Good morning, Lake Charles.

Lake Charles Police said a Houston man died in a fatal crash on I-10 Monday just before midnight when his 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe, driven by Ira Charles Perkins, struck guardrails—blocking both lanes and ending his life despite Acadian Ambulance’s efforts.

A Lake Charles man, Jared Moreno, is accused of raping three children under 12 and his wife, Lova Moreno, faces charges for failing to report the abuse despite her role at the Calcasieu Parish School District—Calcasieu Sheriff Stitch Guillory stressed that the case highlights Louisiana’s strict mandated reporter laws.

Lake Charles police arrested 19-year-old Authur Lee Jack Tuesday morning at a West LaGrange Street apartment in connection with the murder of Daniel Hernandez, who was shot in a wrecked vehicle on McNeese Street on March 9—he is the second suspect charged after Keith Demetrius Syas was arrested last month.

Aviation maintenance students at Sowela Technical Community College will soon join Louisiana's first aircraft maintenance apprenticeship program sponsored by Citadel Completions, certified by the state Apprenticeship Division.

The 24-month program—aligned with Sowela's school schedule—will let students learn in class in the morning and work in the evening to move toward FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification while earning a livable wage.

The Iowa Police Department is down three to four officers and is working with city officials to restore benefits cut from its HSA program—benefits that help pay officer healthcare and disability costs—and chief Keith Vincent said the staffing shortage is common when officers retire, resign or transfer. The department, which has 20 staff members including dispatchers, investigators and officers, said a recent homicide investigation was led by the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office due to its extra resources, and he assured residents that rumors of having only two or three workers are false.

Louisiana state agencies are facing severe budget cuts as the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries saw its request drop by $94 million mainly because federal funds fell by $71 million—other agencies like Energy and Natural Resources and Environmental Quality are also affected. The House Appropriations Committee met this week to review these requests and will reconvene on April 14 to decide next year’s funding.

A federal court struck down Arkansas’ age verification law on Monday and NetChoice filed a complaint challenging Louisiana’s Senate Bill 162, which requires age checks and parental permission for users under 16.

The lawsuit was filed on March 18 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District and could place the law—in effect since July 1—at risk.

McNeese basketball star Christian Shumate will compete in the King’s Hawaiian Slam Dunk Championship today in San Antonio at Frost Bank Center as part of the State Farm College Slam Dunk 3-Point Championships broadcast live on ESPN at 6 p.m. He is one of six players in the contest—expected to show his leaping skills—and his performance will add excitement to the Final Four festivities.

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.

Rollin’ on the River Car Show

9 AM – 2 PM — Sam Houston Jones State Park — Free entry — Experience a showcase of cars, trucks, and motorcycles while enjoying food trucks and exciting raffles.