Good morning, Monroe.

The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce recognized outstanding local businesses and community leaders during a luncheon held on Wednesday, April 1 at 11:30 a.m. in West Monroe — an event that celebrated local economic growth.

Two local nonprofits will host Walk Around the Block for Autism on Apr.

4 in Monroe, aiming to raise awareness of autism in the community.

Alley Park on Trenton Street in downtown West Monroe will host a western-themed street festival on April 10 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, featuring live music by No Good Horses, BBQ & bull riding that supports downtown revitalization by the West Monroe Chamber Foundation.

Small business owners and entrepreneurs in West Monroe will learn how to use AI to improve their operations on Thursday, April 16 at the WMWO Chamber Office from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The training costs $75 & requires participants to bring a laptop.

ULM will install Dr. Carrie L.

Castille as its 10th president today at 3 p.m. at Fant-Ewing Coliseum, followed by a black-tie-optional gala at Bayou Pointe Event Center at 7 p.m.

High school students in northeast Louisiana are learning about teaching through ULM’s Pre-Educator Pathway Program — Regions Bank provided a $30,000 grant to fund mentoring and dual enrollment.

The program gives students classroom experience as they plan for future teaching careers.

LDH (Louisiana Department of Health) ended its contract with UnitedHealthcare on March 31 and reassigned nearly 280,000 Medicaid members to new managed care organizations to keep access to care.

A special enrollment period from Jan. 15 to Feb. 15 allowed members to choose plans, and insurance cards have been issued.

Louisiana DOTD will complete a final pass on state routes to clear naturally occurring winter storm debris, reaching parishes (East Carroll, West Carroll, Richland, Morehouse, Jackson, and Madison) by the end of April.

Crews will only remove storm debris from designated rights-of-way.

Local broadcasters welcomed a federal judge's ruling that declared an executive order to remove public broadcasting funding unconstitutional.

KEDM said the decision meant stations would rely less on federal support and instead focus on independent, fact-based journalism (others await its impact).

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.

Open Pottery Studio for Experienced Potters

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Clay & Canvas Art Studio — Cost varies — Refine your pottery skills in a supportive and creative environment.

Justin Moore: One Moore Night

7-11 p.m. — Fant-Ewing Coliseum — Beneficiary event — Experience an exclusive acoustic show supporting ULM student-athletes' success.

Do The Crawl de Mayo Pub Crawl

4:30-9 p.m. — Vibez Lounge — Tickets required — Celebrate Cinco de Mayo early with festive drinks, contests, and lively pub crawling in Downtown Monroe.