Good morning, Lake Charles.

Gator 99.5 hosted a discussion as local listeners recalled old theaters, mall landmarks, and the Diamond Shamrock on Ruth Street—highlighting how Southwest Louisiana has changed over the past 20 years.

Venture Global plans to expand power at its LNG sites in Cameron and Plaquemines to support future AI data centers.

The company signed an agreement with GE Vernova and Baker Hughes to potentially add up to 16 720-megawatt power island units, with equipment purchases set for the end of 2026.

Amazon will hire 4,000 seasonal workers at distribution centers across Louisiana for the holiday season from October through December, offering about $20 per hour and (eligible workers receive health coverage starting on their first day from Jan.

1) with opportunities to transition to full-time roles.

The Holiday Train will visit DeQuincy and Leesville on Friday, Dec.

4—stopping at 400 Lake Charles Avenue from 3:15 to 3:45 p.m. and 901 South Third Street from 5:30 to 6 p.m.—with free live music and Christmas lights.

Christian Youth Theater Lake Charles marks its 10th anniversary season with Mary Poppins; the production, featuring 86 young actors and high-flying rigging (installed by ZFX Flying Effects), opens today at Rosa Hart Theater on Lakeshore Drive with performances through Sunday, Oct.

25.

The 71st McNeese Rodeo and Celebrity Fight Night are set in Lake Charles; the rodeo gives free entry for McNeese students (with an MSU ID) on Oct 29-31 at the Burton Complex, and a boxing match is scheduled for Nov 7 at the Historical McNeese Rec Center to support scholarships.

Flu season is rising early and doctors urge pregnant residents to get vaccinated now to protect both mother and baby (the shot helps boost antibodies in newborns).

Hand washing and avoiding crowds are also advised to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

The Louisiana Department of Health has limited the sale of three synthetic kratom opioids, which is expected to reduce revenue and cause waste for local retailers in Lake Charles.

Store owners (concerned about consumer safety) and treatment experts stress the need for more education on product risks.

Lake Charles Memorial Hospital’s new breast protocol cuts the time from an abnormal mammogram to biopsy by half–from four weeks to two weeks or less–to help women get faster care during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Saints fans in Louisiana will need an early alarm this Sunday, Oct.

25 when New Orleans faces Pittsburgh in the first regular-season NFL game held in France at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, Paris—kickoff is at 8:30 a.m. Residents planning game-day parties should cook the night before.

McNeese’s Rideau scored his first career touchdown during his start against Northwestern State on Thursday at McNeese State’s stadium in Lake Charles.

Two former McNeese Cowboys, Grant Anderson and Jace Peterson, are with the Brewers as the team prepares for the MLB World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays; Anderson may return from the injured list (and Peterson supports player development) to help the team.