Good morning, Monroe.

The Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana’s Empty Bowls fundraiser returns on Saturday, May 30 at the Monroe Civic Center to fight food insecurity in the region.

Attendees receive handcrafted bowls and enjoy soups + desserts from local chefs, with proceeds supporting food programs reaching 30,000 residents monthly.

Ruston Peach Festival is set for June 6 in downtown Ruston with live music from The Chee Weez at 9 p.m. and fireworks at 8:45 p.m., following a pickleball tournament and peach parade on June 5 (the new festival shirt was unveiled by local design students).

Josh Madden Productions launches a new season that will feature a Jimmy Buffett Tribute, Waiting for Godot, A Christmas Story, and the Rocky Horror Show.

The Short Attention Span Theatre series will take place June 4, 5, and 6 at the newly refurbished E86 (local venue).

Today, at the Richwood Business Alliance Coffee and Conversation event, economic development leaders explained how stronger school-industry ties can keep local talent nearby.

The next session is planned for mid-June in Richwood.

Second grader Charity Boney won first place at the Louisiana Braille Challenge at Hillcrest Elementary and will travel to Los Angeles next month to compete in the International Braille Challenge.

ULM has installed a new water bottle filling station in its Student Center with a grant from Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB); the project expands efforts that already diverted over 16,000 plastic bottles and will include educational programs on sustainability.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries stocked over 496,000 Florida largemouth bass in local lakes this spring in anticipation of Memorial Day weekend fishing, aiming to enhance fishing quality & boost nearby economies.

Residents can look forward to improved fishing opportunities during the upcoming weekend.

City of Monroe will host the 2026 Housing Fair & Expo on June 6 to help residents learn about local home options.

Meanwhile, Ouachita Parish's Police Jury approved its first plan for growth, infrastructure, and quality-of-life improvements.

Acadian Ambulance held its 2026 Medics of the Year event as part of National EMS Week and honored EMT Jinina Wilson & Paramedic Hailey Reviere with over 1,100 guests attending.

The celebration recognized their dedication to patient care in the region.

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.

K-POP WARRIORS Live Show

3-7 p.m. — West Monroe Sports & Events — Family-friendly fun — Enjoy a high-energy K-Pop-inspired show with music, dance, and colorful characters.