Good morning, Lake Charles.

Calcasieu Parish law agencies and CITGO are hosting the annual Christmas Toy Drive-Thru event where donations are now accepted at the Ward 4 Marshal's Office in Sulphur and gifts will be given out at West Cal Event Center on December 18 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.—all items must be unwrapped in their original packaging or donated via check.

A local article explains Louisiana Thanksgiving customs and warns guests against bringing sides like store-bought potato salad, turkey neck gravy, soggy green bean casserole, burnt mac and cheese, and overseas crawfish étouffée—these dishes may lead to family disapproval.

The piece advises home cooks to prepare traditional homemade sides for the holiday dinner.

Louisiana crawfish season is unpredictable because rain and warm weather vary the ponds’ conditions, so local families plan traditional Mardi Gras boils when rains peak (prices range from under $2 to nearly $7 per pound).

Some farms also extend the season by carefully managing their ponds to supply crawfish during off periods.

Country singer Josh Turner announced that he will perform at the Golden Nugget's Grand Event Center in Lake Charles on February 21st, 2026 — tickets will go on sale on Friday at 10 a.m.

Residents in the Coastal Zone, including Lake Charles, Sulphur, and Westlake, must register for the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program by 5 p.m. on November 19 to join a lottery for up to $10,000 aimed at upgrading roofs to meet hurricane protection standards (all previous registrants must sign up again).

A Sulphur homeowner said sewage backed up in her house after work by a Vexus Fiber subcontractor damaged a water main and collapsed a sewer line, and after repeated calls the city responded on November 17—promising to reimburse her expenses and work to prevent similar issues in the future.

Flu season is picking up in Louisiana and doctors urge residents to get vaccinated—health officials report that rising cases require prompt immunization to prevent severe illness.

A local non-profit run therapeutic riding program demonstrated to 7NEWS how it trains clients to overcome challenges both in the arena and in daily life—using proven methods to build strength and balance.

The program continues to support community members in developing confidence and motor skills—showing its growing impact.

Flu activity is rising in Southwest Louisiana and local doctors urge residents to get the flu shot now to help lower the risk of serious illness as worse days are ahead.

Providers said that even with virus mutations that may lessen the shot's effect, vaccination + good hygiene can help reduce hospital visits as flu and RSV cases are expected to increase before the peak later in winter.

Kenya Thomas, a local morning news producer, overcame a tough past and now runs a coaching business—Concrete Rose—after buying her own home and planning a birthday trip to Dubai soon.

She credits her hard work and lessons from her parents for giving her the strength to build her career and support her clients.

McNeese State will travel to Beaumont this Saturday to play Lamar in the Battle of the Border—an important game as the Cowboys, now 4-7, seek a strong finish and a .500 league record while limiting Lamar’s playoff chances.

Head coach Matt Viator stressed that this final game is urgent for the team's season turnaround.

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.

East Texas A&M Lions vs. McNeese State Cowgirls Basketball

3:30-6:30 a.m. — The Legacy Center — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting college basketball matchup live in Lake Charles.

LAR's Swamp Stomp Half Marathon & Fun Run

7-11 a.m. — Graywood Golf & Racquet Club — Registration fees apply — Test your endurance at the Swamp Stomp and enjoy a fun run experience.

Candlelight Christmas Concert

7-10 p.m. — Ray's Lounge, Lake Charles, LA — Free entry — Experience a magical evening of holiday music by candlelight.