A proposed rezoning in the Hungarian Settlement area could permanently shift the land from its current C-1 (commercial) designation, which allows small businesses, offices, and limited services compatible with homes and farms, to I-2 (heavy industrial), opening the door for large warehouses, distribution centers, trucking operations, and other high-impact industrial uses. Rezoning to I-2 would bring increased traffic, noise, lighting, and long-term industrial development, making it difficult to reverse once approved. A Town Hall Meeting will be held on Monday, Feb. 2, at 6:00 p.m. at AHSCA Hall, 29025 Hwy 43, Albany, LA, where dinner will be served. The meeting will explain the rezoning process, outline the proposed changes, discuss potential impacts on property and quality of life, and explore community action. District 9 Councilman Joe Erdey will attend to answer questions and engage with residents.
–District Attorney Collin Sims reported that on Jan. 15, 2026, a St. Tammany Parish jury found Joshua Michael Delaughter, 31, of Pearl River, guilty of attempted second degree murder following a violent stabbing at North Beach in Slidell in August 2023, with the trial held in the 22nd Judicial District Court before Judge Richard A. Swartz. The conviction stems from an incident on Aug. 13, 2023, when St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to Carr Drive and found victim Michael DeLeon suffering from eight stab and laceration wounds to his head, neck, and torso. Testimony showed the confrontation began after Delaughter nearly backed into another vehicle and DeLeon tapped on Delaughter’s car to alert him, leading to a brief verbal exchange before Delaughter exited his vehicle and attacked DeLeon with a knife. Although Delaughter claimed self-defense, witness testimony and the severity of the injuries, which required emergency treatment at University Medical Center in New Orleans, contradicted that account. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Christina Fisher and Shelby Stoop, with Fisher emphasizing during closing arguments the excessive and deliberate nature of the attack. Delaughter will remain in STPSO custody pending sentencing, which is set for Feb. 25, 2026; while the standard sentencing range is 10 to 50 years at hard labor without parole, his prior criminal history could lead the state to seek enhancement under the Habitual Offender Statute, potentially resulting in a mandatory life sentence.
–The National Weather Service is warning of potential winter weather this weekend, with a medium chance (20–40%) of minor impacts for areas along and north of I-10/I-12 and a low chance (<20%) south of those highways. The area most likely to be affected is mainly to the east of us. Any effects are expected to be minor, primarily impacting bridges and elevated roads, with no freezing rain or icing anticipated. Residents are also advised that low temperatures and wind chills will make Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday mornings very cold. Officials remind the public to protect the “4 Ps”—pipes, pets, plants, and people—during the cold spell.
–The Southeastern Louisiana University Contemporary Art Gallery will open the first exhibition of its 2026 program with the 2026 Alumni Exhibition, a wide-ranging survey celebrating six decades of artistic production by alumni of the Visual Art + Design Department, running from Jan. 29 through Feb. 25. Featuring work by 40 alumni from graduating classes spanning 1965 to 2025, the exhibition showcases a dynamic mix of media including sculpture, video installation, painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, graphic design, and photography. Gallery Director Cristina Molina said the works reflect both the department’s pedagogical legacy and the diverse professional paths of its alumni, addressing personal narratives as well as broader themes such as Louisiana’s landscape, cultural memory, and contemporary social realities. An opening reception will be held Thursday, Jan. 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the gallery, located at 411 Ned McGehee Dr. The exhibition is free and open to the public, with gallery hours Monday–Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.
–Brix LaFontaine of Little Oak Middle, Robert Ryals of Fontainebleau Junior High, and Beija Lopes-Morgan of Mandeville High have been named 2026 Student of the Year Regional Honorees by the Louisiana Department of Education and will represent St. Tammany Parish Public Schools in the upcoming regional competition. The students were selected based on academic achievement, leadership, character, and service, first earning school-level honors before being recognized at the district level. LaFontaine, a fifth-grader and the district’s Elementary Division Student of the Year, is active in student leadership, athletics, service organizations, and founded “Kicks with Brix,” a shoe drive for children in need. Ryals, an eighth-grader and Middle/Junior High Division Student of the Year, is involved in band, jazz ensemble, talented arts and theatre programs, karate, and community volunteer work. Lopes-Morgan, a senior and the district’s High School Division Student of the Year, serves as Student Body President at Mandeville High and represents students statewide through leadership roles with BESE, the Louisiana Legislative Youth Advisory Council, and the Louisiana Association of Student Councils. Superintendent Frank Jabbia praised the students’ dedication and said the district is proud to have them represent St. Tammany Parish at the next level of competition.
–Northshore Technical Community College will host a Healthcare Career Fair on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at its Hammond Campus, located at 111 Pride Dr., offering employers an opportunity to connect with more than 100 potential job seekers. The event will feature NTCC students and alumni from programs including Registered Nursing, Licensed Practical Nursing, Medical Assistant, Patient Care Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant, and Pharmacy Technician, as well as current professionals in those fields. Employers are invited to reserve a sponsorship table to recruit candidates from all five NTCC campuses. Registration and payment details are available online, and additional information can be obtained by contacting Tiffany Fowler at 985-545-1278 or Tiffanyfowler@northshorecollege.edu.
–The St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has elected Ronnie Simpson, assistant vice president for community and public affairs with Ochsner Health, to serve a one-year term as chairman of the board, succeeding Carrie Calvin of Bourgeois Bennett, LLC. Simpson was installed during the Chamber’s Annual Installation and Awards Luncheon on Jan. 13, 2026, at The Greystone, attended by more than 200 chamber members and business leaders. A longtime member of the Chamber’s board, Simpson brings more than 30 years of experience in public affairs, communications, and governmental relations, including leadership roles with Ochsner Health, St. Tammany Parish Government, and the Department of Homeland Security/FEMA following Hurricane Katrina. Chamber President and CEO Lacey Osborne praised Simpson’s leadership and commitment to the organization, while Simpson said he looks forward to working with members and community leaders to strengthen economic vitality on the Northshore. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Louisiana State University and is a participant in Leadership Louisiana’s Class of 2026.
–St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape has identified Randy Moore, 69, of North Willie Road in Folsom, as the man who died Saturday, Jan. 10, from injuries sustained in a kitchen fire at his home nearly a week earlier. Firefighters with St. Tammany Parish Fire Protection District No. 5 responded to the residence shortly after 7 p.m. on Jan. 4, where Moore’s wife was able to escape, but Moore became trapped inside after attempting to extinguish the fire himself. He was extricated from the home by firefighters and St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office personnel using a chainsaw and was transported with severe thermal burns and smoke inhalation to St. Tammany Parish Hospital before being transferred to University Medical Center in New Orleans. Despite continued medical treatment, Moore did not recover. The State Fire Marshal is assisting Fire District 5 with the investigation, and Tape is expected to formally rule on the cause and manner of death later this week, noting that fire deaths are largely preventable and urging residents to maintain working smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and clear exit routes.
–District Attorney Collin Sims announced that on Jan. 15, 2026, Christopher Mikhail Baker, 33, of Slidell, was sentenced to 50 years at hard labor following a plea agreement in the 22nd Judicial District Court before Judge John A. Keller, stemming from the January 2024 death of his two-year-old niece, Ryah Young, and the severe neglect of his one-year-old nephew, Rashad Young Jr. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a 911 call on Jan. 7, 2024, after Baker, who had been babysitting the children since Jan. 5, reported the toddler unresponsive; Ryah was later pronounced dead, with toxicology confirming fentanyl and cocaine toxicity. Medical exams showed Rashad also tested positive for cocaine and suffered multiple injuries, and a search of the residence uncovered fentanyl and cocaine residue and a firearm. Baker later referred to the incident as a “freak accident” in recorded jail calls. The victims’ mother addressed the court prior to sentencing, while Baker declined to make a statement. Under the plea agreement, Baker pleaded guilty to manslaughter, second degree cruelty to juveniles, possession of fentanyl, possession of cocaine, and illegal carrying of weapons while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance. Sims called the death “entirely preventable” and thanked STPSO Detective Winston Harbin for his investigative work in the case.
–Nunez Community College in Chalmette recognized 257 students for earning Dean’s List honors for the Fall 2025 semester, awarded to those who achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher while completing at least 12 credit hours. Among the honorees were Dracus Perry of Bogalusa; Marcus Newfield of Covington; Dirk Holmgren and Caroline Olsen of Lacombe; Patrick Kennedy, Michael Norris, and Brock Taylor of Madisonville; Tyler Burlett, Spencer Granger, and Blake Polk of Pearl River; and William Stockstill of Picayune, Miss. Slidell students earning honors included Joequan Anderson, Shamyrie Bailey, Quin Barbay, Jodi Barrow, DeJon Clark, Evan Delancy, Adream Dukes, Alena Estrada, James Funches, Stephen Gant, Sebastian Garafola, Aidan Joyner, Michael Keen, Jeffrey Mock, Jakson Nyberg, Kevin Page, Carolynn Schick, Mason Siener, Kyle Thomas, Ronald Thorns, Denis Williams, and Sterling Wold. Registration is now open for Spring 2026, with classes beginning Jan. 20; more information on courses, advising, and enrollment is available at Nunez.edu.
–U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) announced he secured $293.1 million for Louisiana in fiscal year 2026 through the Energy and Water, Interior and Environment, and Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations bills, which now head to President Trump’s desk for signature. The funding includes $137.5 million for the Morganza to the Gulf project, $20 million for Southwest Coastal Louisiana hurricane and shoreline protection, $43.6 million for the West Bank and Vicinity project in Jefferson Parish, $3.25 million for the St. Tammany Parish Flood Risk Management project, and $500,000 for the Lake Pontchartrain Storm Surge Reduction project. Cassidy said the investments will strengthen flood protection, public safety, and community resilience across the state, noting that protecting Louisiana families requires tangible support, not just words.
–East Coles Creek Loop will be temporarily closed on Thursday, Jan. 22, for maintenance work, according to Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller. The closure will take place at the intersection of East Coles Creek Loop and Countryside Lane to allow crews to complete a cross drain replacement project. Work is scheduled between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., during which time no through-traffic will be permitted in the construction zone and detours will be posted. Residents are encouraged to check Tangipahoa.org and Tangipahoa Parish Government social media channels for updates on road work.
–Livingston Parish Government clarified that the planned PALA expansion is not tied to carbon capture, noting no documentation supports such claims and asking anyone with sources, contract references, or project scope documents to share them for verification. According to publicly released information, Louisiana Economic Development announced the expansion on Aug. 7, 2025, describing a $1.9 million investment that includes a new paint and blasting shop, additional fabrication equipment, and the creation and retention of jobs. The expansion is on an existing industrial site already zoned C-1 in Council District 9, requiring no zoning changes. The parish emphasized that planning and zoning decisions are made by appointed legislative bodies, not the Parish President’s Office, and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting smart industrial growth that creates quality jobs, strengthens the local economy, and expands the tax base to help reduce residents’ tax burden over time.
