Good morning, Lake Charles.

John Reddin, a Purple Heart recipient, was honored as a hometown hero for his military service—local officials and community members praised his sacrifice and bravery.

The Louisiana Food & Wine Festival will be held from September 18 to 21 in Lake Charles and will offer wine, beer, and spirit tastings, live music, and local dishes — events include the Best Taste Awards, Fire on the Lake, Grand Tasting, and a Jazz Brunch.

The festival will highlight local Cajun and Creole heritage and attract food lovers from the region.

The Sulphur Regional Library at 1160 Cypress St. will host a Daddy-Daughter Princess Ball on Saturday, Sept.

13 from 2—4 p.m.—young princesses will dress in regal attire and enjoy dancing, board games, and other fun activities with their dads or father figures.

Lake Charles schools face a shortage of bus drivers—officials said that recruitment efforts will soon start to prevent delays in student transportation.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy announced Louisiana received over $194M in federal disaster funding—$171M from FEMA to support recovery from past hurricanes, floods, and wildfires and $23M from the FAA for airport improvements, ensuring that schools are rebuilt and infrastructure restored.

At Monday night’s meeting, the Sulphur City Council unanimously approved four new ordinances to change solicitation rules after officials received complaints from elderly residents over repeated aggressive visits by solicitors.

The changes remove the need for registration for door-to-door activities and ban placing advertising materials on private property—aimed at protecting residents.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill joined a coalition of 27 states that filed an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to overturn Washington’s law that bans gun magazines holding more than 10 rounds—this move aims to protect the rights of gun owners for self-defense and sport. The brief adds to ongoing challenges to the law as federal courts are asked to review the decision.

Rep. Cleo Fields joined other leaders in Washington last Wednesday to say redistricting hurts minority voting power and noted that lawmakers may hold a special session from October 23rd to November 13th if the Supreme Court changes Louisiana’s maps — the debate is about having fair counts of residents — with both sides pushing for map fixes.

Casey Sullivan-Flood is a paramedic and recruiter with Acadian Ambulance who was deeply affected as an eighth-grader on 9/11 when the Twin Towers and Pentagon were struck—her childhood helplessness inspired a lifelong dedication to emergency services.

Over her 20-year career, she now mentors young people and shares her story of turning tragedy into a mission to help others—highlighting the impact of that day on her career path.

Wellness expert Spring Lane from Exceptional Wellness says that taking a cold plunge followed by a hot sauna, plus red-light therapy and regular movement, can boost energy and clear brain fog during National Healthy Aging Month.

Cristina Mariani Stand-Up Comedy Show

8 p.m. — Library Riot — $30 reserved seating, $20 general — Enjoy an evening of laughs with Cristina Mariani, featured on Kill Tony and Comedy Mothership.

Weber State vs. McNeese State Football Game

6 p.m. — McNeese State University Football Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Watch the McNeese Cowboys take on Weber State in an exciting home game showdown.

Homecoming 2025: Out of This World

7-10:30 p.m. — White Oak Park — Tickets $22 pre-order, $30 at the door — A fun-filled Homecoming dance for homeschooled teens with music by DJ Trey and refreshments.

Desi Banks: The Elevation Tour

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — Rosa Hart Theatre — Last-minute tickets available — Enjoy a night of comedy with Desi Banks in Lake Charles.

The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — Rosa Hart Theatre — Ticket price unknown — Experience a spellbinding 90-minute spectacle of iconic rock music performed in a breathtaking candlelit setting.

VIP Autumn Market and Show and Shine

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. — The Villages of Imperial Pointe — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant vendor market with food trucks and a showcase of impressive vehicles at the Second Annual VIP Autumn Market.

Lions vs. Cowboys Football Showdown

6-9 p.m. — McNeese State University Football Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Catch the exciting home game between the McNeese Cowboys and Southeastern Louisiana Lions!

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.

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.