As the federal government shutdown continues to impact families across the region, United Way of Southeast Louisiana (UWSELA) has launched a regional food drive in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, Northshore Food Bank, Our Daily Bread, Community Center of St. Bernard, Giving Hope, and the Junior League of New Orleans. The drive, which runs through Nov. 25, aims to keep local food pantries stocked and support households affected by lost income and suspended SNAP benefits. Community members are encouraged to donate nonperishable food items, diapers, and baby formula at designated Prosperity Centers and partner locations across Southeast Louisiana. UWSELA staff and volunteers will deliver the donations to regional food banks to help meet rising demand. “If everyone can do a little something – an extra bag of rice, a can of soup, a pack of diapers – we can make a difference in the lives of our struggling neighbors,” said UWSELA President and CEO Michael Williamson. The effort is part of UWSELA’s Government Shutdown Relief Fund, which provides emergency assistance to affected families and the nonprofits that serve them.
–The Covington Police Department announced that North Columbia Street at East Rutland Street will be closed to through traffic in both directions. In addition, the westbound lane of East Rutland Street at the intersection will also be closed. The closure is expected to remain in place through the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 31, weather permitting. Police urge drivers to plan alternate routes and use caution while crews work in the area.
–Hammond City Councilwoman Carlee Gonzales addressed public confusion after the City Council failed to renew alcohol permits for 2026, impacting grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and bars throughout the city. Gonzales explained she abstained from the vote due to her husband’s minor ownership in one of the businesses affected, noting that participating in the vote would violate Louisiana ethics laws — a stance she said she has consistently maintained in prior years. Two other council members also abstained without providing reasons, meaning the normally procedural vote did not pass. Gonzales called the council’s inaction “bad for the city and the parish,” emphasizing that nearly half of all parish sales tax revenue comes from Hammond businesses, which fund the local school system, parish government, and more than half of the city’s budget. She added that while the portion of sales tax from alcohol sales is unclear, it is likely significant, warning that the failure to renew permits sends an anti-business message. Gonzales said she has urged the mayor’s office to bring the matter back before the council at its next meeting on Nov. 18.
–The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a father and son following a months-long narcotics investigation in the Ponchatoula area. Troy “Jack” Jackson, 49, and his son, Troy Jackson Jr., 26, face multiple drug distribution charges, including possession with intent to distribute Schedule I and II narcotics and violations within a drug-free zone. The arrests came after a joint operation on October 28 involving TPSO, Hammond Police, Ponchatoula Police, the DEA, Homeland Security, and the Parish County Line Taskforce. Authorities executed search warrants at homes on East Rateau Road and North 1st Street, recovering large quantities of marijuana, synthetic marijuana, and liquid methadone. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional arrests are expected.
–Traffic was backed up Wednesday after multiple accidents where a truck and trailer overturned on I-12 eastbound near the I-10 overpass in St. Tammany Parish. Louisiana State Police said recovery crews worked for hours to clear the scene, keeping the left lane of I-12 eastbound closed during cleanup operations. Drivers heading into Mississippi were urged to use alternate routes such as I-59 or I-10 westbound to reconnect with I-10 eastbound. Motorists were advised to check 511la.org or the Louisiana 511 mobile app for updated road conditions and to expect delays in the area.
–The St. Tammany Parish Adapted Physical Education Department will host the tenth annual High School Students with Exceptionalities Bocce Games, bringing together students with and without exceptionalities for friendly competition and teamwork. The first event will take place Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at Covington High School’s football stadium, featuring athletes from Covington, Fontainebleau, Hannan, Lakeshore, Mandeville, and St. Paul’s schools. The second event will be held Wednesday, Nov. 19, at Northshore High School’s football stadium with participants from Northshore, Pearl River, Salmen, and Slidell high schools. Both events begin at 9:45 a.m. with a torch-lighting ceremony followed by a bocce tournament, with student clubs and athletes volunteering to ensure a fun and successful day.
–Global Wildlife Center will celebrate the season with its Fall Fest on Saturday, Nov. 22, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Visitor Center. Guests can enjoy hot chocolate, roast their own s’mores, explore a corn pit and hay find adventure, try pumpkin bowling, create autumn-themed arts and crafts, and sample treats from local food vendors. The family-friendly event promises festive fun surrounded by wildlife and fall colors. Members attend free, while non-members can join with a ticket purchase; RSVPs are available online.
–Crews have begun work on the foundation for the new Cross Gates Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Slidell area, marking the start of an $11.6 million modernization project. Once completed, the upgraded facility will be capable of treating up to 1 million gallons of sewage per day, improving wastewater services for the surrounding community. Parish officials said construction is expected to be finished by early 2027.
–Kids ages 7–11 are invited to enjoy an evening of thrills and chills at the Ponchatoula Branch Library’s Halloween Monster Bash on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The spooky celebration will feature Halloween-themed games and a fun edible craft for participants. The event takes place at 380 North Fifth Street in Ponchatoula and promises a scary good time for all.
–The Fontainebleau High School RoboDawgs team is partnering with the Northshore Reading Council to host the annual “Fall Into STEAM” event on Friday, November 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at FHS. The event aims to promote awareness and engagement in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics through interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities. The RoboDawgs will showcase a variety of STEAM projects, while the Reading Council will offer a bookmark coloring station, free STEM and NASA-themed books in the library, and a special video book reading by an astronaut or NASA engineer.
–Southeastern Alumni is teaming up with Southeastern Life Long Learning to kick off the holiday season with a festive Christmas tree decorating workshop on November 12 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Participants will learn from a professional interior and floral designer how to create a show-stopping tree at home, including tips on choosing themes and color palettes, arranging ribbon and ornaments, adding layers for fullness, and applying expert finishing touches. Space is limited for the event, and registration is available online at the Southeastern store website.
–The Covington Police Department is hosting its annual Caroline Darby’s Christmas Wish Charity Golf Tournament to support local children in need. Scheduled for Friday, November 14, 2025, at Royal Golf Course in Slidell, the event includes check-in and lunch at 10:30 a.m., followed by a 12:00 p.m. shotgun start. Registration is $80 per player or $320 per four-person team, covering fees, food, and drinks. Sponsorships range from $50 for a hole sponsor to $1,500 for a platinum sponsor. All proceeds benefit the Caroline Darby’s Christmas Wish Foundation, which provides toys to underprivileged children in the community. For registration or sponsorship, call 985-768-7930 or email cgraves@covla.com
–A fugitive with alleged gang ties and a cache of dangerous weapons is behind bars after a joint operation in Livingston Parish. According to Sheriff Jason Ard, Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office narcotics agents assisted the Louisiana State Police Fugitive Task Force in arresting 19-year-old Tony King, a known “Bleeda” gang member wanted for possession of a machine gun and armed robbery. King was located at a residence on Guy Street in Walker, where agents also executed a search warrant and seized marijuana, THC vape cartridges, prescription pills, promethazine, three handguns — including a fully automatic Glock — and more than $1,600 in cash. Three others — Alexis Sip, 18; Sheeba King, 40; and Zireya Humphrey, 18 — were also taken into custody in connection with the investigation.
–Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry announced that the state will provide temporary SNAP assistance to vulnerable residents, including the elderly, disabled, and children, as federal benefits freeze Saturday. Eligible groups will automatically receive November payments without requalifying, funded through Louisiana’s rainy-day reserve under an emergency declaration. However, roughly 53,000 able-bodied adults are expected to lose benefits, with Landry urging them to seek employment or local food banks. The state also plans to close SNAP offices temporarily, furloughing nearly 1,100 employees, who are similarly encouraged to turn to food banks for support.
–A new WalletHub study ranks New Orleans and Baton Rouge among the most dangerous cities in the United States, placing them near the bottom out of 182 cities analyzed. The study assessed cities across 41 safety metrics in three categories — home and community safety, natural disaster risk, and financial safety. New Orleans ranked last at No. 182, followed by Memphis at No. 181 and Baton Rouge at No. 180. High violent crime and traffic fatality rates, along with economic instability and high poverty levels, were cited as major factors contributing to the low rankings. WalletHub noted that while natural disaster risks varied, cities with persistent crime and financial challenges consistently scored lowest, underscoring that preparedness alone cannot overcome broader safety issues.
