District Attorney Collin Sims says St. Tammany Parish is facing a critical public safety crisis after the Parish Council approved the 2026 budget, cutting funding for his office, the judiciary, and the parish jail by 30%. Sims warns that proposed 2027 cuts could reach 55% due to a broken tax structure and an $18 million shortfall in the general fund, putting essential public safety services at risk. He urges elected officials, business leaders, and residents to come together to reform the parish’s tax system and secure stable, long-term funding for public safety, courts, and the jail without raising taxes.
–Southeastern Louisiana University will hold two commencement ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 13, featuring keynote addresses from two state economic leaders as the university closes out its centennial year. Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc.—recognized nationally for his work in economic development and now serving as the state’s coordinator for major infrastructure projects tied to Super Bowl LIX—will speak at the 10 a.m. ceremony, while Paige M. Carter, Louisiana Economic Development’s chief business development officer, will address graduates at 3 p.m. and highlight her role in tripling LED’s project pipeline and expanding job-creation efforts statewide. University President William S. Wainwright said both speakers bring deep insight into Louisiana’s evolving economy and the competitive edge graduates will need as they enter the workforce. Guests attending commencement should be aware of clear bag requirements, prohibited items such as food and drink, standard security screenings, and the availability of Lion Traxx shuttles, with each ceremony expected to last about 90 minutes; additional details are available on the university’s commencement FAQ page.
–Hammond City Councilwoman Carlee White Gonzales has announced her candidacy for Mayor of Hammond in the November 2026 election, highlighting her two terms representing Council District 2 and her lifelong ties to the community. Gonzales said her campaign will focus on transparent leadership, stronger neighborhoods, and responsible growth, adding that her experience on the council has shown her “what works and what needs to change.” She said it is time for “new leadership with a clear vision that protects our families, our homes, our businesses, and our quality of life.”
–The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office invites all local senior citizens to its annual Senior Holiday Luncheon on December 15 at the Castine Center. Doors open at 8 a.m., with a traditional holiday meal served starting at 10:30 a.m., accompanied by music, dancing, and festive fun. No reservations are required—attendees are welcome until all food is served. The event is a gesture of thanks to the parish’s senior community, and the sheriff’s office encourages everyone to spread the word.
–The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that Austin W. Yoches was arrested on December 4, 2025, for violating two protective orders after fleeing a domestic disturbance in Walker, Louisiana, in November. Sheriff Jason Ard said deputies received multiple tips that Yoches was hiding on Burgess Road in Denham Springs and repeatedly checked the property, but did not enter any residences while executing the arrest warrant. Yoches was taken into custody, charged with two counts of violating protective orders, and later bonded out for $15,000, with an order of protection in place for the victims. Sheriff Ard emphasized the seriousness of domestic violence offenses, addressed misinformation circulating on social media, and noted that an internal investigation confirmed deputies acted within the law, though one deputy received a reprimand for unprofessional conduct. The investigation into the case remains ongoing.
–A St. Tammany Parish jury on Friday unanimously found George Starks guilty of first-degree rape of a child and sexual battery, returning its verdict after just 19 minutes of deliberation, District Attorney Collin Sims announced. The conviction followed a four-day trial in Judge Tara Zeller’s courtroom that detailed the 2022 Slidell assault and included surveillance evidence, DNA analysis, and testimony from investigators and the child victim. Prosecutors said Starks initially denied knowing the victim before later admitting he met and drove her, though he continued to deny assaulting her; jurors ultimately rejected his testimony as inconsistent with the evidence. Sims praised the victim’s courage and the work of law enforcement and support agencies, saying the verdict underscores the parish’s commitment to protecting children. Starks faces a mandatory life sentence, with sentencing set for January 27, 2026.
–Tangipahoa’s Amite Oyster Queen Sarah Stant and Very Special Miss Louisiana 2025 Ambassador Emily Hinrichs will represent Louisiana in the 2026 Rose Parade on New Year’s Day, state officials announced this week. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of Tourism released the full list of float riders and performers, marking the fifth consecutive year the state will be featured in the iconic Pasadena parade, themed “The Magic of Teamwork.” Nungesser said Louisiana embodies that spirit, noting the “Gulf to Gumbo” float showcases the people and ingredients behind the state’s seafood culture, from shrimpers to chefs. Rising country artist and American Idol runner-up John Foster will provide mid-parade entertainment, returning to the national spotlight after multiple Grand Ole Opry appearances. The 2026 float features a giant pelican chef stirring a pot of Gulf Coast seafood, led by a classic shrimp boat, and is supported by sponsors including Explore Houma, the Tangipahoa Parish CVB, Visit The Northshore, Cajun Coast, and the Ascension Parish Tourism Commission. The parade airs live Jan. 1 at 10 a.m. CT on ABC, NBC, and other broadcast partners.
–Louisiana State Police say a 64-year-old Mississippi woman died Friday after a single-vehicle crash on LA 1078 near Spinks Road in St. Tammany Parish. Troopers reported that around 11:30 a.m., Sandy A. Meyer of Carriere was driving east in a 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis when the vehicle left the roadway for unknown reasons and struck a tree. Meyer, who was properly restrained, was taken to a hospital with serious injuries and later died, and investigators collected a routine toxicology sample as the inquiry continues. State Police reminded drivers to avoid impairment, fatigue, and distractions, and emphasized that proper restraints and safe driving decisions remain critical to reducing the severity of crashes.
–30 by Ninety Theatre has launched Studio X, a new youth-focused performance space designed to nurture young talent and expand the theatre’s educational mission on the Northshore. The venue will open its inaugural season with Roald Dahl’s Matilda Jr., directed by Executive Director Jason Leader with musical direction by Isabel Kay, and auditions for performers ages 7–17 are set for January 5 at 5:30 p.m. Leader said Studio X has been “years in the making” and is intended to give young artists a place to grow, with rehearsals scheduled twice weekly and no participation fee to ensure accessibility for all. The theatre says Studio X will serve as the new home for its youth productions, workshops, and educational initiatives, with full audition details available at 30byNinety.com.
–District Attorney Collin Sims announced Thursday that a St. Tammany Parish Grand Jury returned indictments in three separate cases involving serious felony charges. Lee Cousin was indicted in two unrelated cases—one for first-degree rape of a child under 13 and possession of less than two grams of cocaine, and another for aggravated first-degree rape and sexual battery of a child—with both investigations led by St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Detective Angelica Lopez. In a third case, the grand jury indicted Allen Edward Tate on two counts of conspiracy to distribute narcotics to minors, as well as first-degree rape and sexual battery of a child under 13, following an investigation by Covington Police Officer James Labonte.
–Southeastern Louisiana University is inviting its Class of 1975 to return to campus this fall as Golden Graduates, celebrating 50 years since earning their degrees. The university says it looks forward to honoring the milestone class at this year’s reunion and welcomes all alumni who graduated before 1975 to join the festivities as well. Tickets and event details are available through the university’s Golden Grad Reunion page.
–The St. Tammany Early Childhood Ready Start Network will host its second annual Ready Start GROW event on Saturday, March 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Lakeview Hospital, offering families an afternoon of games, music, food, face painting, an Easter egg scavenger hunt, and a wide range of hands-on activities for children. Organizers say the fundraiser supports the network’s mission to ensure all St. Tammany children have access to quality early care and education, with proceeds helping provide tuition assistance for economically disadvantaged families with children from birth to age 3 so parents can work or attend school. They hope to return to local radio this year to promote the event as they did last year.
