Good morning, Monroe.

WM Parks and Rec invites locals to enjoy National Go Fishing Day on June 18 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the fishing pier below Riverfront Park and the Marina at 108 North Riverfront Street — a chance to see recent improvements.

Monroe community centers offer cool indoor activities to help residents beat the summer heat; Director Melissa Thaxton said the free centers provide pickleball, aerobics and pool access and are open today (11:00 a.m. to 7 p.m.), especially for seniors.

Ouachita Paddling Trail Phase 2 opened yesterday at Cheniere Lake Area 3 with a ribbon cutting and a demo day by Ouachita Paddle + Provisions.

Guests joined a guided paddle that began after 5:00 p.m., marking the new kayak launch.

Ten doctors graduated on Friday from St. Francis' inaugural internal medicine residency program; nine will serve north Louisiana with five starting at the hospital and one moving to an LSU Health-Shreveport fellowship.

The program aims to boost local healthcare as a new residency and family program begin in July.

University of Louisiana Monroe is launching three new bachelor's degree programs—Organizational Leadership, Integrative Sciences, and Disaster Management—and is accepting applications for Fall 2026.

ULM officials said the courses will give local students fresh opportunities to gain job skills.

ULM and UPR signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday in San Juan to boost academic cooperation (including exchange programs and joint research) that will benefit students and faculty.

On June 12, 1967, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Virginia’s ban on interracial marriage, ensuring couples could marry regardless of race.

The landmark case, Loving v. Virginia, involved Richard Loving + Mildred Jeter and remains a key moment in civil rights history.

River Cities Humane Society for Cats is featuring two kittens—Edgar and Allan—from a litter of three; their sister Poe is also looking for a forever home.

Visitors can learn more about adoption at the shelter.

Former Louisiana Tech and West Monroe first baseman Trey Hawsey is transferring to Ole Miss to play in the SEC after a season with 15 home runs + 47 RBI; he will join former teammate Hayden Federico on the team.