Three Hammond residents were killed early Monday morning in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 in West Baton Rouge Parish, according to Louisiana State Police. Shortly before 4 a.m., Troop A troopers responded to the crash on I-10 eastbound near milepost 144 in Port Allen, where a 2025 Kia K4 driven by 20-year-old Kelvanisha Stanley crossed from the right lane into the left lane, entered the center median and struck several trees for reasons still under investigation. The vehicle became fully engulfed in flames, and Stanley, along with passengers Kareem Felder, 19, and Jacoby Brumfield, 20, all of Hammond, were pronounced dead at the scene.
–Forecasters say confidence is higher than usual that a potentially impactful winter storm could develop late this week into the weekend across parts of the Deep South, though specific details are still expected to change with the system several days away. The latest European weather model shows a widespread snow and ice threat stretching from Texas and Oklahoma through the Carolinas, with especially concerning ice accumulation potential along the Interstate 20 corridor, where even a quarter-inch of ice could cause power outages, tree damage and hazardous travel. At this time, the greatest risk is expected to remain north of southeast Louisiana and southern Mississippi, but meteorologists caution that a shift of just 50 to 100 miles in the storm track could significantly alter precipitation types, ranging from cold rain to freezing rain, sleet or snow, as forecasts are refined closer to the event.
–The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce recognized outstanding business and community leaders during its annual Installation and Awards Luncheon at The Greystone, attended by more than 200 members and guests, honoring excellence, service and leadership across St. Tammany Parish. Southern Hotel received the 2025 Tammany Award for its transformative role in revitalizing downtown Covington and driving tourism and economic growth, while Carolyn Baringer was named the 2025 Community Leadership Award recipient for her decades of civic service, nonprofit leadership, mentorship and charitable photography work. The Chamber also presented membership awards, honoring David Landry of Carver Darden as Board Member of the Year, Nina Magyar of Your Local Pediatrics on Demand as Ambassador of the Year, the Events Committee as Committee of the Year, Matthew Guidry of nola.com and the St. Tammany Farmer as Member of the Year, and Alan Thriffiley of Taxdrop LLC with the Chairman’s Award for his leadership promoting transparency and public trust in parish government.
–The annual South Louisiana Truck and Tractor Pull is set to return to Hammond, offering a high-powered event for both locals and visitors in the heart of the city. The popular motorsports attraction will take place at 15107 E. Yellow Water Road, featuring competitive truck and tractor pulling action. Admission is $20 per person, and additional event details are available at www.MidSouthPullersAssociation.com.
–NOLA.com writes that more than three decades after first walking into the Covington Fire Department as a 15-year-old volunteer, Steven Michell was appointed chief of the same department during the Covington City Council meeting on Jan. 13. Michell, 52, has spent his entire career with the department, rising from volunteer firefighter in 1989 to one of the city’s first paid firefighters in 1996, then to assistant chief in 2007. He most recently served as interim chief following the sudden death of Chief Gary Blocker in May and was nominated for the permanent position by Mayor Mark Johnson, a move unanimously approved by the council. A Covington High School graduate, Michell gained additional training while working at Lakefront Airport on the South Shore before returning home to serve his community. As chief, he said his goals include expanding the city’s free carbon monoxide monitor program and continuing to foster the close-knit culture within the department.
–The Ponchatoula Library will host a free Arts and Crafts Supplies Swap organized by Free Range Hippie, inviting community members of all ages to share creativity and inspiration. The event encourages participants to bring art and craft supplies they no longer use and pick up new materials to try, though donations are not required to take supplies. Designed for anyone cleaning out their collection, starting a new project, or simply looking for creative inspiration, the swap is open to everyone at no cost, with all remaining supplies stored for future swaps.
–New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno apologized to local musicians and DJs for comments suggesting the city seek free DJs for Mardi Gras events at Gallier Hall, acknowledging the remarks caused feelings of disrespect. The apology followed a city council discussion in which Chief Administrative Officer Joe Giarrusso cited severe budget constraints limiting the city’s ability to cover expenses, including payments for music. Moreno emphasized the vital role musicians and DJs play in New Orleans’ culture and noted the city’s musicians ordinance requires at least $200 per hour per musician for official events, saying the administration would follow that law. She added that while the administration is not perfect, mistakes would be met with apologies and corrective action, and said future Gallier Hall events will rely on sponsorships and private funding to ensure performers are properly compensated.
–Political analysts say now could be an opportune moment for U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow to enter Louisiana’s U.S. Senate race following a social media post by President Donald Trump offering his “complete and total endorsement” should she decide to run. Letlow has not formally announced a candidacy, though she responded online that she was honored by the president’s trust. Several Republicans have already entered the race, including incumbent Sen. Bill Cassidy, State Treasurer John Fleming, State Sen. Blake Miguez and State Rep. Julie Emerson, but analysts say Trump’s comments could significantly shift the dynamics of the contest. Political analyst James Hartman said such a statement typically suggests behind-the-scenes coordination, while Fleming, who served in the Trump White House and has branded himself a MAGA conservative, said it would not be surprising if Letlow enters the race, even as he continues his own campaign against Cassidy.
