Good morning, Lake Charles.

Teen reporter Nyla Stewart examines upcoming investments that will upgrade downtown and the lakefront by adding a new walking path and a multi-purpose sports complex for residents and local businesses.

Local students achieved academic honors in spring ceremonies on Saturday, with Marin O’Neal receiving a bachelor’s degree at the University of Arkansas and Katie Galmarini named to Baldwin Wallace University’s dean’s list + additional local honorees were recognized at Centenary and UMGC.

A local feature explains how NOAA, the U.S. Air Force, and Hurricane Hunters gather storm data using radars, aircraft, & dropsondes to forecast hurricanes and protect vulnerable areas like Lake Charles.

It also reviews historic advances that have improved timely warnings and reduced storm surge risks.

Fisherman Tad Theriot and coastal experts say decades of water management, including the Calcasieu Ship Channel (which brings saltwater inland), have reduced marshlands that lower hurricane surges in Southwest Louisiana.

New water control structures for Big Lake are expected to help restore this natural barrier.

Cameron Parish will collect over $4B in property taxes over the next decade as tax breaks for six LNG plants expire.

The increase will start in 2026 and will fund local road repairs, coastal restoration (and improvements for public services) across the parish.

Residents at Bundick Lake heard from DOTD official Carson Washington about plans to install a new 800+ft spillway that will begin fall 2027 and take three years.

The project will drain the lake for up to 12+months to ease low-stage flooding.

With the Fourth of July coming up, local officials remind residents to use caution when lighting fireworks.

Experts advise lighting sparklers on a hard flat surface — keeping a bucket of water nearby to help avoid burns.

This October weekend, local football fans can catch LSU hosting McNeese at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge on Saturday, Oct.

3, and see the New Orleans Saints face the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night in a nationally televised game.

Albert Simien, a five-star offensive lineman from Sam Houston High School in Moss Bluff, committed to Notre Dame during a Friday community celebration held in the school basketball gym.

He chose the Fighting Irish over offers from LSU & Texas A&M and others, praising how well the program treated his family.

After a hit during a summer league game on June 2 left him with severe pain, Sulphur High basketball player Hayden Brattain was rushed to Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge where doctors removed his injured kidney; his teammates + community are supporting his recovery.

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.

Zoo Safari Art Experience

All day — Paint and Fire — Registration required — Explore zoo-themed art projects through clay, canvas, and more in this creative week-long event.