Good morning, Lake Charles.

Final plans are in place for a ceremony to honor Specialist 4 Albert Billy Sonnier, an Elton native killed in the Vietnam War, which will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 3 at the Vietnam War Memorial at the Louisiana Oil and Gas Park in Jennings—organizer John Semmes said local veterans and community members will gather to remember his sacrifice and service.

The City of Lake Charles celebrated Earth Day by giving away free trees to replace those lost during Hurricane Laura—families enjoyed an interactive Art in the Park event led by experts.

The city will host a STEM racing event called 'Cardboard for a Canoe' on May 3 at North Beach.

International city planner Jeff Speck, known for advocating walkable cities, will speak in Lake Charles next week at the Lake Charles Event Center Contraband Room at 5:30 p.m.—his lecture will offer local leaders practical recommendations like repainting streets and adjusting speed limits, and he will sign books at 7 p.m.

On April 25, 2025, Calcasieu Correctional Center processed arrests of several individuals charged with burglary, drug offenses, DWI, domestic abuse and other crimes—records show suspects from Lake Charles and nearby areas.

Ashley Vallery—who teaches third-grade special education at Western Heights in Westlake—was named the American Press and Don’s Car Wash Teacher of the Year after her first year of teaching; she brings years of experience and local passion to her classroom and plans to refine her methods for the coming school year.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers suspended the permit for the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project due to uncertainty from information state officials withheld and unresolved negotiations in Plaquemines Parish — the order halts work within 10 days following a 90-day pause.

Gov. Landry criticized the project’s high cost and potential harm to coastal restoration while officials plan to study a smaller-scale diversion.

Class 3A track and field championships will be held Monday at McNeese State University as top boys teams including Glen Oaks, Lake Charles College Prep, and Parkview Baptist and leading girls teams like Parkview Baptist and St. Louis Catholic vie for the regional title ahead of the state meet at LSU. Coaches say strong field events and top runners, such as Braylon White (No. 3 in the triple jump), will be key to a competitive meet.

On Saturday, April 26th, 2025, No. 20 Sulphur upset No. 4 Haughton in the Baseball Regional playoffs by winning the series 2-0—Noah Courtney led with a double and 2 RBI while the Tors will travel to face winners from Benton and Ruston.

McNeese Cowgirls clinched a share of the title after winning 6-1 against Stephen F.

Austin Saturday, earning their fourth straight Southland Conference regular season championship and improving their record to 35-18 overall with two games left against the Lady Lumberjacks. The team will host a game starting Thursday at Joe Miller Ballpark—this matchup will help decide playoff placements.

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.

Parent Walk Event

5-7 p.m. — Lake Charles Event Center — Free entry — A FUN-filled evening of walking, connection, and healthy snacks for parents and children.