Good morning, Monroe.

In Monroe, the Center for Children and Families was honored at the T.H.

Scott Awards of Excellence for its work in helping families after it received the 2025 Spirit of Hope Award at a Monroe Chamber of Commerce ceremony. The organization has helped more than 4,800 people by offering family support, crisis counseling, and youth services for over 25 years.

The Meta Data Center coming to Holly Ridge will bring hundreds of workers beginning in 2026 (housing options include hotels, RV parks, and Airbnbs) as local chambers and organizations work to secure temporary lodging (a measure expected to boost local business).

The University of Louisiana System Board interviewed two candidates for the ULM presidency yesterday at 10:00 a.m. in Baton Rouge — Chris Broadwater and Carrie Castille.

This meeting followed semifinalist interviews on April 30 as part of the ongoing search process.

Carrie Castille was named the 10th and first woman president of the University of Louisiana Monroe by the Board of Supervisors and she will focus on growing enrollment, expanding research, and strengthening workforce partnerships — key steps to drive measurable outcomes at the institution.

A dangerous weather system is moving into northern Louisiana today with risks of very large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes — residents are urged to prepare as thunderstorms from the west progress and are expected to reach our area by late afternoon.

Monroe announced that in observance of Memorial Day, trash pickup will be moved to Wednesday, May 28 (instead of Monday) while the transit system and City Courts will be closed on Monday (both resuming service on Tuesday) and the zoo will remain open.

This Memorial Day weekend, West Monroe will host the 2025 National Scholastic Table Tennis Championship — the event will feature both the George Braithwaite Major League and AYTTO Scholastic Table Tennis tournaments.

Organizers expect about 160 players to compete, plan for 325 hotel room bookings, and forecast an economic impact of $158,209 for Ouachita Parish.

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.

Pre-Father's Day Blues Show

6-11:59 p.m. — The Hub Event Venue — General Admission $33.85, VIP $81.88 — Experience vibrant blues music on the Creed & Creed Stage before Father's Day.