Good morning, Lake Charles.

State leaders announced on Friday that Louisiana has secured $160 billion in capital investments over the past 2.5 years, creating 16,000 new direct jobs + 100,000 total opportunities while major projects like the new Calcasieu River Bridge replacement and record-breaking tourism promise more growth.

Entergy crews trimmed trees around Lake Charles earlier this week, leaving a local homeowner’s longtime oak tree partly cut and leaning toward her home.

Arborists say the V trim method meets utility standards but warn that excessive pruning may stress the tree over time.

Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Jeff Davis and Vernon parishes issued burn bans due to persistent dry conditions.

Local fire officials urge residents to avoid starting private fires until needed rain soaks the ground.

The Calcasieu Parish Public Library said its Westlake branch (937 Mulberry St) will reopen Monday, Aug.

24 after renovations that added a new roof and parking lot, and will resume normal hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Bell City post office closed because of mold, forcing residents to drive three miles to Hayes for mail service.

USPS said it is working to reopen the location but has not set a timeline (residents remain frustrated by the lack of home delivery).

On Wednesday night, the City Council commended the Ladder 6 crew of the Fire Department for rescuing a woman trapped in a house fire on Fox Run Drive on July 28.

Fire Chief Carter said the team worked with other units to overcome heavy fire conditions and save her life.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation said that any flintlock pistols removed from the Calcasieu River Bridge demolition (planned for 2030) will become state property and later be included in the design of the new bridge to honor local heritage; detailed plans are pending.

Lake Charles City Council approved a new Medicaid funding program today that will bring millions in federal matching funds to local hospitals + Lake Charles Memorial and Christus Ochsner Southwest Louisiana will pay a voluntary assessment to secure improved reimbursements for patient care without passing costs to consumers.