Good morning, Monroe.

Bayou (5 weeks old) is thriving under intensive care at Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo after its mother was killed in a car accident.

The baby receives bottle feedings several times daily and will eventually join the zoo's educational programs as a no-touch animal.

The Northeast Louisiana Arts Council announced finalists for its 40th annual Arts Awards in nine categories, including three new ones.

The awards ceremony will be held Thursday, June 25 at Strauss Theater Center in Monroe - tickets can be secured by calling 318-397-6717.

Food trucks, artists, and vendors will take part in the Downtown Gallery Crawl on June 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in downtown Monroe and West Monroe (wagon rides across the Ouachita River and volunteer opportunities are available).

The Monroe Symphony League will host book fairs on June 6, 7, 12 & 13 where books sell for as low as 25 cents.

All proceeds will support the symphony and local community organizations to fund performances and educational programs.

Educators and teacher unions reacted to Gov. Jeff Landry’s order requiring education agencies to secure funds for teacher raises after the legislative session ended without a deal (statewide budget plans are under review).

The NELA Children's Museum is hosting a free sneak preview today for its new Roarin’ Adventures exhibit at 10 a.m., featuring a Play-Doh Earth layers project that introduces kids to S.T.E.M. while the museum readies for its summer camps and future move to Broadmoor Blvd (with matching donation opportunities).

Education leaders are reviewing Gov. Jeff Landry’s order to secure funds for permanent teacher pay raises as they wait for more details before taking action.

Local officials and state board members have stressed the need for clarity to ensure that teacher benefits do not compromise student programs.

A new state law bans releasing 12+ balloons outdoors starting Aug.

1 to reduce wildlife injuries, environmental litter and power outages. Offenders will face fines up to $2,500.

A strong El Niño is forming and may reduce hurricane activity this season, but experts warn residents to keep preparing since one storm can still cause major problems in our area.

Recent years show that even quiet seasons have brought powerful hurricanes to Louisiana.

Monroe Chamber of Commerce invites residents to the NELA Legislative Delegation Update Luncheon on June 17 at ULM Bayou Pointe Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Local legislative leaders will recap the recent session and discuss issues affecting the region.

Louisiana independent pharmacies praised lawmakers on Tuesday for passing bills aimed at lowering drug prices.

Local pharmacists said the new measures could benefit consumers as they prepare for upcoming pricing changes.

The Ouachita Parish Mosquito Abatement District confirmed West Nile virus in local mosquito populations on June 1 in Monroe and nearby areas — it will apply adulticide tonight to lower risks while urging residents to remove standing water.

Louisiana Tech University’s Visual Integration of Science Through Art (VISTA) Center partnered with the Parkinson Resource Center to host an interactive watercolor workshop in Monroe that promoted creative expression, relaxation, and social connection for Parkinson’s patients and their caregivers.