District Attorney Collin Sims announced the launch of the 22nd Judicial District’s Special Victims Unit Task Force (SVU-TF), a multi-agency collaboration designed to combat the rising number of crimes against children, particularly cases of online exploitation flagged by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. With more than 200 cyber tips each year in the region—about 40 of which are considered Tier 1 threats likely to involve hands-on predators—Sims said the caseload had grown too large for any single agency to manage. The task force, which includes local, state, and federal partners, will coordinate investigations, share intelligence, and work with the Children’s Advocacy Center-Hope House to support victims. Citing the sharp rise in forensic interviews at Hope House, Sims emphasized the urgent need to “pursue these cases with the full force of every tool at our disposal” and said the new initiative is expected to serve as a model for other regions across Louisiana.
–U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced Louisiana will receive nearly $195 million in federal funding from FEMA and the FAA, including $171.5 million for recovery efforts from Hurricanes Laura and Ida, the 2016 floods, and the 2023 Tiger Island Fire, as well as $23.1 million from Cassidy’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for airport improvements across the state. The package includes $2.8 million for St. Tammany Parish to cover Hurricane Ida recovery management costs and $405,000 for the City of Slidell to expand the fuel farm at Slidell Airport. Cassidy said the funding will help restore critical infrastructure, support communities, and improve Louisiana’s airports.
–More details on the City of Slidell’s plan to get in to real estate development. The city plans to buy the mostly vacant North Shore Square Mall, as last week Mayor Bill Borchert confirmed he will sign a letter of intent with Canadian real estate firm Morguard to acquire the 55-acre property at Interstate 12 and Northshore Boulevard for just under $13 million. Borchert said negotiations have been ongoing for months, with Morguard originally asking $53 million before the city countered and eventually reached the current figure. The purchase is still contingent on several steps, including an appraisal—since state law prevents the city from paying more than appraised value—a finalized purchase agreement, and approval from the Louisiana Bond Commission to issue bonds for financing. In addition, the Dillard’s Clearance Center and a self-storage facility on the property remain under separate ownership, meaning the city would need to negotiate with those businesses if the acquisition moves forward. Borchert said the project represents a major opportunity for redevelopment in a prime Slidell location.
–As of last night, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying an older white male seen on a property camera in the Loranger area Sunday afternoon, August 17, with what appeared to be a serious injury. The man was recorded around 1:30 p.m. walking along a gravel road near the intersection of Highways 445 and 40 with a large bloodstain on his right side, but his identity, whereabouts, and reason for being in the area remain unknown. Authorities said no crashes or crimes were reported nearby and no missing person reports match his description. Sheriff Gerald Sticker urged anyone with information to call the TPSO Dispatch Center at 985-747-9696 or 985-748-8147 (Option 1).
–Chamber leadership presented recommendations to the St. Tammany Parish Home Rule Charter Committee on Thursday, August 14, urging reforms to create a more efficient and business-friendly government. Board Chair-Elect Ronnie Simpson, Board Member Doug Ferrer, CEO Lacey Osborne, and Vice President Michelle Biggs outlined proposals including adopting a Parish Manager model to streamline operations, establishing an Office of Inspector General for greater transparency, using referendums to boost citizen engagement, and reviewing the size of the Parish Council to improve efficiency. In a letter to the committee, Chamber Chairman Carrie Calvin emphasized that a more nimble government would remove barriers to business, foster entrepreneurship, and strengthen the local economy.
–St. Tammany Parish Fire District 11 responded to an early morning commercial fire at Agile Cold Storage on Pearl Parkway. Crews discovered smoke from the roof and traced it to an electrical panel inside a mechanical room, which they quickly extinguished after shutting off power. Mutual aid from St. Tammany Fire Protection District No. 1 assisted in containing the blaze. Fortunately, there were no injuries or structural damage, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
–The Covington Police Department announced that E. Gibson Street will be closed between Courthouse Alley and N. New Hampshire Street on Wednesday, August 20, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Motorists are advised to plan alternate routes and drive cautiously during the closure. The department thanked the public for their patience and cooperation in keeping traffic moving safely.
–The Hammond Police Department is seeking help locating 15-year-old Ajade Bagent, who was last seen on August 18, 2025, around 2:30 p.m. at 1107 Lavanner Brown Drive in Hammond. Bagent is approximately 5’4”, 100 pounds, with black and brown dreads, brown eyes, and a dark complexion, and was last seen wearing multicolor pajamas and carrying a gray backpack with designs. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Hammond Police Department at 985-277-5701 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-554-5245.
–St. Tammany Parish officials have issued a precautionary boil water advisory for the entire Cross Gates Water System after an electrical issue caused a drop in chlorine levels. Although chlorine residuals have been restored, the advisory will remain in effect until water samples are tested and cleared by the Louisiana Department of Health. Residents are advised to boil water for at least one minute before use, and customers with questions can call 985-276-6400.
–The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office announced it will join dozens of law enforcement agencies statewide in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, running August 15–September 1, 2025. Funded by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission in partnership with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the campaign will increase patrols targeting impaired driving. Sheriff Gerald Sticker urged motorists to prioritize safety and designate a driver if consuming alcohol.
–Work is progressing on the West St. Tammany Wastewater Consolidation Project, a $20.2 million initiative led by Parish President Mike Cooper and the Parish Council to modernize utility infrastructure. The latest phase, a federally funded project worth more than $1 million, will expand capacity and upgrade equipment at the Highway 21 lift station in Covington, improving service for residents from Arbor Walk Subdivision to Brewster Road. Once complete, the larger consolidation effort will eliminate multiple smaller wastewater plants, redirect flow to a regional treatment facility, and benefit more than 6,400 residents and families.
–The St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office has issued an arrest warrant for 18-year-old Barnell Vanshun Doughty Jr., wanted in connection with a June 27 burglary of an inhabited dwelling. Investigators say Doughty unlawfully entered a residence and committed burglary, leading detectives to secure a warrant for one felony count of Simple Burglary of an Inhabited Dwelling. Doughty is described as 6’1”, 125 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Authorities are asking anyone with information on his whereabouts to call the Sheriff’s Office at 225-222-4413 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
