Good morning, Monroe.

The inaugural Flags of Freedom Celebration will be held Tuesday, June 30 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Anna Gray Noe Park in downtown Monroe *featuring 250 American flags, interactive historical scenes, and portrayals of figures like Abraham Lincoln, Pocahontas, and Uncle Sam for family fun*.

ULM will hold summer PREP sessions for new freshmen and transfers to register for courses, meet peers and learn campus routes.

The two-day program plus Parent Orientation runs June 10 to 11 for scholarship students and June 24 to 25, July 8 to 9 and July 15 to 16.

Ouachita Green honored 42 student leaders from eight schools for earning 1,036 volunteer hours in cleaning, recycling and beautification projects throughout the school year—awarding top honors to Lily Cobb and Gracyn Farrar at a recent ceremony in the parish.

Officials at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge said a black bear was seen near the visitor center and shop area over Memorial Day weekend.

They advise visitors to keep a safe distance as sightings may increase during the summer transition.

On Tuesday, Monroe City Council approved a plan for the planning department to apply for a $2 million HUD grant to help seniors remain safely at home, working with ULM (occupational therapy program) and local groups like Easter Seals and Ouachita Council on Aging for home assessments.

Local lawmakers passed bills to protect the seafood industry by enforcing strict labeling rules and fines up to $50,000 for misrepresented imported products.

HB121 allows the Agriculture Commissioner to seize illegal seafood while HB857 awaits the governor's signature—helping local fishermen and vendors.

Monroe Housing Authority is investing $6.2 million to revitalize Burg Jones Plaza; Phase I (83 units) and Phase II (64 units) add modern upgrades and improved safety for residents.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the project will take place today at 1:00 p.m. at the community.

Dr. Marina Jeffery at Ochsner LSU Health (Monroe Medical Center) warns that as summer nears, residents risk sunburn, wrinkles, and skin cancer when skipping or misusing sunscreen and advises using SPF over 30 daily with reapplication every three hours while avoiding tanning beds.

Monroe Greenheads hold a preseason press conference and media day today at the Civic Center at 1 PM (media will meet coaches and players ahead of their May 30 game in Iowa).