St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper issued a sharply worded statement Wednesday condemning the political action committee of the St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce, accusing it of spreading “false representations” about the parish’s use of tax dollars and “cherry-picking” data to suit a political agenda. Cooper said the Chamber PAC’s recent press release misled residents by claiming that 70% of Sales Tax District #3 revenue goes to allocation costs, when the actual figure is 6%. Detailing parish finances, he noted that the district generates about $90 million annually, with roughly $1 million allocated to the sheriff’s office for tax collection and $14 million sent directly to municipalities for infrastructure improvements. Cooper cited ongoing capital investments—$68 million in 2024, $43 million in 2025, and a projected $53 million in 2026—supporting 379 projects worth $238 million. Cooper said thousands of pages of financial records were provided to PAC representatives, including Scott Delacroix, and meetings held with parish staff and the District Attorney’s Civil Division, but that PAC leaders ignored the information. While acknowledging that the PAC’s four recommendations mirror practices already in place, Cooper called on its leadership to recommit to transparency, fairness, and community-focused growth and to publicly explain its decision-making process and the influences behind its statements.
–The Tangipahoa Chamber will welcome Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry on Thursday, October 30, for a special event at the Southeastern Louisiana University Student Union Ballroom, bringing together business and community leaders to hear the governor outline his administration’s accomplishments and priorities for the state’s future. “This is an incredible opportunity for our business community to hear directly from the Governor about the top priorities of his administration and how they will shape the future of Louisiana,” said Chamber Board Chairman Chance Enmon. Chamber President and CEO Melissa Bordelon added that the gathering will be “a must-attend event for those invested in the growth and prosperity of our parish and state.” Tables, individual seats, and sponsorships are available at www.tangipahoachamber.org.
–Southeastern Louisiana University’s Career Expo 2025 kicks off today, Thursday, Sept. 25, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the REC, offering current students and alumni a prime opportunity to network with top employers and explore job openings. Organized by Southeastern’s Career Services, the annual event features recruiters from a wide range of industries eager to connect with Lion talent. Attendees can learn more about participating companies and preparation tips at www.southeastern.edu/careerfair.
–The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday that 18-year-old Laterrious “Bezo” Braziel of Hammond has been arrested in connection with a string of violent incidents over the past three months, including a drive-by shooting, armed robbery, and an attempted murder. Investigators said Braziel was first linked to a July 20 shooting on Mashon Road in Independence, where gunfire struck a car and house but caused no injuries. On August 25, a gaming device was stolen at gunpoint from a home on Happywoods Road, and detectives tied Braziel to that crime as well. While they were searching for him, deputies received a report on September 17 of a man being shot at while driving on Baker Lane in Hammond, again with no injuries, and identified Braziel as the suspect. He was booked on charges of aggravated assault by drive-by, armed robbery, attempted second-degree murder, illegal discharge of a weapon, and aggravated criminal damage after being taken into custody without incident Wednesday morning at a relative’s home. Deputies credited community tips and cooperation for helping bring the investigation to a swift conclusion.
–The St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation (St. Tammany EDC) has published the newest edition of The AnalyST, its quarterly digital research report tracking key economic indicators for the parish, state, and nation. Compiled with insights from Economic Leadership, LLC, the Q2 2025 report notes a slight rise in unemployment to 4.5 percent in June—followed by easing claims in July and August—as labor force participation increased to 59.4 percent. St. Tammany recorded 990 new business applications during the quarter, though data suggests the post-pandemic surge in entrepreneurship is tapering. Inflation in the Southern region inched up to 2.3 percent in July, wages ticked higher, and retail sales tax revenue jumped more than 9 percent year over year. Housing sales outpaced 2024 levels with modest price gains, but high interest rates continue to dampen new construction. “While we are seeing shifts in unemployment, housing, and inflation, we are encouraged by the strength of St. Tammany’s economic development pipeline, which includes 37 projects representing more than 3,700 potential jobs and $3.5 billion in capital investment,” said Russell Richardson, EDC president and CEO. The full report is available at www.sttammanyedc.org/the-analyst.
–AN17 reports that Holy Ghost Church’s annual fair will wrap up two hours earlier on its first two nights this year after the Hammond City Council approved a resolution allowing alcohol sales and operations only until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24–25. Traditionally open until 10 p.m., the fair’s schedule change follows Mayor Pete Panepinto’s citywide push for earlier closing times after spring’s Strawberry Festival shooting and other safety concerns. Panepinto called the 9 p.m. cutoff a “compromise” reached with Police Chief Edwin Bergeron and church leaders, noting most events have complied with similar limits. Church representative Joe Thomas, speaking for the parish’s 2,500 families, said Holy Ghost officials support the adjustment to be “good stewards in the community,” while Councilman Sam DiVittorio questioned the need for an earlier end and the potential impact on revenue. The fair will still run 9 a.m.–6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26.
–St. Tammany Fire Protection District #1 Chief Kaufman announced the return of the department’s bright pink fire vehicle to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, inviting the community to sign it as a show of support. Sponsored by Roy Bingo Supplies Inc. and wrapped by Tommy St. Clair Designs, the eye-catching truck will travel to local events and businesses throughout October. All donations and proceeds benefit the Slidell Memorial Hospital Regional Cancer Center, and those interested in hosting the vehicle can call (985) 649-3665 to schedule a visit.
–The Northshore Humane Society will host its Unleashed Rescue Me Gala on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 7–10 p.m. at the Covington Country Club, raising funds for its New Building Campaign to expand lifesaving services for animals. Guests will enjoy live music by Soul Tribe and the New Orleans Gumbo Trio, local cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, a silent auction, and the debut of the Tipsy Tailspin game, with WGNO’s Curt Sprang serving as emcee. All proceeds benefit the nonprofit’s effort to create a larger, modern facility to save more pets. Tickets are available at www.ticketsignup.io/TicketEvent/UNLEASHEDRescueMeGala.
–Southeastern Louisiana University has received $129,760 in funding from Entergy Solutions to replace outdated HVAC controls with modern, energy-efficient systems across multiple campus buildings. The project, which swaps obsolete global controllers and pneumatic equipment for direct digital controls and strategic scheduling, is projected to cut annual electricity use by an estimated 875,420 kWh and save about $70,000 in utility costs each year. “These upgrades have improved the classroom learning environment for our faculty, staff and students, while also reducing electrical costs and supporting Southeastern’s sustainability goals,” said University President William S. Wainwright. Entergy Solutions provides incentives for energy-saving upgrades as part of Entergy Louisiana’s broader effort to promote sustainable practices and reduce energy consumption.
–The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority joined St. Tammany Parish officials this week to break ground on the Mandeville Lakefront Wetlands Project, a $1 million Parish Match Program initiative aimed at protecting and restoring the fragile cypress swamp along Lake Pontchartrain. The multifaceted effort includes creating new marsh, constructing a rock berm, and installing a weir to redirect urban runoff and strengthen the lakefront’s resiliency. Crews have begun work on the berm barrier, which will reduce wave energy and slow erosion between Sunset Point and Lakeshore Drive. The project is scheduled for completion in January 2026.
–Franklinton Police confirmed that a loud noise prompting a lockdown at Franklinton Primary School was not gunfire but likely a vehicle backfire or blown transformer. Officers and detectives responded immediately around 10:35 a.m. after a teacher reported hearing a sharp bang, securing the campus while they investigated. After speaking with witnesses and nearby residents, authorities determined there was no threat, and the school resumed normal operations as officers remained in the area to ensure safety.
–U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced that Louisiana will receive $22,539,337 from the Federal Aviation Administration to complete reconstruction of Runway 02/20 at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. The funding, made possible through Cassidy’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, supports the final phase of rebuilding 7,002 feet of concrete runway critical to the airport’s operations. “MSY is the front door to Louisiana for millions of visitors each year,” Cassidy said, noting the investment will help keep New Orleans “open for business, for Mardi Gras, and for all the people who fly here to enjoy our food, music, and culture.”
–The Government Finance Officers Association has again awarded the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office its Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, recognizing the agency’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for meeting the highest standards of governmental accounting and transparency. Sheriff Randy Smith praised Controller Cynthia Bankston and the finance team for their “tireless” work, calling the honor “a true testament to our finance department’s daily determination to serve the residents of St. Tammany in the most diligent, professional and transparent manner possible.” The GFOA’s prestigious certificate, established in 1945, highlights government entities that exceed basic accounting requirements to present clear, full-disclosure financial reports.
