Leaders from across St. Tammany Parish, including District Attorney Collin Sims, Parish President Mike Cooper, Sheriff Randy Smith, legislative leaders, local fire chiefs and many others, met yesterday at the Justice Center for a collaborative discussion on parish budget challenges and how an outdated tax structure is affecting critical government services. Officials said the goal was to begin identifying responsible short- and long-term, tax-neutral solutions that restore public confidence while ensuring essential services are properly staffed and funded without increasing the burden on taxpayers. Participants emphasized the meeting was not driven by any single agency, but reflected a shared commitment among parish stakeholders, noting that cooperation, transparency and collective responsibility will be necessary to address the challenges ahead.
–A two-vehicle crash late Dec. 16 on LA Highway 16 near Dykes Lane in Tangipahoa Parish claimed the life of 35-year-old Jalisa S. Alexander of Hammond, according to Louisiana State Police Troop L. Troopers said Alexander was driving a 2022 Chevrolet Malibu eastbound around 10:20 p.m. when a westbound 2012 Kia Sorento crossed the center line for reasons still under investigation and struck her vehicle head-on. Alexander, who was properly restrained, died at the scene, while her passenger suffered minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital; the Kia’s driver, also properly restrained, sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized. Routine toxicology samples were collected from both drivers as part of the ongoing investigation. State Police again urged motorists to wear seatbelts correctly, ensure children are secured in appropriate car seats, and avoid distracted driving, noting such precautions can significantly reduce the severity of injuries and save lives.
–A St. Tammany Parish jury on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025, found Christian Jarrel Harrison, 31, of Slidell, guilty of multiple felony charges stemming from a two-day period of domestic violence in June 2023, District Attorney Collin Sims announced. After a three-day trial before Judge Alan A. Zaunbrecher, the jury convicted Harrison of battery of a dating partner by burning, battery of a dating partner with serious bodily injury, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and aggravated assault. Prosecutors said the investigation began June 6, 2023, after the victim sought treatment for severe injuries, with detectives determining the abuse occurred at Harrison’s Chicory Court residence and involved repeated assaults, threats with a firearm, and other acts of extreme violence over two days. Sims said the verdict holds a dangerous offender accountable and reaffirmed his office’s commitment to domestic violence survivors. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Amanda Gritten and Zachary Popovich. Harrison, a prior felon with multiple burglary convictions, faces significant prison time and is scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 6, 2026.
–Four Southeastern Louisiana University faculty members have been named 40 Under 40 honorees by Northshore Media Group’s Edge of the Lake magazine, recognizing their leadership and impact in the community and their professions. Maria Brylski of Covington, Brent Blazevich of Independence, Katherine Newell Evans of Hammond, and Myia L. Graves of Covington were honored at a recent ceremony at The Southern Hotel in downtown Covington. The annual Forty Under 40 initiative highlights emerging leaders under age 40 who live and work on the Northshore and demonstrate excellence, innovation, and community impact. University leaders cited the honorees’ contributions to nursing education, health care leadership, kinesiology, and student success, noting their roles in advancing academic programs, mentoring students, improving patient care, and conducting research that addresses critical health issues.
–A Metairie man known to authorities for selling illegal narcotics was arrested this week following a traffic stop in Mandeville conducted by the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit. Deputies said 55-year-old Brent Holmes was stopped Tuesday, Dec. 16, and found with approximately three ounces of fentanyl and a quarter ounce of crack cocaine inside his vehicle. Through a joint investigation with the FBI New Orleans Gang Task Force and assistance from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, detectives obtained a search warrant for Holmes’ residence in the 8000 block of Karen Street in Metairie, where additional fentanyl and crack cocaine were seized. Holmes, who has multiple prior felony drug convictions, was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on charges including possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine, improper lane usage, and improper vehicle equipment, and was also booked as a fugitive from Jefferson Parish in connection with separate drug possession charges.
–The City of Hammond announced that this weekend will be the final opportunity to ride the Peggy Lee miniature train in Zemurray Park. The train will operate Friday, Dec. 19, from 6 to 9 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20-21, from 5 to 9 p.m. City officials noted that a special guest dressed in red may make appearances on Saturday and Sunday evenings. Residents are encouraged to enjoy the festive event and share the announcement as the holiday season winds down.
–Parish President Mike Cooper announced that the section of the Tammany Trace over the Bogue Falaya River, which has been closed for the Claiborne Hill Overpass construction, is taking shape and is expected to reopen soon. The overpass project, aimed at improving traffic flow and safety in the area, has involved significant engineering and construction work, including bridge construction, road realignment, and related infrastructure improvements. Residents and trail users are encouraged to stay tuned for the official reopening, which will restore full access to the popular recreational trail.
–The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce will kick off the new year with its Installation and Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, at The Greystone in Mandeville, bringing together Chamber members, business leaders and community partners to recognize leadership and service. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m., followed by the program from noon to 1:30 p.m., which will include the Chamber’s formal transition of leadership, honoring outgoing board members and welcoming the incoming Board of Directors. During the luncheon, the Chamber will present the Tammany Award to a business demonstrating exceptional leadership and community impact in 2025 and the Community Leadership Award to an individual recognized for meaningful service through nonprofit, civic or charitable work, along with additional honors such as Board Member of the Year, Member of the Year, Ambassador of the Year and Committee of the Year. Tickets are $63 for members, $75 for non-members and $800 for a reserved table of 10, with more information available at www.sttammanychamber.org.
–Southeastern Louisiana University has received reaffirmation of its accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, an announcement made at SACSCOC’s annual meeting in Nashville, where Southeastern President William S. Wainwright was also elected to the organization’s Board of Trustees. The 77-member board, which oversees accreditation decisions for colleges across the South, serves three-year terms and is responsible for implementing quality standards, reviewing institutions seeking membership or reaffirmation, and approving SACSCOC policies. Southeastern’s accreditation now extends through 2035, following a comprehensive, multi-year review process that included a self-study and on-site evaluation covering all aspects of the university’s academic programs, services and facilities. Wainwright said the reaffirmation came with a final report containing no findings or recommendations, calling it a reflection of the quality of a Southeastern degree, the work of its faculty and staff, and the university’s commitment to student success.
–The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help identifying and locating two suspects accused of committing a theft at a discount store in Roseland. Deputies said the incident occurred around 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4, when two men entered the Dollar General on Commercial Street and used a fraudulent prepaid Visa card to trick a clerk into transferring funds to a new prepaid Visa card valued at $1,000. The suspects were captured in surveillance images released by investigators. Sheriff Gerald Sticker urges anyone with information about the suspects or their whereabouts to contact Det. Earl McFarland at 985-514-8181 or 985-351-8942, or to provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245 or online at tangicrimestoppers.com, where tips may be eligible for a cash reward.
–Hut 8, the company developing an AI data center in West Feliciana Parish, announced Wednesday that Anthropic, the creator of the Claude chatbot, has signed a long-term agreement to use the facility, marking the second major tech company to establish an AI data center in Louisiana this year. The Miami-based firm said it is partnering with Anthropic and New York startup Fluidstack to provide AI data center infrastructure at the 600-acre River Bend campus south of St. Francisville, with a 15-year, $7 billion deal to supply capacity. Google is backing the Fluidstack lease, ensuring coverage if the startup defaults. The first phase of the project will include 600,000 square feet of data center space and 330 megawatts of power, expected to generate 1,500 construction jobs and about 100 permanent positions, while providing up to $90 million annually in tax revenue for the parish. West Feliciana Parish President Kenny Havard called the project a “blank canvas” and an opportunity for the community to become a leader in AI development, highlighting the increasingly complex partnerships involved in modern AI data center construction.
–U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., have introduced the China Trade Cheating Restitution Act, legislation aimed at directing $38.5 million from interest collected on anti-dumping duties tied to Chinese imports to U.S. agricultural sectors harmed by illegal trade practices, including $10.6 million for Louisiana crawfish producers. Cassidy said the bill is intended to protect an industry that is central to Louisiana’s economy and culture, while Thune emphasized the need to enforce trade laws and ensure a level playing field for domestic producers, including honey producers in South Dakota. The legislation would require U.S. Customs and Border Protection to distribute interest collected under the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act that has been withheld due to administrative delays and would amend federal law to account for interest collected dating back to 2000. The measure is supported by a bipartisan group of senators and backed by Louisiana seafood industry leaders, who say unfairly traded crawfish from China has significantly harmed local processors and producers.
