Good morning, Monroe.

The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce will host the Brown Bag Concert Series and Summer in the Park to offer live music and outdoor activities for families this summer.

Kris Kelley explained on the Lagniappe program that residents can bring their own lunches and enjoy casual concerts — a local tradition that brings the community together.

Troopers with Louisiana State Police Troop F arrested a suspect in Ouachita Parish after a crash killed passenger Alfred Gallagher (72) of Calhoun last month.

Carrie Castille was named the 10th president of ULM on Monday — she was chosen by the UL System Board of Supervisors to lead the university.

Caldwell Parish School District will offer free meals to all school-aged children during June 2025 at Caldwell Parish High School—breakfast is from 7:15 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. and lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesdays through Fridays, with no paperwork required.

Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office has opened applications for its 2025 CSI Youth Cadet Academy for teens in grades 9-12, and participants will spend three summer days learning investigation techniques with field trips to the Crime Lab in Baton Rouge and Delta Community College in Monroe. The academy (June 23-26 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.) requires applicants to be in good academic standing with no criminal history while parents provide transportation, and applications must be submitted by June 13.

An invasive plant was found in Cheniere Lake and may block access to the water and shade out native plants—members of the Cheniere Lake Advisory Committee say it could impact the waterway.

Monroe Police Department will host a free women's self defense class on June 3 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.—the event aims to empower women with practical techniques amid high violence rates and offers limited spots available by emailing Captain Carey Satre.

Officials lifted the boil advisory for the Greater Ouachita Water System after water samples tested clear—residents were advised to clean ice makers, replace refrigerator filters, and discard any ice made during the advisory—after weekend lab processing delayed test results.

A housing fair and expo will be held at the Abe Pierce Conference Center on May 31 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Professionals including realtors, mortgage bankers and former HUD Field Director Crystal Jones-Taylor will share home buying advice — attendees may also win $1,000 in down payment assistance and a $500 savings match.

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.