Good morning, Monroe.

Discover Monroe-West Monroe released a new travel guide that spotlights restaurants and attractions to boost local tourism revenue.

Officials noted the guide arrived amid a reported sales tax rate increase (16 to 18 percent) in unincorporated areas in 2025, aiming to help local businesses.

The Southern Heritage Air Foundation announced its Mission Forward Plan to honor founder Dan Fordice (who passed May 12), with plans to reopen its museum on June 17 and continue ride programs, flyovers, tours, and STEM activities into 2027.

Twenty-nine contestants finished the Miss Louisiana preliminaries in Monroe, competing in questions, talent, fitness, and evening wear in two groups—Jazz and Blues.

Finals will start at 8 p.m. at the Monroe Civic Center.

Eli Rogers, a Baskin native who performed for the Monroe Moccasins, advanced in the Star Spangled Sing Off with regional voting open until June 28 plus winners announced July 2 for a trip to Nashville, and meanwhile Rayville celebrated Juneteenth with a parade featuring music and community messages.

Passenger numbers increased at Monroe Regional Airport in Q1 2026 with just over 26,000 travelers compared to 22,000 last year, and officials said new routes like the American Airlines Dallas-Fort Worth flight will support ongoing growth & boost economic activity in the region.

Gov. Landry signed House Bill 1248 (Act 725), which lets licensed wildlife rehabilitators treat and release injured white-tailed deer under Wildlife and Fisheries guidelines.

The law will take effect in August after unanimous support from voters and legislators amid earlier deer incidents.

A local pet adoption announcement features two cats: Puddles (playful and outgoing) and Roady (calm and snuggly) are looking for loving homes; check with local shelters for details.

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.