Good morning, Lake Charles.

The Lake Charles City Council honored local humanitarian Pearl Cole on March 18 by presenting a certificate for her 38 years of service with Abraham’s Tent (she could not attend due to health issues), ensuring her legacy lives on in the community.

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office will host its Youth Fishing Derby on April 18 (7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.) at the CPSO Farm Pond behind the Correctional Center, where children aged 5 to 15 can learn to fish and enjoy provided refreshments and bait in a safe setting.

The 2026 Iowa Rabbit Festival is in full swing at Burton Complex in South Lake Charles; Friday's live music shows led into today's cook-off and stage performances inside the Burton Coliseum (family-friendly and fun) that offer carnival rides, arts, crafts and local food.

ACTS Theatre in Lake Charles presents the musical 'Sister Act' today at 7 p.m. with additional shows at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at 1 Reid St. Tickets can be bought via phone at (337) 433-2287 or online.

Louisiana officials lifted decades-old school desegregation orders to release districts from federal oversight.

Calcasieu Parish NAACP leaders say the change may reverse progress in integration + community efforts are underway to study its impact on school funding and teacher distribution.

The City of Lake Charles will host the Mid-City In Motion Day on April 25 from 10 a.m. to noon behind Prien Lake Mall, where families can participate in fun activities and learn about plans to grow parks, housing and businesses while sharing their views with officials.

Lake Charles Memorial Health System and Second Harvest Food Bank teamed up to fight food insecurity by sharing resources to provide fresh food to local residents — a partnership announced on March 20 that aims to boost local food access.

Women in the Lake Charles area can join a free health event called Pause for Menopause today at 11 a.m. at the Allen August multi purpose annex on Moeling Street where local medical experts discuss menopause symptoms and care while donations support Oasis + A Safe Haven.

Southwest Louisiana is a bird watching paradise with fall, winter, and spring as peak seasons along the Cameron Parish marshes and wildlife refuges.

The guide advises visitors to bring binoculars, a small bird guide, and comfortable gear to enjoy the outdoors.

McNeese State basketball ended its season last Thursday after a close tournament loss, as coach Bill Armstrong lauded a record-setting run and plans to review returning players (the transfer portal opens April 7).

McNeese State’s Cowgirls beat Texas A&M 68-48 in College Station as they earned their first win over a Power 4 team and will pursue their record 30th win on Sunday at 4 p.m. in San Diego on ESPN+.

The Barbe Bucs won 5-4 on a walk-off hit by Jordin Griffin on Thursday, extending their win streak to 21 games, while Sam Houston edged Acadiana 3-2 with a late go-ahead run and Oakdale pitched a no-hitter in a 13-0 win.

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.

Orin Swift Wine Dinner at Chart House

7-10 p.m. — Chart House — $140 Per Person — Savor an exquisite five-course dinner paired with exceptional Orin Swift wines.

Incarnate Word Cardinals vs. McNeese State Cowboys Baseball

2-5 p.m. — Joe Miller Ballpark — Check ahead for ticket prices — Witness a thrilling Southland Conference series as the Cardinals take on the Cowboys in a weekend of competitive baseball.