Good morning, Monroe.

The Dragonfly sculpture in Forsythe Park—restored, repainted and reinstalled—now has a new purpose for local visitors.

It stands as a refreshed art piece aimed at engaging the community.

Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo features a speckled kingsnake in this week’s Zoo Buddy segment and will celebrate its 250th anniversary on July 4 with food vendors, a pizza eating contest, and a dunk tank featuring the director while the reptile building remains closed for exhibit construction.

The University of Louisiana Monroe has named Ashanti Jones as director of its Doctor of Physical Therapy program today.

She has served in several roles since 2020 (including interim director) and earned her degrees from Dillard, UT Medical Branch and ULM.

Ouachita Parish Schools made several changes after Gov. Jeff Landry’s teacher pay order shifted funds to a one-time bonus; Superintendent Todd Guice said the memo set immediate hiring freezes and spending cuts that may be temporary.

These adjustments were announced for schools in Ouachita Parish.

Researchers from Climate Central report that Louisiana summers have grown hotter and more humid, with average summer temperatures rising by up to 4.5° since 1970 and leading to more heat-related ER visits and deaths.

As the Fourth of July nears, forecasts predict low-to-mid-90s and scattered storms (with limited rain relief).

The State Fire Marshal advised residents to use fireworks safely during upcoming Fourth of July celebrations and America’s 250th anniversary as families prepare for festivities.

The guidelines recommend using fireworks only in open areas (at least 200 feet from flammable items) and keeping children away from dangerous sparklers.

The Ouachita Parish Abatement District will begin aerial spraying for mosquito control today and continue tomorrow, starting at 8:20 p.m. and ending at 11 p.m. each night pending favorable weather for the target area.

Ochsner LSU Health Monroe Medical Center earned the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for following evidence-based guidelines to treat stroke patients.

The hospital also received the Target: Stroke Honor Roll award and meets the criteria of a Primary Stroke Center to help reduce long-term stroke effects.

Biedenharn will host a live culinary demonstration today at its Monroe venue for local food enthusiasts.

Viewers can catch updates on 9News at 6 for a closer look at expert cooking tips.

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.