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Hey Lake Charles, hope your week’s off to a good start! In today’s wallet-friendly edition: New checkout rules, Travis Etienne’s homecoming, and Super Slime Weekend + lots of fun things to do for free.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
New payment rules take effect: As of August 1, Louisiana banned debit card surcharges at checkout. In Lake Charles, violators face civil penalties up to $500 per violation, while credit card surcharges remain allowed -- see the new checkout rules.
Utility costs in focus: Entergy Louisiana announced a proposed agreement with Meta to shield customers from data center costs, with Meta funding Richland Parish infrastructure and Entergy projecting $2.65 billion savings over 20 years -- read the full story.
A homecoming for Etienne: Jennings native Travis Etienne returned to Louisiana, joining the New Orleans Saints after starring at Clemson and in Jacksonville. He says coming home has been a long time coming -- read the full story.
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with Lemonade*. Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's $150 off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Hit under the lights: Mallard Golf Club lets Lake Charles golfers sneak in swings after work with Southwest Louisiana’s only night range, plus a scenic course designed by Jeff Blume and recognized by Golf Digest among America’s Best New Golf Courses in 2022. Grab a buddy and make it a midweek tune up.
Gentle groom, happier pups: If your fur kid gets the zoomies at the word bath, Dogwood Paw Spa and Resort focuses on a calm, thoughtful grooming experience that goes beyond a quick trim. Expect tidy coats, less shedding, and a pet that comes home looking good and feeling comfortable this week.
Treasure hunting that helps: Clean out a closet and score a find this week at CARC Treasure Chest, a local thrift store where every purchase and donation fuels real employment training and supported work for the people they serve. Good deals, good cause... and you might finally replace that wobbly lamp.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
Shop for new floors without ever needing to leave the house: No showroom, no second-guessing. All from the comfort of your own home. Empire Today® has flooring experts that will bring you samples and provide you with a free in-home estimate. Trusted and backed by over 3 million satisfied customers and over 65 years of quality service. *Check out their current offers today →
Stiff necks start on flat pillows: You've slept on both arms, both sides, stacked two pillows, thrown one on the floor, and the stiffness keeps finding you, because every position ends on the same pillow that can't hold your neck. This one can: shaped to keep your neck in line however you sleep, with gentle traction through the night. If it doesn't earn its spot in 30 nights, it goes back free. *Take the 30-night test, 50% off →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The slower you walk, the more it works: Tai Chi walking is trending online. Turns out it's centuries old — slow deliberate steps, paced breath, attention on the body. Thirty minutes a day burns fat, lifts your mood, and builds balance. No gym, no treadmill, no pounding on the joints. Take the quick quiz to see if it fits, then use code BASELOCAL for a discount on the coaching plan. *See how it works →
The upgrades that make your home feel new again start here: You don't need a full remodel to fall back in love with your space. New fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, updated hardware, the small changes that make a room feel different. It's all in one place, so a weekend is all it takes to give a tired room a fresh start. *Shop the refresh → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Free events worth checking outFree things to do in the coming days and weeks. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎶 Cajun Jam @ Panorama Music House | Saturday (8/8) at 11:00 AM – This Cajun jam at Panorama Music House is the real deal, led by Travis Benoit, no cover, and a bar to keep the bowing honest. Bring a fiddle, an accordion, or just your ears, and watch strangers turn into cousins over traditional tunes and grooves.
👟 Kicks With Cops @ Shoe Station | Saturday (8/8) at 12:00 PM – Because back-to-school is expensive enough, Kicks With Cops sets up at Shoe Station with free shoes for registered kids, friendly chats with local officers, and good vibes. One pair can feel like a mile, and the smiles are kind of contagious.
🏢 SWLACU 5th Annual Community Resource Fair @ Southwest Louisiana Credit Union - Main Branch | Saturday (8/15) at 10:00 AM – Southwest Louisiana Credit Union is hosting its big back-to-school community fair, with 30-plus vendors, school supplies, wellness tips, giveaways, and free food. Jump houses for kids, prize baskets for adults, and free tennis shoes for qualifying members, because back-to-school prep is a contact sport.
🤠 Lake Charles Toyota Cowboy Block Party / Wayne Toups @ Townsley Law Arena | Friday (8/28) at 6:00 PM – Wayne Toups is cranking up the 2026 Cowboy Block Party inside Townsley Law Arena, a free, all-ages kickoff that pairs zydeco with Cowboy football weekend vibes. Bring your chair, your beverage of choice, and those dance muscles you pretend are for yard work.
🤠 Cowboy Block Party @ Townsley Law Arena | Friday (9/25) at 6:00 PM – Football weekend calls for twang and lawn chairs, so head to Alumni Grove for Louisiana’s own Dustin Sonnier at the Lake Charles Toyota Cowboy Block Party. It’s free, all ages, and decidedly local. Bring your chairs and beverages, impress your knees and your wallet.
🚶 Out of the Darkness Walk @ Lake Charles Event Center | Saturday (9/26) at 10:00 AM – Lake Charles is lacing up for the annual Out of the Darkness Walk, a community stroll at the Event Center that brings hope to those affected by suicide and supports programs statewide. Expect neighbors, strength, a lake breeze, and purpose that outlasts your step counter.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — Lake Charles report Weather forecastToday — High: 96°F — Low: 78°F — Precip: 21%
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 1pm and 4pm. Sunny, with a high near 96. Heat index values as high as 105. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 78. Heat index values as high as 102. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 95°F — Low: 78°F — Precip: 25%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 95. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 78. South wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. This house is wildThis grand custom two-story home offers 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, and a layout built for serious entertaining. Arched double doors, chandeliers, crown molding, and plantation shutters set the tone, while two kitchens, a game room, media room, and expansive patio keep the energy flowing. The oversized primary suite adds a spa-style retreat.
Take a peek inside → |
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