The National Weather Service is monitoring a low-pressure system, designated 93-L, currently moving across northern Florida and expected to shift westward into the northeastern and north-central Gulf of Mexico, possibly nearing the Louisiana coast by Thursday. While the system remains disorganized, environmental conditions in the Gulf appear favorable for potential development, with a 40% chance of forming into a tropical depression within the next 48 hours and over the next week. Regardless of development, heavy rainfall is likely, bringing the risk of localized flash flooding to parts of Florida through Wednesday and to the north-central Gulf Coast—including Louisiana—beginning late Wednesday and continuing through Friday.
–St. Tammany Parish is closely monitoring the tropical system approaching the Gulf, which could bring heavy rainfall later this week, and has opened self-service sandbag locations starting in Slidell, Pearl River, Lacombe, Mandeville, and Covington. Residents can pick up sandbags at the Airport Road Public Works Barn, Fritchie Barn, Keller Barn, the Parish Government Complex, and Covington Public Works Barn—bringing their own shovels is required. Parish President Mike Cooper said crews are pumping down ponds, clearing ditches, and standing by for response, urging residents to prepare by checking generators, stocking essentials, and staying alert in case the storm’s impact intensifies. Assistance is available at (985) 898-2557.
–On August 29, the Slidell Cultural Center’s George Dunbar Gallery will open the “Katrina Then and Now” art exhibition, showcasing powerful before-and-after photos of Hurricane Katrina’s impact alongside artifacts and community-contributed stories, culminating in a time capsule for the Slidell Museum. Presented by the Northshore Cultural Economy Coalition and the City of Slidell, the exhibit runs through September 26 and complements the “Spirit of Louisiana” events on August 30, which begin at 4 p.m. with a community gathering, a Second Line parade honoring Katrina recovery efforts, and a free concert featuring The Bucktown All-Stars and Vince Vance at the Slidell Municipal Auditorium. Free tickets are available at www.KreweOfBlackAndGold.com.
–On the morning of July 15, 2025, a tragic two-vehicle crash at the intersection of LA Hwy 21 and Lees Creek Road in Washington Parish claimed the lives of Donald Williams, 86, and Gwendolyn S. Williams, 84, both of Bogalusa. According to Louisiana State Police Troop L, the crash occurred around 9:40 a.m. when the Williamses’ 2013 Lincoln MKS entered the intersection and was struck on the driver’s side by a southbound 2012 Hyundai Sonata. Both victims, who were properly restrained, were transported to local hospitals but later died from their injuries. The driver of the Hyundai sustained moderate injuries. Routine toxicology tests are being conducted as part of the ongoing investigation. Troopers urge drivers to remain alert, follow traffic rules, and exercise caution at intersections to prevent future tragedies.
–In preparation for approaching tropical storm activity, Livingston Parish Fire District 4 has made sand and bags available for residents at four locations: Station #1 at 29758 South Palmetto St. in Walker, Station #3 at 34893 LA Hwy 1019 in North Denham Springs, Station #5 at 18525 Clio St. in Port Vincent, and Station #9 at 9100 Hillon Hood Rd. in South Denham Springs. Residents are advised to bring their own shovels to fill sandbags at these sites.
–In preparation for its annual tax sale on July 29, the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office will publish an updated list of approximately 1,300 delinquent properties in the July 23 edition of The St. Tammany Farmer and online at www.STPSO.com under “Public Notices.” The list includes properties with unpaid 2024 taxes and related fees across the parish and municipalities including Slidell, Mandeville, Covington, Pearl River, Abita Springs, and Madisonville. This marks the second public notice under Louisiana law, following a first notice on June 25. Property owners are urged to pay outstanding amounts by noon on July 28 to avoid inclusion in the tax sale, which involves the sale of tax titles—not the property itself—placing liens that buyers can later redeem if owners settle their debts within a three-year window.
–The Hammond Downtown Development District is seeking 3–4 enthusiastic volunteers to assist with its Q3 Customer Count at the Hammond Farmers & Artisans Market this Saturday, July 19, from 8 a.m. to noon at Railroad Park, 106 NW Railroad Ave. Ideal for college students, service groups, downtown clubs, or anyone passionate about supporting local farmers and community spirit, the opportunity offers a fun and meaningful way to get involved. Interested volunteers can direct message the DDD or email hammondmarket@gmail.com for more details.
— In less than a tenth of a second, the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in Livingston, Louisiana, detected the most massive black hole merger ever observed, forming an intermediate-mass black hole approximately 225 times the mass of the sun. The historic November 2023 detection, confirmed by LIGO’s twin observatory in Washington and announced Monday at an international conference in Glasgow, marks a significant milestone in gravitational wave research, adding to LIGO’s record of nearly 300 black hole mergers since its groundbreaking 2015 discovery. Despite the scientific achievement, LIGO Livingston faces uncertainty amid proposed federal budget cuts that could drastically reduce the National Science Foundation’s funding, potentially limiting LIGO’s future operations.
–The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority’s Coastal Master Plan Team is inviting the public to participate in upcoming workshops to help develop project ideas for the 2029 Coastal Master Plan. Attendees will learn about the state’s plan, discuss challenges like coastal land loss and flood risks over the next 50 years, and receive expert feedback on their proposals. Public input is crucial in shaping strategies to address storm surge flooding and protect Louisiana’s coastline. Alongside these workshops, a New Project Public Solicitation Kickoff Webinar will be held on July 18 from 10 a.m. to noon. For more details and registration, visit https://coastal.la.gov/our-plan/2029-coastal-master-plan/ and register for the webinar at http://bit.ly/45ZyUln.
–With just about two weeks remaining, now is the perfect time to secure your tickets for Yoga in the Sunflowers, taking place on Friday, July 26, at the beautiful Pine Knoll Farm. Organizers have confirmed that the sunflower fields are expected to be in peak bloom, creating a breathtaking and serene backdrop for this one-of-a-kind outdoor yoga experience. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or simply looking to unwind in nature, this event offers a peaceful morning of movement, mindfulness, and fresh air among rows of vibrant sunflowers. Space is limited, and demand is high, so early registration is encouraged. Tickets and more information are available online. Don’t miss the chance to flow and stretch under the summer sky, surrounded by one of nature’s most stunning displays.
