Good morning, Lake Charles.

Lake Charles will host a cracklin cook-off at Jellystone RV Park and Resort this Saturday with registration at 9:00 a.m., cooking starting at 11:00 a.m., turn in food at 3:30 p.m. and live music by Wayne Toups at 7:00 p.m.

The Scott Boudin Festival is set to run from April 10-12, 2026 in Scott where locals will enjoy live music and Cajun food as the town celebrates its title as the Boudin Capital of the World.

The lineup features acts such as the Coteau Groove Band and Wayne Toups.

Gas prices across our state rose by 40 cents per gallon on Friday following military actions in Iran—pushing averages nearly to $3, according to AAA, while experts warned that if tensions continue, costs might increase further.

A hose failure at the offshore oil port near Port Fourchon caused a spill of 750 barrels of crude oil last week — cleanup crews recovered over 80% of the oil while 17 birds were affected.

Gov. Jeff Landry celebrated the $18,582,000 hangar project at Chennault International Airport on Friday, Mar.

6, which is expected to create over 100 construction jobs & boost local employment at Landlocked Aviation Services over the next 14 to 16 months.

Local officials gathered at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital on Friday, March 6 to learn about Pennington Biomedical's Greaux Healthy initiative, which aims to fight childhood obesity; Mayor Marshall Simien, Jr. declared March 5 as Greaux Healthy Day to promote community wellness.

McNeese' Cowgirls, with a record of 27 wins and 4 losses and 21 victories in 22 Southland Conference games, will begin tournament play on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at Townsley Law Arena as they aim for their third SLC Tournament title amid rival skepticism.

The 2026 Southland Conference Basketball Tournament begins tomorrow in Lake Charles, with men’s first rounds starting at 5:00 p.m. and a Fan Fest Tailgate at Legacy Center beginning March 9 offering live music, free food and drinks.

Games will stream on ESPN+ with later rounds on ESPNU and ESPN2.

McNeese State’s basketball programs have improved under AD Heath Schroyer’s leadership, with the men’s team at 26-5 and the women’s team at 27-4 as both aim for NCAA Tournament bids after Sunday’s selections.

Schroyer credited hard work from the university and community for driving the turnaround.

After record seasons, McNeese State players received honors from the Southland Conference Friday with Larry Johnson and Dakota Howard as Freshman of the Year and Ayla Guzzardo as Coach of the Year; Jalencia Pierre earned a third Defensive Player of the Year honor.

The Cowboys (26-5) have a strong home record and will host the SCL Tournament starting on Sunday night at Townsley Law Arena as they aim to return to the NCAA Tournament while awaiting MVP Javohn Garcia’s possible return from a leg injury.

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.

Rum Revival 2026

— March 26-28 — The Country Club at The Golden Nugget — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the flavors of rum, tequila, and Caribbean cuisine in Lake Charles.

Incarnate Word vs. McNeese State Cowgirls Softball

3-7 p.m. — Cowgirl Diamond — Check tickets for pricing — Witness a key Southland matchup as the Cowgirls showcase their strength and teamwork on the field.