The National Weather Service released its 2025 climate review, showing another notably warm year for both Baton Rouge and New Orleans, marked by temperature extremes, heavy rainfall events, and significant winter weather. Baton Rouge recorded an average temperature of 69.7 degrees, about 1.2 degrees above normal, ranking as the 15th warmest year on record, with a hottest day of 98 degrees on July 30 and a coldest night of just 7 degrees on January 22. New Orleans was even warmer, averaging 72.2 degrees—1.7 degrees above normal—making 2025 the city’s sixth warmest year on record, with a peak temperature of 99 degrees on August 17 and a low of 21 degrees on January 23. Both cities experienced historic snowfall on January 21, with Baton Rouge receiving 7.6 inches and New Orleans recording 8.0 inches, among the highest totals ever observed. Baton Rouge saw 59.70 inches of rain for the year, slightly below normal, while New Orleans totaled 57.54 inches, also below average. The year also brought powerful wind events, including a 78 mph gust in Baton Rouge on March 24 and a 55 mph gust in New Orleans on June 13, underscoring the wide range of impactful weather experienced across southeast Louisiana in 2025.
–A 21-year-old Tangipahoa Parish man is facing life in prison after a unanimous jury found him guilty of first degree murder and attempted first degree murder, according to 21st Judicial District Attorney Scott M. Perrilloux. On December 19, 2025, Omarion Hookfin was convicted in the September 2022 home invasion shooting that killed Donte Perry of Hammond and critically wounded Perry’s 12-year-old child inside their Rufus Bankston Road apartment, where Perry’s three children, ages 3 to 12, were present. Trial testimony established that Hookfin was one of several armed, masked suspects who entered the apartment, fatally shot Perry in the kitchen, then turned the weapon on the child, who survived after weeks of hospitalization and multiple surgeries. Investigators linked Hookfin to the crime through video evidence and witness testimony identifying him as the shooter. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Taylor Anthony and William Macaluso before Judge Jeff Johnson. Sentencing is set for January 12, 2026, when Hookfin will receive a mandatory life sentence for the murder conviction and 10 to 50 years for the attempted murder charge; he is also scheduled to stand trial in a separate 2024 escape case from the Tangipahoa Parish Jail in Amite.
–The Harbor Center announced the return of Roman Street to The Lobby Lounge as the opening performance of its 2026 Listening Room Concert Series, scheduled for January 20. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the show beginning at 7:00 p.m., marking the acclaimed trio’s third appearance at the venue after performances on festival stages around the world. Organizers describe the event as an intimate, seated concert experience with close-to-the-stage viewing, reserved priority seating, and optional table upgrades, noting that tickets are on sale online and moving quickly. The all-ages show will feature free onsite parking, an onsite caterer and bar, and will once again highlight The Lobby Lounge, which has been repeatedly voted Best Venue for Live Music in East St. Tammany.
–An Independence man has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of his brother following an argument in Tangipahoa Parish, according to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office. Vincent Hart, 58, is charged with second degree murder in the death of 48-year-old Dalvis Hart after deputies responded around 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, December 30, to reports of a fight in a parking lot in the 11000 block of Highway 190 in the Hammond area that escalated into gunfire. Authorities said deputies found the victim unresponsive with a gunshot wound; he was transported to a local hospital, where he later died. Investigators determined the suspect was employed at the location and that the victim arrived there for unknown reasons prior to the argument. “This is a tragedy that just didn’t have to happen,” Sheriff Gerald Sticker said, urging residents to “choose words over weapons” and asking the community to keep the family in prayer as they grieve the loss.
–Louisiana’s expanded hands-free driving law, commonly known as the “touch law,” is now fully in effect after a grace period ended Thursday, making it illegal for drivers to use a handheld phone while behind the wheel except for hands-free calls, navigation, or emergency reporting. Violators can face fines of up to $100, or $250 in school and construction zones, as state leaders push to curb distracted driving, which the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says contributed to 178 traffic deaths in 2023. Baton Rouge drivers interviewed said even brief phone use can have devastating consequences, noting frustrations with distracted motorists and emphasizing that taking one’s eyes off the road for a split second can change lives forever. Lawmakers say the law is intended to reduce crashes and improve roadway safety as technology-related distractions continue to grow.
–Fireworks sparked at least ten fires across East St. Tammany Parish, including four involving homes and other structures, according to St. Tammany Fire District 1, which serves areas near Slidell. Firefighters were captured on video responding to multiple blazes throughout the city, ranging from residential fires to grass, garbage can, and vehicle fires, all of which officials said were caused by fireworks. While no injuries were reported, several homes sustained significant damage. Fire officials urged residents to use extreme caution, with Slidell Fire Captain Brian Macaluso warning, “These safety messages are real. It can happen, and when you let your guard down and think it can’t happen, it does.”
–New Orleans police reported no major security or crime issues during New Year’s Eve celebrations, marking a sharp contrast to the deadly New Year’s Day 2025 vehicle attack along Bourbon Street that killed 14 people and injured dozens. While the New Orleans Police Department declined comment Thursday, officials confirmed a news conference is scheduled for Friday to address year-end matters. Incoming city leadership is expected to build on the improved security posture in 2026, with Mayor-elect Helena Moreno appointing former NOPD Superintendent Michael Harrison as Deputy Mayor of Public Safety to help coordinate and clarify security responsibilities, particularly for major events in the French Quarter. Moreno, who will be sworn in Jan. 12, emphasized the need for clear accountability and long-term solutions such as permanent barriers or swinging gates, a proposal city leaders presented to the City Council in December to protect Bourbon Street from future ramming attacks.
–St. Tammany Parish officials have declared January as Blood Donor Awareness Month, with Parish President Mike Cooper, Council Chairman Impastato, and the Parish Council urging residents to help strengthen the local blood supply. Parish leaders emphasized that donated blood is critical to saving lives and supporting surgeries, cancer treatments, trauma care, childbirth, and chronic illnesses, noting that every two seconds someone in the United States needs a blood transfusion while only a small percentage of eligible donors give each year. Officials praised the longstanding generosity of St. Tammany residents, businesses, schools, and civic organizations, and encouraged the community to continue that tradition by donating blood to support area hospitals, enhance the region’s healthcare system, and improve overall community safety and resilience.
–The Tangipahoa Parish Library has opened nominations for its annual African American Honorary Service Award, which recognizes an outstanding African-American middle or high school student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and community service. The award honors students who have gone above and beyond through volunteerism, mentorship, and efforts that promote equality and positive change, reflecting a strong commitment to improving Tangipahoa Parish. Library officials say the program is designed to highlight and celebrate the meaningful impact local youth are making across the community. Nominations are now being accepted at tangilibrary.com, with a submission deadline of 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026.
