Good morning, Lake Charles.

The Mossville gym, a fixture for over 40 years, was demolished on Tuesday, Apr.

14+ its removal ends a long chapter in the community.

The second Annual Mardi Gras Golf Classic is set for May 1 at Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L'auberge Casino Resort and is nearly sold out with one spot remaining.

The event supports the Buddy Russ Foundation and features contests and live music by Doc Wilder.

A local chef explains that there is no single correct way to eat crawfish, as old-school practices and fresh TikTok tips both add flavor to a classic Cajun boil.

The methods include twisting the tail and even savoring the head (which holds the rich seasoning) to make every bite count.

Golden Nugget Casino Resort was nominated for an ACM Award in the Casino-Arena category — a nod to its status as a top live music venue in Lake Charles.

Winners will be announced on May 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

SOWELA now offers free adult classes to prepare for the HiSET exam at its four Southwest Louisiana locations including Lake Charles.

Students can enroll any time and may earn college credit through the 5 for Six Scholarship (contact SOWELA for details).

SWLA Tech Pirates, a student-led robotics team, is preparing for the FIRST Championship with 20 members logging over 400 hours since January - they build and program their own robots to learn engineering and teamwork.

The program began in 2022 and now attracts students from across Region 5.

On Tuesday, April 14, a Calcasieu Parish judge ordered Venture Global to allow 10 days for scientific testing to determine if its dredging operations ruined millions of oysters at Pig and Rooster Oyster Farms in Big Lake; both sides must now name experts and set sampling plans + the case may move to the appeals court.

The LHSAA released the 2026 high school baseball playoff brackets on Tuesday, setting the stage for the state tournament.

The championship series will be held at Sulphur's McMurry Park from May 11 through 16 (Division I, II, and III games will use a best-of-three format).

Westlake defeated defending state champion Catholic-Baton Rouge 7-3 on Monday to secure its best playoff seed ever in Non-select Division III.

The win, marked by a late third-inning rally — giving home-field advantage, sets the stage for upcoming playoff games.

The Iowa Yellow Jackets — in their first state championship season with a 14-0 record — were honored at the Capitol on Monday by the House and Senate.

Coach Tommy Johns called the recognition a memorable milestone for the team.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

UTRGV at McNeese Baseball Game

1 p.m. — Joe Miller Ballpark — Ticket prices vary — Catch the thrilling conclusion of McNeese's regular season with significant postseason implications at this home game against UTRGV.

Jolly Roger and Pirates Alley Book Signing

Time not specified — Riverside Park Complex — Book purchase required — Thomas Leveque discusses his novels and signs copies, sharing mysteries and adventures from Southern Louisiana.

Yacht Rock at the Beach with Yachtley Crew

1-2:30 p.m. — L'Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles — Ticket required — Enjoy the smooth sounds of Yachtley Crew as they bring Yacht Rock to life at the beach.

Wellness On The Water 5K

8 AM – 2 PM — Lake Charles Civic Center — Registration info available — Perfect for beginners and seasoned runners alike to enjoy a scenic race on the water.