Louisiana Supreme Court Justice William J. Crain was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, December 9, for a lifetime appointment to the federal bench in New Orleans, winning approval by a 51-46 vote with three senators absent. The 64-year-old Bogalusa native, nominated by President Trump in October, will fill the seat vacated by retired Judge Eldon Fallon on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. Crain, who was elected to the state Supreme Court in 2019, previously served as a judge in the 22nd Judicial District Court and on the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal, following 22 years in private law practice. Trump praised Crain on social media, citing his qualifications and commitment to upholding the Constitution, enforcing the law, and protecting individual rights, while Louisiana’s Republican senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy voted in favor of the nomination.
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith will meet with stakeholders on December 10 to address Parish Government’s decision to end funding for Justice Center security, a service the Sheriff’s Office has provided for more than 20 years under contract. The move follows the Parish Council’s approval of a $202 million budget that cut only public safety and mental health. Smith noted that security staffing, originally set at 24 deputies, had been reduced over time at the Parish’s request, with the Sheriff’s Office absorbing additional costs for six years despite acknowledging the reduced staffing was insufficient. Formal requests in 2025 to increase staffing by one deputy went unanswered, and although the contract required only 30 days’ notice to terminate, Smith gave 90 days to allow the Parish time to find a replacement. After efforts to secure a cheaper provider failed, Parish President Mike Cooper filed suit to compel the Sheriff’s Office to continue full security without compensation—despite decades of contracts stating the Parish is responsible for funding. Calling the lawsuit a waste of taxpayer money, Smith said the Sheriff’s Office will continue meeting statutory duties such as courtroom bailiffs but warned that the Parish’s decision to cut funding after the New Year jeopardizes the safety of employees, judges, and citizens who rely on the Justice Center.
–District Attorney Collin Sims announced historic reductions in fentanyl-related overdose deaths across the Northshore, crediting a unified “Trifecta” partnership between the 22nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office, the DEA, and local law enforcement for major declines over the past two years—70 percent in St. Tammany Parish, 58.5 percent in Washington Parish, and 45.3 percent in Tangipahoa Parish. Sims said the results reflect a family-focused mission to save lives by breaking down silos, sharing intelligence, targeting cartel supply chains, and pursuing the strongest possible charges, including second-degree murder, when a dealer’s drugs cause a death. Families of Nicholas Platt and Jacob Massi shared emotional testimony at the announcement, and Sims said their stories underscore the need to continue the fight against fentanyl through the region’s broad Opioid Prevention & Awareness Initiative.
–Registration is now open for the third annual Southeastern College of Business Northshore Executive Business Forum, scheduled for April 16, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event has sold out for the past two years and is expected to draw 500 business and industry leaders to hear national and local experts discuss this year’s theme, “Economy + Growth + Opportunity.” Companies are encouraged to reserve a table, secure a sponsorship, or purchase individual tickets early. More information is available at www.southeastern.edu/college-of-business/executive-business-forum, or by contacting 985-549-2258 or business@southeastern.edu. Dean Dr. Tará Lopez said she looks forward to welcoming attendees.
–The St. Tammany Parish Council is facing renewed criticism from Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape after passing Ordinance 25-7997 despite his warnings that the measure violates state law, local law, and the parish’s Home Rule Charter. Tape said he had already submitted a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for review and asked the Council to delay action so the legally required agreement could be negotiated, offering to meet with parish leaders and the District Attorney’s Office to resolve the issue. He described the ordinance as part of what he called a broader “money-grab” by the Council and the Cooper Administration to address long-standing budget problems, adding that ad valorem taxes collected under the now-expired STPCO millage still have not been released to his office. Tape said repeated requests for the legally dedicated funds have been wrongly characterized by the Parish as a request for general fund dollars, and he warned that the administration’s actions continue to erode public trust. He further noted that past disputes have already led to costly litigation and alleged that the Parish’s seizure of Coroner’s Office property and resources violated federal law.
–Ponchatoula Police arrested two individuals on multiple drug charges following a traffic stop on December 8 at around 10 p.m. Officers pulled over a vehicle for a non-functioning license plate light and discovered the plate had been reported stolen. Driver Adam Mulkey left behind a bag containing methamphetamines, while rear passenger Lacy Hartman was found attempting to conceal black tar heroin, drug paraphernalia, and pills suspected to be Clonazepam. A search also uncovered approximately 100 grams of synthetic marijuana. Mulkey was charged with distribution or possession with intent to distribute Schedule I drugs, possession of marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids, and heroin, unlawful possession of Schedule II drugs, and registration violations, while Hartman faces charges including unlawful possession of Schedule I, II, and IV drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia; both were transported to TPSO Jail.
–The CN Railroad crossing on LA 10 east of US 51 in Arcola will be closed from 6 a.m. Wednesday, December 10, through 7 p.m. Friday, December 12, weather permitting, while crews repair the crossing and asphalt surface. A full road closure will be in effect, with detours posted: eastbound motorists on LA 10 should follow US 51 north to LA 440 east, then LA 1054 east, LA 1058 south, and back to LA 10, while westbound traffic should take LA 1058 north to LA 1054 west, LA 440 west, US 51 south, and return to LA 10. The Department of Transportation and Development reminds drivers to exercise caution and watch for crews and equipment during the work.
–St. Tammany Health System’s New Family Center at St. Tammany Parish Hospital has been named to U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care, placing it among the top maternity providers in the nation and making it one of only two hospitals in Louisiana—and the only one in St. Tammany Parish—to receive the honor. In addition to earning a High Performing designation for providing exceptional care in uncomplicated pregnancies, the hospital also received the publication’s new Maternity Care Access designation, which recognizes institutions that deliver high-quality maternity services in areas that might otherwise face limited access. President and CEO Joan Coffman praised the team’s expertise and dedication, noting that the recognition reflects years of investment in maternal, neonatal and family-centered care, from advanced clinical resources to comprehensive prenatal and postpartum services. With more than 65,000 babies delivered since its founding and recent achievements including the Birth Ready+ designation and multiple specialized maternal and pediatric units, St. Tammany Health System continues to solidify its role as the Northshore’s leading destination for mother-baby care.
–The Folsom Horse & Wagon Christmas Parade has been canceled this Saturday due to concerns over equine herpes virus (EHV), organizers announced, postponing plans to celebrate the parade’s 20th anniversary. Prioritizing the safety of the horses, the Country Christmas Crew said the decision, though difficult, was necessary. In place of the parade, a special dedication to founder Mr. Jimmy will be held at 1 p.m. at Magnolia Park, followed by a performance from Folsom Jr. High Cheerleaders at 1:30 p.m. The festivities will continue with artisan vendors, antique tractors, kids’ crafts, Christmas caroling, and photo opportunities with Santa and the Grinch from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., giving the community a chance to enjoy a festive day in the park.
–Hammond Police conducted a search near Hammond Westside School yesterday for a suspect who fled after committing a theft at The Grande Hotel on S. Morrison Blvd. The school was placed on lockdown by the assigned School Resource Officer as a precaution, and additional HPD officers were on scene and monitoring the area. Authorities reported there was no immediate danger to students or staff and asked the public to avoid the area during the search.
–Slidell police arrested a fugitive sex offender from Indiana on Wednesday after a pursuit that began when officers attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle displaying a stolen license plate. The driver, 43-year-old Terry Leonard, refused to stop and tried to flee but was quickly taken into custody as he attempted to enter I-10. Police said Leonard was wanted in Indiana on a Level 5 felony for failing to register as a sex or violent offender, tied to a prior juvenile molestation case, and admitted he had been “on the run.” In addition to aggravated flight and the stolen plate, Leonard faces extradition to Indiana and will not remain in the community, according to authorities.
–A Livingston Parish man awaiting trial for a fatal hit-and-run was rearrested on December 8, 2025, prompting prosecutors to request he remain jailed without release. Brandon Chenevert, 31, was charged with possession with intent to distribute Schedule I and III drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful sale of a legend drug, failure to signal, and improper turn after deputies found him at a Denham Springs convenience store with numerous THC vape carts. A search of his home reportedly uncovered about a pound of marijuana, multiple anabolic steroids, prescription medications, a digital scale, packaging materials, and $8,100 in cash. District Attorney Scott Perrilloux said it is policy to move to revoke bond when a defendant is rearrested, and Assistant DA Brett Somers has filed a motion to revoke Chenevert’s original bond. Chenevert was first arrested in April 2025 in connection with a March hit-and-run that killed 20-year-old Jody Mann; he had pleaded not guilty and remained out on bond until his latest arrest.
–A federal judge has approved a landmark $230 million settlement between the Archdiocese of New Orleans and hundreds of survivors of clergy sex abuse, marking a pivotal step toward closure in one of the church’s most painful chapters. The plan, confirmed by U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Meredith Grabill, will create a settlement trust funded over several years, with $70 million contributed by the archdiocese, $60 million from parishes and charities, $30 million from insurers, and $70 million expected from the sale of Christopher Homes, a major senior housing portfolio. Payments to eligible survivors could begin as early as the first quarter of 2026, and the agreement also mandates strengthened child protection and reporting policies. Archbishop Gregory Aymond, speaking outside federal court, expressed hope that the end of the bankruptcy process—initiated in 2020 amid a surge of abuse lawsuits—will help survivors “find some closure,” while Judge Grabill called the ruling a first step toward reconciliation following years of costly, contentious litigation that has profoundly affected the region’s 500,000 Catholics.
–St. Tammany Parish became the first parish in Louisiana to launch America 250 celebrations, marking the milestone with a ceremony in which Parish Government received a live oak “Liberty Tree” sapling donated by Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain to be planted at a historically significant site. Parish President Mike Cooper noted that Liberty Trees trace back to the 1765 Boston landmark that became a rallying point leading to the American Revolution, saying St. Tammany is honored to establish its own symbol ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary. America 250 State Commission Chair and State Rep. Mike Bayham said the parish is a fitting starting point, citing the only Revolutionary War naval battle fought off the shore of Mandeville. The event follows House Resolution 351, which encourages each parish to plant a Liberty Tree to commemorate the Declaration of Independence’s semiquincentennial.
