Good morning, Lake Charles.

In June, Sowela Technical Community College Digital Arts and Communication students traveled to Big Bend National Park in Texas to hone their astrophotography skills, capturing stars and landscapes to improve technical and creative skills + build professional portfolios.

The immersive trip helped students apply classroom techniques in a real-world setting.

Farmer Robert Duncan in Boyce says rising heat strains his soybean, wheat, and cattle operations as hot weather triggers early cow births and demands extra water, with flash drought conditions likely to persist into next week.

A new solar farm is proposed in North Calcasieu Parish to boost renewable energy use and create local jobs.

Local officials will review project plans in the coming weeks (details to be confirmed) and decide on next steps soon.

Officials in three southwest parishes have issued burn bans amid dry conditions that raise wildfire risks.

The measures aim to protect property and natural resources as local officials monitor the weather.

Louisiana officials reported that more than 14,000 fortified roofs have been built over the last two and a half years, outpacing other states + supporting local efforts to ease insurance pressures.

Reforms have attracted 25 new insurers and led to rate decreases, helping homeowners deal with repairs + lower costs.

A survey by LSU’s Public Policy Research Lab and the Public Affairs Research Council between November 2025 and March 2026 shows Louisiana residents engage in regular political discussions, with 70% conversing with those holding different views and many favoring bipartisan cooperation.

Sulphur officials have asked residents to report door-to-door solicitations after five Vivint workers were cited for operating without proper permits on Tuesday & advised businesses to contact the city for permit guidelines.

New data from Nova Kratom shows over 26% of Louisiana residents report symptoms of depression and anxiety, ranking the state sixth nationwide.

The findings underscore ongoing mental health challenges in the region.

The New Orleans Saints will face the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, Aug.

22 at SoFi Stadium with kickoff at 3 p.m. CT + fans in Southwest Louisiana can watch on KPLC-TV Channel 7 while rookie quarterback Tyler Shough is set to debut.