Good morning, Lake Charles.

Residents gathered near the site where Jermaric Andrus was found to honor his memory, while health officials noted that cyclosporiasis is affecting people statewide and urged locals to monitor for symptoms.

Veteran Jim Landreneau from Lake Charles faces ALS after serving in Vietnam and now leads exercise classes at Ward 3.

He gets support from Team Gleason (with adaptive equipment and weekly Zoom sessions) and remains upbeat despite a diagnosis that typically limits life expectancy.

On Thursday, Louisiana firefighters joined Texas rescue teams in the Hill Country flash flooding that claimed one life, as the United Cajun Navy pre-staged rescue resources (coordinating with local officials) and nearly completed evacuation efforts amid forecasted rain.

Argent LNG signed an agreement with Ukraine’s Naftogaz Group to explore supplying liquefied natural gas from its proposed export terminal in Lafourche Parish, aimed at boosting local energy exports.

Construction of Phase 1 (expected to start in 2026) follows a state resolution supporting the project.

Hotard Coaches bus drivers in Sulphur are striking this morning over concerns about pay, working conditions, and safety; local officials are checking if LNG refineries will be affected while Westlake Chemical said its operations remain unchanged.

Movies Under the Stars returns today with a free outdoor showing of Disney and Pixar's animated comedy Hoppers at Mallard Junction Park (599 August Street) starting at 6:30 p.m., where families may bring blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks as the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury hosts this fun summer event.

The 39th annual Cajun Music and Food Festival will be held Saturday at Burton Coliseum, featuring Cajun food, music and dancing, live auctions, and competitions to celebrate local heritage (admission is $10 for ages 11 and up, free for children 10 and under).

McNeese State University is exploring Greek life in a new feature that shows what students think (with views from fraternity and sorority members).

The story explains how these groups shape campus culture.

McNeese State University will host several fall Greek Life events on campus.

Panhellenic recruitment is set for Aug. 14-18, MPHC Caucus on Aug. 27, and IFC recruitment runs Sept. 8-11, helping students join 13 chapters and over 100 student organizations.

NOAA announced late Wednesday that its GOES-19 satellite, used for tracking Atlantic hurricanes and Gulf weather, is in safehold until engineers recover it — backup systems remain in place for local storm monitoring.

Local health officials report an increase in cyclosporiasis cases, urging residents to practice food safety and wash produce carefully (steps to lower infection risk).

McNeese Cowboy officials have announced the 2026 football schedule for 12 games, including six home contests and road matchups in Baton Rouge and Incarnate Word.

The season kicks off on Aug. 29, and the home game on Oct. 31 will start at 2:00 p.m. (to let families enjoy Halloween festivities).

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.