Good morning, Monroe.

Foster parents and families can join a free, trauma-informed Foster Family Workshop hosted by The Center for Children & Families on Thursday, Apr.

16 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in partnership with Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum & Living Well Foundation to receive guidance and support.

The Better Business Bureau will host a free shred event tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at its building (1900 N 18th) rear parking lot.

A Union Parish teen was crowned Miss Teen Louisiana 2026 on Sunday, Apr.

12 at the University of Louisiana Monroe, where young women from across the state competed for the title.

The Friends of Black Bayou are hosting the Louisiana Plein Air Competition at Black Bayou NWR on April 18 from 8:30 a.m. to noon, inviting local artists to submit 2D works within 24 inches in size and complete on site; awards will be given at 1 p.m. *FoBB*

West Monroe's Brown Bag Concert Series will run every Wednesday in May at noon at the Pavilion at Seventh Square on Wood Street, featuring Tammy Martin, Alyssa May, Austin George, and Alice Prophit on May 6, 13, 20, and 27 (free bagged lunches from Newk’s Eatery are available).

A Monroe church created the Pastor Inez Walker Scholarship to honor their longtime pastor with a $1,000 award for graduating high school seniors entering college, trade school, or university; applications are due April 30 (donations will help grow the fund for future awards).

ULM students kick off Spring Fever Week with free food & music in the quad today.

Additional activities including concerts, a crawfish boil and live acts at Fant-Ewing Coliseum will continue Friday, offering a final week of fun before finals.

The USDA designated 107 counties (including Monroe) as Natural Disaster Areas to offer emergency loans for farmers hit by a severe drought that began Nov.

1, 2025; producers must apply by Dec. 7.

Officials with the Louisiana Supreme Court warned residents on Apr.

13 that scam text messages and emails threatening prosecution for traffic or fee violations are not from the court and should be ignored.

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.

1st Sundays at The Zoo

3-9 p.m. — Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo — Free parking — Experience a vibrant evening with live performances, great food, and backyard fun.