Good morning, Monroe.

Doug Harvey hosted his annual town hall today in Monroe, giving local residents a chance to share their views at a community meeting.

Visitors also met Katara (a Barbary sheep) at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo, adding a unique charm to the morning.

The Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana will hold a backpack giveaway on Saturday, July 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at 117 Hall Street, Monroe.

Eligible children will receive supplies and community resources while a parent must sign a waiver (requirements apply).

Monroe police partnered with the National Child Safety Council to launch the Safetypup program that teaches children about drugs, internet safety, senior safety and mental health.

They are seeking donations to help cover supply costs of about $3 per child.

The Richland Parish School Board is holding a job fair to prepare for the new school year while Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo welcomes Katara (a Barbary sheep) as its new attraction in Monroe.

Beginning July 1, the state’s fiscal year 2026-27 budget allocates about $571 million for college construction and $101 million for research, campus security and special projects at local institutions.

Louisiana Tech and Grambling received extra one-time funds for renovations and athletic upgrades — boosting campus facilities.

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality announced Louisiana secured $4.5 million from the EPA’s 2026 Brownfields Multipurpose, Assessment, and Cleanup Grant Program to fund efforts to assess and clean contaminated properties.

Initiatives will start in Lafayette, Homer, and Washington (a focus on revitalizing local communities).

Three northeast Louisiana parishes have launched an artificial intelligence pilot program to improve local government operations.

Officials said the initiative will streamline services, though details about the parishes and timelines are still pending.

DOTD will close the right lane on I-20 westbound over the Ouachita River between S.

5th Street and Jackson Street interchanges for drain maintenance during nighttime hours — on Friday from 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. and on Saturday from 9:00 p.m. to noon on Sunday, weather permitting.

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.