Good morning, Slidell.

Saqr Ali, the owner of Smoke AZ 3 on Gause Boulevard West, was arrested on Saturday, August 23 after detectives and the Louisiana Office of Alcohol and Tobacco Control raided his business and seized over 25,000 Kratom capsules—1,800 grams of Kratom powder and more than 100 Kratom infused beverages—in a violation of the state's new controlled substances law.

Republished archival photos on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina show the heartbreak and strength of local communities.

The pictures capture flooded streets and damaged homes in New Orleans and Slidell — reminding viewers of the storm's lasting impact.

In 2005, after Hurricane Katrina hit, St. Tammany Parish Schools took in students from Orleans and St. Bernard while fixing damages such as flooded classrooms and damaged roofs—Superintendent Frank Jabbia said schools opened in October to help students feel safe and later rebuilt with storm ready buildings and new technology.

A small piece of the old Twin Span in Slidell is set for a makeover using FEMA funds—this $2.5 million project will add LED lighting and ADA access to the Saint Tammany fishing pier while strengthening the area for future storms.

Crews are working now with no set timeline for the complete restoration.

Local EMS teams in Slidell are reviewing their response to Hurricane Katrina on its 20th anniversary — they will use their findings to update emergency plans and honor lessons learned from the deadly storm.

Officials confirmed that locally harvested oysters served in restaurants in Louisiana and Florida led to 34 infections and 6 deaths from Vibrio vulnificus—the highest count seen in a decade.

Health officials advise at-risk individuals to take precautions when handling or eating raw shellfish.

Elvis: On Fire Featuring Nick Perkins

2-4:30 p.m. — Cutting Edge Theater — Tickets from $37.15 — Experience the electrifying years of Elvis Presley with World Champ Nick Perkins.