Daily
Lake Charles
Friday, May 1st, 2026
Good morning, Lake Charles. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 1st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Residents in north Lake Charles voiced frustration over the planned closure of an essential building (a vital community hub) and local officials are planning discussions to address service gaps. 7 KPLC
- ➤ Linton Declouette served in Vietnam before joining the Lake Charles Police and spent decades honoring his community with dedicated service. Locals remember him for unwavering commitment and integrity in a career that left a lasting mark. 7 KPLC
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Chase Bank will close its North Lake branch on U.S. 171 because of the building’s age and condition, prompting residents to worry about losing an essential service. Community leaders are planning a town hall tonight to explore a local credit union & prevent a financial desert. 7 KPLC
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ McVey’s Seafood Crawfish Boil-Off returns tomorrow at Mary's Lounge from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. in Lake Charles; live music from LoLo Boudoin & the Lakeview Playboys, DJ Derek Miller and Steelshot will accompany a community cook-off celebrating Cajun culture. Gator 99.5
- ➤ The Coushatta Powwow will take place on Friday, June 12 and Saturday, June 13 at the Coushatta Casino Resort in Kinder, featuring dance teams, live drum circles, and over 70 vendors selling native crafts. The family-friendly event charges $10 per day with children 6 and under admitted free. Gator 99.5
- ➤ Due to inclement weather, the City announced that today’s Downtown at Sundown is relocated indoors to the Central School Arts and Humanities Center, with live music, art vendors and food trucks running from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Ben Mount Auditorium (second floor). 7 KPLC
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Sowela Technical Community College offers a free pipefitting training in partnership with Bechtel. Running Tuesday, May 26 through Friday, Nov. 13 at its Lake Charles campus with classes Monday — Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., the course prepares students for OSHA 10-hour and NCCER certifications. The American Press
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana lawmakers are considering expanding Medicaid coverage of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic for obesity after Senate Bill 433 passed on Apr. 29 — it now heads to the House for further debate and awaits a governor’s signature to set eligibility by LDH. 7 KPLC
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Ride Towards Tomorrow is coming up soon in Lake Charles and features options for every pace including a 3-mile walk, a 6-mile family ride, a 27-mile circuit, and a 50-mile challenge, with a VIP option that lets participants connect with mental health professionals from the Bryce River Foundation (supporting community wellness). Gator 99.5
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ McNeese cowgirls held off SFA 5-4 in a tight opening game of the Southland Conference tournament at Joe Miller Field on Thursday, Apr. 30. They will face No. 3 Nicholls today at 2 p.m. in the winners’ bracket. The American Press
- ➤ A championship basketball game in Lake Charles set an arena record at 5,272 fans, marking the latest boost for the Southland Conference. Commissioner Chris Grant said the league’s total attendance passed one million this season as local schools like McNeese State and Texas Rio Grande Valley lead the way. The American Press
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Yacht Rock at the Beach with Yachtley Crew
1-2:30 p.m. — L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles — Ticket required — Enjoy the smooth sounds of Yachtley Crew as they bring Yacht Rock to life at the beach.
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Wellness On The Water 5K
8 AM – 2 PM — Lake Charles Civic Center — Registration info available — Perfect for beginners and seasoned runners alike to enjoy a scenic race on the water.
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Swing for the Spectrum
8 AM – 2 PM — Contraband Bayou Golf Club — Fundraising event — Tee off to support safe housing for adults on the autism spectrum in Southwest Louisiana.
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Masters Of Illusion
8-11 p.m. — Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino — All Ages — Experience an enchanting evening of magic and wonder with the Masters of Illusion.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege.
~ Andrew Carnegie
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