Wednesday, September 24th, 2025
Good morning, Lake Charles. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 24th of September.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Today marks the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Rita’s landfall in Southwest Louisiana when the storm, at its peak a Category 5 with 180 mph winds, caused widespread power outages and extensive damage. Local leaders, including Westlake’s mayor, recalled the dark nights and chaotic recovery—curfews, blocked roads, and community efforts that helped rebuild the area. The American Press
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Lake Charles Little Theatre board said they will tear down the old building that served the community for almost 100 years—plans call for a new, cozy venue to bring live plays back to the area. The 99th season will start at Southlake Theater on Oct. 3 with 'The Odd Couple' after challenges from COVID and hurricanes ended shows here. 7 KPLC
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ South Cameron High School broke ground today on a new $22.3 million gym covering over 33,000 square feet—FEMA is funding more than $16 million and officials say the space will host sports, school events, and community gatherings. The gym will be completed in January 2027. 7 KPLC
- ➤ Multiple schools in Sulphur are under a precautionary lockdown—covering Frasch Elementary, Sulphur High Main and 9th Grade Campuses—due to a law enforcement operation in the area. The school board said all students, faculty, and staff are safe and that parents will be notified when the lockdown is lifted. 7 KPLC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana House leaders visited Lake Charles Tuesday as part of a legislative roadshow to show 18 months of progress—reporting an 11 percent crime drop along with education reforms, tax cuts and new infrastructure investments. They said these changes are helping boost public safety and create opportunities for local families. The American Press
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Etta Pete Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation held a blood and water drive in Lake Charles to help sickle cell patients by asking for blood donations and water supplies + many community members joined to support the event. Officials said the drive honors Etta Pete + shows the foundation's promise to care for those in need. 7 KPLC
- ➤ Lake Charles mental health experts advise residents to use simple techniques like box breathing to ease anxiety during uncertain times. Renaissance Solutions noted that patients may benefit from getting sunlight and pausing social media (DeVillier explained the four-second cycle method for calming the mind). 7 KPLC
- ➤ Local experts say that suicide prevention efforts in southwest Louisiana are showing promise as more education programs help teens and workers deal with mental health challenges. Groups such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Imperial Calcasieu Human Services Authority are increasing support ahead of the Out of the Darkness Walk—set for Nov. 8—to provide needed help. 7 KPLC
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Developers of Capstone at North Point revised plans for a senior living facility at 5875 Airline Hwy into a two-phase project—phase one will offer 80 one-bedroom units while phase two details are pending, and the Planning Commission will review the rezoning of 3.87 acres on Oct. 20. The Advocate
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Tuesday, the Cowgirls opened practice at Legacy Center under coach Ayla Guzzardo with fresh faces and a physical style of play—Guzzardo emphasized rebounding and hard work throughout the session. Star player Kaili Chamberlin returned for her final season, marking a full-circle moment backed by strong community support. The American Press
- ➤ The SFA Lumberjacks lost 28-24 to McNeese last season but strengthened their roster and now hold a 2-2 record as they prepare for this weekend’s conference game—aiming for a run at the championship. With key players earning weekly honors and a solid defense, the team is set to make a strong push in the Southland Conference. The American Press
- ➤ The LSWA prep football polls for week 4 were released on September 22nd, showing rankings from Class 5A to Class 1A. Karr led Class 5A with a 3—0 record while schools like Catholic-Baton Rouge and Ruston ranked high and additional votes were noted. The American Press
- ➤ Six Southwest Louisiana high school football teams remain undefeated after three weeks of play as Hamilton Christian’s 48 to 22 win over Vinton broke Vinton’s perfect record and junior quarterback Javon Vital recorded 218 yards—while Iowa, Westlake, Kinder, Grand Lake and Lake Arthur also secured wins. The American Press
-
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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The most valuable thing you can make is a mistake - you can't learn anything from being perfect.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Lake Charles
Welcome to the Daily Lake Charles, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Lake Charles, Louisiana community. If you like the Daily Lake Charles, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Lake Charles.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Lake Charles and across Louisiana. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Lake Charles
A free Lake Charles community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.

© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailylakecharles.com/sitemap