Good morning, Lake Charles.

McNeese Theatre previews its 2026 season at Tritico Theatre.

Next to Normal runs Mar. 4–7 (with a matinee on Mar. 7) and The Flick plays Apr. 22–25 (with a matinee on Apr. 25); students get free admission with ID.

Local doctors urge residents to check their blood pressure, cholesterol and A1C during Heart Month in February—a simple step to reduce heart risks, while support is offered through the Mended Hearts Program at Christus hospitals in the community.

This Valentine's Day, locals in Lake Charles can enjoy a festive crawfish meal that provides a fun alternative to flowers and chocolates while strengthening family bonds.

Visit Lake Charles has released a list of spots offering sit-down and takeout options across Southwest Louisiana & promises a memorable celebration.

LaRoque Homes broke ground on the 2026 St. Jude dream home in Lake Charles on Feb.

11. The one-story brick home features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a dedicated study and dining area, and an outdoor space with a summer kitchen, fireplace, and screened porch while tickets go on sale in July.

Today, McNeese baseball opens its season at home with a three-game series against Sam Houston State at Joe Miller Ballpark, as returning players and head coach Justin Hill (team leader) rely on veteran pitcher Cooper Golden for the opener.

The team aims to build on last season.

Visit Lake Charles previews nearly a dozen major sports events that will boost local energy in the coming weeks.

The calendar includes the One World One Love Invitational Feb. 19–21 at the Lake Charles Event Center plus the NJCAA Women’s Basketball Championship Mar. 24–31 at Townsley Law Arena, the Marucci 1st Pitch Classic in Sulphur Mar. 5–7, the Louisiana VEX Robotics State Tournament Feb. 26–Mar. 1, and the AJGA Lake Charles Junior Championship Apr. 2–5.

Senior guard Javohn Garcia leads McNeese State with stats very similar to last season despite battling a flu bug and leg issues; his play helped secure an 18 point win by four on Monday.

His coach expects him to be more aggressive as the Cowboys, 20+5, enter their stretch run.

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.

Senior Night: UTRGV vs. McNeese State Cowboys Mens Basketball

6:30-9:59 p.m. — Townsley Law Arena — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate graduating student-athletes in an emotional final home game of the regular season.

LSU Tigers vs McNeese State Cowgirls Softball

6-9 p.m. — Joe Miller Field at Cowgirl Diamond — Ticket info not provided — Catch the Cowgirls as they take on the LSU Tigers in a thrilling softball matchup.

Iowa Hawkeyes at McNeese State Cowgirls Softball

3-6 p.m. — Joe Miller Field at Cowgirl Diamond — Admission details not provided — Catch the exciting midweek softball showdown as the Cowgirls aim for victory against Iowa.

AWS Certified Machine Learning: Specialty Training

8 a.m. — Health and Safety Council (HASC) Louisiana — $2100 — Master machine learning with expert-led training in a hands-on environment.

Groove on the Green

5-7 p.m. — Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana — Free entry — Enjoy a lively evening of jazz under the lush oaks with friends.

Houston Christian Huskies vs. McNeese State Cowboys Baseball

2 p.m. — Joe Miller Ballpark — Ticket prices vary — Witness an exciting afternoon of baseball as the Huskies face off against the Cowboys in this thrilling series continuation.

Southland Conference Men's Basketball Championships - First Round

5 PM – 9 PM — Townsley Law Arena — Ticket prices vary — Witness thrilling single-elimination games as teams battle for a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Southland Conference Women's Championship Game

4-7 p.m. — Townsley Law Arena — Tickets from $75 — Experience thrilling college basketball as teams compete for the Southland Conference title.