Good morning, Monroe.

Monroe Main Street Director Nirali Patel and Zoo Director Phillip Crawley previewed upcoming 318 Day celebrations during Good Morning ArkLaMiss; event details will be announced soon.

Joseph Biedenharn sold the first bottled Coca Cola on March 12, 1894 in Vicksburg and later moved bottling operations to Monroe in 1913—today, museums honor his role in bringing the drink to rural customers.

The Five Points Festival volleyball tournament drew more than 100 teams at the West Monroe Sports and Event Center this past weekend — generating nearly $1 million for area restaurants, shops, and hotels.

Diesel prices in Louisiana rose 33% (from under $4 to nearly $5), and an economics professor warned that retailers and manufacturers may pass higher transportation costs on to consumers.

This price spike could affect everyday costs in our area.

The Richland Parish School Board said classes were cancelled on Thursday, Mar.

12 due to a power outage, affecting Holly Ridge Elementary and all three Delhi schools (Elementary, Middle, and High).

Students from Franklin Parish attended the first College, Career and Military Transition Fair on Tuesday, Mar.

10 at Jack Hammons Community Center. Over 24 vendors and reps from ULM, Delta Community College, and the sheriff's office (local groups) shared college, career, and military options for grades six through twelve.

LDWF issued a Declaration of Emergency in Ouachita Parish after a hunter-harvested white-tailed deer tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease in January; baiting and feeding restrictions will take effect April 1 in control areas spanning several neighboring parishes for 180 days.

Monroe Fire Department is operating with 25 fewer firefighters, affecting fire and emergency response procedures + officials are recruiting at career fairs and through personal outreach to fill positions as soon as possible.

The City of Monroe Public Works Department launches a free bulk trash pickup program each Saturday in April for residents with a green trash container — call or email from Monday to Thursday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. to set a pickup for items like yard debris and furniture.

Nutritionist Jen Avis discussed garlic’s benefits on Good Morning ArkLaMiss today in Monroe, advising the use of ½ raw clove daily and a five-minute rest after chopping (to release allicin that boosts the immune system) while noting potential side effects like digestive upset.

Monroe City Council approved the sale of the former Ouachita Candy Company building to Prairie Cloud Growth LLC for about $1.4 million today.

The riverfront property will be redeveloped — creating mixed-use space for the community.

Walk Around the Block for Autism

1-5 p.m. — Northeast Louisiana State Office Building (Back Parking Lot) — Registration required — Participate in a community walk to support autism awareness and enjoy a fun expo.