The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office, working alongside local and federal agencies, has issued a Public Safety Alert warning residents about the emergence of a highly dangerous substance known as “Green Fentanyl,” which has recently appeared on the Northshore and throughout the Greater New Orleans area. Authorities say this new variant of fentanyl—identified in recent seizures—comes in shades of green and can resemble substances such as cannabis, sidewalk chalk, gel, or tar, making it deceptively easy to mistake for other drugs. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid roughly 50 times more potent than heroin, can be deadly in amounts as small as two milligrams, equivalent to just a few grains of salt. Law enforcement officials report that the appearance of this green variant coincides with a sharp uptick in opioid-related emergency calls across the region. The Sheriff’s Office urges the public to recognize the signs of an overdose, which include extreme drowsiness, slow or absent breathing, snoring or gurgling sounds, cold or clammy skin, blue lips or fingertips, and pinpoint pupils. Anyone witnessing these symptoms should immediately call 911 and administer naloxone (Narcan) if available—a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Free naloxone kits and training are accessible through public health programs across Louisiana. Additionally, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office reminds the community about Operation Angel, an initiative that allows individuals battling addiction to seek treatment through the Sheriff’s Office without fear of arrest or prosecution. Anyone seeking help can visit any TPSO location or call 985-747-9696 for assistance.
–Southeastern Louisiana University will celebrate the grand opening of the new Robin Roberts Broadcast Media Center on Friday, Oct. 17, at 10 a.m., marking a milestone in the university’s commitment to cutting-edge communication and media education. The new facility, in the newly renovated D Vickers Hall, was made possible through a generous gift from Southeastern alumna and Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts, whose contribution complemented the state-funded renovation of the building. Roberts will return to her alma mater to officially open the center alongside Southeastern President William S. Wainwright, Louisiana Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed, and University of Louisiana System President Rick Gallot. Public officials, university administrators, and other dignitaries will also be in attendance to celebrate the state-of-the-art facility that will enhance learning and hands-on experience for Southeastern students pursuing careers in broadcast and digital media.
–St. Tammany Fire District 9 is rallying behind one of its own community members, 20-year-old Gabrielle “Gabi” Taylor, who was seriously injured in a car accident on October 3 and is currently hospitalized at UMC in New Orleans, fighting to come off a ventilator. A lifelong resident of the area, Gabi has been part of the community since age two, attending Franklinton Junior High, graduating from Covington High School in 2023, and remaining active in church, FFA, and local softball. Known for her love of family, faith, and animals, she has been pursuing a career helping children with exceptionalities. To support her recovery, St. Tammany Fire District 9 will host a Blood Drive and Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser on Saturday, October 25, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Everyone who donates blood will receive a free spaghetti dinner, with both scheduled appointments and walk-ins welcome. Community members can sign up to donate at The Blood Center’s website.
–Former Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards announced Monday that he will not run for the U.S. Senate in 2026, ending months of speculation about his potential candidacy. Edwards, a two-term Democrat who left office in 2024 due to term limits, cited family priorities and a desire to remain a private citizen, saying he and his wife are focused on being “the best Papa and Nonna” to their grandchildren. His decision leaves Democrats searching for a candidate to challenge Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, whose support for convicting former President Donald Trump in the Jan. 6 Senate trial has drawn criticism from party leaders. Several Republicans, including State Treasurer John Fleming, state Sen. Blake Miguez, and Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta, have declared their intentions to run, while speculation continues around U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow.
–Louisiana State Police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred early Monday, October 13, on Interstate 12 near LA Highway 1249 in Tangipahoa Parish, claiming the life of 24-year-old Dentreal A. Mouton of Lafayette. According to Troop L, the incident happened around 1:20 a.m. when a 2019 Honda Accord, traveling westbound in the left lane, struck Mouton, who was also walking westbound in the same lane for reasons still under investigation. Mouton was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the Honda, who was properly restrained, was not injured. Routine toxicology samples were taken from both individuals as part of the ongoing investigation. State Police remind the public that pedestrian safety is critical and that walking along interstate highways is prohibited under Louisiana law except during emergencies. Officials urge both drivers and pedestrians to remain vigilant, wear reflective clothing, use well-lit areas, and avoid distractions to prevent similar tragedies.
–The Slidell Police Department has announced that longtime spokesperson and current Chief Administrative Officer Daniel Seuzeneau has been appointed Interim Chief of Police, following the departure of Chief Randy Fandal, who was recently elected as the city’s next mayor. A decorated 20-year law enforcement veteran, Seuzeneau has held numerous leadership roles within the department, overseeing its $18 million budget, Public and Media Relations, and Information and Technology divisions, while serving as liaison between the police department and city administration. A Louisiana Tech University graduate with a Bachelor’s in Marketing and an MBA, Seuzeneau began his career as a patrol officer before earning multiple honors, including Officer of the Year and the Lifesaving Award. His tenure has included assignments in the Criminal Investigations Division and the FBI Task Force, and in 2010, he became the department’s first Public Information Officer, launching Louisiana’s first police Facebook page—now followed by more than 180,000 users. Seuzeneau also served under Sheriff Randy Smith at the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office before returning to Slidell PD, where he has been part of the S.W.A.T. team as a crisis negotiator. He will officially be sworn in as chief next week, serving until the spring 2026 election to select a permanent leader. “There is no greater honor than to lead the Slidell Police Department,” Seuzeneau said. “This agency is my home and my family, and my goal is to continue Chief Fandal’s legacy while focusing on professionalism, accountability, compassion, and a tough stance on crime.”
–The St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help in locating 37-year-old Brittany Travasos, who may also go by the name Brittany Barlow. According to authorities, Travasos was last seen leaving a residence with a man off McDaniel Road in Amite and has not been heard from since September 25, 2025, when her family stopped receiving calls and messages from her. Loved ones say it is highly unusual for her to lose contact and are deeply concerned for her safety and well-being. Travasos is described as having a tattoo of a rose on her left arm. Anyone with information about her whereabouts is urged to contact the St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office at 225-222-4413 or reach out to their local law enforcement agency.
–The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce will host a full day dedicated to business growth, professional development, and networking on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at The Harbor Center in Slidell. The event begins with the Business & Growth in Southeast Louisiana Luncheon, presented by AFX Pro with media sponsorship by The St. Tammany Farmer, featuring Michael Hecht, President and CEO of GNO, Inc., who will discuss regional economic trends and opportunities for local businesses. Following the luncheon, the Chamber’s Northshore Young Professionals Summit, sponsored by Fussell Group, will offer three free sessions led by regional experts, including Dr. Lisa Brady on avoiding burnout, Dr. Tommy Karam on personal branding, and Lauren Navarre on scaling a business. Running concurrently, the Explore Northshore Business Expo, sponsored by the Chamber’s President Level Investors with media sponsorship by Northshore Media Group, will showcase exhibitors, door prizes, and networking opportunities from 1–4 p.m. The Chamber encourages entrepreneurs, executives, and young professionals from across the Northshore to attend this dynamic day of connection and community collaboration.
–Washington Parish President Ryan Seal has issued a message of gratitude to residents following the recent election, thanking voters for their participation and support in renewing the parish’s four existing millages for Libraries, Health Units, Roads, and Public Buildings. In a letter dated October 13, 2025, Seal said the renewed funding ensures the parish can continue providing essential services that residents depend on daily. He emphasized that the community’s continued investment in these critical areas helps keep Washington Parish moving forward, highlighting the collective progress made through collaboration and public trust. “Thank you for believing in Washington Parish and for helping us continue the work that makes this a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” Seal wrote, expressing appreciation on behalf of parish government.
–Beer lovers and animal advocates alike are invited to raise a glass for a great cause at Barktober Fest, set for Saturday, October 25, from 2–6 p.m. at The Barley Oak in Mandeville. The event will feature unlimited Oktoberfest-style beer samples from top local breweries—including Gnarly Barley, Parish Brewing Co., Chafunkta Brewing Company, Agile Brewing, and Ecology Beer Creative—along with live music, food, and the chance to meet 15–20 adoptable dogs from the Northshore Humane Society. Tickets are $35, with proceeds helping local pets find forever homes, and the first 100 ticket buyers will receive an exclusive Barley Oak beer mug. Open to guests 21 and older, Barktober Fest promises an afternoon of great brews, lakeside views, and heartwarming connections between people and pups—all in support of a lifesaving mission.
–Local volunteers and churches are preparing to participate in Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, with drop-off locations now open across the area for National Collection Week, Nov. 17–24. Community members are invited to pack a simple shoebox filled with toys, school supplies, and personal care items—each one serving as a tangible expression of love and hope for children in need around the world. Since its launch in 1993, the project has delivered millions of these gift-filled shoeboxes to boys and girls in more than 100 countries, many of whom have never received a gift before. This year, organizers aim to collect enough donations to reach 12 million children globally, including thousands from across Louisiana. Drop-off sites and collection hours are available online, and local volunteer leaders are encouraging residents to get involved by packing a shoebox and making a lasting difference in a child’s life.
–The Covington Heritage Foundation (CHF) will host its annual History & Holly Home Tour on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM CST in Historic Downtown Covington. Visitors can enjoy a festive, self-guided stroll through a curated selection of historic homes, new homes with old-world charm, and local landmarks, all adorned with seasonal décor. Docents will share stories of Covington’s architecture and heritage, offering a blend of holiday cheer and small-town hospitality. Tickets, home lists, and check-in details will be announced closer to the event, with CHF members often receiving special perks.
–The Keep Hammond Beautiful committee and the City of Hammond invite residents to their next public meeting on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 11:45 a.m. at the Hammond Recreation Center, 601 W. Coleman Avenue. Community members are also encouraged to take part in the Great American Cleanup on Saturday, October 25, from 8 to 10 a.m., meeting at the Clarke Park Pavilion at 801 S. Holly Street. Volunteers will be provided with pick-up sticks, vests, gloves, and trash bags to assist in cleaning up the community. The cleanup event qualifies for students seeking service hours or fulfilling community service requirements. For more information, call (985) 277-5955.
