An Extreme Heat Warning and Heat Advisory are in effect Monday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. CDT, with heat index values soaring above 114°F, particularly along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and nearby lakeshores. While humidity levels may be slightly lower farther from the lake and Mississippi Sound—resulting in somewhat reduced heat index values—conditions remain potentially dangerous, especially for vulnerable individuals. Residents are urged to stay cool and take precautions to stay safe during the intense heat.
–The Tangipahoa Chamber will host a special members-only breakfast event featuring U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D., on Wednesday, August 20, at the Shell Robert Training & Conference Center. Local business leaders will hear directly from Senator Cassidy on key federal issues impacting Tangipahoa Parish and the broader Northshore region, including his recent Fentanyl legislation, Social Security reform efforts, and updates on the Windfall Elimination Provision. Chamber CEO Melissa Bordelon encouraged early registration due to limited seating and highlighted the value of direct engagement with decision-makers. Sponsorships and individual or table registrations are available at www.tangipahoachamber.org.
–Louisiana State Police are investigating a two-vehicle crash that claimed the life of 43-year-old Gary W. Pittman Jr. of Bogalusa early Saturday morning, July 26, on LA Hwy 21 near Lon Miley Road in Washington Parish. Pittman was driving a 2008 Dodge Dakota southbound when, for reasons still under investigation, his vehicle crossed the centerline and struck a northbound 2013 GMC Sierra head-on. Pittman, who was properly restrained, died at the scene, while the GMC driver sustained serious injuries and was taken to a local hospital. Routine toxicology tests are pending, and the crash remains under investigation.
–The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested 70-year-old Arden Wells of Ponchatoula on one count of Terrorizing after he allegedly published false information on social media about an inmate escape at the Tangipahoa Parish Jail. The post, made on June 24, came just weeks after a real escape and caused public alarm and multiple inquiries. Following an investigation, a warrant was issued, and Wells was taken into custody on July 25 and later transferred to another facility for safety reasons. Sheriff Gerald Sticker emphasized that spreading false information to incite fear will not be tolerated.
–Tangi Schools is celebrating two of its own who were honored at the Cecil J. Picard Educator Excellence Awards Gala, with Dr. Anna Faye Caminita, Principal of Ponchatoula High School, named High School Principal of the Year, and Devonda Warren of the Explore and Learn Early Learning Center recognized as Early Childhood Leader of the Year. The district expressed pride in their accomplishments, applauding their leadership and dedication to guiding young minds and shaping the future of education in Tangipahoa Parish.
–Alternating lane closures are scheduled for both northbound and southbound lanes of LA 21 at the I-12 bridge overpass in St. Tammany Parish continuing nightly through Friday, August 1, at 6:00 a.m., weather permitting. The partial closures will occur each night from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., with one lane remaining open in each direction at all times. Emergency vehicles will have access, and while no additional restrictions are in place, motorists should expect moderate delays during the roadwork.
–AN17 writes that Hammond bar owner Dan Lambert has filed a lawsuit against the city of Hammond, Mayor Pete Panepinto, City Council members, and the city attorney, alleging discrimination and violations of open meetings laws during a June 24 council meeting discussing ordinances to ban alcohol sales in city parks. Lambert claims he was unfairly restricted during public comments, timed strictly while others spoke longer, and was targeted for his opposition to a proposal banning 18- to 20-year-olds from bars. The suit also accuses Councilman Devon Wells of making false, defamatory remarks about Lambert’s Cate Street Pub, damaging his reputation. Additionally, Lambert alleges the city failed to respond to his public records request within the legally required timeframe. Council President Kip Andrews withdrew the controversial age-ban proposal but plans to introduce an alternative ordinance developed with the city attorney and police chief.
–The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal motorcycle crash in the Lacombe area after a passing motorist reported seeing a wrecked motorcycle in the woods off Bayou Paquet Road Thursday morning. Deputies responding to the scene discovered the motorcycle and its deceased driver between Transmitter Road and Keller Road. The exact time of the crash remains unknown, and the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office is working to positively identify the victim.
–The Hammond Police Department Narcotics Division arrested 28-year-old Lavon Lizana Jr. of Albany on July 16 after he was observed arriving at a local casino known for illegal drug activity. Lizana, a convicted felon currently on parole for previous narcotics offenses, resisted officers but was taken into custody without incident. A search of his vehicle uncovered large quantities of suspected methamphetamine, heroin/fentanyl, crack cocaine, marijuana, Xanax, Suboxone, promethazine, and drug paraphernalia, along with two loaded handguns. The case is being forwarded to federal authorities for potential prosecution as HPD continues efforts to combat the spread of dangerous narcotics in the community.
–Crossover Road in Tangipahoa Parish will be closed for three days next week as parish crews complete a bridge repair project near Robertson Road in Independence. The closure, set to begin at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, July 29, and end by 6 p.m. Thursday, July 31—weather permitting—will restrict all traffic through the area, with detours and signage in place. In addition, Barriere Construction will continue work on the Phase 2025 overlay project, including shoulder dressing, soil cement operations, and preliminary patching on various roads across the parish. Motorists are advised to expect intermittent delays and check Tangipahoa.org for updates.
–The Slidell Police Department is investigating an overnight shooting that left a 20-year-old man in critical condition after he was found with multiple gunshot wounds in a vehicle on the 3900 block of Berkley Street shortly before 11 p.m. on July 24. The victim was rushed to a local hospital, and detectives are actively working to determine the motive and identify those responsible. Anyone with information is urged to contact Slidell Police at 985-643-3131.
–Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) are warning residents about a new text message scam targeting personal information and charging fake fees. The scam messages falsely claim the recipient has an “outstanding traffic ticket” and must pay immediately to avoid consequences. Officials urge residents not to click links, respond, or send payment, and to delete the messages immediately. The OMV reminds the public it does not send threatening texts or emails regarding violations and advises using only the official website, www.expresslane.org, for secure services. Suspicious messages should be reported to reportfraud.ftc.gov.
–Alternating lane closures will be in effect on both northbound and southbound lanes of LA 43 between US 190 and I-12 beginning Monday, July 28, at 8:00 p.m. and continuing nightly through Saturday, August 2, at 6:00 a.m., weather permitting. The partial closures are to allow crews to stripe the roadway, install mailboxes, and complete other related work. At least one lane will remain open at all times, but motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes. Suggested detours include LA 441 and I-12 to bypass the construction zone.
–Acting U.S. Attorney Ellison C. Travis announced that Randevois Ingram, 28, of Tickfaw, Louisiana, was sentenced by U.S. Chief Judge Shelly D. Dick to 60 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release for distribution of cocaine and fentanyl. Ingram pleaded guilty to distributing these controlled substances to a confidential source between May and June 2024 during an investigation led by the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul L. Pugliese.
