Good morning, Lake Charles.

At Greinwich Terrace, a five-year buyout program has demolished most vacant houses, creating space for new parks while in Greinwich Village, demolition began in December and residents report quieter streets.

The Housing Authority plans to clear remaining houses for rebuilds or remodeling by 2027.

Local seafood vendors say limited early supply may push crawfish prices higher when the season begins later this month.

Prices currently range from $5.75 to $9 per pound as buyers are advised to be patient until more supply comes in.

Today, the Lake Charles 12th Night celebration will mark the start of Mardi Gras season at the Lake Charles Event Center Coliseum.

The event features a Kid Zone (opens at 4:30 p.m.) and a Royal Presentation (at 6:00 p.m.), and kids 10 and under enter free.

Today at Lake Charles Event Center, Mardi Gras 2026 begins with the Twelfth Night celebration at 6 p.m. and will feature parades, dances+ and cook-offs across the city through February 17 at venues including Oak Park Elementary and Downtown.

Mardi Gras season kicks off today with the annual Twelfth Night celebration at the Lake Charles Event Center (900 Lakeshore Drive) starting at 6 p.m. The event will feature a mini-parade led by last year’s kings and queens and a Kid Zone from 4:30-6 p.m.

Mardi Gras returns today at the Lake Charles Event Center Coliseum with a refreshed, family-focused Twelfth Night Celebration (doors open at 4:30 p.m.).

The event features a parade with over 60 local krewes, dancing, prize giveaways, and a Kid Zone with crafts and games.

Carnival season will start on January 6 when locals switch from Christmas lights to king cakes & parades.

The celebration marks Epiphany with festive balls and time-honored traditions that bring our community together.

United Way of Southwest Louisiana pulled its plan to demolish a vacant downtown building after the Planning and Zoning Commission withdrew needed variances on Dec.

16. The change affects the intended one‑story expansion at 314 Broad St.

McNeese beat Lamar in the Battle of the Border Friday night at Townsley Law Arena — a record crowd of 4,612 cheered the Cowboys as they improved to 11-3 with a 19-game home winning streak, and they will face Stephen F.

Austin at 6:30 Monday night.

McNeese (82-70) beat Lamar on Friday at Townsley Law Arena in front of a record crowd of 4,612.

The win marked their seventh straight victory over Lamar and improved their overall record to 11-3 in the Southland Conference.

McNeese women's basketball will host Lamar in the Battle of the Border game today at 1 p.m. at Townsley Law Arena as they aim to improve their home record and secure a share of the Southland Conference lead.