The St. Tammany Parish Mosquito Abatement District (STPMAD) has filed an injunction against the St. Tammany Parish Council, alleging the Council launched an unlawful and politically motivated investigation into how the district’s voter-dedicated tax dollars are spent. The lawsuit, filed Nov. 5, 2025, claims the Council’s actions amount to a “smear campaign” aimed at consolidating STPMAD under parish government control to access its dedicated funds and assets, following the recent failure of six parish tax measures. STPMAD contends the Council’s inquiry—carried out through committees and the district attorney’s office—was unauthorized, lacked transparency, and violated attorney ethics rules. The agency maintains it has cooperated fully but argues the process was designed to undermine public trust. In response, STPMAD has published a detailed rebuttal to the district attorney’s Oct. 23 presentation on its website and will hold a public meeting Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. at its Slidell office, with a virtual option available, to address the matter directly with residents.
–The Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts in Hammond will kick off the holiday season with a live musical production of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, presented in partnership with Jefferson Performing Arts. The beloved holiday classic comes to life on stage for one show only at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Columbia Theatre, 220 E. Thomas St. “This is a must-see for fans of all ages,” said Artistic Director Jim Winter. “Jefferson Performing Arts always delivers spell-binding live productions.” Tickets are $45 for adults and $25 for children and students, available at www.columbiatheatre.org.
–The U.S. Department of Justice and the State of Louisiana have filed a major federal lawsuit against Smitty’s Supply, Inc., accusing the Roseland-based lubricant manufacturer of years of environmental violations and a massive August explosion and fire that contaminated the Tangipahoa River. The 65-page complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, alleges violations of the Clean Water Act and Louisiana Environmental Quality Act, seeking civil penalties and corrective measures. The August 22 blaze burned for more than two weeks, forcing evacuations of about 800 residents and sending millions of gallons of contaminated oil and firefighting water into waterways stretching 47 miles downstream toward Lake Pontchartrain. Federal and state regulators claim Smitty’s failed to maintain proper spill-prevention and response plans and logged over 230 permit violations between 2022 and 2025. Authorities are seeking fines of up to $68,000 per day per violation and a court order requiring the company to overhaul its environmental safeguards. Cleanup and monitoring continue as the Tangipahoa incident remains one of Louisiana’s largest industrial disasters. The lawsuit follows Smitty’s own legal action blaming two boiler companies for the explosion, alleging their faulty equipment and maintenance triggered the disaster.
–19th Judicial District Judge Brad Myers has granted a motion to recuse Judge Gail Ray Horne from presiding over the Madison Brooks and Casen Carver case, following a request filed by District Attorney Hillar Moore’s office on Sept. 26. The case has been reassigned to Judge Fred Crifasi for now but remains legally “stayed” while the defense prepares an appeal, or Supervisory Writ, to the First Circuit Court of Appeal by Dec. 5, 2025—a deadline that may be extended pending completion of the official transcript from the recusal hearing. In his ruling, Judge Myers noted that prosecutors had not proven bias or prejudice by Judge Horne but said the “totality and uniqueness” of the facts, including a “particularly concerning” text message exchange between Casen Carver and his father, warranted recusal to preserve public confidence in the court’s impartiality. Defense attorney Joe Long said an appeal was expected regardless of the outcome and that the Louisiana Supreme Court would likely make the final decision. The case stems from the January 2023 death of 19-year-old LSU student Madison Brooks, who was fatally struck by a vehicle in East Baton Rouge Parish after prosecutors say she was raped and left on the roadside by Carver and three other men.
–District Attorney Collin Sims announced the arrest of 18-year-old Austin Alexander Olmstead of Bogalusa following a cyber tip that led to the discovery of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) within the 22nd Judicial District. On October 30, 2025, the DA’s Special Victims Unit Task Force received a tip from the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office about a suspect sharing CSAM. Acting on the information, investigators with the Bogalusa Police Department, Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, and Covington Police executed a warrant at Olmstead’s home, where they found about 70 images of CSAM involving children under 13. Olmstead reportedly admitted to possessing the material and was booked on 70 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material involving victims under 13, a felony carrying 10 to 40 years in prison per count. Sims praised the collaborative investigation, saying, “If you prey on children, whether in person or behind a screen, we will find you and hold you accountable.” The investigation is ongoing, and more charges are possible.
–The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help identifying at least two suspects linked to a string of vehicle burglaries in the Hammond area, one of which involved shots fired at an occupied car. Deputies say several vehicles were broken into on Halloween night in the General Ott Road area, and on Nov. 4, a man reported being shot at while leaving for work after slowing down near two suspicious individuals. The victim was not injured. Investigators believe the same suspects are connected to both incidents and that additional victims may not have come forward yet. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Criminal Investigations Office at 985-902-2088 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245 or www.tangicrimestoppers.com.
–St. Tammany Parish officials announced that a section of Brewster Road between President Madison Drive and LA 1077 will be closed to traffic from 10 p.m. Friday, November 7, through 5 p.m. Sunday, November 9, to allow crews to install a sewer force main. The work is part of the $20.2 million West St. Tammany Wastewater Consolidation Project, which will add new sewer lift stations aimed at improving service and environmental quality for more than 6,400 residents and families. Parish officials thank the public for their patience and understanding during the temporary closure.
–The Fontainebleau High School RoboDawgs team is partnering with the Northshore Reading Council to host the annual “Fall Into STEAM” event on Friday, November 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at FHS. The event aims to promote awareness and engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics through interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities. The RoboDawgs will showcase a variety of STEAM projects, while the Reading Council will offer a bookmark coloring station, free STEM and NASA-themed books in the library, and a special video book reading by an astronaut or NASA engineer.
–Southeastern Louisiana University’s Department of Computer Science will host the third fall Industry Connect Distinguished Lecture on Nov. 20 at 4 p.m. in the Envoc Innovation Lab, room 2026 of the Computer Science and Technology Building. The free lecture, titled “Build Fast, Plan Carefully: A Field Guide to the Risks and Rewards of GenAI in Enterprise Software Development,” will feature guest speaker Kevin Fussell, Strategic Analytics Director at North Oaks Health System and a Southeastern computer science alumnus. A Ponchatoula native, Fussell has spent 17 years at North Oaks leading efforts in enterprise analytics, data science, and AI-driven software development. His team’s nationally recognized work in predictive analytics has advanced real-time clinical decision support technology now used in hospitals nationwide. Guests may attend in person or virtually via Google Meet. To RSVP, email industryconnect@southeastern.edu
–Mandeville will honor local heroes with its Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 9, 2025, beginning at 11 a.m. at the Mandeville Boat Launch and concluding at Pat’s Rest Awhile around 4 p.m. The event will feature a performance by Rockin’ Dopsie Jr. & The Zydeco Twisters, adding a lively Louisiana flair to the celebration. Sponsored by Old Mandeville Business Association and Pat’s Rest Awhile, the parade invites the community to come out, enjoy live music, and show appreciation for veterans’ service and sacrifice.
–The Mandeville Police Department is asking for the public’s help identifying three individuals wanted in connection with an ongoing shoplifting investigation. Photos of the suspects have been released, and anyone who recognizes them is urged to contact the department’s Criminal Investigations Unit at 985-624-3119. Police emphasize that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law and thank the citizens of Mandeville for their continued support in keeping the community safe.
–The Audubon Nature Institute is honoring active-duty military members and veterans with two days of free admission to its attractions on Nov. 8 and 9. During the weekend, military personnel and veterans can enjoy complimentary entry to the Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, and Audubon Insectarium. “We are deeply grateful for those who have served our country, both here and abroad,” said Audubon CEO Michael J. Sawaya. “This is our way of showing appreciation for their dedication and sacrifice.” Complimentary tickets will be available at the ticket booth of any participating location with proof of military service.
–Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Christopher Hebert has been named Regulator of the Year at the 2025 American Gambling Awards, which honor top leaders shaping the regulated U.S. online gambling industry. Hebert was recognized for his proactive leadership and strong enforcement actions that have positioned Louisiana as a model for regulatory excellence. Under his direction, the Board has issued more than 40 cease-and-desist letters to illegal online gambling operators following Governor Jeff Landry’s veto of legislation targeting sweepstakes casinos, reinforcing the Board’s authority to protect consumers and the state’s regulated market. Hebert credited the Board’s team for their dedication to maintaining a safe and transparent industry, saying the award reflects their collective work. Gambling.com Group CEO Charles Gillespie praised Hebert’s efforts, noting Louisiana’s complex gambling landscape—which includes riverboat casinos, racetracks, video gaming, and sports betting—has thrived under his clear and decisive guidance.
