Good morning, Monroe.

City of West Monroe has announced street closures and scheduled events for its July 4 Independence Day celebration in downtown including the 250th Anniversary Parade starting at 11 a.m., food trucks, a kids zone and a drone + fireworks show at 9 p.m.; emergency services will be onsite.

Sparklight awarded a $3,000 grant to D.A.R.T. to help survivors and their children get laptops for schoolwork, job searches and everyday needs, and the funding is part of a cycle that has supported over $125,000 in local nonprofit programs.

On June 26 through 28, 7 Brew (Caffeine for a Cause) in West Monroe raised $13,584 for The Center for Children and Families, which offers counseling, prevention and education services to local children and families.

The NELA Legacy Color Run returns to Forsythe Park on Saturday, July 18 with 10K+5K+1K races for all skill levels.

The event supports the Tarver Braddock Foundation and St. Christopher Education Fund and invites local runners to register online.

Bayou Star Search returns to Ruston on Aug.

22, with Louisiana performers invited to apply until July 27 for a statewide talent contest hosted by Louisiana Delta Ballet. The contest will award $10,000 to the top act.

Good Hope Middle School honored America’s 250th anniversary by gathering on June 28 to place 250 flags on the Field of Freedom.

The tradition began 17 years ago to recognize local veterans and continues as a cherished community celebration.

The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office is accepting registrations for a concealed carry course with classroom instruction on Aug.

4 and firearms qualification on Aug. 6 at North Delta Training Academy in West Monroe. Registration is due by July 31; payment is due at the start — cash or checks only.

Louisiana's new law protects young athletes with NIL deals by requiring agents to register, pass a background check, and complete training, officials say.

The regulation went into effect July 1 and aims to safeguard families from exploitation (registration is managed online by the Attorney General’s Office).

Local officials have shared safety tips for July 4 celebrations; West Monroe police urged residents to slow down on busy roads and use crosswalks, and Little Dixie Fireworks recommended keeping a bucket of water nearby to prevent fires.

Marine veteran-therapist Megan Diaz said fireworks this Fourth of July can trigger PTSD symptoms and advised families to give veterans a heads-up before the displays.

Diaz recommends options like staying indoors or watching from afar — measures that can help veterans during the 250th anniversary celebrations.

Louisiana Tech Athletics transitioned into the Sun Belt Conference on Jul.

1 — aligning with ULM, ULL and Southern Miss for renewed in-state battles and community excitement.

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.