Good morning, Lake Charles.

A local organization is fighting summer hunger by distributing food boxes to residents this summer.

The program is set to help families access essential groceries around town.

The SWLA Genealogical and Historical Library will host an educational program on the orphan train movement at 411 Pujo St on Wednesday, July 15 from 10+11:30 a.m. Museum experts will share how the historic journey of children, including Opelousas’ role, shaped local communities; the free event is open to all.

McNeese State University’s Frazar Memorial Library now holds the Loftin-Levingston Title Records archive, donated by Armor Title and arriving June 30.

The historical documents—dating from the 1840s and predating the 1910 fire—will be available in fall with a public digital archive coming in 2028.

Festival season unfolds this weekend in Lake Charles & SWLA with the Randy Rogers Band performing at Golden Nugget on July 10, Jellystone RV Park celebrating with live music and carnival games on July 11, and L’Auberge hosting a 70s pool party on July 12.

Artist Christy Blalock has opened her first solo exhibit, Texture and Truth, at Historic City Hall Arts and Cultural Center; the mixed media display will run through Aug.

15 and she will hold a bird sculpture workshop (date TBA).

State and federal agencies are investigating a Lake Charles recycling plant that may be discharging scrap metal into the Calcasieu River near Enterprise Boulevard; the plant has a permit only for water discharge (not for solid waste), raising environmental concerns.

Louisiana is one of 17 states tracked by the CDC in its cyclosporiasis count reporting 145 cases nationwide between May 1 and June 16, with 20 hospitalizations and no deaths; officials advise washing produce carefully & remain alert as investigations examine potential food links.

Louisiana high school students (ages 14-17) can represent the state at the Patriot Games, an athletic event running Aug.

9-11 as part of 250th anniversary celebrations. Gov. Jeff Landry urged teens to apply online at freedom250.org/patriot-games, with champions receiving $125,000 in scholarships and an ABC special on Aug. 13.

Randy Rogers Concert

7:00 – 11:30 PM — Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino — Ticket info unavailable — Enjoy a night of country music with Randy Rogers and his band.

Atlanta Rhythm Section with Firefall and Orleans

1-2:30 p.m. — L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an unforgettable afternoon of classic rock with Atlanta Rhythm Section, Firefall, and Orleans.

Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators vs. Sherman Shadow Cats

7-11 p.m. — Joe Miller Ballpark — Family-friendly event — Catch the excitement of summer baseball with the Gumbeaux Gators.

Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators Game Night

7-11 p.m. — Joe Miller Ballpark — VIP packages available — Enjoy an exciting baseball matchup with premium experiences and entertainment.

Zoo Safari Art Experience

All day — Paint and Fire — Registration required — Explore zoo-themed art projects through clay, canvas, and more in this creative week-long event.

Jamey Johnson Concert

7:00 – 11:30 p.m. — Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino — Tickets available via Ticketmaster — Enjoy a night of live country music with Jamey Johnson.