Daily
Lake Charles
Thursday, April 16th, 2026
Good morning, Lake Charles. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Lake Charles hosts a weekend of events with a fundraiser featuring Wayne Toups at the Rotary Club (doors open 5:30 p.m. with show at 7 p.m.) Friday, comedian Katt Williams at the Event Center Saturday 8 p.m., Flea Fest at Burton Complex, and This Is Home Festival downtown Saturday. Gator 99.5
- ➤ The Rejoining Hands Autism Walk will take place this weekend at McNeese, where local families join to support autism awareness. Organizers plan a family-friendly stroll that encourages community unity and participation. 7 KPLC
- ➤ Residents in Westlake can clear unwanted items and help boost local cleanliness at the free Trash Bash at City Hall on Saturday, April 18, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Volunteers may drop off garbage, appliances, and electronics and join the cleanup along Sampson Street. 7 KPLC
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Westlake High School Theatre department is performing 'The Addams Family Musical' tonight at 7 p.m. at Westlake High Theatre (1000 Garden Drive) with a cast of 12 students, and tickets cost $10 available online. The American Press
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Earth Day is celebrated locally with a park cleanup and community celebration on Saturday, Apr. 18 at Mary Belle Williams Park and Riverside Park—Calcasieu libraries will host Earth Day programs from Apr. 20 to 22 for all ages. 7 KPLC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The NSA reminds Louisiana residents and local businesses to unplug and reboot their Wi-Fi routers — a simple step intended to install updates that guard against cyber attacks targeting sensitive data. Gator 99.5
- ➤ Louisiana regulators fast-tracked a $21 billion Entergy proposal tied to Meta’s second planned data center in Richland Parish on Wednesday, April 15. Some critics worry the expedited review may raise rates (Entergy expects the move to save customers $2 billion statewide). 7 KPLC
- ➤ Louisiana House Bill 834 passed unanimously and is headed to the Senate to set clear rules for handling stray animals statewide. The law helps shelters by requiring a minimum 3-day hold period (a new standard) before unclaimed animals can be moved for adoption or rescue. 7 KPLC
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The LHSAA released the 2026 softball playoff brackets on Wednesday, setting the stage for high school teams to compete at Frash Park in Sulphur — teams must meet deadlines on April 18, 22 and 25 as the state tournament is scheduled for May 1 and 2. Gator 99.5
- ➤ McNeese introduced Ashton Feldhaus as the new head coach for the women's basketball team on Wednesday inside Townsley Arena. The 30-year-old former head coach at Morehead State will rebuild the roster by retaining key players and adding talent from Sweden + more players in the coming weeks. Gator 99.5
- ➤ The Sam Houston Broncos defeated Barbe 13-2 in five innings on Tuesday to close out the regular season and extend their win streak to 11 games while breaking Barbe’s eight-game run. Senior right fielder Rayleigh Blanchard hit a key three-run home run in the fourth inning. The American Press
- ➤ Bill Armstrong and Larry Johnson received honors from the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches for their roles during McNeese's 28–6 season (including a Southland tournament win and NCAA berth). Johnson returns for his sophomore season with awards presented Saturday, May 2 at 6 p.m. (at the Baton Rouge Marriott). The American Press
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Ladyjacks vs. Cowgirls Softball Showdown
6-9 p.m. — Joe Miller Field at Cowgirl Diamond — Ticket pricing unavailable — Experience the intense Southland Conference rivalry as McNeese hosts Stephen F. Austin.
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Dolly Run 5K/1K Run/Walk for Reading
1-3 p.m. — Downtown Lake Charles — Entry fee required — Enjoy a fun run while supporting literacy in the community.
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Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns vs. McNeese State Cowgirls Softball
6-7 p.m. — Cowgirl Diamond — Admission varies — Experience a thrilling rivalry matchup as the Cowgirls defend their home turf against UL Lafayette.
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UTRGV Vaqueros at McNeese State Cowboys Men's Baseball
6 p.m. — Joe Miller Ballpark — Check for ticket prices — Watch the UTRGV Vaqueros battle the McNeese State Cowboys in a crucial season finale.
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A Market Soirée at Le Bocage
10 AM – 5 PM — The Stables At LeBocage — Free entry — Celebrate spring with shopping, music, and pony rides in a beautiful Southern setting.
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UTRGV at McNeese Baseball Game
1 p.m. — Joe Miller Ballpark — Ticket prices vary — Catch the thrilling conclusion of McNeese's regular season with significant postseason implications at this home game against UTRGV.
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Jolly Roger and Pirates Alley Book Signing
Time not specified — Riverside Park Complex — Book purchase required — Thomas Leveque discusses his novels and signs copies, sharing mysteries and adventures from Southern Louisiana.
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Yacht Rock at the Beach with Yachtley Crew
1-2:30 p.m. — L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles — Ticket required — Enjoy the smooth sounds of Yachtley Crew as they bring Yacht Rock to life at the beach.
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Wellness On The Water 5K
8 AM – 2 PM — Lake Charles Civic Center — Registration info available — Perfect for beginners and seasoned runners alike to enjoy a scenic race on the water.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
~ Thomas Jefferson
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