Good morning, Lake Charles.

Daxton’s Heart Warriors will host the inaugural Black Pot Cookoff on Saturday, Nov.

7 at the Enos Derbonne Sports Facility in South Lake Charles. Teams will use cast iron cookware in three divisions — Woods & Wilderness, Surf & Shore, and Pasture & Pen — to raise funds for children battling congenital heart defects.

Marshland Fest returns to Lake Charles, marking the comeback of the city’s annual celebration at its long-time venue.

Organizers say the event will boost community engagement with local music and vendors.

Ryan Foret & Foret Tradition will headline the Jellystone Park Gumbo Cook-Off on Saturday, Nov.

21 at Jellystone Park Camp-Resort on Luke Powers Road. The family-friendly event will feature a gumbo competition, live Swamp Pop music, and outdoor fun.

Entergy Louisiana said its deals with Meta could save ratepayers $2 billion over 20 years by using Meta's payments to offset infrastructure costs.

Meta will add $300 million for grid resilience + $700 million for storm restoration and over $1.5 billion for upgrades, though benefits rely on optimistic assumptions.

Louisiana gas prices increased to their highest level since summer 2022, with AAA reporting regular unleaded at $3.68 a gallon and diesel at $4.93.

Experts say rising crude oil prices may drive up costs for drivers across the parishes (adding pressure on household budgets).

New data on the NELAGrowth website (NELAGrowth.com) show that Northeast Louisiana collected $43 million more in sales tax revenue in 2025 than in 2024, spurred by Meta.

Grow NELA CEO Rob Cleveland said the increase should continue to fund improvements for roads, parks, and essential services.

Southwest Louisiana school districts are preparing for the upcoming school year by finalizing classroom updates and safety procedures as officials review staffing and supply needs (crucial for a smooth transition).

Local meetings will guide plans for reopening later this year.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries said 10 whooping crane chicks fledged from nesting pairs at White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area, beating a 2022 record as the state’s flock grows to 84 cranes (32 wild-hatched) during this long-running project.

Louisiana teachers who retired on or before June 30, 2010 and are at least 65 can return to classrooms while keeping some retirement benefits under Senate Bill 14.

The law aims to ease staffing shortages and support mentoring (its effect on the retirement system will be reviewed in 2034).

This morning at Sunrise Kitchen, Chef Kortney and Lauren May from the SOWELA Culinary Program showed locals how to make Caramel Apple No-Bake Cheesecake Parfaits with layers of cheesecake filling, caramel apple sauce, and crushed Biscoff cookies (or graham crumbs).

The recipe takes 30 minutes to prep and chill before serving.

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.