Friday, March 13th, 2026
Good morning, Lake Charles. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 13th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ United Way SWLA hosted its 'Battle For The Paddle' cook-off on Mar. 12, raising thousands of dollars for local programs + community support. Organizers said the funds will help improve services in the area. 7 KPLC
- ➤ Today in Lake Charles, Date Night Paint Night and a music tour start a busy weekend as sports tournaments continue. Tomorrow and Sunday will feature a scavenger hunt, cook-off, and brunch performance + local markets and family events at various venues. Gator 99.5
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The fourth annual Louisiana Food and Wine Festival began in Lake Charles and will conclude with a Sunday Jazz Brunch at Ember Grille and Wine Bar — Friday’s Fire on the Lake at Bord du Lac Park kicks off live cooking and music while Saturday’s Grand Tasting promises VIP treatment. The American Press
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana maritime leaders are monitoring potential supply chain delays and rising energy costs as the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran enters its third week — local port officials say persistent disruptions could boost contractor work in the region. The Advocate
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ McNeese State University will open the new LNG Center of Excellence in April. Housed in a 23,000 sqft building, the center will offer training rooms, a PHMSA office, and a flexible 15-hour online certificate program for LNG professionals (Dr. Nikos Kiritsis provided the details this morning). 7 KPLC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said federal officials are easing visa rules to help Louisiana crawfish and shrimp farms with labor shortages during planting season; changes include updates to the H-2A program & adjusted rules for H-1B visas to support local aquaculture. 7 KPLC
- ➤ Sen. Robert Allain’s bill would let residents enter a $50 lottery for recreational alligator tags; if approved, the season will begin Oct. 1 south of Interstate 10. The measure aims to address overpopulation while protecting the commercial market — pending legislative approval. The Advocate
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A Lake Charles surgeon recently used a surgical robot to peel a crawfish at CHRISTUS Ochsner St. Patrick Hospital. The demonstration — blending Louisiana tradition and advanced medical tech — showcased the robot’s precise control. Gator 99.5
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ McNeese Coyboys won the championship last night at Townsley Law Arena and earned an NCAA bid, while high school teams from across the state are competing at Burton Complex in the LHSAA Marsh Madness tournament, which runs through Saturday, March 14. 7 KPLC
- ➤ McNeese freshman Larry Johnson was named Sports Person of the Week for his strong play and leadership on the field (his rising talent is set to boost team spirit this season). 7 KPLC
- ➤ On Mar. 12, the top-seeded cowgirls were upset by SFA in the SLC Championship as fans witnessed an unexpected result. 7 KPLC
- ➤ Washington-Marion ended its nearly decade-long absence from the LHSAA tournament when it lost to Peabody 52-48 in the Select Division II semifinals on March 11 at the Burton Complex. The American Press
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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.
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Swan Lake
7-10 p.m. — Rosa Hart Theatre — Last-minute tickets available — Experience the enchanting ballet of Swan Lake performed live.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Abilene Christian Wildcats at McNeese State Cowboys Baseball
12 p.m. — Joe Miller Ballpark — Ticket prices vary — Experience a thrilling three-game series of high-energy baseball and strategic depth from both teams.
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