Good morning, Monroe.

Life Choice Center’s new Pink Pantry has been offering free pads and tampons on Roselawn Ave for a week as high local demand drives frequent restockings (donations are welcome).

Ouachita Green celebrated its second quarter volunteer efforts for Q2 2026 in Monroe.

Volunteers completed 15 educational events & 93 cleanup projects removing over 12,000 lbs of litter while four local affiliates earned a top rating on the quarterly litter index.

ULM has been awarded a $4,211,997 (largest contract in its history) agreement from the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center to improve weather nowcasting in the Lower Mississippi River Basin.

The project will install 50 monitoring stations, create workforce positions, and boost flood alerts.

The Northeast Louisiana Children’s Coalition will host a free backpack giveaway on Saturday, Jul.

12 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. across from its office; families will receive clear backpacks + school supplies along with games, giveaways, and community resource connections from local partners.

Volunteers are invited to join Water Sweep cleanups on September 12 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at several Ouachita Parish sites such as Forsythe Boat Dock in Monroe and Bawcomville Rec Boat Dock in West Monroe—bring a refillable water bottle and closed-toe shoes.

Ouachita Green is accepting nominations for its annual awards luncheon on Wednesday, Aug.

26 at 11:30 a.m. at the West Monroe Convention Center (the event will honor local volunteers for environmental education, litter abatement, and beautification and offers ticket and sponsorship opportunities).

Ouachita Parish Fire Department put a new $1.1M fire engine into service, replacing a 25-year-old truck as part of its long-term upgrade plan — the department honored the change with a traditional push-in ceremony.

A 15-year-old Simsboro teen is the first in Louisiana and fourth in the world to receive Tizield for Stage 3 Type 1 diabetes at the Diabetes Care Center in West Monroe.

He is expected to finish the $14,000 treatment on July 15.

Nutritionist Jen Avis shared the benefits of garbanzo beans on Good Morning ArkLaMiss today.

She explained that a serving of this nutrient-rich legume offers 15 grams of protein+12 grams of fiber and aids digestion, heart health, blood sugar control and weight management while including a roasted chickpea recipe.

Guidance for Behavioral Health broke ground on a new 6,500 sqft facility in Monroe as announced by the Chamber of Commerce.

Owner Roderick (Rod) Williams said the expansion will improve care access for families in the community.

Louisiana health officials confirmed 23 cases of cyclosporiasis including one hospitalization, with no deaths reported.

Officials advise washing fresh produce—especially leafy greens—to reduce the risk of infection.

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.