Good morning, Lake Charles.

Forever 21 filed for bankruptcy protection for the second time in six years and will shutter over 350 US stores while leaving only six locations in Louisiana—one of which is in Lake Charles at JCPenney.

The company struggled against online competition from Shein and Temu as its parent group winds down operations, and local closure details will be announced soon.

Downtown Lake Charles will host a free music festival on March 22 from noon to midnight to honor local music legend Brian Moore, who mentored many aspiring musicians.

Performers will raise funds for Music Makers 2 U and the Be Moore Memorial Scholarship Fund (supporting a music scholarship at Sulphur High School).

The Louisiana Department of Education announced several Southwest Louisiana educators as semifinalists and finalists for Teacher, Principal, Early Childhood Leader, and New Teacher awards—recognizing outstanding commitment to student success at schools such as East Beauregard Elementary and Lake Charles Charter Academy.

The City of Lake Charles Engineering Division is close to finishing a $2.3 million infrastructure and overlay project in northern Lake Charles today—work includes underground drainage, sanitary sewer, water main, and road work on several streets.

Additional work on Conoco Street will be completed by mid-April.

Lake Charles native Amir 'Aura' Khan, McNeese’s men's basketball student manager, became the first college student manager to sign NIL deals after his viral video boosted his fame.

He inked deals with major brands — including Buffalo Wild Wings and Insomnia Cookies — and the Cowboys will face Clemson on March 20.

McNeese State head basketball coach Will Wade will face his alma mater Clemson in the NCAA Tournament in Providence on March 20th as the 12th-seeded Cowboys open play.

Wade—who began his career at Clemson—led his team to a 30-4 season last year and looks forward to the challenge ahead.

On March 16, the McNeese Cowboys began their second week of spring football workouts with a schedule change from morning to afternoon practice to avoid rain and head coach Matt Viator said the players adjusted well.

He said the team will add pads and install more of their offense and defense next week before full physical contact begins in the third week.

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.