Good morning, Lake Charles.

A benefit fundraiser for Malcolm Boudreaux will take place Saturday, June 27 at American Legion Post 208 in Vinton, where $10 jambalaya lunches start at 11:00 a.m., guests can join silent and live auctions, and Foret Tradition will perform at 1:00 p.m. to help cover his rising medical expenses.

SOWELA Technical Community College was ranked the top community college in Louisiana by WalletHub for the ninth straight year.

It exceeded its 2025-2026 goal by awarding 2,854 credentials — boosting local workforce success.

Twenty EMT graduates completed a 12-week training program at the National EMS Academy in Lake Charles and are ready to provide emergency care across Southwest Louisiana.

Registration for the next class opens with training starting July 13 and orientation on June 30 (or July 1).

A local man nearing his high school diploma after years out of school is taking classes to complete graduation requirements.

He expects to finish his studies soon at a local adult education center.

Debris washing ashore near Mae’s Beach includes parts of an unidentified object such as a wheel and computer parts following a viewer report that prompted cleanup efforts.

The FAA and NTSB are investigating its origin as residents call for more aggressive pollution cleanup.

The Grand Lake Pontoon Bridge is on a temporary schedule until further notice: vehicles cross from 5 to 8 a.m. and marine traffic is closed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., resuming at 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. (Calcasieu Lock repairs continue through Oct.

31); Black Bayou remains closed.

Local fighter Hunter 'Headshot' Smith earned a shot on Dana White's Contender Series after winning bouts in the region & will represent Lake Charles in the upcoming competition.

Pitkin high school won its first state title in 31 years after a hard-fought final game that energized local fans.

The win marks a historic milestone for the team and highlights a proud moment for the community.

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.

Atlanta Rhythm Section with Firefall and Orleans

1-2:30 p.m. — L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an unforgettable afternoon of classic rock with Atlanta Rhythm Section, Firefall, and Orleans.

Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators vs. Sherman Shadow Cats

7-11 p.m. — Joe Miller Ballpark — Family-friendly event — Catch the excitement of summer baseball with the Gumbeaux Gators.

Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators Game Night

7-11 p.m. — Joe Miller Ballpark — VIP packages available — Enjoy an exciting baseball matchup with premium experiences and entertainment.