Good morning, Lake Charles.

SWLA abolitionists hosted their second annual gumbo cook-off — a local event that brought residents together to enjoy traditional recipes and celebrate their culinary heritage.

Local leaders shape our community as Marian Morgan joins King’s Funeral Home to boost its digital engagement, West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital welcomes Dr. Becnel to improve patient care, and Timothy Bush becomes secretary of the Louisiana Travel Association Board—Lake Charles native Loren Blanchard will assume the presidency at California State University, Long Beach on May 1.

On Feb. 28, Lake Charles' first Black sheriff, mayor and fire chief shared how they overcame barriers during their historic appointments and outlined future plans to boost inclusive leadership in the city.

A teenage terminal cancer patient's wish came true when local supporters met his heartfelt request (showing Lake Charles' commitment to care) in an effort to bring comfort during his battle with cancer.

On Saturday, Feb. 28, McNeese rallied to beat New Orleans at Lakefront Arena to keep hopes for a shared Southland Conference title alive — the Cowboys improved to 25-5 while New Orleans dropped to 14-16 ahead of their final regular season game.

Danny Barbaro delivered four hits and three RBIs as the Cowboys won 11-4 over Nicholls in Thibodeaux on Saturday.

The team will go for a series sweep today at 2 p.m. on ESPN+.

The Cowgirls broke records by beating New Orleans 73-49, extending their winning streak to 19 games and becoming the first Southland women’s team to notch 20 wins.

The team will host Stephen F. Austin Monday at 6:30 p.m. in Townsley Law Arena.

Saturday's boys basketball bi-district playoffs provided local excitement as Sulphur beat Benton 54 to 28, Barbe edged Mandeville 65 to 60, and Lake Arthur won 78 to 51 over East Feliciana (record 16 to 12) while regional games are scheduled for Tuesday.

Six local girls basketball teams will compete in the state semis as games begin Monday in Hammond.

Bell City rallied on Thursday to win 57-44 and will face Zwolle Tuesday as they aim for the championship.

McNeese State’s softball team swept Baylor in a doubleheader on Saturday in Waco, Texas, winning the opener 5-4 and the nightcap 6-2.

The Cowgirls improved their season record to 15-6 and marked three straight wins over power teams.

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.

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.

Swan Lake

7-10 p.m. — Rosa Hart Theatre — Last-minute tickets available — Experience the enchanting ballet of Swan Lake performed live.

Southeastern Louisiana Lions vs. McNeese State Cowboys Baseball

6 PM — Joe Miller Ballpark — Check local listings for ticket prices — Witness a thrilling Southland Conference matchup as McNeese kicks off their series against Southeastern Louisiana.

AMP Monster Truck Thunder Slam

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Golden Nugget Lake Charles Hotel & Casino — Ticket prices vary — Experience the thrill of monster trucks in a roaring showdown.

Southeastern Louisiana Lions vs. McNeese State Cowboys Men's Baseball

1 p.m. — Joe Miller Ballpark — Admission varies — Catch the thrilling series finale as both teams battle for crucial conference standings.