The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested Barry West, 54, of Tickfaw, in connection with a violent road rage shooting that critically injured a 17-year-old pregnant girl on Sunday morning in Ponchatoula. Investigators say West, driving a silver Dodge truck, fired a shot into a Ford Expedition after the two vehicles had been tailgating and brake-checking each other, striking the teen—who was seven months pregnant—in the head. She remains in critical condition, while her baby was delivered via emergency C-section and is reported to be doing well in a NICU. West has been booked on four counts of attempted second-degree murder, illegal use of a weapon, and obstruction of justice. Authorities said evidence shows no weapon was present in the victim’s vehicle, despite West’s claim he believed he was being fired upon. Sheriff Gerald Sticker called the shooting a “senseless tragedy” and urged drivers to remain calm and call 911 if they feel endangered. Charges could be upgraded depending on the victim’s condition.
–The Krewe of Black and Gold, in partnership with the City of Slidell, will host a full day of events on Saturday, August 30, to mark the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina with a commemoration of resilience, recovery, and remembrance. The program begins at 4 p.m. with a community gathering in the Slidell Municipal Auditorium featuring remarks from Mayor Bill Borchert, former Mayor Ben O. Morris, Parish President Mike Cooper and others, along with a moment of reflection for families and businesses unable to return after the storm. At 5 p.m., the Spirit of Louisiana Second Line, led by the Storyville Stompers, will honor the countless recovery workers, volunteers, and community members who played vital roles in rebuilding. The evening will conclude with a free community concert at 6 p.m. in the Municipal Auditorium—rebuilt after Katrina’s devastation—featuring the Bucktown All-Stars and a special appearance by Vince Vance. All events are free and open to the public.
–Southeastern Louisiana University’s Contemporary Art Gallery is presenting its 2025 Visual Art + Design Faculty Exhibition from Aug. 28 to Sept. 24, showcasing a wide range of media including painting, sculpture, performance, photography, ceramics, theatre design and more by faculty members such as Jeffery Mickey, Shayla M. Kelly, Lily Brooks, and Tabitha Nikolai. An opening reception will be held Aug. 28 from 5–7 p.m., and the program also includes an Oct. 2 lecture by Assistant Professor of Costume Design Mona Jahana, who will discuss her research and design work for the Columbia Theatre’s production of Clue. The gallery, located in East Strawberry Stadium at 411 Ned McGehee Dr., is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.
–The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying the driver of a white Ford F150 4×4 pickup that drove around a stopped school bus in the Tall Timbers subdivision near Mandeville on Tuesday afternoon, nearly striking a child as she crossed the street. The incident happened around 3:45 p.m. at Hector and Montaigne streets while the bus’ stop sign and flashing lights were activated; the child suffered only minor scrapes to her arm. Deputies urge anyone with information to call (985) 898-2338 and remind drivers that passing a stopped school bus is illegal and poses a serious danger to children.
–The St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation is praising the Slidell City Council, Mayor Bill Borchert, City Council President Nick DiSanti, and the Northshore Square Mall Economic Development District for advancing plans to redevelop the Northshore Square Mall property, calling it a transformational step for the city’s future. EDC leaders said the initiative represents a major opportunity to revitalize the Northshore Boulevard corridor, drive business growth, create jobs, and strengthen long-term economic health while keeping the community’s needs at the center. CEO Chris Masingill released a YouTube video highlighting the importance of the project as planning continues with Colliers International Property Consultants and public input remains a key part of the process.
–AN17 reports that the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is working with the South Tangipahoa Parish Port Commission to strengthen waterway security on Lake Manchac, with TPSO applying for a $697,439 federal Port Security Grant to purchase a 32-foot Pilothouse Patrol boat. Sheriff Gerald Sticker said the vessel would enhance crime-fighting, improve quality of life, and protect critical infrastructure at Port Manchac, while also providing redundancy and uniformity with neighboring agencies’ fleets. The agreement, which carries no financial obligation for the port, would allow TPSO to dock the vessel there, aiding both industrial and recreational traffic. Port Executive Director Pat Dufresne said the move could help secure the grant while also boosting community safety, noting work is also underway to repair the barge dock damaged in 2024 and to update the port’s required five-year plan.
–Roseland Montessori announced it will reopen for classes on Tuesday, August 26, after the Department of Environmental Quality confirmed safe air quality inside and around the school and the one-mile evacuation order near the Smitty’s Supply site was lifted. While Highway 51 at the site and Highway 10 from Russell Town Road to Highway 51 remain closed, families are asked to use alternate routes. As a precaution, the school has cleaned all outdoor and indoor areas, serviced HVAC systems, and will provide bottled water to ensure a safe return for students and staff.
–The Tangipahoa Parish Library, in partnership with the Tangi Chess Club, will host the Tangi Chess Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Main Street Dance in Hammond, with registration beginning at 9 a.m. and matches starting at 10 a.m. The competition will feature free youth divisions for ages 8U, 10U, and 13U, along with a $25 adult tournament, with fees contributing to the winners’ pool. Trophies and additional prizes will be awarded, and organizers encourage the community to come out and support local players while celebrating Tangipahoa Parish’s young chess talent. Registration is available online at https://forms.office.com/r/0qkDxwppAf.
–IDEAinstitute Northshore has opened applications for its 12-week hybrid accelerator designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs develop and grow their ventures, offering training in customer profiling, market validation, design thinking, business modeling, financial planning, and investor pitching. Participants will also receive one-on-one mentorship and compete in a Pitch Night for a chance to win a cash prize. The program, which has helped past participants secure funding and spots in advanced accelerators, is accepting applications through Sunday, August 31, at 11:59 p.m. CDT.
