St. Tammany Parish’s deepening budget crisis has placed the future of the Safe Haven mental health campus in question, with the Parish Council proposing $620,000 in cuts for 2026 after the dedicated public health millage — which once brought in about $4 million annually — expired when voters declined to renew it in 2023. Some council members, including Arthur Laughlin, say the parish’s general fund can no longer absorb the costs, describing the situation as dire even as they acknowledge that psychiatric services remain “desperately needed.” A Nov. 17 budget amendment called for a “major shutdown” of the Safe Haven campus, leaving its three tenants — St. Tammany Parish Public Schools, the Florida Parishes Human Services Authority and NAMI Southeast Louisiana — uncertain about how their operations will be affected. NAMI SELA, which served more than 10,000 people on the campus last year through crisis housing, mental health support, resource navigation, free clothing distribution and education programs, warns that reductions or closures would have significant consequences for vulnerable residents. The organization is encouraging community members to attend the Parish Council meeting on December 4 at 6 p.m. at Koop Drive to advocate for preserving behavioral health services. The proposed cuts would not affect Northlake Behavioral Health, the adjacent psychiatric hospital, which owns its facility.
–The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office announced that five people have been arrested following a multi-agency drug operation stemming from an investigation into suspicious activity at two mobile homes on Hood Road in Hammond. Detectives executing a search warrant—assisted by Hammond Police and the Parish County Line Task Force—reportedly uncovered green fentanyl, more than a half-pound of suspected marijuana, synthetic cannabinoids, opioid pills, drug paraphernalia, and counterfeit plates and inspection stickers, some of which were found hidden under a child’s bed. Five children, ages one to 13, were also inside the home with drugs accessible. Marcellus Washington, Vedal McClendon, Miranda James, Tiara Wilson, and Anthony Conley were booked on various charges including multiple counts of illegal drug activity in the presence of minors, possession with intent to distribute narcotics, and possession of paraphernalia and counterfeit documents. TPSO thanked the public for reporting suspicious activity and acknowledged the assistance of partnering law enforcement agencies.
–Authorities in Hammond say a months-long investigation has led to the arrest of 58-year-old Steven Bates of Farmersville, California, who is accused of operating multiple illicit businesses in the city under the guise of hypnotism and massage services. The Hammond Fire Prevention Bureau began looking into Bates in June after he sought occupational licenses for several locations; inspections revealed female workers in lingerie or scant clothing who appeared to be living inside the businesses, which resembled massage parlors. During a later visit, officials say Bates blocked inspectors from entering, prompting the bureau to request assistance from Hammond Police narcotics detectives. Bates was located in November and arrested after detectives learned he was wanted in East Baton Rouge Parish on felony prostitution-related warrants. Search warrants executed at his businesses uncovered evidence of human trafficking, prostitution, and money laundering, and several female workers—believed to have been trafficked from out of state or abroad—were taken into protective custody. Bates was booked into the Hammond City Jail on charges including human trafficking, prostitution, pandering, and money laundering, with additional charges expected as Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana Department of Justice continue to review the case. Authorities say community tips and interagency cooperation were critical to the investigation and urge anyone with information on illegal businesses or trafficking to contact Hammond Police or Crime Stoppers.
–A former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office sergeant has been fired and arrested following an internal investigation into allegations of domestic violence. Authorities say Sean Gowan, 33, was terminated Wednesday and booked into the St. Tammany Parish Correctional Center on a charge of Domestic Abuse Battery with Child Endangerment after the Public Integrity Bureau and Major Crimes Division completed their inquiry. Gowan, who joined the department in 2014 and most recently served in the criminal patrol division, was taken into custody the same day. Sheriff Randy Smith said the conduct uncovered in the investigation was “unacceptable” and emphasized that “no one is above the law” and that maintaining community trust requires holding all employees accountable.
–The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office (TPSO) is renewing its call for information on Christopher Brewer, who has been missing since March 14, 2020, after walking away from a local rehab program in Kentwood, Louisiana. Brewer, 31 at the time, also known as “Do Man,” is a Caucasian male, 5′5″–5′8″, 140–165 lbs, with brown/reddish hair, green eyes, and multiple distinctive tattoos, including “Ride or Die for My Family” on his chest and “Living Life” on his abdomen. Despite new tips since May, law enforcement has not located him, and a $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his recovery. TPSO urges anyone with tips to contact Crime Stoppers at 1‑800‑554‑5245 or online, saying, “We pray for all families missing loved ones this holiday season… but while we pray, we remain steadfast in trying to bring closure to each of those families in ways that are both seen and unseen.” A Youtube video story highlighting Ms. Tracy’s plea can be viewed online.
–Due to the weather forecast, Old Mandeville has postponed its annual Sips of the Season celebration to Friday, December 12. The festive event returns to Girod Street from 5–9 p.m., inviting guests to sample signature Christmas cocktails from more than 40 local businesses while enjoying live music, food, art, and holiday cheer. Volunteers and merchants will line the street with themed drinks and decorated booths, creating one of the community’s most beloved seasonal traditions. Tickets are available now at www.OldMandevilleBusiness.com.
–STartUP Northshore has opened registration for the 2026 NSpire Startup Slam, the region’s signature live pitch competition set for Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts in downtown Hammond. The event, presented by Chevron with Capital One providing the $50,000 grand prize grant, will begin with a 4:30 p.m. networking reception featuring food, drinks, and live music before three selected startups take the stage at 6 p.m. to compete for a prize package valued at more than $100,000 in cash and in-kind professional services. A five-judge panel will evaluate the founders on presentation, scalability, and investment readiness in a high-energy, Shark Tank–style showdown. Previous winners include Kinkz, a Slidell-based natural hair care brand, and Cantaloupe AI, a hospitality hiring platform. Organizers say the in-kind support—ranging from legal and IP consulting to marketing strategy and coworking memberships—is designed to break down financial barriers and accelerate growth for emerging ventures. Admission is free, but space is limited; attendees can learn more and register at www.startupnorthshore.com/nspire.
— The Covington Police Department is gearing up for its annual Caroline Darby Christmas Wish Toy Giveaway, bringing holiday cheer to children across the community. Thanks to months of fundraising and toy donations, this year’s giveaway is scheduled for Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 3–5 p.m. at the Greater Covington Center, 317 N. Jefferson Ave., Covington, LA 70433. Families wishing to register their children can pick up a Toy Giveaway Pass at the Covington Police Department, 609 N. Columbia Street, from Thursday, December 4 until Friday, December 19 at 3:30 p.m. Those looking to help spread holiday joy can donate unwrapped toys at the police department during regular business hours, 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. The department expressed gratitude to local businesses and community members whose generosity makes this annual event possible.
–The Louisiana Office of State Fire Marshal has arrested a 45-year-old Loranger woman in connection with an intentionally set fire that damaged an occupied mobile home early Wednesday morning. Fire crews from the Husser Fire Department were dispatched around 7:19 a.m. to the residence on Gliderport Road, where the two people inside were able to escape unharmed. Investigators later determined the blaze had been deliberately ignited, leading to the arrest of April Delaney on a charge of aggravated arson. Officials say it remains unclear whether the home had working smoke alarms, and Chief Bryan J. Adams urged all residents to ensure they have functional alarms installed—adding that free alarms and installation are available through Operation Save-A-Life. The Fire Marshal’s Office thanked the Husser Fire Department for its rapid response and is asking anyone with information about the incident or other fire-related crimes to contact the SFM Arson Hotline or submit an anonymous tip online.
–Community leaders are calling on men across the region to attend a town hall meeting titled “All the King’s Men” on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the Black Heritage Center in Phoenix Square, Hammond. The gathering aims to address urgent concerns affecting local boys and young men, including violence, lack of mentorship, and declining community structure. Organizers say the meeting will focus on building a strong men-led network to provide guidance, break cycles of violence, strengthen partnerships with schools and leaders, and restore stability in neighborhoods. The initiative urges men from all surrounding areas to stand together and take an active role in saving and supporting the next generation.
–Twin Steeples Creative Arts Center in Ponchatoula will host its Holiday Market on December 12 from 5–8 p.m., inviting the community to shop local and celebrate the season. The event, held at 220 East Oak Street, will feature a variety of vendors, live music, and a handmade ornament auction to support the arts center’s programs. Organizers encourage attendees to enjoy an evening of festive shopping and entertainment, with live music sponsored by local REALTOR® Xander Perkins.
–The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has launched a new immigration sweep in New Orleans, dubbed “Operation Catahoula Crunch,” aimed at alleged migrant criminals who were previously released from jail under sanctuary policies. The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office (OPSO), operating under a federal consent decree, does not hold inmates past their scheduled release dates even when ICE requests extended custody, a policy established over a decade ago following a federal civil rights lawsuit. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill is challenging the decree in federal court this month. Sheriff-Elect Michelle Woodfork told a community meeting that law enforcement cannot pick and choose which laws to enforce, emphasizing the need to treat people with humility. DHS said the sweep targets individuals initially arrested for offenses including home invasion, armed robbery, and rape, though it is unclear whether they were convicted. Critics, including New Orleans Mayor-Elect Helena Moreno, have expressed concern the operation could lead to racial profiling, noting the targeting of brown people and potential violations of due process rights, while sightings of Border Patrol agents were widely reported on social media Wednesday.
