Good morning, Lake Charles.

Crying Eagle Brewing Company will host its annual Oktoberfest event on Oct.

4 at its university location in Lake Charles, where attendees can join games like a stein-holding contest and barrel races and enjoy traditional German food including bratwurst, pretzels, and schnitzel before live music at 7 p.m.

Movies Under the Stars returns this Friday, October 3 at Prien Lake Park with 'How to Train Your Dragon' and will feature a film each week—including The Incredibles, Big Hero 6, and Wicked—at different locations in Calcasieu Parish where families can enjoy free popcorn and cotton candy by arriving early.

McNeese State University earned national recognition in the 2026 ranking by U.S. News and World Report, marking its 15th year as a top regional school and ranking 40th among public schools in the south.

The university reported its largest enrollment increase in over two decades this fall—filling residence halls and welcoming its biggest freshman class.

Three experts met in a webinar last week to plan new ways to protect Louisiana's coast after the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project was canceled due to cost and permit issues—CPRA will now focus on landbridges and barrier island projects.

They said steady funding and lawmaker support are needed to help keep local homes and industries safe.

Gov. Jeff Landry sent a letter to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth requesting 1,000 National Guard troops to support law enforcement in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, and Shreveport on Thursday—though the letter did not detail where the troops will be deployed.

The Calcasieu Parish School Board is addressing questions after a legislative audit found possible misuse of over $20,000 at Sulphur High, LaGrange High, and Kaufman Elementary.

Board officials said they will report incidents to law enforcement—ensuring new procedures are put in place to protect public funds.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries celebrates 75 years of the Sport Fish Rehabilitation Act, established in 1950 to help revive the state’s fishing industry.

The act funds fishery management and community programs through federal taxes on fishing gear—ensuring strict regulations protect local fish populations for future generations.

Lake Charles doctors stated ablation is a key treatment for atrial fibrillation — a procedure shown to reduce symptoms for many patients.

The report published yesterday explains that the treatment may help improve heart health for those with A-Fib.

Calcasieu faces high suicide rates with experts noting that gaps in crisis response and training leave many without urgent help.

Medical officials urge improved in-person support and community training to break the stigma—efforts that will be highlighted at the Out of the Darkness Walk in Lake Charles on Nov. 8.

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.

Josh Gates Live: An Evening of Ghosts and Monsters

7-9 p.m. — Rosa Hart Theatre — Tickets required — Experience eerie tales and thrilling paranormal investigations with Josh Gates from the Discovery Channel.