Good morning, Lake Charles.

Millennium Park reopened on April 16 after upgrades replaced its play surfaces + boosted safety, and now welcomes families to enjoy the park during the This Is Home Festival today.

City officials say the improvements will extend the park’s lifespan.

Spring Flea Fest returns to Lake Charles with local vendors who will offer unique finds and bargains (check local updates) as the event is scheduled soon.

Attendees should watch for confirmed times and locations.

The new QuikTrip store number 7229 officially opened at 6010 E.

Opelousas Street, offering 24-hour service, a 25¢ gas discount, hot meals, snacks and coffee. The store is also hiring for multiple positions & bringing job opportunities to our community.

The new Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu is now open in the Nellie Lutcher Cultural District, offering a 6,000-sqft immersive experience that highlights local Carnival traditions, interactive exhibits, and rental spaces for events — a symbol of Lake Charles’ resilience.

Gov. Landry held a keel laying at C & C Marine today to launch Woodside Energy's LNG facility project in Lake Charles, the largest foreign investment in state history.

The project will create thousands of jobs and include 250 permanent positions in tug construction for local suppliers.

A House committee advanced bills Tuesday (April 17) to assess if the TOPS scholarship program justifies its $320M price tag and to consider requiring repayment from students who fail or drop out, with a study involving the Board of Regents and the Workforce Commission to align education funding with workforce needs.

Former McNeese State All-American pitcher Cameron Foster made his MLB debut on Thursday night in Cleveland for the Orioles, pitching 1 2/3 scoreless innings, striking out three & nearly getting hit by a line drive while living his dream.

South Beauregard, DeQuincy, and Rosepine advanced in the LHSAA softball playoffs Friday as standout pitchers threw no-hitters to secure blowout wins.

DeQuincy will host the regional match next week, South Beauregard plays at Pine Prairie Monday at 5:30 p.m., and Rosepine will travel to Northlake Christian.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.