Good morning, Lake Charles.

Lake Charles will host the annual one-mile ‘Joining Hands for Autism’ walk at the Enos Derbonne Sports Complex on Saturday, April 5 — registration starts at 7:30 a.m., the walk begins at 8:30 a.m., and awards will be presented later that morning to honor key team achievements; the event aims to raise awareness and promote inclusion for those affected by autism. Melissa Griffin and Laura Davila said the walk is expected to bring community members together to celebrate supportive efforts.

Calcasieu Correctional Center reported on March 30 that Lake Charles resident Toni Cartez (26) was booked on charges of firearm possession by a felon, speeding, and expired registration; Natalie Richelle Rankins (21) faced property damage and drug charges; Beaux Brandon Etheridge (37) was booked for theft, unauthorized entry, and disturbing the peace; Angela Jolene Rodriguez (45) was booked for contempt of court and violation of protective orders; and James Ray Porter (70) was booked on a parole detainer.

Cyphacon 2025 is a 3-day pop culture convention taking place April 11th—13th at the Lake Charles Event Center to celebrate 13 years with celebrity guests, cosplay contests, musical acts and panels.

Tickets can be bought at the Event Center Box Office or Ticket Master Online until the event ends.

Moss Bluff firefighters have filed a lawsuit alleging that the Ward 1 Fire Department’s pay scale violates state law by paying new recruits the same as long-serving colleagues — a practice that has persisted for over a decade.

The 20 plaintiffs are seeking past wages and a revised pay plan.

The City of Lake Charles Mayor’s Armed Forces Commission recognized Vietnam War veterans over the weekend at the Lake Charles Event Center before unveiling the Louisiana Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Veterans Memorial Park.

The $150 thousand monument, funded by corporate and individual donations and created following legislation sponsored by Senator Jeremy Stine, honors over 800 soldiers lost in combat.

Today at 5 p.m., West Prien Lake Road reopened for two-way traffic so local residents can use the southbound route from the roundabout to I-210.

The joint project by the City and Calcasieu Parish Police Jury upgraded the road with a full lane and a bike path — sidewalk on the east side — and will soon receive final touches to reduce congestion.

Edward “Buzzy” Ribbeck said he built his career restoring historic buildings and remodeling them to keep their classic design—he started Ribbeck Construction in 1982 and has completed projects around Southwest Louisiana and in other states.

He explained that following federal and state guidelines lets owners earn up to 40 percent in tax credits—helping them fund preservation work.

The Cowgirls will host nationally ranked LSU in a softball game today with first pitch at 6 p.m.—they come off two wins at Incarnate Word and start a nine-game Southland Conference stretch.

Meanwhile, the Cowboys baseball team will face Alcorn at 3 p.m.—aiming for their 20th win after a bye week and a rise to 24th in the Mid-Major Power Rankings.

Christian Shumate will go to San Antonio to compete in the King’s Hawaiian Slam Dunk Championship at Frost Bank Center on Thursday — while Javohn Garcia is staying in Lake Charles to play his third season for McNeese State men’s basketball.

Hamilton Christian’s Javon Vital — a sophomore — led his team to its first state championship and earned title-game MVP as he was named Outstanding Player on the Louisiana Sports Writers Association Class 1A all-state team.

Southern Lab’s Shaila Forman, who returned from an ACL injury, scored 24 points in the championship game to help her team win their third title and earn the same honor.

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.

Easter Family Fun Fest

11 AM – 3 PM — Crying Eagle Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy a day of Easter festivities perfect for the whole family.

Dolly Run 5K for Reading

1:00 PM – 4:59 PM — 815 Ryan St, Lake Charles, LA — Registration required — Run or walk a picturesque 3.1-mile course in downtown Lake Charles to promote literacy.