The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a series of community office hours this week for residents affected by the Smitty’s Supply fire in Tangipahoa Parish. The sessions will provide updates, answer questions, and gather community input on the ongoing response and cleanup efforts. Office hours will be held at multiple locations across the parish through Friday, October 10. Stops include the Amite Senior Center, Amite Dollar General, Amite and Ponchatoula public libraries, the Amite Community Center, and the Hammond Public Library. EPA representatives will be available at various times throughout the week — including morning, afternoon, and early evening sessions — to ensure residents have several opportunities to speak directly with officials. For a full schedule and additional information, residents can visit www.epa.gov/smittys-supply-fire.
–Southeastern Louisiana University will mark a historic milestone with its Centennial Homecoming Week, October 13–18, celebrating 100 years of Lion pride, tradition, and community. Sponsored by the Alumni Office and the Student Government Association, the weeklong celebration features a full slate of events for students, alumni, and families—including classic favorites like Gumbo YaYa, the FeLions’ Homecoming Luncheon, and the Homecoming Parade. Highlights include Monday’s kickoff festivities, a presentation by former Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne, Wednesday’s Gumbo YaYa and Centennial Relay, Thursday’s Lip Sync competition and downtown Throwback Thursday, and Friday’s ribbon cutting for the new Robin Roberts Broadcast Media Center, featuring the Good Morning America co-anchor herself. The festivities culminate Saturday, Oct. 18, with a day of reunions, tailgating, and live music in Friendship Circle before the Lions face off against the Northwestern State Demons at 4 p.m. in Strawberry Stadium, where the 2025 Homecoming Royalty will be crowned at halftime.
–The Hammond Northshore Regional Airshow returns October 11–12, 2025, promising an action-packed weekend of aerial thrills in Hammond, Louisiana. Highlights include the F-22 Raptor Demo Team from Langley Air Force Base performing precision maneuvers to showcase the capabilities of the premier fifth-generation fighter, the Misty Blues, an all-women skydiving team demonstrating expert aerial skills, and the nationally renowned Titan Aerobatic Team, performing over 25 years of high-flying stunts across North America. Tickets are now on sale for the event, which traces its roots back to 1979 when the Hammond Chamber of Commerce explored new festival ideas, leading to the city’s first Balloon Festival later that year. The airshow continues Hammond’s tradition of large-scale, memorable aviation experiences for fans of all ages.
–The National Weather Service in New Orleans is forecasting a stretch of pleasant weather for Southeast Louisiana and coastal Mississippi as a backdoor cold front moves through Thursday. Residents can expect lower humidity, abundant sunshine, and little to no rain over the next 5–7 days, with daytime highs in the upper 70s to low 80s and morning lows in the upper 50s to mid-60s—perfect “open-the-windows” weather. Forecasters say the air will feel noticeably drier and more comfortable, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities, while reminding everyone to stay hydrated and monitor updates.
–Hammond Police say 17-year-old Tykeem Washington of Hammond has been arrested after turning himself in Tuesday in connection with the October 1 shooting death of 20-year-old Antonio Brister. Investigators say Brister was shot while standing at the corner of Apple Street and King Ard Street when several suspects fired at him from a wooded area about 50 yards away. Detectives believe the shooting stemmed from a dispute after a group at a nearby home felt disrespected by music being played by Brister and others. Brister was taken to North Oaks Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries. No other injuries or property damage were reported.
–NOLA.com wrote about the election in Slidell, as voters head to the polls Oct. 11 to decide who will serve as the city’s mayor for the next eight and a half months in a special election between current Mayor Bill Borchert and Police Chief Randy Fandal—two longtime public servants who have been campaigning for a job that will soon be up for grabs again. The winner will complete the unexpired term of former Mayor Greg Cromer, who resigned in January to join Gov. Jeff Landry’s administration as a liaison with the Department of Transportation and Development. Borchert, a businessman and veteran council member, assumed the role of mayor earlier this year after Cromer stepped down, while Fandal, a lifelong law enforcement officer, has led the Slidell Police Department since 2016. Though the term ends June 30, both men could run for a full four-year term in the next regular municipal election scheduled for April 2026. Also on Saturday’s ballot, residents of Wards 8 and 9 will vote on whether to renew a $39 annual parcel fee supporting the St. Tammany Parish Fire Protection District No. 1—a measure expected to generate $1.3 million annually for the district, which serves over 108,000 residents. Fire Chief Chris Kaufmann said the renewal is vital for ensuring stable funding, particularly during economic downturns or disasters like Hurricane Katrina. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 11, and all voters must present valid identification. More election details are available at www.sos.la.gov.
–The Harbor Center, St. Tammany Parish’s premier convention and event venue, has launched a new Community Partner campaign aimed at strengthening ties with local businesses while supporting the economic and cultural vitality of the Northshore. Located on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, the Harbor Center welcomes more than 70,000 visitors each year, generating significant local spending. The year-long partnership offers businesses high-visibility signage, digital recognition, and online exposure. General Manager Victoria Paz said the initiative is an invitation for corporate neighbors to collaborate in enhancing the facility, supporting local programming, and driving growth in Slidell and surrounding areas. Interested businesses can contact Paz at victoria@harborcenter.org.
–The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce has announced the election of seven new members to its board of directors, who will help guide the organization’s mission to promote and support local businesses. Serving from 2026 through 2028, the newly elected board members are Thomas Buckel of Duplantis Design Group; Andrew Burns of American Bank; Dr. James Carlson of Northshore Technical Community College; Christina Chifici of LaPorte CPAs & Business Advisors; Dionne Graham of East St. Tammany Rainbow Child Care Center, Inc.; Donald “Bubba” Jenkins of Jenkins Homes; and Linda Larkin of Patriot Title. The new members will be officially installed in January alongside returning board members.
–Southeastern Louisiana University Theatre will mark the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina with a poignant production of Katrina’s Path by Rob Florence, debuting Oct. 22–25 in the university’s newly renovated D Vickers Hall. Directed by Dr. Anne-Liese Juge Fox, the play serves as the first performance in D Vickers Studio 1048 since Hurricane Ida and launches the venue’s return as a creative hub. Through seven interwoven monologues from New Orleanians whose lives were forever changed by the 2005 storm and levee failures, Katrina’s Path captures the resilience, humor, and heartbreak that defined the tragedy’s aftermath. “Twenty years later, these stories still need to be told,” said Dr. Fox, noting the significance of students—many born after Katrina—now bringing those voices to life. The cast features Southeastern theatre students alongside professionals Donna Gay Anderson and Robert Mitchell. Performances begin nightly at 7:30 p.m., with an opening-night talkback featuring playwright Rob Florence and a vigil at Southeastern’s Hurricanes Katrina/Rita Memorial Fountain. Admission is free for Southeastern students with ID, $15 for seniors, and $20 general admission.
–Hammond Live returns to downtown Hammond on Thursday, October 9, with an evening of free outdoor music at Cate Square Park. The night kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with Suffer the Fool, a one-man band blending percussion, harmonica, guitar, and vocals into folk, country, and roots music, followed at 6:30 p.m. by Whiskey Row Band, delivering southern rock with soul and a country edge. Attendees can enjoy food from downtown restaurants or on-site vendors, and are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets, and friends to soak in the autumn atmosphere. The event is free and open to the public.
–The City of Mandeville will host a magical evening of music and community with Sunset Symphony: An Evening with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, taking place Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, on the scenic Mandeville Lakefront between Coffee and Carroll Streets. The free outdoor concert begins at 4:30 p.m. with a performance by the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra, followed at 6 p.m. by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of conductor Scott Terrell. Against the backdrop of Lake Pontchartrain at sunset, the orchestra will present a captivating mix of classical and contemporary works, creating what Mayor Clay Madden called “a perfect example of how Mandeville brings together community, culture, and nature.” Families are encouraged to bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the lakeside setting, with local food vendors offering refreshments throughout the evening. In case of rain, the event will move to Sunday, Oct. 19. More information is available at www.experiencemandeville.org.
–In honor of Law Week, Tangipahoa Parish Library is offering free legal assistance through a partnership with Louisiana Lawyers in Libraries. Residents can attend Ask-A-Lawyer sessions in person—no registration required—at the Hammond Branch from October 20–23 and at the Amite Branch on October 22, all from 3 to 5 p.m.
–St. Tammany Parish Public Schools (STPPS) is inviting students and families to explore future opportunities at its annual Career and College Expo on Wednesday, October 8, at the Castine Center in Mandeville. The event runs from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. and is free to attend. The Expo brings together representatives from colleges, universities, technical schools, military branches, and local industries, giving attendees a firsthand look at the many pathways available after high school. STPPS officials say the goal of the Expo is to help students discover what’s next — whether that means pursuing a four-year degree, entering a technical program, or starting a career right after graduation. For more information, exhibitor lists, and registration links, visit www.stpsb.org/expo.
–Southeastern Louisiana University will welcome former Louisiana Lieutenant Governor Jay Dardenne on Tuesday, Oct. 14, for a lively and entertaining presentation titled “Why Louisiana Ain’t Mississippi… or Any Place Else!” in the Student Union Theatre at 1 p.m. Presented by the Universities of Louisiana Management and Leadership Institute, the event features Dardenne narrating a storytelling journey alongside an LPB documentary that celebrates Louisiana’s distinct character. Blending humor, history, and local flavor, Dardenne explores the geography, culture, and politics that make Louisiana unlike any other state, offering a whirlwind tour of all 64 parishes filled with fascinating facts, lore, and music. “The cultural gumbo that makes Louisiana unique is not a delicacy recently created in a Creole kitchen,” Dardenne said. “It has simmered for the past two centuries.” The presentation is free and open to the public.
–Amite Police are investigating a fatal shooting after officers discovered a man dead inside a vehicle early Tuesday morning. Around 4:58 a.m. on October 7, officers responded to the 400 block of East Factory Street following reports of a possible gunshot victim and found an individual with an apparent gunshot wound seated in a parked car. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the Amite Police Department at (985) 748-6169 or submit an anonymous tip through Crimestoppers.
–The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that occurred around 3 p.m. Tuesday on Catholic Hall Road south of Albany. Sheriff Jason Ard said one person has been detained for questioning and another was transported to a hospital with a gunshot wound to the leg. Ard noted that the two individuals involved are believed to be related, adding that the scene is under control and the investigation remains ongoing.
–Thousands of children and families are expected to fill the Nunez Community College campus in Chalmette on Oct. 29 for the return of the college’s popular Trunk or Treat event, offering an evening of free, family-friendly Halloween fun. From 5 to 7 p.m., guests can enjoy candy, games, food, and music while visiting creatively decorated trunks and tables hosted by local organizations and community members. Free hot dogs and water will be available while supplies last, and DJ Louis Lehr will keep the spooky tunes playing throughout the night. Parking will be located at Arlene Meraux Elementary School on Paris Road, with shuttle buses running between the school and campus. Nunez officials encourage families to follow the college’s social media channels for any event updates.
