Good morning, Lake Charles.

Area residents and veterans gathered Monday at the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Jennings to honor fallen U.S. armed forces during Memorial Day observances.

The ceremony featured poppy presentations, wreath placements, and the playing of Taps — a tribute that remembered those who sacrificed their lives.

After overnight storms, about 7,000 residents lost power in SWLA—outages mainly hit areas in Sulphur and western Moss Bluff in Calcasieu and New Llano and Burr Ferry in Vernon.

Residents of Sandia Estates in Sulphur reported stray bullets damaging homes & driveways while local authorities investigate the incidents and residents fear for their safety.

On May 26, 2025, Calcasieu Correctional Center booked several individuals for offenses including traffic violations, domestic abuse, and weapons charges (involving suspects from Sulphur, Vinton, and Richmond) with one local arrest (Serina Lynn Ward from Lake Charles) reported in the booking report.

Police identified 58-year-old Lijuan Guo as the pedestrian killed in a hit-and-run crash on Nelson Road on May 16 — 18-year-old Christopher Landez-Navarrete was arrested after his vehicle was seen on 16th Street and a second woman suffered serious injuries and was hospitalized in Lafayette.

The Calcasieu Parish School Board will host a job fair at the West Cal Arena and Events Center in Sulphur on Tuesday, June 3, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.—job seekers, recent graduates and community members will meet school leaders and department representatives—participants should bring copies of their resumes as registration is not required.

The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury recognized Ben Taylor Jr., executive director of the Lake Charles Housing Authority, at a meeting on May 27 for his 44 years of service.

Tarek Polite presented him with a plaque and detailed his work on programs like the Rental Assistance Demonstration + Choice Neighborhood initiative to boost community development.

The state House passed SB 154 with an 86-6 vote to ban kratom, a substance sold at many local gas stations and smoke shops, and the bill will now head to the Senate for final approval before reaching Governor Landry.

Veteran Marlon Chouccoli and other advocates argue the ban will remove a key alternative to opioid treatments—while some lawmakers warn it may spur more drug abuse—raising concerns among nearly 300,000 users statewide.

Louisiana House passed a bill that gives the insurance commissioner power to block rate increases— a measure that Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple said may drive insurers out of the state.

Gov. Jeff Landry supports the law, saying it will keep rates low and plans to sign it soon.

Wellness on the Water Celebration

8-11 a.m. — Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino — Free entry — Experience an immersive celebration of movement, wellness, and community.

Gumbeaux Gators Home Opener vs. River Monsters

7 p.m. — Joe Miller Ballpark — Thrilling minor league baseball action as the Gumbeaux Gators take on the River Monsters.

Cajun Cowboy Cluster of Dog Shows

8 AM — Lake Charles Event Center — Cost Varies — Experience the excitement of dog shows brought to you by local kennel clubs in a festive atmosphere.

T-Gator Triathlon

7-11 a.m. — Sam Houston Jones State Park — Registration fees vary — Experience the thrill of the beloved T-Gator Triathlon with options for both individuals and relay teams.

Movie and a Craft

9:30-10:30 a.m. — Prien Lake Mall — Family-friendly event — Enjoy a morning of crafting and movie magic together.

Lake Charles Food Distribution

2-4 p.m. — 1225 2nd Street — Free food access — Support the local community with essential food distribution services.

Wayne Toups and Zydecajun Concert

7-9 p.m. — Jellystone Park™ Lake Charles — $15 at the door — Experience an exciting evening of Zydeco music under the stars.