Good morning, Lake Charles.

Food insecurity worsened in Louisiana as 825,000 residents lack reliable access to meals, with nearly 1 in 4 children affected.

Local programs like Second Harvest Food Bank & Louisiana 211 offer support to help neighbors this Thanksgiving.

Eligible Louisiana Walmart customers who shopped between 2015 and 2024 will soon receive refund checks as part of a $9.8 million FTC settlement, with nearly 65,000 shoppers set to get compensation.

Venture Global plans to build a 10‐gigawatt off‐grid power network for AI data centers on its Plaquemines and Cameron property — it signed deals with GE Vernova and Baker Hughes to buy 16 turbines.

The company expects its first turbine order by late 2026 with all deliveries by 2034.

Residents can enjoy a busy weekend with the Coushatta Carnival in Kinder from today through Sunday, a concert by country star Chris Cagle Friday at the Golden Nugget Casino (8:30 p.m.), a movie at River Bluff Park Friday, and a Halloween Costume Contest Saturday at Coushatta Casino Resort.

Smoke and Barrel has returned to Downtown Lake Charles with BBQ, live music, and whiskey, inviting locals to savor its classic flavors during its re-launch.

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser announced a new tourism campaign, 'Every Moment Feeds Your Soul', to draw single travelers, couples and families as visitor spending rises.

He also outlined plans to expand state parks with new trails, resort facilities and improved accessibility — a move aimed at boosting local business.

All Southwest parishes are under burn bans due to a severe drought that has brought 15 inches less rain than normal this year (Cameron’s ban will stay in effect for 30 days unless lifted sooner).

Fire officials warn residents to exercise caution with any outdoor fire activities.

Lt. Governor Nungesser said Louisiana’s record tourism continues as cleanup efforts and state park improvements move forward.

Sonic is offering its Blue Pelican Slush from Oct. through March—donating proceeds to local beautification—while a free state parks passport program rewards visitors for exploring historic sites.

High school football Week 8 is underway in SWLA as local teams compete for district wins; undefeated Rosepine and Vinton will battle Friday night on 92.9 The Lake (with updated standings showing Lake Arthur and Barbe in close races).