Good morning, Lake Charles.

Ray Hyatt, a local veteran who founded DeQuincy's first supermarket, will celebrate his 100th birthday next month.

He stays active—running errands on rainy days—and remembers his WWII service with pride.

Chris and ShaRhonda of Zydeco Champions will host a beginner Zydeco dance class on Saturday, May 30 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 3231 Kirkman Street (prices are $20 pre-registration and $25 at the door).

The ninth annual Calcasieu Parish Short Film Festival takes place Saturday at the Brimstone Museum Annex in Sulphur, with doors opening at 10:30 a.m. Entry is free and includes screenings and filmmaker discussions (featuring a 1927 comedy and a Cajun Bigfoot story).

Louisiana’s education ranking jumped from 49th to 32nd, its highest ever, as State Superintendent Cade Brumley and Calcasieu Superintendent Dr. Jason VanMetre praised improved reading and math at a local luncheon.

Students now earn a Freedom Seal after civics classes (an achievement symbol) to mark graduation.

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season starts June 1 and runs through Nov 30 with peak activity from mid-August to late September according to NOAA and the World Meteorological Organization’s Hurricane Committee.

Residents should review supplies and evacuation plans as preparations begin.

Gov. Landry announced at the State Capitol his plan to make permanent teacher raises (an extra $2,000 for teachers and $1,000 for support staff) using funds from the Minimum Foundation Program; lawmakers will review the state budget later this week.

A Lake Charles teen with Ewing Sarcoma remains on chemotherapy after scans show her tumor hasn’t shrunk; doctors advised her to begin radiation treatment in Memphis while her family continues to support her fight against the illness.

Planet Fitness has announced a free summer pass program for teens ages 14 to 19 that runs from June 1 through Aug.

31. Teens in (Lake Charles and Sulphur) can pre-register on the official website to use local participating gyms.

McNeese State’s Cowboys battled ups and downs this season to make a postseason run and ended their bid in Beaumont.

Coach Justin Hill (in his 13th season) said the team faces a rebuilding period as 16 seniors graduate and three key players enter the transfer portal.

Sam Houston High School senior Carson (Ice Man) Christ starred in game three of the Broncos state championship series, recording crucial hits against Dutchtown.

He overcame a slow start and secured 10 home runs to lead his team.

Former Sulphur and McNeese baseball star Will Dion made his MLB debut today — a significant achievement for local sports fans who follow his career.

Campbell Leblanc won her second girls cutting state championship Tuesday at the Louisiana High School Finals Rodeo at the Burton Complex.

The Welsh High sophomore beat Catholic-Pointe Coupee’s Sadie Steib by 1.65 points — and will compete at nationals in July in Lincoln.

Dusty Slay Comedy Show

8-11 p.m. — Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino — Ticket prices vary — Experience the observational and blue-collar humor of Southern comedian Dusty Slay.