Good morning, Lake Charles.

SWLA residents have launched a community fridge in Lake Charles to offer free food and reduce waste - the project began yesterday to help local residents access fresh produce and other essentials.

Dr. Keith Menard was featured as a hometown hero—his dedicated service for Lake Charles residents has earned him local recognition.

On Nov. 14, volunteers will collect food, cleaning supplies, and warm clothing at Abraham’s Tent from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. — hosted by KPLC and Rouses Markets — to help feed neighbors facing hunger.

Lake Charles is gearing up for a festive holiday season with events on November 29, December 7, and December 13 that will feature a big Christmas festival, a walking parade, live music, fireworks, and holiday light shows at Historic City Hall + local shops and workshops will add to the celebrations.

The Calcasieu Parish School Board approved buying a vacant lot at 608 Orange Street for extra parking at T.S.

Cooley Elementary and discussed a lot at 276 School Street for Moss Bluff Elementary to ease traffic - the board voted 12-1 on the plan as long as they can sell the home on the property.

ABC Center is now enrolling students in welding, pipefitting, electrical and instrumentation for its 2026 Spring Semester with enrollment running from Oct 1 to Dec 18 and classes beginning Jan.

5. The center offers daytime, accelerated and evening training paths for those seeking in-demand construction careers — financial aid is available.

Calcasieu Parish voters in Bonding Districts 24 and 30 will vote Nov.

15 on two proposed bonds to upgrade Starks and Sulphur High Schools. Starks High School plans to improve its gym and fields while Sulphur High School will add a covered walkway, new band and chorus buildings, and replace bleachers — changes meant to update the facilities for modern education.

A nearly four-hour hearing in LaPlace saw residents, environmental advocates — and local elected officials voice strong opposition to Air Products' plan to build a blue hydrogen and ammonia plant that would store up to 138 million tons of CO2 under Lake Maurepas over 25 years.

The company defended its proposal as a safe, job-creating economic development project while critics raised concerns over potential leaks, wetland damage and impacts on local communities.

The CPSB met on November 5 to address parking and traffic issues at T.S.

Cooley and Moss Bluff Elementary Schools—officials said they will consider several solutions to ease congestion. More details on the plan will be shared as discussions continue.

A nationwide listeria outbreak linked to precooked pasta dishes has killed six people and left 25 hospitalized.

In Louisiana, two residents were hospitalized—health officials urge consumers to check refrigerators for recalled products and avoid the affected items.

Louisiana high school football Week 10 power ratings have been released by the LHSAA using a computerized system that verifies rankings to set playoff seeding.

The list details scores for select and non-select schools—guiding fans and teams as they prepare for the final week of the season.

No. 11 Westlake swept No. 22 Loranger 25-14, 25-11, 25-8 on November 4 in the first round of Division III volleyball playoffs.

Wild Cajun Trail Runs

6 a.m. — Sam Houston Jones State Park — Registration fees apply — Conquer the scenic trails of Southeast Louisiana with a range of distances from 10K to 40M.

Object-Oriented Programming in C# Training

N/A — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. — SOWELA Regional Training Center — $2250 — Enhance your programming skills with hands-on C# training in a local expert-led course.

Smoke & Barrel Weekend 2025

1-5 p.m. — Calcasieu Clerk of Court — Tickets vary — Savor a weekend of over 80 bourbons, whiskeys, and exquisite BBQ from top pitmasters.

The Nutcracker

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Rosa Hart Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting journey of Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy in this classic holiday ballet.

Christmas In The Air

2:00 – 3:30 PM — Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the holiday spirit with a festive event for the whole family.

Cowboy Christmas Celebration

9 AM - 5 PM — The Stables At LeBocage — Free admission — Experience the magic of Christmas with festive shopping, live music, and Southern traditions.

Santa's Hot Chocolate Run

2-4 p.m. — Downtown Lake Charles — Registration fee required — Enjoy a festive 3.1-mile adventure with a blend of running and holiday cheer.