Good morning, Lake Charles.

The MLK Memorial Breakfast will be held Friday, Jan.

16 at L’Auberge Casino Resort at 8 a.m. Celebrations continue with a Sunday worship service and a Monday MLK Parade (starting at 8:30 a.m.) at Lake Charles Event Center with live music, vendors and a Kid Zone.

Jennifer Creel was featured as a hometown hero for her strong community contributions, with her profile published yesterday (Jan.

7). Her story highlights a deep commitment that inspires many locals in Lake Charles.

One Acadiana selected 62 community leaders as its 2026 ambassadors, boosting regional business engagement.

JD Bank and First National Bank of Louisiana made appointments; Aaron Higginbotham will manage the Kirby Street branch in Lake Charles and Sharisee Schwinn became senior vice president, with Rose Miller as executive board chairwoman.

Two McNeese Kappa Sigma fraternity members were cited on Wednesday, Jan.

7 for hazing allegations at McNeese State University, according to officials.

ACTS Theatre will present 'Five Women Wearing the Same Dress' in Lake Charles, offering local audiences a fresh theatrical experience that explores identity and unity in an engaging live performance.

If Venezuelan heavy oil starts flowing again, Gulf Coast refineries (including CITGO in Lake Charles) will likely benefit by maximizing unused capacity.

Analysts expect production efficiency to improve if market conditions support the shift.

Louisiana's Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple approved Progressive auto insurance rate cuts that will lower bills for nearly 470,000 drivers statewide, with new policies starting Jan.

16 and renewals Feb. 13 (average decreases are 6.6% and 4%).

New SNAP rules starting Feb.

18 will stop using benefits for candy, soda, and energy drinks in Louisiana. The change aims to reduce diet-related issues while keeping benefits for other foods unchanged.

FMOL Health and Orion Laboratories have partnered to expand lab testing services at local hospitals; the joint venture will begin this year at FMOL sites in Acadiana, Baton Rouge, the north shore and northeast Louisiana — adding about 50 new jobs.

The McNeese State Cowgirls will face Nicholls today (6:30 p.m.) at Townsley Law Arena in a crucial SLC matchup, as coach Ayla Guzzardo stresses that every game matters.

McNeese Athletic Director Heath Schroyer announced a five—year extension for coach James Landreneau, including a $5,000 raise in year one and $2,500 increases for the following four years (with an extra year possible).

Landreneau began 10th season on Monday as the team prepares to host Texas Tech on Feb. 5.

The Sam Houston Broncos boys basketball game is featured as the game of the week, offering local fans a chance to see top play & community spirit.

Viewers should check local listings for game time and venue details.