The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) marked a major milestone Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting for the Lake Borgne Marsh Creation Project in St. Bernard Parish, now the largest marsh creation effort by acreage in state history. Begun in 2021, the project used 15 million cubic yards of dredged material to restore 3,180 acres of marsh along the lake’s south shore—critical habitat that has suffered decades of saltwater intrusion, subsidence, and storm damage. State leaders, including Gov. Jeff Landry and CPRA Chairman Gordy Dove, praised the project for boosting storm protection for the Greater New Orleans region and reinforcing the Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System. The effort also incorporated nearby Bayou La Loutre marsh and ridge restoration, adding more than 420 acres of marsh and over five miles of ridge supporting maritime forest habitat. Funded primarily through Deepwater Horizon NRDA dollars and completed $5 million under budget, the $110 million project involved engineering by Covington-based Duplantis Design Group and construction by Mike Hooks, LLC, supporting nearly 500 direct jobs. Local and federal partners hailed the achievement as a significant step in rebuilding coastal ecosystems and strengthening community resilience.
–Northshore Humane Society is seeking urgent community support after an electrical fire broke out Tuesday afternoon in its largest dog kennel, Kennel A, at the organization’s Covington facility. The blaze, which started around 12:30 p.m., was linked to a heater malfunction; staff quickly evacuated all dogs, and no animals were harmed. However, with the kennel now without heat and cold weather approaching, the shelter was asking residents to stop by to foster dogs temporarily. For those unable to foster, monetary donations are critically needed as the nonprofit continues its capital campaign to replace its more than 70-year-old building—an aging facility the organization says this incident highlights. Donations can be made at www.supportnhs.org, and the shelter is located at 20384 Harrison Ave. in Covington.
–The Harbor Center will welcome back the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Band for its annual Holiday Concert on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, a festive tradition that supports the Marine Toys for Tots program. Sponsored by Friends of the Harbor Center, the event invites families to visit with Santa starting at 6 p.m. before the concert begins at 7 p.m., with admission consisting of a new, unwrapped toy or monetary donation to benefit children in the Slidell area. “We are thrilled to once again host the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Band at The Harbor Center,” said Joseph Montelepre, chairman of Friends of the Harbor Center, who noted the community’s enthusiasm for the band’s renowned performances and the joy the event brings to local families. For more information, visit www.harborcenter.org or call 985-781-3650.
–Abita Brewing is kicking off the holiday spirit with its December Food Truck Round-Up and annual Keg Tree Lighting on Friday, December 5, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Guests can enjoy holiday lights, Abita beer, and a diverse lineup of food trucks, including El Sabor De Veracruz, Big Papi’s Smokehouse, Roux 437, and Oh Yea Cajun Style Food Truck, with Bayou Pantry offering sweet treats and drinks. Live music by Carter Hampton will round out the festive evening.
–Ponchatoula Mayor Wesley Daniels is encouraging residents to support the city’s small businesses this holiday season, emphasizing that local shops, restaurants, and service providers form the heart of the community and help keep the local economy strong. In a message to residents, Daniels highlighted the wide range of family-owned establishments that contribute to Ponchatoula’s unique character—from boutiques and art galleries to salons, med spas, antique stores, and neighborhood bars—adding that every purchase made locally reinvests in the town’s long-standing spirit of hard work and hometown pride. He also urged citizens to embrace the season by shopping, dining, and enjoying downtown, noting how much that support means to business owners. Daniels announced that the city’s annual lighting ceremony is set for December 5 at 6 p.m., though officials are monitoring the weather to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for all.
–A joint investigation by the Slidell Police Department Narcotics Division, the DEA New Orleans Field Division Task Force Group IV, and the New Orleans Police Department has led to multiple arrests and the disruption of a retail-level heroin and fentanyl distribution network allegedly operated by Raymond “Slim” Allen. Authorities say Allen, who has a criminal history with Slidell Police, was tied to a narcotics operation based out of an apartment complex in New Orleans East that served as a key hub for drugs trafficked into Slidell and the greater New Orleans area. Late last month, officers executed a search warrant at the targeted apartment with assistance from the DEA Special Response Team, resulting in the arrests of three individuals—two of whom were already wanted on felony warrants in Orleans and Jefferson parishes. Investigators also seized roughly 153 grams of fentanyl, multiple firearms, and narcotics paraphernalia.
–The National Weather Service in New Orleans is warning residents to prepare for another round of wet weather later this week, with periods of moderate to heavy rainfall expected from late Wednesday night through Friday. After a brief stretch of cooler, drier conditions, forecasters say a new system will bring widespread rain that could affect travel and outdoor plans. Officials urge the public to stay weather-aware, monitor updates as the system approaches, and keep umbrellas and safety precautions in mind.
–Old Farmers Day organizers have announced the cancellation of this year’s Horse-Drawn Christmas Parade, citing growing concerns over the spread of Equine Herpesvirus (EHV-1), which has now been confirmed in at least eight states, including areas near the community. The Brunett family, who leads the event, said the decision was made out of responsibility to protect participating horses, noting the difficulty of verifying vaccine status, exposure history, and health records for the many animals that typically gather for the parade. Bringing horses from multiple farms and regions together, they said, could increase the risk of spreading the highly contagious neurologic virus, even among animals that appear healthy. While the cherished tradition will not take place this year, other local parades continue as planned, including the Loranger Fire Department parade and, as of Dec. 1, Folsom’s horse parade on Dec. 13. Organizers thanked the community for understanding and wished everyone a safe, healthy Christmas season.
–The Rotary Club of Covington is urging the community to support its long-running Feeding The Needy program, which has spent more than 23 years ensuring local children don’t go hungry on Christmas. The initiative provides full holiday meals—complete with turkey, sides, and dessert—to families in need across St. Tammany and Washington parishes. Last year alone, the program delivered 1,500 meal packages, feeding more than 12,000 people. With nearly half of local families now struggling to afford basic necessities, organizers say community support is more critical than ever. The Rotary Club’s annual Fundraiser Luncheon on December 9 will help raise awareness and resources, and residents can sponsor, donate in-kind, volunteer, or attend by contacting Covrotary@gmail.com.
–Madisonville is gearing up for a festive afternoon as the Market Munchkins Christmas Market returns on Sunday, December 7, at Madisonville Park and Playground on Pine Street, offering a bigger and more magical celebration than ever. The family-friendly event opens at noon and features dozens of kid-run booths where young entrepreneurs will sell handmade gifts, treats, and holiday goodies, followed by a Christmas parade at 2 p.m. Visitors can also enjoy live music, children’s activities, photo opportunities, and plenty of seasonal cheer, with organizers encouraging families to bring chairs and come out to support local youth while celebrating the holiday spirit.
–Southeastern Louisiana University’s six-member Bruteforce Lions computer science team earned an impressive No. 11 finish at the national CyberForce Competition® in Illinois, placing in the top 20 among 100 collegiate teams tasked with defending simulated energy-sector technology systems. Computer Science Assistant Professor Paulo Alexandre Regis praised the group’s preparation, teamwork, and mix of graduate and undergraduate talent. The U.S. Department of Energy–sponsored event emphasizes real-world cybersecurity challenges, critical thinking, and operational and information technology skills. Southeastern outperformed major universities including Texas A&M, Purdue, BYU, and Loyola Chicago. Team members include Nitesh Kumar Shah, Riyaj Chaulagain, Sudhakar Chaulagain, Christopher Walters, Joshua Cantu, and Wilson Bernard. The university also recently celebrated another student tech victory, winning the “Best Use of Solana” track at the HackNYU 2025 competition.
–The Audubon Nature Institute has temporarily halted all membership sales after public outcry over a sudden hike in family rates, which nearly doubled from $220 to $425. Spokesperson Melissa Lee said that the institute is working on more “cost-effective” membership options, expected by mid-December, and said members who purchased since November 28 will be contacted to switch plans if desired. While no final decision has been made, options could include a zoo-only membership alongside the traditional all-access pass. Audubon attributed the increase to rising animal care costs, but longtime visitors expressed frustration over the unexpected change.
–A Lacombe woman is facing multiple animal cruelty charges after St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies and Animal Control officers discovered eight dogs in dire conditions at a home on South Pontchartrain Drive on Monday. Responding to a report of a neglected dog, deputies found four severely malnourished dogs and two others with significant injuries; Animal Control took custody of all six surviving animals. Inside the residence—described by investigators as deplorable—deputies also found the bodies of two deceased dogs. The homeowner, 57-year-old Kathleen Leatherman, was arrested and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on four counts of simple animal cruelty and four counts of aggravated animal cruelty. Sheriff Randy Smith called the case “disturbing” and said deputies will continue pursuing charges in situations where animals suffer such neglect.
–President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that National Guard troops will soon be deployed to New Orleans, adding to a separate federal operation, “Swamp Sweep,” set to begin this week. Trump did not specify troop numbers or an exact arrival date, but Republican Gov. Jeff Landry, who requested up to 1,000 troops in September to combat crime, said he expects them in the city before Christmas. Landry, a Trump ally, has cited concerns over violent crime in Democratic-run New Orleans despite local police reporting declines, while also welcoming the Border Patrol-led “Swamp Sweep” aimed at arresting 5,000 people. Critics argue federal deployment is unnecessary given falling crime rates, noting New Orleans is on track for one of its safest years since the 1970s. Landry previously emphasized the state’s law enforcement shortages and vulnerability to natural disasters, saying extra support would benefit major events like Mardi Gras and college football bowl games.
