Good morning, Lake Charles.

The Beauregard Watermelon Festival will host its first-ever husband calling contest as a fresh event for local residents—contestants will call their husbands in a lighthearted competition that adds a quirky twist to the festival activities.

Westlake opened its new Lazy Gator Waterpark on Friday with two slides, two pools and a 1,000-foot lazy river (fulfilling a dream since 2019).

The park also features an activity pool with sports courts, a grill and a pavilion for picnics (located at 2901 Westwood Road).

The Sun and Scoops festival began in downtown Lake Charles on June 28 — the event will continue through the weekend.

Louisiana colleges will receive hundreds of millions in construction funds from the state budget for fiscal year 2025-26 starting next week, and over $30 million is set aside to begin the new LSU library next summer—this funding will also support new science buildings, campus renovations and security upgrades across systems.

Tropical Depression No. 2 formed in the Bay of Campeche Saturday afternoon with sustained winds of 30 mph and is moving west-northwest at 7 mph.

The forecast says the system will slowly strengthen—possibly becoming Tropical Storm Barry—and may bring an increase in afternoon thunderstorms to the area as it moves toward Mexico late today or early Monday.

The Calcasieu Parish Police Jury announced a call for project proposals for its Opioid Abatement Grant Program, funded by the National Opioid Settlement to fight the opioid crisis.

Eligible organizations, agencies, and service providers may apply starting at 8 a.m. Monday, June 30 + applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 30.

On Saturday, June 28, lawmakers debated a bill to bar pharmacy benefit managers from owning drugstores but the Senate rejected key changes and appointed a committee to study its impact—three lawsuits have been filed against CVS for alleged deceptive practices that may affect about 1 million patients, and Gov. Jeff Landry has threatened a special session if PBM concerns are not addressed in 2026.

Sam Houston junior two-sport star Aubrey Portie was named American Press Female Athlete of the Year for leading her team to a state softball championship and helping the volleyball team reach the semifinals—an honor built on hard work and advice from her athlete parents—and she plans to continue using her skills to improve both sports. Her achievements show a blend of natural talent and dedicated effort.

Javon Vital led Hamilton Christian to a 61-58 state basketball championship on March 14 at Burton Coliseum by scoring 20 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and making a clutch play with 30 seconds left—earning MVP honors and the American Press Male Athlete of the Year title.

He also excelled in football and track and aims to be the best athlete from Hamilton Christian to put his city on the map.

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.

Louisiana Rural Water Association Conference

9 a.m.-6 p.m. — Lake Charles Event Center — Check Official Website — Engage in networking and educational sessions for water utility professionals.

Lake Charles Food Distribution

2-4 p.m. — 1225 2nd St, Lake Charles — Free entry — Register and bring your ID and proof of address to receive essential food supplies for families.

Cajun Music and Food Festival

All day — Burton Complex — Admission varies — Celebrate the rich culture of Cajun music and food at this annual festival.

Marshland Festival

July 25-26 — Lake Charles Event Center — Ticket info TBA — Experience the vibrant culture of the Marshland Festival with a weekend of entertainment and community spirit.

Hawaiian Luau Bingo Event

2-5 p.m. — Chasers Bar and Grill — Fundraising event — Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of bingo while supporting the Krewe of Illusions and keeping Mardi Gras traditions alive.