Good morning, Lake Charles.

Today, John Bridges hosted his final Sunrise Morning Show — marking his retirement from SWLA journalism with special guests and heartfelt moments, as viewers said farewell.

A Lacassine teen won the Louisiana Farm Bureau Talk Meet competition on June 29 — contest organizers recognized the achievement as a notable success.

Camille Sonnier, 18, a third-generation cattle farmer from Lacassine and Louisiana Tech sophomore, won the Louisiana Farm Bureau Talk Meet Contest in New Orleans by beating 15 contestants for a $250 prize she will use for her studies.

Local leaders shape Lake Charles business as Timothy Gilbert began leading a new diabetes clinic in Baton Rouge, Ashlyn Esterly joined The Johnson Firm, and Dr. Brenton Smith started at Imperial Health—showing strong local talent.

Lake Charles Memorial Health System earned a Great Place To Work certification, and Ryan Ozment along with Chef Lyle Broussard are set to open Crying Eagle Lakefront this summer while Bethany Verret joined The Sculptry’s team—adding to the area's growth.

On June 28th, Calcasieu Correctional Center booked five suspects—Westlake’s 18-year-old Jada Elizabeth Gamble faced domestic abuse battery charges; Lake Charles’ Jermaric Terez Andrus was booked for contempt of court, probation violation, resisting arrest and multiple drug offenses; Chandler’s Rex Marshall Massengale was charged with theft over $25,000; Sulphur’s Blake Allen Vincent faced motor vehicle theft charges; and Youngsville’s Brandon Keith Davis was booked for theft under $1,000, synthetic marijuana possession, Schedule II drug counts, drug paraphernalia charges and resisting an officer.

On June 29, 2025, Calcasieu Correctional Center in Lake Charles booked five individuals (Cody Dalton Reeves and Roger Dale Rhew Jr. for dating partner battery; Amos Elmer Bryant Jr. for drug and vehicle-related offenses; Dedrick Lamar Withers for property damage, speeding, domestic abuse and resisting an officer; and Derek Gerard Jackson for theft under $1,000) on various charges.

Repurposed black aluminum fencing from a demolished housing project now surrounds Catholic Cemetery at the corner of Common and Iris streets, giving it a refreshed look with a new central gate and brick columns.

The cemetery restoration group said planned improvements will continue once additional funds and donations are secured.

Louisiana homeowners face rising insurance costs after severe hurricanes in recent years, and experts say rates have not declined despite heavy premium hikes.

Lawmakers approved measures including fortified roof grants—steps aimed at curbing expenses—and a tax credit, but the free-market approach has yet to bring significant relief.

Bonnie Jo Bahnsen was sworn in on Friday as Vinton’s new mayor at the town council chambers after defeating incumbent Marcus Renfrow 274—233, and she vowed to attract new businesses to fuel local growth—she expressed gratitude for strong community support from the start.

Sulphur City Council approved two cooperative endeavor agreements to secure reimbursement funds from the Louisiana Department of Treasury — $250,000 for water plant equipment and $200,000 for repairs at the senior citizen center, including $150,000 for fire hydrant replacements — and the city must sign and return the paperwork by today.

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.