Good morning, Lake Charles.

Faulty Takata airbags recalled in late 2024 have been found in many popular vehicles, including nearly 20-year-old models, and have been linked to 27 deaths and 400 injuries nationwide (NHTSA reports); Lake Charles drivers are urged to check if their vehicles are affected today (to avoid potential danger).

Reins of Hope at Le Bocage is a 501(c)(3) therapeutic riding program accredited by PATH International that helps local riders build physical, emotional, educational, and social skills through personalized equine-assisted activities at the Stables at LeBocage — the program serves Southwest Louisiana and beyond.

Former Southwest Louisiana nurse practitioner Suzette Tolbird, 56, died along with relative Ryan Tolbird, 36, in weekend tornadoes on Storey-Parkman Road in Oak Vale—she was en route to the hospital—after recently moving to Mississippi.

Traffic was diverted off I-10 West in Vinton after an oversized 18-wheeler carrying a backhoe hit the West Street overpass at Exit 7 on March 17th + authorities closed West Street until DOTD inspects the bridge, which caused congestion near Mile Marker 10.

A Lake Charles man was arrested on Monday, March 10 for second-degree murder after a shooting and vehicle crash near McNeese Legacy Center on March 9 — authorities reported that the driver was shot and later died from his injuries.

Artistic director Colleen Cannon Benoit of Lake Area Ballet Theatre and assistant director Randy Partin of McNeese State Banners Series will co-present a dual ballet performance that features Act II of Swan Lake and a narrative dance for Peter and the Wolf.

A cast of 56 dancers will perform for Banners Series members on March 20 at 7 p.m. at the Rosa Hart Theatre — and for Ballet Theatre members on March 22 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., offering a family-friendly event.

The American Job Center will host a quarterly job fair on March 19 from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the Lake Charles Event Center’s Buccaneer Room where about 50 employers will meet with job seekers.

Veterans will get exclusive access at 9 a.m.—job seekers should dress in business attire and bring a picture ID and several copies of their resume to use on-site help.

Associated Builders and Contractors announced Monday plans to open a training center in the old Walgreens building at the corner of Gerstner Memorial Boulevard and 12th Street to help bring new life to a north Lake Charles area that has seen many empty stores—most of the project is funded by disaster recovery dollars from Hurricanes Laura and Delta. The center will offer hands-on classes in carpentry, welding, electrical, pipefitting and millwright skills that are expected to train hundreds of students for local construction jobs.

The Lake Charles Event Center is set to host Wellness on the Water on Saturday, May 31 - a new health festival that will offer fitness classes, a 1K fun walk/run, and a recovery zone at 900 N Lakeshore Drive.

Hayes Carll Live at Southlake Theater

Hayes Carll will perform live at Southlake Theater in Lake Charles, showcasing his unique blend of storytelling and country music.

Suds & Buds Spring Festival

Suds & Buds is a spring festival in Lake Charles featuring local vendors and supporting the Reins of Hope therapeutic riding program.

Frank Foster Live Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. | Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino | Tickets available via UNATION | Enjoy an evening of live music with Frank Foster in a vibrant casino setting.

Virtual Tour of Senior Living

9 AM - 7 PM | Tower Oaks Apartments | Free entry | Explore the best senior living experiences with award-winning care and activities.

CeCe Winans Concert

7-9 p.m. — Glad Tidings Church — Tickets available — Experience an inspiring live performance by the renowned gospel artist CeCe Winans.

Dru Hill Concert

7-11 p.m. — Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino — Ticket prices vary — Experience the captivating R&B vibes of the legendary group Dru Hill.

CYPHACON 2025

5-9 p.m. — Lake Charles Event Center — Admission fee applicable — Celebrate the fun and creativity at the 13th annual CYPHACON event filled with excitement and entertainment.

SWLA's Annual Yoga Fest

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Drew Park — Admission details not specified — Celebrate movement, mindfulness, and community at Lake Area's largest yoga fest.

Bunny at the Barn Egg Hunt

8-10 p.m. — Eastern Dr, Lake Charles, LA — $10 per Child, $5 per Adult — Enjoy an evening of egg hunting with prizes, food, and guided pet play.