Good morning, Lake Charles.

Lake Charles and SWLA have a busy weekend.

A free family movie (How to Train Your Dragon) with the mayor runs Saturday at Rosa Heart Theatre, the Cameron Fishing Festival offers live music and food in Grand Chenier from Friday through Sunday, and downtown hosts a farmers market Saturday morning.

Lake Charles will host free family movie nights this August at Rosa Hart Theatre (screens on Aug.

8 for How to Train Your Dragon and Aug. 15 for The Emperor’s New Groove). Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and films start at 5 p.m.

Local comedian Jacob Guidry appeared on the popular national show Kill Tony on Monday, showcasing his unique humor to a broad audience.

He will open for Adam Ray in October in Birmingham and Atlanta.

Veteran country singer Neal McCoy will perform live at the Golden Nugget's Grand Event Center (8:30 p.m.) Friday, Nov.

6, offering fans a night of classic country hits as he returns to the local stage.

Carlyss will host the 50th Annual Bon Ton Festival from Friday, Sept.

18 to Sunday, Sept. 20. The three-day event features live music, carnival rides, bingo, food, and fireworks at St. Theresa Catholic Church with free admission & parking.

Forecasters say a strengthening El Niño will bring more moisture + storm potential to our area this winter with a rising risk of brief freezing rain in January and February, so residents should watch for slippery roads and sudden drops in temperature.

LDWF has announced new rules for the 2026-2027 deer season that include a revised CWD management zone system and updated harvest limits (especially in Deer Area 1, which now allows more antlerless deer).

Hunters are advised to review the new calendar and guidelines before the season opens.

State Farm will send $136 million in dividends to Louisiana auto policyholders (those with policies in force as of Dec.

31, 2025). Eligible customers should expect email instructions or mailed checks for an average of about $138 per vehicle, with distributions scheduled through the end of 2026.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has opened applications for the 2026 black bear hunting lottery until Aug.

28, with the hunt scheduled in Black Bear Management Areas from Dec. 5 to 20 and training required (Oct. 16, 17, 22, or 23).

The Louisiana Department of Health has posted advisories for 12 beaches including Lake Charles North Beach after warmer Gulf waters raised Vibrio vulnificus risks.

Health officials warn swimmers and fishermen to avoid contact with water on open wounds (this bacteria can be dangerous).

Louisiana officials reported nearly 100 cases of the drug-resistant Candida auris, a fungal super bug that spreads in health care settings + poses serious risk for those with weakened immunity.

Affected patients have experienced fever, chills, and body aches, prompting calls for swift medical attention.

Local child therapist Scott Riviere advises parents to watch for anxiety signs like sleep trouble and stomachaches as kids prepare for the new school year.

He recommends talking about feelings, gradually shifting schedules, and seeking help if worries persist after school starts.

The Southland Conference preseason poll has placed McNeese Cowboys sixth in the upcoming football rankings with the season set to begin Aug.

29. The poll also ranked Stephen F Austin first, Southeastern Louisiana second, and Lamar third as teams prepare for the new season.

At Smalls Sliders, a limited-edition 32-ounce Drew Brees collectible cup is available in honor of his upcoming Hall of Fame induction.

Fans can get the cup by upgrading a combo meal for $1.99 or by purchasing it separately for $3.99 — with proceeds benefiting his charitable cause.