Wednesday, April 1st, 2026
Good morning, Lake Charles. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 1st of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Buddy Russ Conrad, a beloved local radio personality, passed away three years ago and is remembered with a life-size cutout at the studio and ongoing stories from community members. His parents keep his legacy alive through the Buddy Russ Foundation, which supports families battling cancer and aspiring broadcasters. Gator 99.5
- ➤ A Charlotte-based nonprofit brought 17-year-old London Potts with epilepsy to Lake Charles today for the Juco women’s national championship game, marking her first sports dream experience — a historic moment for both the organization and local community. 7 KPLC
- ➤ The 'Dream on 3' program granted a wish that brings a dreamer to Lake Charles today—local organizers say the event celebrates community spirit and offers a day of special surprises. 7 KPLC
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Tracy Lawrence will perform his biggest hits at the Golden Nugget on Friday, April 10th in Lake Charles as fans join in for an energetic country music night. Tickets are available at the box office and on Ticketmaster. Gator 99.5
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Today's gas prices in Louisiana average about $3.63 per gallon, lower than the national $4.02, but have been rising as crude oil tops $100 a barrel amid global tension—comparisons show Oklahoma has the lowest and California the highest prices. Gator 99.5
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ SOWELA Technical Community College students earned 23 medals at the SkillsUSA State Conference, including historic first gold wins in Digital Cinema and Electrical Construction Wiring. The medalists will represent Louisiana at the national event in Atlanta later this summer (underscoring their strong technical training). 7 KPLC
- ➤ Nunez Community College is hosting a free public watch party for NASA’s Artemis II launch today at 5 p.m. at the STCCC Building (a venue for local aerospace talent) where attendees will see the mission send astronauts around the moon on a 10-day trip. 7 KPLC
- ➤ Sowela Technical Community College will offer summer culinary camps for grades 6-12 starting June 1 and continuing through July 17 at its main campus, giving students hands-on kitchen training, menu planning, and food safety + teamwork lessons. Registration costs $300 per student and space is limited. The American Press
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Six grill brushes sold at Home Depot have been recalled by Nexgrill after loose wire bristles injured five users - local grillers with models from 2015 to 2026 should stop using them and contact Nexgrill for refund instructions. Gator 99.5
- ➤ A study of nearly 12,000 calls to Louisiana’s 988 hotline found that suicide-related calls rose significantly—up to 166% after the hottest nights. Researchers warn that as heat increases, mental health services may need extra staffing and outreach to meet the growing demand. The Advocate
- ➤ A local hospital announced an experimental treatment on Mar. 31 to help patients manage chronic pain. The trial will begin this week and will be monitored closely for effectiveness — a hopeful step for those seeking alternative relief. 7 KPLC
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ McNeese beat the Cajuns 10-7 in a baseball game. Hayden Stringfellow led with two home runs and six RBIs while the Cowboys overcame a late inning surge by the Cajuns, improving to a 15-14 record ahead of their Southland Conference series at UNO starting Thursday. The American Press
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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McNeese Cowgirls vs Houston Christian (DH)
2 p.m. — Joe Miller Field at Cowgirl Diamond — Admission details not specified — The Cowgirls aim for an aggressive approach in this high-energy matchup.
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Ladyjacks vs. Cowgirls Softball Showdown
6-9 p.m. — Joe Miller Field at Cowgirl Diamond — Ticket pricing unavailable — Experience the intense Southland Conference rivalry as McNeese hosts Stephen F. Austin.
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Dolly Run 5K/1K Run/Walk for Reading
1-3 p.m. — Downtown Lake Charles — Entry fee required — Enjoy a fun run while supporting literacy in the community.
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Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns vs. McNeese State Cowgirls Softball
6-7 p.m. — Cowgirl Diamond — Admission varies — Experience a thrilling rivalry matchup as the Cowgirls defend their home turf against UL Lafayette.
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UTRGV Vaqueros at McNeese State Cowboys Men's Baseball
6 p.m. — Joe Miller Ballpark — Check for ticket prices — Watch the UTRGV Vaqueros battle the McNeese State Cowboys in a crucial season finale.
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A Market Soirée at Le Bocage
10 AM – 5 PM — The Stables At LeBocage — Free entry — Celebrate spring with shopping, music, and pony rides in a beautiful Southern setting.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The longer you wait to do something, the more likely you are to find a reason not to do it.
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Reveal the authorAbout Daily Lake Charles
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