Daily
Lake Charles
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Good morning, Lake Charles. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local organizers have announced Motor Gras Parade 2026 as an upcoming event in Lake Charles. Officials will share details on the parade's route and schedule soon. 7 KPLC
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Country singer Josh Turner will perform at Golden Nugget's Grand Event Center on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 8:00 p.m. Fans can still secure last-minute tickets for a night of traditional country music. Gator 99.5
- ➤ The 7News Daily Digest released its Mardi Gras edition on Tuesday, Feb. 17 (4:48 p.m.), covering local festivities in Lake Charles. 7 KPLC
- ➤ Tomorrow, Ash Wednesday starts Lent, a 40-day period when many in our community plan to give up foods and habits as a personal sacrifice — locals may replace red meat with seafood and enjoy crawfish boils on Fridays. Gator 99.5
- ➤ A local article highlights 20 creative chants used by Mardi Gras revelers to catch beads with the signature call 'Throw Me Something Mister'—and it invites residents to suggest new sayings to spark a trend for 2027. Gator 99.5
- ➤ 7News at Six (our local station) is covering SWLA 2026 Mardi Gras live with updates on parades and festivities as they unfold. The broadcast highlights local traditions and brings our community together around shared celebrations. 7 KPLC
- ➤ The Krewe of Krewes Parade 2026 will bring festive floats, live music, and community spirit to downtown Lake Charles later this month. Officials announced the event on Feb. 17, and details on the route and start time will be shared soon + residents can join the celebration. 7 KPLC
- ➤ Lake Charles will host the Mardi Gras Royal Gala as part of its Mardi Gras festivities, with organizers planning local culture and entertainment + further details to be announced. 7 KPLC
- ➤ Revelers filled Ryan Street on Sunday for the annual Jeeps on Parade with Seven Slot Societ as part of Mardi Gras celebrations. Photos captured lively moments of floats and community spirit. The American Press
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ McNeese women’s basketball team, led by first-year coach Ayla Guzzardo, is on record pace with a 15-game win streak and a three-game conference lead as they aim to clinch a league title with a win against Rio Grande Valley on Thursday night. The American Press
- ➤ McNeese State baseball will use several pitchers in today's 6 p.m. midweek game against Louisiana Tech in Ruston as they work on building their pitching rotation, with the game streaming on ESPN (subscription required). The American Press
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Banners 2026 Presents: Orchid-Stra
12-6 p.m. — F.G. Bulber Auditorium — Admission varies — Experience a stunning orchid exhibition presented by the Calcasieu Orchid Society.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Lake Charles
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