Good morning, Monroe.

United Way honored local businesses, volunteers and donors at its Celebrating Excellence event at Bayou Pointe Event Center today, noting that 57% of regional households work but struggle with basic needs while funds raised support programs to boost family stability and community strength.

The City of West Monroe announced the full schedule for Ouachita RiverFest starting Friday, Apr.

24 at 12 p.m. in Alley Park plus road closures will affect several streets with Saturday festivities including live music from Dwayne Dopsie and The Zydeco Hellraisers and the Rubber Duck Drop.

The West Monroe West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce is hosting a community paper shredding event today at 9:00 a.m. at 112 Professional Drive, where residents and businesses can drive through to securely dispose of sensitive documents with a four-box limit per person.

NBA YoungBoy’s American YoungBoy documentary played in theaters across Louisiana on Wednesday, April 22, including sites in Baton Rouge, Harahan, and north Louisiana (screenings varied) while the film follows his MASA Tour with arena and backstage footage.

West Ouachita FFA reopened the greenhouses at West Ouachita High School for Spring 2026 and reported strong sales.

The opening is expected to add valuable hands-on opportunities for students and community members (school initiative).

ULM College of Pharmacy leads in workforce readiness with 100% job placement and high licensure pass rates, including an 89% pass rate on NAPLEX tests.

Founded in 1956, the program trains most of Louisiana’s pharmacists — boosting patient care across our communities.

Students displayed their talents at Wossman High School as Monroe City Schools ended its after-school program; Program Director Lametria Robinson said the event boosted morale and confidence, with young talents like 6th grader Darius Mosley and 7th grader Alex Hearns showing progress (piano and robotics).

LDCC partnered with local car dealerships that will donate newer vehicles and parts so West Monroe students can train on current technology + become job-ready for work in service departments and auto shops.

Seven major downtown buildings are on the market for $23 million — economic leaders say Meta interest draws other companies and signals growing business interest in the area.

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.

Troy Trojans vs. Louisiana Monroe Warhawks Baseball

1-3 p.m. — University of Louisiana Monroe — Free entry — Watch exciting college baseball action between Troy and ULM Warhawks.

Kitten Yoga Session

1:30-4:30 p.m. — Half Moon Studio — Proceeds benefit River Cities Humane Society — Unwind with yoga while cute kittens play around you.