Good morning, Lake Charles.

Speaker Mike Johnson hosted the Spirit of Louisiana Awards Ceremony in Bossier City last week to honor local leaders who have boosted economic development, supported military families and law enforcement, and contributed to community service—recognizing business advocates, organizers and a 99-year-old Navy veteran.

Camp Coushatta is hosting a free, single-day camp today from 9 a.m. to noon at its site off Powell Road and CC Bel Road north of Elton.

The camp lets Coushatta Tribe youth guide visitors through 20 educational stations to learn traditional practices and culture.

Gas prices in Lake Charles ranged from $3.63 to $3.89 per gallon on June 1, with Sam's Club and Murphy USA among the stations offering the lowest rates.

Rates in nearby Sulphur, DeRidder and Iowa were similar as drivers face rising fuel costs.

Louisiana lawmakers ended the session on Monday without a plan to fund teacher pay raises, leaving a $198 million gap that risks pay cuts.

The governor will hold a press conference tomorrow morning to propose shifting funds from the Minimum Foundation Program.

Forecasters say a strong Super El Niño is expected to develop with warmer Pacific waters to reduce hurricanes this season, but residents are advised to keep preparing because even one storm could bring significant hazards.

University of South Florida researchers reported record seaweed levels in the Gulf and said some may reach local beaches in June; the surge is linked to a wider seed population and a stronger loop current (from the Caribbean).

Marjorie Latigue leads Keep Greater Lake Charles Beautiful (Team Green) in a city cleanup drive using Adopt-A-Spot programs and a mobile recycling truck at spots like Walmart North U.S. 171 and Lake Charles Event Center, as volunteers join efforts to reduce litter and beautify local streets.

Louisiana lawmakers passed a law that prohibits releasing 12 or more balloons to reduce litter; the ban takes effect on August 1.

Violators face fines up to $500 and community service (biodegradable, recovered hot air, and scientific balloons are exempt).

Former Cowboy Jace Peterson has taken a consultant and mentoring role with the Brewers and now spends ten to twelve days a month coaching while the rest of his time is spent at home in Lake Charles.

He turned down a Cubs coaching offer to stay close to family and help guide younger players.

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.

Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators vs. San Antonio River Monsters

7-11 p.m. — Joe Miller Ballpark — Ticket prices vary — Cheer on the Gumbeaux Gators as they battle the River Monsters in an exciting game of local sports action.