Good morning, Lake Charles.

A local church helps families with holiday food needs by hosting a monthly giveaway—providing food to those who need it.

The program has served many families and will continue throughout the season—supporting community members in need.

A new black granite headstone was dedicated on Saturday at St. Paul Cemetery in Elton to honor Specialist Billy Sonnier and Staff Sgt. Thomas Barrett Jr., who died 60 years ago in Vietnam while protecting their comrades.

The monument—built after 15 months of work by the Brothers Beyond the Perimeter team—is meant to keep their heroism alive in our community.

A Lake Charles burger lover has shared his top five homemade burger spots in Southwest Louisiana—Maplewood Burger, Roundtop, Rikenjaks, Cotton’s Famous, and The Rocket Drive-Inn in Jennings—and said each spot serves burgers with a unique local taste.

The CFMA Hall of Fame ceremony will take place on November 22 at the CFMA building at 3481 East Prien Lake Road in Lake Charles with doors opening at 4:30 p.m. and inductions starting at 5:30 p.m. — inductees including Shawn Saucier will be honored as live Cajun music, dancing, and Cajun food enliven the event.

Southwest Louisiana will host 'Christmas in the Air,' a Broadway-style song and dance show coming to the Golden Nugget from Nov.

28 through Nov. 30. Jeb. K. Rand—who oversaw the audition process that saw over 1,000 hopefuls—said 25 performers were chosen to bring holiday cheer for all ages.

Muddy Water Dredging is working on an $18.5M project along the Calcasieu River Ship Channel — the team uses the M/V Veneta Marie to keep the waterway deep for heavy ships and will provide more updates to maritime partners next year.

SOWELA Technical Community College in Lake Charles welcomed over 4,500 students this fall and saw a 20% enrollment increase thanks to strong programs in aviation, welding, and criminal justice — earning the college recognition as Louisiana’s top community college for the eighth time in nine years. Registration for Spring 2026 is now open, and students are encouraged to take advantage of available financial aid and scholarships.

SOWELA had a historic 20% increase in fall enrollment with more than 4,500 students for the first time in its 87-year history.

Registration is now open for Spring 2026 — students are encouraged to sign up early to take advantage of available aid.

Jeff Davis Electric Co-op scheduled a power outage today at 8:00 a.m.—it will last about 10 hours to connect the Johnson Bayou Substation to a new 230 kV grid line, affecting residents in Holly Beach and Johnson Bayou while ferry service remains unchanged.

Lake Charles residents can try a new recipe for a Louisiana Cajun Thanksgiving turkey that uses a spice rub with butter, chicken broth, and fresh aromatics to boost flavor and tenderness.

The guide instructs cooks to rub the turkey under the skin, inject a butter mixture, and roast it at 325°F for 13–15 minutes per pound—ensuring it stays juicy and delicious.

McNeese Cowboys are using this week to prepare for three challenging games in the Cayman Islands starting Sunday—coach Bill Armstrong said the team will focus on rebounding and defense following their strong 3–1 start.

The Cowboys, who lead the nation in scoring, will test their full-court pressure against top mid-major opponents.

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.

Arenacross Racing Spectacle

7-8:30 p.m. — Lake Charles Event Center — Tickets required — Experience a thrilling blend of motocross racing and freestyle MX with lights and pyrotechnics.