The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) continues to play a key role in the ongoing cleanup and recovery efforts following the Smitty’s Supply incident in Roseland, where state and federal officials provided an update last week. LDEQ Secretary Courtney J. Burdette and Assistant Secretary Jerry Lang joined Governor Jeff Landry, the EPA, and local leaders to reaffirm the state’s commitment to environmental safety and community recovery. LDEQ teams were on-site the day of the incident, conducting air monitoring around the facility and nearby neighborhoods from August 22–26, while also tracking runoff and coordinating through the joint incident command center. After the EPA assumed control of the response on August 24, LDEQ has continued to provide technical and operational support, including deploying its Mobile Air Monitoring Lab for continuous testing, which found no significant air quality issues. The agency has also used drones and airboats to assess waterways, while the EPA has recovered more than 9 million gallons of oily material from the Tangipahoa River and nearby ponds. To assess potential long-term effects, LDEQ began seafood tissue sampling on September 18 from the Tangipahoa River and Lake Pontchartrain, with lab results expected in mid-October. Officials emphasized that cleanup operations will continue in close coordination with federal and local partners, with Gov. Landry pledging full support to ensure the protection of Louisiana’s citizens and natural resources.
–As Southeastern Louisiana University’s 40th season of Fanfare continues, a full lineup of music, theatre, and film events will highlight the week ahead, celebrating the arts, humanities, and social sciences. On Oct. 15, the History and Political Science Department will host a lecture by Adam Meier of Northshore Technical Community College titled “The Evil God and the New Testament: How Marcion Shaped Early Christian Scripture” at 12:30 p.m. in the Student Union Theatre, followed that evening by the Southeastern Jazz Ensemble’s free concert, “Classics with a Twist,” in Pottle Music Building Recital Hall. On Oct. 16, the Southeastern Gospel Choir will perform its “Late Night Shift Homecoming Concert” at 8:30 p.m. in Pottle Auditorium. The Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts will then host the world premiere of “The Graveyard Girls” from Oct. 17–19, an original production featuring music by Hayden Kimball and direction by Jim Winter. Rounding out the week, the Columbia Theatre will screen the cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Oct. 18 at 9 p.m. Tickets for both theatre events are available at the Columbia Theatre box office, while all other Fanfare activities are free and open to the public.
–EquipmentShare, one of the nation’s fastest-growing construction technology and equipment rental companies, will celebrate the grand opening of its new tech-powered operations center in Lacombe on Thursday, Oct. 9, at 11 a.m. Located at 28734 Krentel Road, the $33 million facility represents a major investment in Louisiana’s construction industry, enhancing fleet management, equipment maintenance, and technology integration. The event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony with leadership from EquipmentShare, Louisiana Economic Development, and the St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation, as well as representatives from the Louisiana National Guard and the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Guests can enjoy tours of the new facility, a complimentary lunch, and photo opportunities, including a check presentation to Hogs for the Cause and Miracle League. The expansion is expected to create new full-time jobs and strengthen EquipmentShare’s commitment to innovation and community investment in St. Tammany Parish.
–In celebration of Law Week, the Tangipahoa Parish Library is partnering with Louisiana Lawyers in Libraries to offer a week of free virtual legal workshops from October 20–24, providing the public with access to expert legal information and resources. The “Law Talks” sessions will stream daily at 12 p.m. on Facebook through the LSBA Louisiana Lawyers in Libraries page, covering a range of topics including bankruptcy (Oct. 20), child custody and visitation (Oct. 21), interdictions and guardianships (Oct. 22), wills and estate planning (Oct. 23), and how to navigate online legal resources (Oct. 24). Organizers say the free sessions are designed to help residents better understand their legal rights and connect them with reliable information and assistance.
–St. Tammany Parish is inviting the public to explore the rich history of Camp Salmen Nature Park in Slidell through a new online storyboard provided by STPG. The 130-acre park that has evolved from an 1830s trading post to a lumber mill and later a Boy Scout camp. Visitors can enjoy natural habitats for birding and wildlife observation while learning about the park’s storied past, including local folklore such as a 1920s tale where a young Boy Scout’s act of kindness toward Fritz Salmen of the Salmen Brick and Lumber Company led to a generous land donation for the Scouts. The park continues to be celebrated as a treasured outdoor and historical destination in St. Tammany Parish.
–The state of Louisiana has withdrawn permit applications for the Mid-Breton Sediment Diversion Project, one of its largest planned coastal restoration efforts on the east bank of Plaquemines Parish. The project, which would have funneled up to 75,000 cubic feet per second of Mississippi River water and sediment into Breton Sound to rebuild wetlands, was still in the design and engineering phase when Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Chairman Gordon Dove confirmed its cancellation. Rising costs, now estimated at $1.8 billion, and concerns over potential harm to fisheries led the administration of Gov. Jeff Landry to oppose the project, following the earlier termination of the $3.1 billion Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion on the west bank. While coastal activists and scientists viewed the diversions as key to reversing land loss by mimicking the Mississippi River’s natural delta-building processes, the cancellation is being welcomed by the commercial fishing industry, which feared large freshwater inflows would disrupt marine life.
–Tensions are rising in Mandeville as residents voice frustration over higher water bills and what they say are inaccurate meter readings following a rate increase earlier this year. While Mayor Clay Madden noted that most homeowners saw modest increases of $20–$25, some residents reported bills far higher, including $2,200, with water usage figures they claim are impossible. At a recent community meeting, residents questioned discrepancies in reported usage, noting that irrigation and personal water use had not changed significantly, while officials explained that rates rise above 3,000 gallons and sewer charges are based on water readings. Madden emphasized public education and transparency, highlighting the city’s award-winning water quality and chronic underfunding, and said staff are available to address concerns. To ease tensions, the city will waive late fees through the end of the year, while residents continue to seek clarity on their unusually high bills.
–Southeastern Louisiana University Alumni are invited to “Throwback Thursday: A Centennial Night Out” on Thursday, October 16, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in downtown Hammond. Attendees, including alumni, university supporters, and friends, can check in at Railroad Park to receive an exclusive Centennial gift and enjoy live music before visiting participating local establishments. The event will feature gatherings hosted by colleges and alumni chapters, with a map provided for attendees. The celebration is presented in partnership with the Hammond Downtown Development District and the Tangipahoa Chamber of Commerce.
–Businesses seeking new talent will have an opportunity to connect with skilled job seekers at Northshore Technical Community College’s Sullivan Campus Career Fair, scheduled for Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 1710 Sullivan Drive in Bogalusa. The event will feature NTCC students and alumni from programs including Building Technology, Business Office Technology, Child Development, Diesel Mechanics, Electric Lineman, Electrician, HVAC, IT, LPN, and Welding, along with professionals from the wider community workforce. Organizers say the fair offers employers a valuable chance to recruit qualified candidates while supporting workforce development across the Northshore region.
–The Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office reports that Brian Williams, 54, is in custody following a disturbance involving a gunshot north of Albany on the night of October 7, 2025. Deputies responded just after 9 p.m. to the area of North Cafe Line and Skinner Lane, where they learned that the suspect had fled the scene. According to Sheriff Jason Ard, the Albany Police Department located and stopped the suspect’s vehicle, finding Williams under the influence. Investigators determined that an argument led to a shot being fired, and the weapon used was later recovered. Williams was booked into the Livingston Parish Detention Center on multiple charges, including DWI, illegal use of weapons from a roadway, and felon in possession of a firearm. The investigation remains ongoing.
–The Louisiana Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Attorney General Liz Murrill, has arrested 21-year-old Anthony Longoria for five felony counts of possession of child sexual abuse material involving victims under the age of 13. Longoria was taken into custody on October 7, 2025, in the 64,000 block of Nelson Road following a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The arrest was part of a joint investigation involving the LBI Cyber Crime Unit, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office, East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Pearl River Police Department, in collaboration with the 22nd Judicial District SVU Task Force. Longoria was booked into the St. Tammany Parish Jail, and the investigation remains ongoing.
–This past Saturday, the annual NAMIWalks Southshore brought together more than 900 registered participants for a day filled with unity, inspiration, and community spirit. Families, friends, sponsors, volunteers—and even pets—gathered to support mental health awareness and advocacy across the region. The event featured food, entertainment, and plenty of excitement, but organizers say the most meaningful part of the day was seeing the community come together to share stories of hope and recovery while shining a light on the importance of mental health. With 78 teams participating, the walk raised nearly $140,000, funds that will go directly toward providing free mental health resources and programs throughout the area. “We cannot express our gratitude for all of the generosity and love that was poured into us on Saturday,” organizers said. “Together, we are helping to build a stronger, more compassionate community.”
–A Livingston Parish librarian’s defamation lawsuit will move forward after the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal reversed its earlier decision that had dismissed the case. The court ruled that Amanda Jones, who became a target of online attacks after speaking out against book bans at a 2022 library board meeting, has shown enough evidence to continue her suit against Citizens for a New Louisiana and its leaders, Michael Lunsford and Brian Thames. Jones alleges the group defamed her by falsely claiming she was promoting pornography to children. Although the court found some of the defendants’ statements were protected under Louisiana’s anti-SLAPP law, it determined Jones had demonstrated a “probability of success” that several posts were defamatory, knowingly false, or made with reckless disregard for the truth, causing her harm to reputation and emotional distress. The decision overturns prior rulings from 2022 and 2023 that had dismissed her claims, allowing the closely watched case over free speech and defamation to proceed.
–Livingston Parish President Randy Delatte issued an update this week on temporary river closures due to rising water levels, emphasizing that the measures are necessary to protect homes and property along the Tickfaw and Amite Rivers. According to the Livingston Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (LOHSEP), as of 8:30 a.m., the Tickfaw River was at 3.76 feet with a flood alert level of 4.0 feet, while the Amite River measured 3.03 feet, just above its 3.0-foot alert level. Both rivers are experiencing slight rises, prompting officials to temporarily restrict recreational boat traffic. Delatte said the decision is data-driven, based on real-time river gauges and forecasts coordinated with state and federal partners, noting that even small wakes can worsen flooding for nearby residents. He assured the public that the rivers will reopen once water levels drop below alert stage and conditions are safe.
