Good morning, Lake Charles.

The Lake Charles Police Department and city officials are hosting National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug.

4 from 6-8 p.m. at the Lake Charles Event Center for free public engagement. Attendees can meet officers, join demonstrations (including SWAT and traffic teams) and enjoy a jambalaya cook-off (with free servings).

Historical photos from a time capsule show Cameron Parish in 1970, featuring familiar spots in Cameron, Grand Chenier and Hackberry.

The images reveal dramatic changes from storms, coastal erosion, and growth that reshaped the landscape over decades.

Gov. Jeff Landry announced that teachers will receive stipends funded by $168 million in state program cuts, effective July 1.

In-classroom teachers get $2,000 while support staff receive $1,000, and local districts are revising their budgets.

Elite Charter Academy delayed opening this fall and will begin in the 2027 to 2028 school year (families are urged to register at 1639 Ryan Street) so more students can enroll.

The school, led by Dr. Cathy Banks, aims to serve local students and close enrollment gaps in Calcasieu Parish.

LEAP test scores released by the Louisiana Department of Education on Monday showed Calcasieu Parish achieving a two-point gain to place the district six points above the state average.

Scores at W.T. Henning Elementary (up 14 points) led the growth even as some schools experienced declines.

Louisiana students in grades 3 to 8 scored higher in math, science, and social studies while English scores stayed flat, according to LEAP results released Monday.

High schoolers improved in most subjects except English I, highlighting ongoing challenges in language mastery.

Louisiana teachers will receive stipends funded by cuts to a state education program, announced on Monday, Jul.

6 at 6:21 p.m. The decision aims to support educators amid revised state budget plans.

Residents at Benoit Townhomes report that USPS has not delivered mail for months (raising local concerns) as officials review the service issue.

A new development is planned for the long-vacant Kroger building on 12th Street, which has sat crumbling for years; project details will be shared as they become available.

McNeese football has added 15 verbal commitments for the Class of 2027 as the program rebuilt its recruiting strategy after last summer, and it plans to secure more signings ahead of preseason camp on July 29 and Victory Day on July 28 at Navarre Stadium.

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.

Jamey Johnson Concert

7:00 – 11:30 p.m. — Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino — Tickets available via Ticketmaster — Enjoy a night of live country music with Jamey Johnson.