Good morning, Lake Charles.

A weekend packed with music and festival fun awaits SWLA.

The Iowa Rabbit Festival runs Thursday through Saturday at Burton Complex in South Lake Charles (carnival, live music and a rabbit cook-off) while the Monster X Tour brings truck shows and pit parties at the Lake Charles Event Center on Saturday.

A recent USAFacts study shows Louisiana has gained more residents for a second consecutive year, reversing a trend of losing about 11,000 people annually.

Some parishes, however, like Cameron face steep declines due to high elevation and flood insurance costs that hurt housing affordability.

Native wildflowers along I-210 in Lake Charles may be cut as part of routine DOTD work beginning today until Apr.

18, and local naturalists say the blooms help feed bees and butterflies (DOTD notes mowers often operate in high-traffic areas).

Louisiana officials closed oyster harvesting areas near Port Fourchon after a Feb.

26 oil spill raised contamination fears, and seafood workers worry that local markets may suffer until federal safety standards are met.

Work is underway on the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Replacement Project which will add an elevated interchange over Sampson Street to ease traffic at Westlake—Sampson Street is set to close from Sulphur Avenue to I-10 for 18 months starting in late 2028.

A teacher saved a 6-year-old from choking during lunch yesterday by quickly clearing the airway, and officials say the prompt response averted a serious incident.

Louisiana Health Department is shifting $6.5 million to build a new statewide crisis hub that boosts mental health support for adults and teens.

The plan, outlined at a committee meeting this week, will improve crisis care by year-end for communities like Lake Charles.

The McNeese Courtside Cowboys pep band mixes practiced chants & live heckling to boost game energy.

They will perform today when McNeese faces Vanderbilt in Oklahoma City.

The Cowgirls meet Texas A&M at Reed Arena today in College Station, Texas at 7 p.m. to open postseason play in the WBIT; both teams aim to rebound after missing the NCAA Tournament.

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.