Good morning, Lake Charles.

Communities celebrated MLK Day on Monday, Jan.

19 with a vibrant parade+ gumbo cookoff that highlighted local traditions, and residents came together to honor Dr. King’s legacy while enjoying music and regional flavors.

On Monday, Darian Seemion, a McNeese State University student, served cotton candy during the MLK Festival at the Lake Charles Events Center.

The festival celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. and brought the community together.

Families in Calcasieu Parish can register for T.S.

Cooley Elementary Magnet School’s 2026–27 program from Jan. 26 through Feb. 20 and must apply online for admission testing; eligible students enter kindergarten through fifth grade. The school is known for its strong academics (and arts integration) and National Blue Ribbon awards.

Starting Monday, Jan.

26, the Louisiana Department of Revenue will accept 2025 state tax returns. Taxpayers can file electronically through the LDR Taxpayer Access Point portal for free + use tax software or printed forms, with refunds expected in four weeks for online submissions and up to eight weeks for paper filings.

Louisiana's Department of Revenue announced that it will start accepting 2025 individual tax returns on Monday, Jan.

26. Taxpayers can file online & by mail, with electronic refunds expected in four weeks and paper refunds in eight weeks.

A national survey reveals ongoing stress, and local experts at Lake Area Counseling advise residents to disconnect and refocus energy by engaging in simple activities (like gardening and working out) for better mental well-being amid everyday pressures from finances to relationships.

Local experts offered simple strategies to help residents refocus their energy & relieve stress, sharing advice to support healthy living.

Their tips, published on Monday, Jan. 19, provide practical steps for managing daily pressures.

Mantra Yoga Center offers free donation-based yoga classes for all levels and appears at community events like the Alzheimer’s Walk + Wellness Expo to help residents improve mind and body health.

Prenatal yoga is offered Fridays at 10 a.m. for those seeking gentle exercise.

On Monday, Jan. 19 the Cowboys bounced back from an earlier loss to beat the Islanders 69-53 in Corpus Christi, Texas for their largest win there; they out-rebounded their rivals and improved to 15-4 (Larry Johnson led with 17 points and nine rebounds).

Desert Highway Valentine's Dinner

8-11 p.m. — L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles — Cost not specified — Celebrate love with a romantic dinner and an unforgettable live performance by Desert Highway, the ultimate Eagles tribute.

McNeese State Cowgirls Basketball vs. UTRGV

5:59-8:59 p.m. — Townsley Law Arena, Doland Fieldhouse — Check for ticket prices — Witness a critical Southland Conference matchup as the Cowgirls battle UTRGV for tournament seeding.