Good morning, Monroe.

West Monroe police arrested two suspects on May 6 for using stolen credit card info from several victims since January and found credit card readers, a laptop—along with a ledger of transactions—in their vehicle.

Louisiana State Police arrested 55-year-old Ben Jones—driving a 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe from Lake Providence—after his vehicle struck and killed 38-year-old Exzerial Thompson at the intersection of Charles D Jones Blvd and Second Street in East Carroll Parish early May 8, while toxicology tests are pending.

Louisiana leaders celebrated the election of Robert Prevost, who took the papal name Leo XIV, as the first American pope—highlighting his Louisiana roots through family ties in New Orleans.

Gov. Landry, Attorney General Murrill and Congressman Carter marked the event as a historic day for the local faith community.

Two priests from Northeast Louisiana attended the conclave in Vatican City that elected Pope Leo XIV— the first North American pontiff— and they provided live Facebook updates of the historic moment.

They said the event filled them with excitement and hope for a new era in the church.

On May 8th, BESE visited the Ouachita Parish School Board to support expanding internship opportunities for high school seniors—part of a statewide effort to boost workforce readiness.

Monroe native Jaylie White will graduate as valedictorian from Grambling State University today—she maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA while double majoring in psychology and sociology and plans to pursue a master’s degree in speech-language pathology.

Yesterday, the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education visited the Ouachita Parish School Board to expand internship opportunities for high school seniors— the Bridging Success event connected student leaders from across the state with practical work experiences through workshops and networking sessions.

Yesterday, the Sterlington Police Department awarded scholarships to Sterlington High School students (in honor of late Officer David Ehali) during an awards ceremony (May 8).

North Louisiana Quilters Guild Monthly Meeting

6:30-8:00 p.m. — 2407 Ferrand St, Monroe, LA — Free entry — Engage with fellow quilting enthusiasts during this monthly gathering.

Kitten Shower

10 AM – 4 PM — Ouachita Valley Branch Library — Free admission — Celebrate kittens with snuggles, refreshments, and educational demonstrations.