Good morning, Lake Charles.

McVey's Seafood will host its first-ever Gumbo Cook-Off on Saturday, Oct.

24 at Mary's Lounge, 4017 E. Broad St. The event will include two gumbo categories and a potato salad contest where multiple champions will be crowned.

The City of Lake Charles hosted a ribbon cutting for the newly-renovated Benjamin Mount Theatre at Central School — a restored historic venue for performances and community events.

The theatre’s first performance is set for January while further renovations to the Green Room are planned.

After nearly six years since Hurricane Laura, the Benjamin W.

Mount Auditorium in Central School Arts & Humanities Center reopened on Monday, Aug. 17. The updated space now includes new lighting, speakers, blackout shades & a theater control booth to host a range of art events.

A federal permit was granted for the $1.8 billion Louisiana International Terminal container ship port, a project that will expand shipping capacity and boost local economic growth.

The terminal is expected to support increased trade and job opportunities in the region.

Louisiana drivers must now follow the expanded Move Over Law that requires them to move into another lane or slow down when passing disabled vehicles using hazard or flashing lights on highways with two or more lanes.

Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles using audible or visual signals unless law enforcement directs otherwise.

Sulphur officials ask residents and businesses to conserve water tonight as ongoing repairs cause water levels to drop — avoiding nonessential appliance use will help maintain system pressure until updates are provided.

LDWF announced that hunters can now apply for deer and waterfowl lottery hunts for the upcoming season on state Wildlife Management Areas.

Applications must be submitted online by Aug. 31 for deer hunts and Sept. 30 for waterfowl hunts (with a $5 fee and $3.50 transaction fee).

The Lake Charles Police Department now trains its officers in the newly renovated Don Dixon Law Enforcement Center — named for the former chief who built its SWAT team.

The facility ends years of temporary space and honors his long service.

Dr. Eric Snow advises that drinking 80 ounces of water a day and choosing whole proteins for breakfast can reduce inflammation and boost energy.

His affordable biohacks, including using electrolyte packs, offer a simple way for locals to improve their wellness.

NatureBest Precut & Produce LLC has expanded its recall of jalapeño products with potential salmonella contamination — items sold under NatureBest and H-E-B labels in Texas and Louisiana from July 3 to Aug.

5. Customers experiencing diarrhea, fever, or stomach cramps should seek medical advice.

McNeese State’s Cowboys defense is gearing up for the 2026 season by returning key starters like Hargraves, Edwards, Davis, Sibley, and Barrett (bringing much-needed experience) while adding transfers to boost depth.

The team will hold its final scrimmage at 6 p.m. Saturday.