Good morning, Lake Charles.

On June 10, 2025, Calcasieu Correctional Center booked several individuals from Lake Charles, Kinder and Sulphur on charges ranging from domestic abuse and drug offenses to assault, robbery and contempt of court—officials said the charges vary by suspect.

On June 10, Governor Landry signed House Bill 35 into law to impose a mandatory two-year prison sentence without probation or parole on hit-and-run drivers who cause great bodily injury or death—this law follows the deadly hit-and-run in Jeff Davis Parish that killed cyclist Jerry Hughes when the driver received probation instead of jail time.

Lake Charles will celebrate Juneteenth with multiple events next week.

The events include Family Fit Day on Monday at the MLK Center (9 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Senior Bingo on Tuesday, a scholarship brunch and Movie Under the Stars on Wednesday, and a parade, sauce piquant cook-off and concert on Thursday at the Lake Charles Event Center.

Jim Beam explained that lawmakers passed Senate Bill 8+ a constitutional amendment aimed at easing the firing of civil service workers and shifting power from the independent commission to the legislature.

The bill now awaits further agreement in the Senate and faces strong criticism while voters will decide its fate on April 18, 2026.

The Louisiana Department of Health advises Lake Charles residents to drink plenty of water, seek air-conditioned cooling centers, and check weather updates to prevent heat-related illness as summer intensifies—especially for older adults and those with chronic health conditions—and urges everyone to take precautions during high temperatures.

McNeese recently completed a $1.5 million upgrade to its old weight room now called the Navarre Performance Center, which features 20 free-weight racks, multiple strength machines, and an indoor turf area for sprint training.

Coach Matt Viator returned with the improved facility (replacing the previous pop-up tents that flooded in the rain) to boost the team as the upcoming athletic season begins.

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.

Lake Charles Symphony Summer Pops

7-10 p.m. — Lake Charles Event Center — Check website for price — Experience a night of classical music with the Lake Charles Symphony Summer Pops.