Good morning, Lake Charles.

Residents in Holly Beach say cell service remains spotty nearly six years after hurricanes Laura and Delta, with phones defaulting to SOS and worries growing as the crab festival nears this weekend; AT&T insists its network is operating normally.

Officials announced today that Lake Charles won Outstanding City for the 2026 Love the Boot Awards after 700 volunteers led 56 cleanups to remove 17,600 pounds of litter from community spaces (including recycling and tree plantings).

Love the Boot Week will return next April offering new volunteer opportunities.

David Norris, owner of a 20-year inspection shop on Hooper Road in Central, said his business is at risk of closing due to a new state law eliminating inspection stickers beginning Jan.

1. The law led to a drop in inspections as officers now issue no citations for sticker violations.

West Calcasieu Port in Sulphur announced that it acquired 172 additional acres along the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway — expanding its area to nearly 400 acres.

Funded by a $750,000 grant and port reserves, the expansion will boost barge-fleeting capacity to support the region’s industrial growth.

Swamp Pop legend Don Rich will perform at Jellystone RV Park and Resort on Saturday, June 13, bringing his signature sound to local fans.

The family-friendly event offers live music + activities that celebrate Louisiana traditions.

ACTS Theatre in Lake Charles will perform The Shark Is Broken this weekend at 1 Reid Street (a venue with over 60 years of history) as the play offers a humorous take on the classic film Jaws and behind-the-scenes antics.

Gator 99.5 is offering a chance to win a VIP experience that gives two tickets to see Zach Top in Lafayette on Friday, Oct.

23 along with a tour bus ride, catered food & a local performance by Greg Blanchard. Enter now for your chance to enjoy the concert in style.

Gov. Jeff Landry's order would cut $168 million from the public school funding formula, reducing district aid by about 5% to pay one-time stipends for teachers and support workers.

Lawmakers will vote on the proposal on June 23 (two-thirds vote needed).

High school students in Calcasieu Parish join the Jump Start program to take trade classes this June and earn $1,000 upon completion.

The classes run from Monday to Friday (7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) and cover hands-on skills like carpentry, welding, and culinary arts.

Biologist Sara Zimorski (of the LDWF) said that three pairs of whooping cranes are now raising chicks in Jeff Davis Parish crawfish fields, as the state's reintroduction program (which grew the population from zero to seventy-five) works toward eventual downlisting of the endangered species.

The Calcasieu Parish Public Library Westlake Branch at 937 Mulberry Street is set to close temporarily for exterior and interior upgrades starting Monday, June 15 & patrons needing holds or Summer Reading prizes should visit the Moss Bluff Branch at 261 Parish Road.

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.

Collective Soul Live Concert

7-11:30 p.m. — Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino — 21+ event — Celebrate three decades of Collective Soul's music at this lively concert.

Randy Rogers Concert

7:00 – 11:30 PM — Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino — Ticket info unavailable — Enjoy a night of country music with Randy Rogers and his band.