Good morning, Lake Charles.

A Baton Rouge jury awarded Texas scaffolding contractor Jose Valdivia $411 million for a 2022 injury at a Lake Charles refinery.

His case—believed to be the largest single-plaintiff verdict in Louisiana—is disputed by Brock Services, which said it will appeal.

Country music fans in Lake Charles will enjoy the Roots & Boots Tour performing on September 6 at 8 p.m. at L’Auberge Casino Resort featuring (Sammy Kershaw, Collin Raye, and Aaron Tippin).

Presale tickets will go on sale (April 10 at 10 a.m. with code COUNTRY).

SOWELA Technical Community College has received approval for Louisiana's first-ever aviation maintenance apprenticeship program in partnership with Citadel Completions—students will gain on-the-job training while earning starting wages as they learn to maintain aircraft.

Registration is open for Summer and Fall, allowing participants to work toward a full-time position after graduation.

Louisiana’s colleges reported about 6,800 international students in March—a figure 8% lower than in March 2024—with declines mainly among students from Nigeria, India, Nepal, and Ghana.

Experts said tighter immigration policies and fewer student visas contributed to the drop, although enrollments from China increased.

KPLC will host a live debate on Tuesday, April 15 at 7:30 p.m. between mayoral runoff candidates Mayor Nic Hunter and Marshall Simien Jr. after Hunter received 47% on March 29 and Simien got 29%, forcing a runoff on May 3 + the station is asking viewers to submit questions for the candidates.

The Louisiana health department may lose up to $86 million in federal funding from DOGE cuts — final invoice totals will be confirmed at the end of April — and that loss could affect Medicaid and other public health programs.

Twenty Louisiana hospitals received low safety scores — either a C or D grade — and patients are advised to check their hospital's rating using the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Guide before undergoing major treatments.

This information helps people make choices that could protect their health during care.

Tuesday, April 8, the Cowgirls swept Corpus Christi at Joe Miller Field with run-rule wins—an 11-3 and a 10-2 victory—that tied them with Southeastern in first place.

They improved to a 27-17, 13-4 record and will seek a series sweep today at 1 p.m., as they hold the tiebreaker from wins in Hammond.

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.

Riley Green Concert

7-11 p.m. — Lake Charles Event Center — From $118+ — Enjoy a night of country music with Riley Green at a local venue.