October 28, 2026: Central Louisiana Daily Briefing

U.S. 167 Southbound Lane Closure Scheduled Today in Pineville
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development

Motorists traveling south on U.S. 167 in Pineville should expect a lane closure Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., weather permitting. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development announced that the right southbound lane in front of Zion Hill Baptist Church will close while crews adjust radio equipment associated with the Intelligent Transportation System along the expressway corridor. No detour is planned, and work is expected to be completed the same day. Drivers should use caution near construction personnel and equipment.

St. Mary’s Feast for Good Fundraiser Scheduled Monday in Alexandria
St. Mary’s Residential Community & Services

St. Mary’s Residential Community & Services will benefit from the Feast for Good fundraising event Monday, Nov. 2, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Randolph Riverfront Center in Alexandria. The culinary fundraiser will feature chefs from New York and Louisiana, including Amy Pillarisetti, Bonnie Breaux and Jay Ducote, along with the team from Strange Delight. Activities include live cooking demonstrations, dinner and auctions. Individual tickets are $100, while VIP tables for eight are $1,000. Proceeds will benefit St. Mary’s programs and services.

Lt. Gov. Nungesser Promotes Louisiana Tourism at Alexandria Kiwanis Club
Louisiana Office of Tourism

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser addressed the Kiwanis Club of Alexandria on Tuesday, Oct. 27, highlighting efforts to attract more visitors to Louisiana and strengthen tourism in Central Louisiana. Nungesser discussed the state’s “Love Our Waterways” initiative, which encourages litter removal and environmental improvements to make communities more attractive to visitors and businesses. He also shared details of a recent trip to Japan promoting Louisiana’s food, music and cultural attractions. Nungesser emphasized that international tourists tend to stay longer and spend more money, creating opportunities for local businesses and communities.

Trotter’s Celebrates 80 Years in Business With Grand Opening in Alexandria
Trotter’s

Trotter’s will celebrate 80 years in business with a grand opening Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5-7:30 p.m. at 2300 South MacArthur Drive in Alexandria. Established in 1946, the longtime Alexandria business is marking eight decades of service to the community with an evening celebration featuring cocktails and light refreshments. The event recognizes the company’s history and welcomes guests to join in celebrating the milestone.

Rapides Parish Library to Host Award-Winning Authors Thursday
Rapides Parish Library

Rapides Parish Library will welcome National Book Award-recognized authors Ben Fountain and Jason Mott for a free Southern Storytelling event Thursday, Oct. 29, at Westside Regional Library, 5416 Provine Place in Alexandria. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. and will feature author readings, a discussion moderated by LSUA Chancellor Elizabeth M. Beard, audience questions and a book signing. Fountain was a 2012 National Book Award finalist, while Mott won the 2021 National Book Award for Fiction. Free books will be distributed while supplies last. Doors open at 6 p.m.

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