Good morning, Monroe.

The Center for Children & Families will host the Stand for Hope Together event on April 3 (10:00 AM to 11:00 AM) at (622 Riverside Drive) to launch National Child Abuse Prevention Month in Monroe as mayors Friday Ellis and Staci Mitchell present a joint proclamation to honor those protecting children.

Law enforcement indicted a large number of high-level drug traffickers linked to the Ruston and Monroe areas on March 27, arresting several suspects while four remain at large—two of whom have not been named to protect the investigation.

Family members and officials from the Monroe-Ouachita NAACP met at Morehouse Parish Courthouse on March 26 to seek justice for 21-year-old Marquez Crowder, who was fatally shot during a November 23 traffic stop in Bastrop.

The deputy involved remains on paid administrative leave—while the investigation continues.

On March 27, acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C.

Van Hook—along with DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Keith Bakewell, Lincoln Parish Sheriff J. Stephen Williams, Louisiana State Police Captain Eric Cuenca, and Ruston Police Chief Eric Watson—announced a federal grand jury indictment of 14 defendants on drug and firearm charges linked to a conspiracy from January 1, 2022 to November 27, 2024 that could result in a prison sentence of at least 10 years to life if convicted.

The NELA Arts Council announced an April Brown Bag Concert that will feature some of Northeast Louisiana’s best musicians in a free midweek mini concert for local music fans.

The event will take place in April and more details are expected soon.

The Union Parish Sheriff's Office upgraded its equipment by adding a high-tech drone with a siren and thermal camera to help deputies find lost people, and it installed body cameras to increase transparency—Sheriff Dusty Gates said further upgrades will come when the new budget is approved.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow asked the Department of Transportation to designate the 605-mile Ouachita River as Marine Hwy.

165—part of the U.S. Marine Highway Program. She said the change will lower transportation costs and improve supply chain reliability for Louisiana's agricultural communities.

On-Site Tour of Gardens of Somerset

9 a.m. - 7 p.m. | Gardens of Somerset | Free entry | Explore top-rated senior living options emphasizing quality care, meals, and engaging activities.

Louisiana Blue - Medicare Advantage Member Event

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Vantage Venues — Free entry — Engage in health screenings and informative seminars tailored for Medicare Advantage members.

Autism Acceptance Festival 5k and Fun Run

8:30 – 10:30 AM — Kiroli Park — Registration fee applies — Participate in a fun run to promote autism acceptance in the community.

ULM Spring Concert: BigXthaPlug

8-10 p.m. — Fant-Ewing Coliseum — Admission: Ticket Prices Vary — Celebrate the ULM Spring Fever Concert featuring the dynamic artist BigXthaPlug.

Louisiana Bayou Showdown

7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. — West Monroe Sports & Events — $20 daily admission — Catch the excitement of competitive basketball matchups at the Inaugural Bayou Showdown.