Good morning, Lake Charles.

Food lovers can enjoy the annual Louisiana Food and Wine Festival in Lake Charles starting March 12 with culinary contests, tastings, and live music; the four-day event features indoor and outdoor activities at L’Auberge Casino Resort and Ember Grille.

Lake Charles will host the 2026 Louisiana Food and Wine Festival featuring local vendors and family-friendly activities.

Mayoral candidate James (Jim) Shapkoff also outlined plans to strengthen military ties and expand Leesville’s industrial park.

McNeese State University’s Speech and Debate Team won an international title in Athens after claiming the inaugural Content Creation Scavenger Hunt at the International Forensics Association tournament.

The revamped program was led by Tryfon Boukouvidis and Morgan LeBleu after recovering from COVID-19 and hurricanes.

SOWELA Technical Community College is now enrolling for its Practical Nursing program to train licensed practical nurses through classroom and supervised clinical work at accredited facilities.

Registration opens March 30 for Summer and Fall 2026 at locations including Lake Charles (and other areas).

Lake Charles and Sulphur courts will offer Fresh Start Amnesty Week from March 16 to 20 to clear warrants, missed appearances and unpaid fines.

Lake Charles courts are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sulphur courts are open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Residents should bring ID, case documents).

Louisiana lawmakers are considering Senate Bill 230 that would raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.25 an hour — voters will decide in November and the change would take effect in January.

If approved, wages will then adjust each September based on inflation.

McNeese will face UTRGV in the Southland Tournament semifinals Tuesday night in Lake Charles — the team has won 12 of their last 13 games and is set to advance toward March Madness.

Tickets cost $10 for general admission and $5 for standing room, and the game will air on ESPN+.

No. 4 Lacassine beat No. 8 Pitkin in a physical Class B semifinal game, winning 72-63 at the LHSAA tournament on Monday.

Lacassine will face No. 2 Zwolle at 6:00 p.m. Friday in the championship game — the first back-to-back state title run for Southwest Louisiana since Washington-Marion in 2016.

McNeese won a triple overtime game that put its team into the Southland Conference Championship.

The win took place at their home field, and they now prepare for a tougher matchup in the championship.

Washington-Marion and Lacassine are in the final week of the state basketball tournament at the Burton Complex.

Washington-Marion faces No. 2 Peabody on Wednesday at 8 p.m. in the semifinals while Lacassine, fresh off a quarterfinal win over Pitkin, aims to defend its title in Friday's final.

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.

Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles

6-9 p.m. — Southlake Theater — Tickets available — Experience a magical evening of live music from iconic British rock legends under candlelight.