Good morning, Lake Charles.

On Thursday, April 23, the Empty Bowl event will run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at L'Auberge Casino Resort; hosted by The Salvation Army, attendees receive a simple meal with soup, bread and water and a handmade bowl while funds support local food banks and shelters.

Hosted by Gator Guns, the Lake Charles Gun & Knife Show runs at the Lake Charles Event Center on Saturday, May 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, May 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., featuring vendors offering firearms, knives & outdoor gear with on-site background checks.

Movies Under the Stars will host a free showing of Lilo & Stitch this Friday, April 24 at Mallard Junction Park in Lake Charles.

Families are encouraged to come early for good lawn seating as free popcorn and cotton candy will be provided.

Burt Tieje at Tallgrass Farm in Jeff Davis Parish is hosting annual crawfish tours from March to May to share his family legacy and local traditions with visitors (350 Lake Charles elementary students will join soon).

Three local men—a truck driver, a business owner, and a handyman—reveal how rising gas and grocery costs are tightening budgets as summer travel demands add extra strain.

They warn that without higher incomes local expenses may further burden families & finances.

The LNG Center of Excellence opened Monday, Apr.

20 at McNeese State University to link education+industry+government+community for innovative workforce training in the energy sector.

Lake Charles native Rosaline Thomas released the Self-Esteem Glow Up Journal to help teen girls build confidence through creative prompts.

Available on Amazon and her website, the wellness toolkit was released on April 18.

Crawfish prices in SWLA are falling as drive-thru spots now offer deals with 10-pound specials at $3.99 a pound & live crawfish at $2.75 a pound, making it a good time to plan a family boil.

Interior designer Lauren Granger transforms her home into a calm sanctuary by blending outdoor beauty with clear, organized spaces.

She uses a locally-built table and personal storage for every family member to create a spot where they can relax and feel good.

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.