Good morning, Lake Charles.

Local families embraced National Guard soldiers who returned Tuesday from nearly a year-long deployment, reuniting at community events across town.

Jo’s Party House reopened its permanent bakery in south Lake Charles at 3830 Nelson Rd. this week after nearly six years away due to Hurricane Laura, continuing to serve its signature cakes and delicacies.

Multiple concerts will take place in Lake Charles in April 2026.

The Golden Nugget hosts shows including ZZ Top on April 3 and Babyface on April 24, L'auberge Casino Resort holds the Reggae Fest on April 26 at 1:00 p.m., and Jellystone RV park schedules live music each weekend.

Classic cars and Cajun tunes take over the day at Jellystone RV and Resorts Spring Car Show and Cajun Music Fest on Saturday, March 21 in Lake Charles (gates open at 6 p.m. for the concert running 7–9 p.m.).

SOWELA Digital Arts students earned 12 awards at the Regional AAF competition in Houston and will compete in a district-level contest covering Louisiana & Arkansas & Oklahoma & Texas.

Southern University School of Nursing was named the nation’s top nursing school by Nurse.org for the second year, celebrating 40 years of service.

The school will soon begin using a new 69,000 sqft facility funded partly by local hospitals — a boost to nursing training.

For over 35 years, the SWLA Literacy Council has offered reading, writing and math classes to over 1,000 adult learners in Lake Charles and nearby parishes (including Jennings and DeRidder) to help overcome low literacy skills.

Louisiana officials will release a nuclear energy framework (expected in coming weeks) to meet growing power demand.

Gov Jeff Landry’s team and Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois say the plan will guide the state’s clean energy progress.

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.

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.

Southeastern Louisiana Lady Lions at McNeese State Cowgirls Softball

4-7 p.m. — Cowgirl Diamond — Ticket prices vary — Watch the Cowgirls defend their home turf in a key conference showdown against Southeastern.

R&B Experience

8-11 p.m. — Panorama Music House — Full menu and bar available — Enjoy a smooth night of live R&B with DJs and singers in an unforgettable ambiance.