Good morning, Lake Charles.

Starting this school year, Louisiana schools must install cameras in every special-ed classroom by next February, update restraint policies effective Dec.

1, and submit revised guidelines by next May. Free crisis intervention training for school staff—covering teachers and nurses—will roll out this fall, and detailed incident reports for any restraint or seclusion—meant to protect students' rights—will be required.

SOWELA Technical Community College and Columbia Southern University signed an agreement that lets students who earn an associate degree in criminal justice transfer credits toward a bachelor’s degree at the College of Safety and Emergency Services—cutting the remaining coursework to as few as 60 credit hours. SOWELA is now registering for Fall 2025 and has opened an online format for the criminal justice program.

A low pressure system from northern Florida has moved into the Gulf and is bringing rain to south Louisiana today — showers are expected through the weekend while forecasters noted a 10% chance for tropical storm formation.

Rain totals are expected to be lighter than last week's storms and may help lower high temperatures later this week.

Today, the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office received a $10K grant from Keep Louisiana Beautiful to launch a surveillance camera program aimed at identifying litterers and issuing more citations.

The grant, funded by state support and paired with training on equipment selection+monitoring software, is part of a $94,700 initiative across eight parishes.

U.S. Sen. John Kennedy applauded the new 20-year lease with PHMSA as it gives McNeese State University a home for the National Center of Excellence for LNG Safety.

The lease will start on Aug. 1—boosting energy innovation in Lake Charles.

Cowboy Stadium was renamed Navarre Stadium during an unveiling ceremony on July 23rd—introducing a new press box and luxury suites as part of a record 10-year, $5M naming rights deal secured by Ryan Navarre.

The change boosts McNeese football ahead of the Cowboys’ season start on August 30 and lays the groundwork for more facility upgrades.

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.

Pelican Triathlon

7-11 a.m. — Rec & Aquatic Center, Sulphur Parks and Recreation — Registration fees apply — Dive into the world of triathlons with both kids and adults participating in this beginner-friendly event.