Good morning, Monroe.

Monroe will mark America’s 250th birthday on July 4 with events including the Firecracker 5K run at 8 a.m. at 701 North 4th, a kid’s 1K at 7:30 a.m., a bike parade at 9 a.m. off Pargould, and zoo festivities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. before fireworks at 9 p.m.

Discover Monroe-West Monroe released a new travel guide available at the visitor’s center or online to showcase local restaurants (including Chef Corey Bahr’s new venue) and attractions such as The Show in West Monroe.

Business leaders say the guide will boost local tourism and revenue.

Keep West Monroe Beautiful honored Totally Tumbling with the Summer 2026 Yard of the Quarter Award for its attractive landscaping and well-kept exterior.

The award recognizes the business's role in enhancing community appearance in West Monroe.

Discover Monroe-West Monroe released its latest travel guide highlighting new restaurants and attractions to boost tourism.

Officials noted a sales tax increase in unincorporated areas last year (16 percent to 18 percent) that helped drive local revenue.

Former NLU Elec-tones members will hold a benefit concert for the Christopher Youth Center at ULM’s Bayou Point Event Center on Saturday, June 27 at 7 p.m. Laura Arrington, Cindy McKinney and Cory Crowe will share details on Lagniappe.

Local singer Eli Rogers won the Star Spangled Sing-Off local round after weeks of community voting and will represent ArkLaMiss in the next stage — regional voting began June 18 at 7 p.m. and runs through June 28.

The Children's Museum announced its relocation to a new building at Broadmoor & Forsyth Avenue expected to open by 2027.

It is hosting a dinosaur experience at 11:00 a.m. today while an anonymous donor matches donations up to $25,000 to support the move.

Father and son Jeff and Bryce Acreman celebrated National Go Fishing Day by fishing on Lake D’Arbonne for over 150+ days, winning tournaments and deepening their bond.

Their story highlights a local tradition that brings families together.

Discover Monroe-West Monroe announced a $50K tourism grant program to boost local tourism by supporting innovative projects in Ouachita Parish.

Nonprofits+businesses+community groups eligible for funding have 12 months to complete their projects.

The National EMS Academy opened its new Monroe campus with classes beginning July 13; the program offers EMTs + paramedics local training with tuition set at $400 and some hybrid courses to meet growing EMS demand in the community.

Downtown West Monroe will host a temporary demonstration later this summer that tests traffic flow and pedestrian experience from Commerce Street + Cotton Street and Bridge Street + Wood Street, as officials aim to revitalize the area for safer, walkable streets.

Ouachita Parish Homeland Security Director Rodger McConnell (alerting the community) stressed the need for every family to have evacuation kits and safety plans after his briefing on Thursday, Jun.

18. He said being prepared can reduce risks during emergencies.

NELA Legacy Color Run

8 a.m. — Forsythe Park — Registration required — Enjoy a vibrant day of running with options for all ages in the heart of Monroe.