Good morning, Lake Charles.

The annual Back-to-School Community Resource Fair will take place Saturday, Aug.9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Southwest Louisiana Credit Union’s McNeese branch on E.

McNeese St.—the free event will offer over 500 snack sacks, hygiene kits, pizza, snow cones, a jump house, and booths from more than 25 local organizations, with DJ Shawn Vanicore providing music.

A public meeting was held Tuesday night in Ragley at the South Beauregard Recreation District Community Center, where residents and officials discussed the possibility of a carbon capture project in Beauregard Parish.

Leaders explained the 45Q tax credit—designed to pay landowners for stored carbon—as experts and locals raised concerns about potential risks and nearby refinery development.

Peter 'Pete' Doland, 67, who fatally struck cyclist Jerry Hughes in 2022 and fled the scene, requested his driver’s license reinstatement to drive to medical appointments+ the 31st Judicial District Court reset his hearing for Sept.

10+ while he remains under five years of supervised probation.

BP started production on Monday at three new wells on its Argos platform—raising its Gulf oil output by about 20,000 barrels per day—while Shell, Chevron and Beacon produced oil from other fields earlier.

The One Big Beautiful Bill raised the offshore revenue cap from $500 million to $650 million, which could add up to an extra $46 million a year for coastal protection.

NOAA updated its hurricane season outlook on Thursday—predicting 13 to 18 named storms, 5 to 9 hurricanes and 2 to 5 major hurricanes—and said warm Atlantic waters and a strong West African monsoon help drive storm activity.

Houston River Fire Department Chief Dean Lappe, a U.S. Army veteran, joined nearly 25 years ago and still suits up today to lead practical training with his crew.

He warned that a firefighter shortage is challenging many departments across Southwest Louisiana—he said more recruits are needed to maintain service.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services expanded the SNAP produce bonus pilot project to include Walmart stores in Calcasieu, Jackson, Lafayette, Rapides and Terrebonne parishes—adding them to the program already serving eight other parishes.

SNAP shoppers will receive a 30-cent bonus on every dollar spent on fresh produce, with up to $25 added to their EBT cards each month.

Six new laws aimed at lowering insurance costs went into effect today in Louisiana, adding roofing inspections to permit processes — restricting public adjusters and requiring clear cost estimates from contractors.

The measures also call for extra ethics training for adjusters, set up a Roof Registry to aid work verifications, ban handheld wireless use while driving, and require insurers to provide clearer claim timelines and options for auto total-loss appraisals.

Heath Schroyer, the McNeese State Athletic Director, has been appointed to Governor Jeff Landry's NIL Task Force Committee to review policies on student-athlete name, image and likeness.

The 22-member group will meet monthly until December and will submit its report to the House Committee on Education by January 23.

Pelican Triathlon

7-11 a.m. — Rec & Aquatic Center, Sulphur Parks and Recreation — Registration fees apply — Dive into the world of triathlons with both kids and adults participating in this beginner-friendly event.

Roots & Boots 90’s Electric Throwdown

7-9:30 p.m. — L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an unforgettable night with iconic 90's country stars Aaron Tippin, Sammy Kershaw, and Collin Raye.

McNeese Cowboy Club 5k Gallop Fun Run / Walk & Kids 1k Round Up

5k Fun Run & Walk for all ages organized by the McNeese Track and Field / XC Program presented by the McNeese Cowboy Club. Proceeds raised go directly back to program to help offset funding for Travel, Meals, Equipment, Insurance, Supplies for the Year. Your support is appreciated.