Good morning, Lake Charles.

A major union warned that Citgo’s Lake Charles refinery’s planned phased staffing cuts — eliminating 44 positions — may compromise safety during a $310M upgrade.

Union representatives say a reduced crew could hinder emergency responses.

Rouses Markets in Mid-City hosts a Dolly Day celebration today — honoring Dolly Parton’s legacy while offering different ways for everyone to join in whether busy at work or free to celebrate.

The event highlights local tribute and community spirit.

The American Job Center Region V & Louisiana Works will host a Quarterly Job Fair at the Lake Charles Event Center Exhibition Hall on Wednesday, Oct.

7 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Veterans are offered priority access at 9 a.m., and employers must pre-register if they wish to participate.

Supervisors of food services in area schools have released lunch and breakfast menus for Sept.

28-Oct. 2, listing options like Frito pie, pork roast, chicken nuggets + waffles across schools at Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jeff Davis, and Vernon; menus may change.

Today will see dry, warm conditions with lows in the mid-60s and highs near 90 for Lake Charles, while humidity is set to rise Sunday as a cold front and moisture from Hurricane Polo boost rain chances later next week.

Southwest Louisiana will celebrate Dolly Day 2026 as a lawmaker pushes a proposal for a specialty license plate to support literacy programs; local officials are set to review the measure soon.

Community members look forward to more details on the initiative.

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office retired its K-9 Storm after seven years of service (helping capture violent offenders and seizing illegal narcotics).

Storm will now relax at home with his handler, Sgt. Aaron Miller and his family.

Following the deaths of two Ole Miss students, local recovery advocates in southwest LA urge drug education and harm reduction resources including Narcan + fentanyl test strips to help young adults stay safe.

Local prep football teams played on Sept.

25, with Sulphur edging Sam Houton 55-54 in District 3-5A; Welsh and Lake Arthur also posted strong wins as scores from various contests highlighted a competitive day on the gridiron.

The Sulphur Tors overcame a 23 point deficit to rally for a 55 to 54 win against Sam Houston on Friday at Matt Walker Memorial Stadium (head coach David Feaster praised the team’s explosive offense).

They remain undefeated and will host Barbe next week.