Good morning, Monroe.

USA Today ranked West Monroe as No. 4 on its Best Small Town in the South list — a Readers’ Choice Award that also recognized towns like Starkville and Lewisburg for their quality of life.

The Monroe Police Department is asking the public for help locating DeClavion Jones—wanted for multiple counts of violation of a protective order, damage to property, and simple burglary.

On March 14, 2024, Monroe police responded to an animal cruelty investigation at a residence on Ouachita Avenue where a homeowner found three deceased German Shepherd puppies in a dilapidated home—Vanessa Ballard, the ex-wife living there, was later arrested on April 8 and charged with animal cruelty with a $15,000 bond.

Country singer Tracy Lawrence will perform at Fant Ewing Coliseum on the ULM campus on April 12—special guest Chancie Neal will join him.

Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with showtime at 7:30 p.m., and tables and tickets will be available at Campio Sports to benefit ULM Football.

ULM’s School of Visual and Performing Arts received a $2 million donation from alum Sharon Turrentine to create an endowed chair that will provide scholarships for art students (Turrentine said her lifelong love of singing motivated the gift).

The ULM Alumni Association will host its 18th annual Wine Over Water in late April — the event supports ULM scholarships and alumni chapters.

Louisiana lawmakers will consider Senate Bill 2 that bans fluoride in public drinking water, with the law set to take effect Aug.

1 if approved. The measure follows U.S. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s push for the CDC to stop endorsing water fluoridation (a move opposed by dental health groups).

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.

Red, White & Blue Airshow

Gates open 3 p.m. May 2-3, 11 a.m. May 4 — Chennault Aviation & Military Museum — Ticket prices vary — Experience thrilling aerial performances saluting America's heroes.

Byron Daniel and The Five Dead Dogs Live

9 p.m. – 1 a.m. — Enoch's Pub and Grill — Entry fee TBA — Experience the vibrant sounds of Southeast Louisiana with Byron Daniel and his band.

Open House at Charming Double Wide

7-9 p.m. — 3815 Elm St, Monroe, LA — Free entry — Discover the potential of a charming double wide mobile home perfect for investors or future homeowners.