Good morning, Lake Charles.

A national Carry the Load relay honoring fallen veterans will stop at the Port Wonder lawn on Friday, May 23rd at about 3 p.m. The event will feature a bus with local stories — a brief presentation and a relay walk along the beach that gives families a chance to learn the meaning of Memorial Day.

A teenage girl from Lake Charles College Prep was killed in a shooting early Tuesday morning at a rented house party in the University neighborhood — more than 40 shots were fired and police are still interviewing witnesses with no arrests made yet.

A Vinton man, John C.

Wimberly (38), was arrested on May 14 after being accused of stealing a utility trailer from La. 109 South on April 21 and later linked by surveillance and digital evidence to a tractor theft and an attempted tractor theft — he now faces charges including burglary, theft and criminal property damage while being held at Calcasieu Correctional Center with a bond of $511,000.

Downtown at Sundown returns on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. on the 1000 block of Ryan Street in front of Historic City Hall and the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse.

The outdoor festival features live music, food trucks and an art market that benefits the Literacy Council of SWLA + it will continue every Friday through June 13 with themed nights starting with Bayou Rhythms.

Secretary of State Nancy Landry announced that Louisiana became the first state to use a new voter maintenance database called DOGE that merges immigration status and death records to verify voter rolls—she met with federal officials in Washington, D.C. but did not say when the system will be used.

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.

Wellness on the Water Celebration

8-11 a.m. — Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino — Free entry — Experience an immersive celebration of movement, wellness, and community.

Gumbeaux Gators Home Opener vs. River Monsters

7 p.m. — Joe Miller Ballpark — Thrilling minor league baseball action as the Gumbeaux Gators take on the River Monsters.

Cajun Cowboy Cluster of Dog Shows

8 AM — Lake Charles Event Center — Cost Varies — Experience the excitement of dog shows brought to you by local kennel clubs in a festive atmosphere.

T-Gator Triathlon

7-11 a.m. — Sam Houston Jones State Park — Registration fees vary — Experience the thrill of the beloved T-Gator Triathlon with options for both individuals and relay teams.

Movie and a Craft

9:30-10:30 a.m. — Prien Lake Mall — Family-friendly event — Enjoy a morning of crafting and movie magic together.

Lake Charles Food Distribution

2-4 p.m. — 1225 2nd Street — Free food access — Support the local community with essential food distribution services.

Wayne Toups and Zydecajun Concert

7-9 p.m. — Jellystone Park™ Lake Charles — $15 at the door — Experience an exciting evening of Zydeco music under the stars.