Good morning, Monroe.

Archie and Xena are super sweet, cuddly pets available for adoption at a local animal shelter; families can visit the shelter today to learn more about the adoption process.

NELA Food Bank is hosting an empty bowls event today at its Monroe facility (exact time not provided) to support local hunger relief efforts.

Paws of NELA introduced Dusty, a three-year-old pet who never barks, to encourage adoptions this week.

Meanwhile, Ouachita Parish is constructing a new 17,000 sqft animal shelter (including expanded kennels and spay and neuter services) that will open by the end of 2026.

The Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office reports a sinkhole has closed Highway 499 about one mile north of the Henry Sanders Road intersection (DOTD has been notified) and drivers should expect delays until the road reopens.

Sheila Snow, vice president of marketing and communications at Discover Monroe-West Monroe, earned the Certified Destination Management Executive designation, the tourism industry’s top credential, and will be honored at a Destination Celebration event during Destinations International’s Annual Convention in July.

Downtown West Monroe is set to host the South Central Clown Association Competition on Saturday.

The event starts at 8 a.m. (111 Cotton St.) and is followed by a parade at 10 a.m. along Cotton, Wood, and Trenton Streets ending at the Bell Tower Parking Lot.

Doyle Jeter from the Northeast Louisiana Music Trail explained marker celebrations will honor producer Jerry Cupit and minister Frederick Douglas Kirkpatrick in Baskin and Grambling — the events highlight their roles in music and community protection.

ULM’s Marjorie S. Price Doctor of Physical Therapy Program received full accreditation (by CAPTE) on May 28, confirming its commitment to training health care professionals as its first cohort graduated on May 9.

Louisiana will ban outdoor balloon releases on August 1 after passage of HB 851 (which prohibits intentional releases of Mylar and latex helium balloons) because falling balloons can harm animals and disrupt power lines; the new law recommends alternatives like flying kites and using biodegradable confetti for celebrations.

A local family is seeking in-home help for recovery after 3-year-old Myles McDaniel underwent his third open-heart surgery due to hypoplastic left heart syndrome (a serious condition that requires careful care) as doctors work to stabilize him.