expect moderate delays during these hours.
–The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in identifying suspects involved in a string of vehicle-related crimes in the Tickfaw area that appear to be connected. Between midnight and 4 a.m. on June 30, four armed individuals were caught on surveillance video breaking into vehicles on Chinook Drive and Alack Drive, and also stealing a 2021 black Mitsubishi Outlander. Authorities believe the suspects arrived in a 2009 silver Nissan Maxima that had been carjacked the night before on Old Genessee Road. Sheriff Gerald Sticker urges anyone with information on the suspects or the vehicles to contact the Criminal Investigations Office at 985-902-2088 or submit anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa, where eligible tips may earn a cash reward.
–The St. Tammany Parish Library is inviting residents to participate in community input meetings to help shape the future of the Slidell branch renovation and the Lacombe branch replacement. Multiple design concepts will be presented at sessions in each community, where attendees can vote on their preferred options to guide the projects. Slidell meetings will be held on July 14 at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Slidell branch, with input boards available there through July 28. Lacombe meetings are set for July 15 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Lacombe Recreation District #4 gym, with boards on display at the Lacombe branch until July 29. More details are available at www.sttammanylibrary.org/communitymeetings.
–Afternoon thunderstorms have caused delays in shoulder work on several recently paved roads across Tangipahoa Parish, as heavy evening showers have impacted local dirt pits and disrupted construction schedules. Parish President Robby Miller reported that Barriere Construction crews are facing weather-related setbacks but plan to resume work the week of July 14, weather permitting, with shoulder dressing scheduled on roads including South I-12 Service Road, Whiskey Lane, New Genessee, Old Covington, Woodstone, and East Park, and soil cement operations planned for Frank Lane and Jaelyn Drive. Motorists should expect intermittent delays in construction zones. Additionally, Reid Road in Amite will be closed on Monday, July 14, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. for bridge repairs, and Berry Bowl Road at Danna Road in Independence will be closed Thursday, July 17, during the same hours for a cross drain replacement. Road closure updates are available at www.Tangipahoa.org, and through the parish’s social media channels.
–Benjamin Thomas III, 52, of Hammond, Louisiana, was unanimously convicted by a federal jury on five counts of failing to properly account for and pay over federal trust fund taxes, following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge Brian A. Jackson. Thomas, who has resided in the Dominican Republic since early 2023, owned and operated Lighthouse Community Care, Inc., a Baton Rouge-based mental health clinic with multiple locations across Louisiana and over 100 employees. Despite withholding federal income, Social Security, and Medicare taxes from employee paychecks, Thomas repeatedly failed to file timely tax returns or remit the funds to the IRS, owing more than $970,000 for specific periods in 2017 and 2018. The IRS attempted to collect the funds through notices and an in-person interview, but Thomas diverted company money to a Dominican vacation home, a management company he controlled, and a family trust, while also spending heavily on luxury cars, private school tuition, and high-end personal items.
–In a major step toward improving community health in South Louisiana, St. Tammany Health System unveiled its newest mobile screening unit on July 10—the Breathe Well ConneCTion, the region’s first lung screening vehicle. Designed to deliver quick, low-dose CT scans and AI-powered multi-organ assessments, the unit aims to detect early signs of lung cancer and other conditions, especially in underserved populations. The Breathe Well ConneCTion joins the Be Well Bus, a mobile mammography unit launched in 2021, in reaching residents at local events across the parish. Supported by a $500,000 donation from the Mauti Cancer Fund and other community partners, the unit debuted with a free screening event for firefighters, highlighting its mission to bring life-saving care directly to those at heightened risk.
–Comedy returns to the Northshore with a bang as Comedy Night 15 takes over the 30 by Ninety Theatre on Friday, July 25 at 7:30 PM. Headlining the one-night-only event is comedy veteran Andy Huggins, known for his appearances on America’s Got Talent and streaming platforms like Apple TV and Prime Video. Joining him are rising stars Allison Hotard and Mike Peterson, bringing fresh humor and high-energy sets, with fan-favorite Gina G hosting the evening. Tickets are $30 and available at www.30byNinety.com, with limited seating and advance purchase strongly encouraged.
–The limited precautionary boil water advisory for the Loranger area has been officially lifted. The advisory had affected customers of the Eastern Heights System, including those along Highway 1054 south of Clement Road to Highway 40, as well as School Road and any connected streets. Following comprehensive testing by the Louisiana Department of Health lab, officials have confirmed that the water is now safe for consumption.
–Governor Jeff Landry has appointed Michael H. Hare as the new Executive Director of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA). Hare brings extensive experience in coastal restoration, having founded WILDHARE Solutions, LLC, where he advised clients in environmental markets, and previously served as Director of Government Affairs & Business Development at RES. In his new role, Hare is expected to lead CPRA’s efforts to protect and restore Louisiana’s coast, building on the agency’s momentum and working closely with coastal communities to address ongoing environmental challenges.
