Southeastern Louisiana University alumna and Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts will return to campus today at 10 a.m. to officially open the new Robin Roberts Broadcast Media Center in the newly renovated D Vickers Hall. The state-of-the-art facility was made possible through Roberts’ significant gift and state funding. Joining her at the ceremony will be Southeastern President William S. Wainwright, Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed, University of Louisiana System President Rick Gallot, and other public officials and university leaders. The event will take place on the southwest side of D Vickers Hall, with parking available near Union Circle.
–St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape has identified the victim of Wednesday evening’s fatal shooting in Slidell as 18-year-old Chance’lor Parker of N. 24th Street in Lacombe. Tape said Parker died from gunshot wounds to his torso and a lower extremity, ruling the death a homicide. Slidell Police responded to reports of gunfire near Possum Hollow Park shortly after 5 p.m. on October 15, where officers found Parker in the parking lot suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported to a nearby hospital but later died from his injuries. The Slidell Police Department continues to investigate.
–Representative Robby Carter shared a post on social media that said Governor Jeff Landry has signed Executive Order JML 25-119, temporarily pausing all new CO₂ injection well applications in Louisiana while existing applications are reviewed for safety, financial accountability, and community impact. The order establishes a “Landowner Bill of Rights,” giving local governments and residents a formal voice in permitting decisions, and imposes strict new rules for well and pipeline safety, financial backing, and public transparency. While the pause does not cancel projects already under review, it marks a significant shift in oversight, requiring public input, continuous monitoring, and emergency planning before any new wells can proceed. Supporters say it is a win for citizens demanding transparency and safety in their communities, though critics argue the action may be too little, too late.
–The Friends of Sims Library will host its 17th annual “Wine with Friends” fundraiser for Southeastern Louisiana University’s Linus A. Sims Memorial Library on Friday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. The event, held at the library, will feature five wines paired with food from Tope La, live music, a silent auction, and door prizes. Todd Delaune of Red, White, and Brew will introduce the wines. Proceeds support the library’s programs, equipment, and collections. Tickets are $95 and must be reserved in advance at www.southeastern.edu/librarywine or by mail; no tickets will be sold at the door.
–Visit The Northshore is highlighting a full lineup of events this weekend across St. Tammany Parish, offering everything from live music and family fun to fall festivals and Halloween happenings. The weekend kicks off Friday, Oct. 17, with Mandeville Live!, Sunset Yoga at Fontainebleau, and concerts in Covington, followed by Saturday favorites such as the Madisonville Wooden Boat Festival, Monster Mash in Bogue Falaya Park, Jazz’n the Vines, and the Abita Springs Opry. Festivities continue Sunday with Pups & Pints at Chafunkta Brewing Co. and more Halloween fun at Fairview-Riverside State Park.
–The Hammond Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating 15-year-old Ajade Bagent, who was last seen leaving her home on October 13, 2025, at 1107 Lavanner Brown Drive in Hammond. Bagent is about 4’5” tall, weighs 100 pounds, has black braided hair, dark brown eyes, and a dark complexion. Authorities do not know what she was wearing when she left. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Hammond Police Department at 985-277-5701 or, to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-554-5245 for a possible cash reward.
–The Youth Service Bureau will host its annual “Your Santa Breakfast” on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon at Lakeview Hospital/LCMC Health, 95 Judge Tanner Blvd. in Covington. The family-friendly holiday event will feature a hot breakfast, Christmas crafts, kiddie train rides, a souvenir photo with Santa, a special Christmas movie, and more. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance at www.YSBWorks.com/Santa.
–Governor Jeff Landry has called a special session of the Louisiana legislature, set to begin October 23 and end by November 13, to address the state’s 2026 elections. Lawmakers are expected to review the election code, key dates, deadlines, and planning for the upcoming election cycle, though no additional details about the session have been released.
–The Southeastern Louisiana University Office of Military and Veteran Success invites the local community to join them on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, for the Centennial Military Banquet. Scheduled in the War Memorial Student Union Ballroom, located at 303 Union Ave., the event will begin at 6 p.m. Director of Military and Veteran Success Emily Anthony said the event will showcase 100 years of military history at Southeastern and highlight the many achievements of alumni, current students, staff, and faculty members who have served in the military. Anthony said the Keynote Speaker is Brigadier General Amy Bumgarner, USAF, who currently serves as the Commander of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. General Bumgarner is a proud Southeastern alumna and a strong supporter of the university. To register for the event, go to www.southeastern.edu/veterans. For more information, contact Anthony at emily.anthony@southeastern.edu.
–The Deep South Cruisers Car Club will host a “Trunk or Treat” Cruise Night on Saturday, October 18, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Dynamic Physical Therapy in Terra Bella Village, 653 Myrtle Drive in Covington. The family-friendly event will feature classic cars, candy, and community fun, along with door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, and a “Best Vehicle” plaque. Admission is free for paid club members and $3 for non-members, and spectators are welcome. Guests can enter Terra Bella Boulevard and turn left to access the event.
–Louisiana State Police are investigating a single-vehicle crash that claimed the life of 60-year-old Conley W. Alford of Kentwood on Wednesday afternoon, October 15, 2025. Troopers say Alford was driving a 1999 Dodge Ram westbound on LA Hwy 1048 near Frank Anderson Road in Tangipahoa Parish when the vehicle ran off the road, overcorrected, crossed both lanes, and struck a tree. Alford, who was not wearing a seat belt, sustained serious injuries and later died at a local hospital. Investigators obtained a routine toxicology sample as part of the ongoing investigation, and troopers are again urging drivers to stay alert, avoid impairment, and always wear seat belts.
–St. Tammany Fire District 4 reports that a woods fire that broke out yesterday off Ross Street near Strain Road in the Mandeville area has been fully contained and is now limited to smoldering. Officials said residents may still see or smell smoke due to steady south-southwest winds, but there are no active flames and no cause for alarm. Fire crews from District 4, District 8, and the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry will continue monitoring the site to ensure it remains under control.
— Livingston Parish is set to see two of its bridges replaced as part of a new statewide program from the Office of Louisiana Highway Construction (OLHC), targeting 62 bridges across Louisiana. The projects, located on Highways 1036 and 444, are part of an initiative under Act 389 aimed at speeding up construction, improving safety, and enhancing accountability in rural infrastructure. Parish President Randy Delatte thanked State Representatives Shane Mack and Jeff Wiley for ensuring Livingston Parish’s inclusion in the first round of projects, with work expected to begin by the end of 2025.
–U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy’s re-election campaign reported raising $1.75 million across all entities in the third quarter of 2025, bringing its total cash on hand to $10 million. According to the campaign, donations came from all 64 Louisiana parishes. Campaign Manager Katie Larkin said the fundraising totals show strong statewide support, noting that Cassidy’s third-quarter haul exceeded that of all his primary opponents combined.
