Good morning, Slidell.

Thirteen St. Tammany Parish Public School students were named National Merit Semifinalists for 2026 by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation—earning top scores nationwide and competing for scholarships later this school year.

LDEQ in coordination with LDH and LDWF began sampling seafood from the Tangipahoa River and Lake Pontchartrain near Smitty’s Supply in Roseland on Sept 18 to test for heavy metals and petroleum chemicals—control samples from Bayou Lacombe will be used for comparison while further rounds are planned.

The LDEQ — in collaboration with LDH and LDWF — has begun testing seafood from the Tangipahoa River and Lake Pontchartrain for signs of contamination from runoff after the Smitty’s Supply fire in Roseland.

The sampling started Thursday and will provide science-based results to ensure safe seafood for local consumption.

High school football recruiting is changing under NIL as young athletes get paid before college and sports agent Avianne Brule says parents must discuss money deals with their children.

The Louisiana NIL Task Force will submit recommendations in January and propose safeguards to protect athletes, with lawmakers expected to pass new laws by the end of June.

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.