Good morning, Lake Charles.

A rail car issue blocked traffic on Sampson Street for about two hours on Monday—Sampson Street cleared around 10:10 a.m. while Prater Road remains blocked.

A young entrepreneur in Lake Charles chased his dream by starting a new business venture yesterday—he said his plans will bring new opportunities to the local market.

Crying Eagle Brewery is taking reservations today for the soft opening of its new lakefront location at 911 N Lakeshore Drive—where a 12,000 square-foot space will soon hold up to 500 guests.

The grand opening will be on Oct. 31, and the project marks a major milestone in Lake Charles' waterfront revitalization.

Louisiana’s job market added over 19,000 jobs in the past year, which lowered the unemployment rate to 4.4 percent, and today the American Job Center hosted a career fair organized by the Louisiana Workforce Commission to connect job seekers with employers—officials said another event is set for October 8.

Local rice farmer Brandon Vail said his 26th harvest has prices drop from $25 a barrel last year to $17 to $19 now because cheaper rice imports hurt domestic sales.

He explained that rice from India+Thailand+Vietnam+Pakistan sells for less even with tariffs, which weakens local earnings.

Louisiana officials announced plans to reduce high school tests starting in 2028 by replacing separate math and English exams with one comprehensive test in each subject & keeping civics and biology tests unchanged, which cuts the total from six to four exams.

The change follows updated learning standards and will not affect the graduation requirement of passing three exams.

Fire departments across Southwest Louisiana struggled with a shortage of volunteers yesterday, which cut down available shifts & slowed response times.

Local officials said they are boosting recruitment and planning community outreach to increase volunteer numbers.

Christus Ochsner raised awareness about pain management as one in five Americans suffered daily discomfort and older adults experienced nearly triple that rate.

Patient Gary Hicks had severe back pain until a full body scan revealed a compression fracture that was treated with vertebral augmentation surgery by Dr. Kelly Paulk—helping him regain mobility.

The Cowboys began their season practice on Monday at the Legacy Center when a broken pipe flooded part of the main court—forcing them to use the practice court instead.

Coach Bill Armstrong said the team is ready to build on its success as they prepare for the Nov. 3 opener against Champion Christian.

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.

Houston Christian vs McNeese State Football

6-9 p.m. — McNeese State University Football Stadium — Check for ticket prices — Celebrate homecoming as the Cowboys face off against Houston Christian in an exciting football matchup.

Americas LNG Summit & Exhibition 2025

October 19-21 — L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles — Pricing varies — Major LNG industry event focusing on economic growth and energy transition with strategic and technical conferences.