Good morning, Lake Charles.

Community members are uniting to support Brian from Kroger as he battles stage-4 liver disease — a local artist painted his portrait for his family with donations going toward his care while his condition is updated on Facebook.

Upcoming Mardi Gras parades will start Feb.

13 as revelers in Southwest Louisiana gear up to collect creative throws — ranging from specialty beads to unexpected finds like cell phones and beer cans. The festive events promise a unique twist on a time-honored tradition.

The Cameron Police Jury has asked the LDWF to study how a Venture Global dredging spill may be affecting Big Lake oyster beds.

Officials said the study will help shape future environmental protection plans.

A pair of whooping cranes on a crawfish farm in Calcasieu Parish is expected to hatch a chick soon (their nest started three days earlier than last year) as part of a statewide conservation program to restore the endangered species.

NAMI will host Family-to-Family classes every Thursday from Mar.

5 to Apr. 23 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. for families of loved ones with mental illness; the location will be provided upon registration and trained peer facilitators will guide discussions on diagnoses, treatment options, and coping strategies.

Local florists are preparing for the busy Valentine’s Day rush on Saturday, Feb.

14 as orders for red roses and other bouquets surge; DeQuincy florist Laci Hext advised customers to order early and follow care tips (like adding flower food) to keep blooms fresh.

McNeese will host Houston Christian Monday at Townsley Law Arena at 6:30 p.m. after an 81–64 win over Incarnate Word Saturday, and the Cowboys aim to build on their strong second-half performance in Southland play.

Desert Highway Valentine's Dinner

8-11 p.m. — L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles — Cost not specified — Celebrate love with a romantic dinner and an unforgettable live performance by Desert Highway, the ultimate Eagles tribute.

McNeese State Cowgirls Basketball vs. UTRGV

5:59-8:59 p.m. — Townsley Law Arena, Doland Fieldhouse — Check for ticket prices — Witness a critical Southland Conference matchup as the Cowgirls battle UTRGV for tournament seeding.

Senior Night: UTRGV vs. McNeese State Cowboys Mens Basketball

6:30-9:59 p.m. — Townsley Law Arena — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate graduating student-athletes in an emotional final home game of the regular season.

LSU Tigers vs McNeese State Cowgirls Softball

6-9 p.m. — Joe Miller Field at Cowgirl Diamond — Ticket info not provided — Catch the Cowgirls as they take on the LSU Tigers in a thrilling softball matchup.

Iowa Hawkeyes at McNeese State Cowgirls Softball

3-6 p.m. — Joe Miller Field at Cowgirl Diamond — Admission details not provided — Catch the exciting midweek softball showdown as the Cowgirls aim for victory against Iowa.

AWS Certified Machine Learning: Specialty Training

8 a.m. — Health and Safety Council (HASC) Louisiana — $2100 — Master machine learning with expert-led training in a hands-on environment.

Groove on the Green

5-7 p.m. — Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana — Free entry — Enjoy a lively evening of jazz under the lush oaks with friends.

Houston Christian Huskies vs. McNeese State Cowboys Baseball

2 p.m. — Joe Miller Ballpark — Ticket prices vary — Witness an exciting afternoon of baseball as the Huskies face off against the Cowboys in this thrilling series continuation.

Southland Conference Men's Basketball Championships - First Round

5 PM – 9 PM — Townsley Law Arena — Ticket prices vary — Witness thrilling single-elimination games as teams battle for a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Southland Conference Women's Championship Game

4-7 p.m. — Townsley Law Arena — Tickets from $75 — Experience thrilling college basketball as teams compete for the Southland Conference title.