Good morning, Monroe.

The Biedenharn Museum and Gardens will host a three-day garden symposium & plant sale for local visitors.

On April 9, USA Today 10Best announced that West Monroe was recognized as one of the top 10 best small towns in the South, ranking No. 4.

The award highlights local attractions such as Landry Vineyards and the Biedenharn Museum — drawing visitors to the community.

KNOE hosted the 'Love the Boot Week' cleanup Wednesday morning in downtown Monroe from Walnut to Washington Streets and collected 13 bags of trash and 7 bags of recyclables.

Sheila Kay Downhour, executive director of Ouachita Green, said the effort helped keep the community clean and healthy.

Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home and Ministries held a ribbon cutting for its new Compassion Center in Monroe on April 10, serving families in need.

The 15,000 square foot center at 501 Kansas Lane will offer a weekly food distribution — along with school supplies, diapers, shoes and clothing — to those who qualify.

Delarrious Jones, 32, was extradited to Monroe on April 10 — he was booked into the Ouachita Correctional Center after being arrested in Albuquerque on March 25 and now faces two counts of second-degree murder for the 2020 Parkview Apartments double homicide.

Monroe Police are looking for suspect DeClavion Jones—wanted for counts of simple burglary, violation of a protective order, and damage to property—and ask anyone with information to call Monroe PD at 318-329-2600 or Crime Stoppers at 318-388-2274.

Acting ULM President Nick Bruno is collecting information to fix a projected $5 million budget gap by looking at full-time enrollment and staff costs, and he may plan layoffs if enrollment falls.

He will share more details at the State of the University address held today at 8 a.m. in Brown Auditorium (personnel costs account for 80% of the budget).

State Rep. Alonzo Knox filed legislation to cut taxes for seniors and for veterans—seriously injured during military service.

Nearly 200 people attended the Pelican Cup final at ULM on April 10—FarmSmarter.AI won the top prize.

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.