Good morning, Lake Charles.

Tickets for the Salvation Army’s Empty Bowl Fundraiser— set for May 8 at 5:30 p.m. at L’Auberge Casino Resort— are now available to raise funds for food, shelter and services in Lake Charles.

Guests will enjoy dinner, live music by Ryan Foret and the Foret Tradition, and get a hand-crafted bowl as a keepsake.

A vehicle accident at the I-10 Westbound bridge just past Lake Shore Drive caused heavy traffic and led DOTD to close the route—cameras showed vehicles being slowly guided around the wreck as of 7 a.m.—while motorists are advised to take alternate routes with increased congestion expected on I-210 West due to scheduled roadwork.

The exhibit Budding Talents is open at Imperial Calcasieu Museum and displays work by more than 20 emerging local artists from high schools and colleges.

The display will run through May 30 — it features paintings, ceramics, pastels, and other art forms.

Early voting will take place from April 19 to 26 for the May 3 municipal election.

Voters will cast ballots from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at local sites — absentee ballot requests must be made by 4:30 p.m. on April 29 with ballots received by 4:30 p.m. on May 2.

Calcasieu Parish officials said they will begin construction in the next 60 to 90 days on a new $51 million judicial complex that will replace aging court facilities damaged by hurricanes—adding 11 new courtrooms and expanded offices for the district attorney, public defender and clerk. The project will use four revenue streams instead of new tax dollars and is the largest building effort ever undertaken by the parish.

Former mayoral candidates showed support on social media for the runoff contenders—Taha endorsed incumbent Hunter after discussing city issues while Carter said Simien declined his endorsement and Steward chose not to support either candidate.

Early voting for the runoff begins April 19 and runs daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. until April 26, except on April 20.

Gavin Guidry will not pitch for LSU this season because he is set to have back surgery today for pain that kept him off the mound since Feb.

10. Head coach Jay Johnson said the team expects a three to four month recovery before he can return next fall.

At Jennings High School on April 15, two state title contenders dominated the District 3-3A track meet when Lake Charles College Prep won the boys championship and the St. Louis girls secured their 13th straight title—showing strong teamwork in each event.

The Iowa teams later swept the District 3-4A meet at Iowa High School, outpointing Leesville in both the boys and girls competitions.

Sam Houston earned the No. 1 seed in Non-select Division I softball after the playoff brackets were released on Wednesday and baseball pairings came out Tuesday.

Coach Beth Domingue said the Broncos, with a 26-2 record, will host matches in the bi-district round today and aim to reach the state tournament in Sulphur on May 2—3.

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.

Princess Day

— Time Range — Almosta Ranch LLC — $40 entry — Experience a magical day filled with princess-themed fun for all ages.