Good morning, Lake Charles.

Compudopt and United Way Southwest Louisiana teamed up to give 150 free laptops to families in Calcasieu who do not have a working computer—TC Energy provided the funding; each household will receive one laptop with two years of technical support, and families must register online to qualify.

Yesterday, firefighters and community members pushed the LCFD’s engine with a custom McNeese State paint scheme into the bay at Station 6 on Kirkman Street—continuing a tradition that dates back to horse-drawn fire apparatus.

The display celebrated local heritage and school pride.

Lake Charles welcomes the award-winning Louisiana Food & Wine Festival this week as it showcases local cuisine, music and drinks that celebrate our Cajun and Creole heritage.

The festival offers over 300 tasting experiences from more than 40 restaurants—charity events support United Way and culinary scholarships, and ticket sales are open to adults 21 and older.

On Monday, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for a $17.5 billion LNG facility near Sulphur that sits on 1,200 acres along the west bank of the Calcasieu River—attended by Governor Jeff Landry and local through federal officials.

The project brought nearly 900 workers on site and is expected to create 15,000 jobs while beginning LNG production in 2029.

The City of Lake Charles and Calcasieu Parish School Board are offering free American Sign Language classes this fall—running every Thursday from 5 to 6 p.m. from Sept.2 until Oct.7 at Henry Heights Community Center for beginners and at the CPSB Pupil Appraisal Center in Sulphur for advanced learners.

McNeese State University in Lake Charles saw a 5% enrollment jump to 6,556 students and its largest freshman class in 22 years—dorms are full.

The university will open a new student union with a cafeteria, ballroom, and study areas by the end of 2025.

The Calcasieu Parish School Board and the City of Lake Charles are offering free American Sign Language training for residents—course details and schedules will be announced soon.

Today, hundreds of school supervisors gathered in Lake Charles for the Louisiana School Supervisors Association Conference, where they discussed new strategies to address challenges like motivating students and supporting educators, with sessions highlighting dyslexia and education technology + networking opportunities. The 28th annual event runs through September 18 and aims to strengthen classroom support and community partnerships in Louisiana schools.

Lake Charles homeowners should work on their lawns this fall to help stressed grass recover; Trent Smith from Landscape Management advises raking leaves and aerating the soil—landscaper Richie Everage also recommends trimming evergreens to improve spring blooms.

Louisiana health officials confirmed a fifth death from Vibrio on Tuesday as 26 cases have been reported in 2025 and all patients are hospitalized.

The department warned residents to avoid raw seafood and cover open wounds when near coastal waters—especially if they have existing health issues.

Today, Denise Durel of the United Way of Southwest Louisiana explained that the agency helps people in crisis by transferring 211 calls to the 988 hotline and launching a text teen chat service for urgent support.

The organization also funds local counseling with a sliding scale—efforts that are part of the ongoing You Matter campaign.

Lake Charles restaurant Drago’s, located at L’Auberge Casino Hotel Resort, was named as one of Louisiana’s best all-you-can-eat seafood spots by Ever After In The Woods.

It offers a Thursday and Friday buffet featuring charbroiled oysters, crab legs, & other local seafood favorites.

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.

Voices of Wailing Women Called to Pray

4-8 p.m. — Lake Charles Event Center — Free entry — A powerful gathering for women to unite in prayer and spiritual support.

Daryl Felsberg Comedy Night

8 p.m. — Library Riot — Ticket prices not listed — Experience the larger-than-life comedic talent of Daryl Felsberg in an intimate setting.