Good morning, Lake Charles.

The 2nd Annual Mardi Gras Buddy Russ Foundation Golf Classic will tee off on Friday, May 1 at Contraband Bayou Golf Course at L'Auberge Casino Resort, starting at 8:30 a.m. to support the Buddy Russ Foundation in helping families facing cancer.

Businesses along north side of Lake Shore Drive, including Steamboat Bills, a seafood restaurant operating for 40 years, face relocation as I-10 River Bridge construction begins.

Affected owners will receive DOT relocation assistance + property acquisition is expected to complete by end of 2027 while the owner plans to rebuild quickly.

Billy's Boudin will open a new location in Lacassine near Henry's Travel Plaza at 14390 Hwy 101; the popular local eatery known for its savory boudin and cracklins will bring its Cajun flavors to the community soon.

Frank Foster will perform at the Golden Nugget's Grand Event Center on Saturday, June 13.

Tickets will be available on the casino’s website or in person at the box office.

Sowela’s Technical Community College-Morgan Smith campus has upgraded its surgical technology and sterile processing labs with $350,000 to boost student training in realistic hospital simulations.

The labs feature six simulation areas and 10 procedure training stations (with hi-def 4K cameras) to enhance hands-on skill development.

Gov. Jeff Landry and Louisiana Economic Development announced Tuesday a $140M FastSites program to prep industrial sites for infrastructure development + 19 projects statewide are planned, with funds returning to the state through a revolving mechanism.

Lake Charles DJ Scotty Schadler returned from a Disney Cruise with Laura and Hannah, saying the trip (featuring bourbon tasting and stops in Progreso and Cozumel) is a must-try family vacation.

The Cowgirls beat Houston 14-9 Tuesday night in a pre-Southland Conference game that featured eight home runs, including a grand slam by Nyjah Fontenot who earned SLC Hitter of the Week, and will now host Lamar this weekend.

Local prep baseball and softball games played on Monday featured close contests and standout plays in schools like Barbe and Westlake.

Washington’s one-out hit (scored Gillen Mcgee) and a combined no-hitter by Mire and Pearson marked key moments as teams updated their season records.

Bell City beat Zwolle 61-39 (in the LHSA girls tournament semifinals in Hammond last Tuesday) and will face the winner of Pitkin vs Fairview at 6 p.m. on Friday as the Bruins seek their first state title since 1973.

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.

NJCAA Division 1 Women's Basketball National Championship

Various times — The Legacy Center — Ticket prices vary — Witness the top junior college teams battle for national glory in women's basketball.