Good morning, Monroe.

Diana Shaffer is hosting the Dreamchasers Back 2 School Bash at the Richland Parish Learning Center today from 12 to 4 p.m.—giving out free backpacks with school supplies and a table for mental health resources—and she traveled from Georgia to support the event.

Monroe’s River Cities Humane Society for Cats shelter offers kittens Draco and Calvin for adoption today, open from noon to 6 p.m.—the $80 fee covers spay/neuter, vaccines and microchipping.

Today, the Louisiana Purchase Garden and Zoo in Monroe shows four Burchell’s zebras—one stallion, two mares, and a baby named Lacey with brown stripes that will darken as she grows while visitors learn how the stripes help hide them from predators.

The exhibit explains that these plains zebras are native to Africa and are fed plenty of grass and hay.

From September 15 through September 21, twenty-four local restaurants in Ouachita Parish will offer fixed-price lunch and dinner deals as part of MWM Restaurant Week 2025—lunch is priced at $10, $15, or $20 while dinner options are $25, $35, or $50, and new Lagniappe specials will feature breakfasts, desserts, and coffee.

Monroe police arrested Devin Fenroy on Aug.

14 for a 2023 Jackson Street shooting that left two people dead; he now faces two counts of second-degree murder plus a charge for carrying a concealed weapon by a person convicted of domestic abuse battery and investigators linked him to the scene with evidence like vehicles, spent shell casings, marijuana packaging plus incriminating text messages.

Today at LaTech’s Howard Auditorium, the Bayou Star Search talent competition will showcase singers, musicians, and comedians to raise funds for the Louisiana Delta Ballet and offer a $10,000 grand prize + tickets cost $20 with Ruston providing a shuttle service for downtown visits. The event supports local arts and promotes diverse talent from across Louisiana.

Ouachita Parish school bus drivers report that other drivers are illegally passing buses during student drop off and pickup, and the Transportation Department warns that ignoring stop signs can lead to heavy fines or jail time—especially when distractions like cell phones are involved.

Miles for Motion 5K Color Run 2025

1-6 p.m. — ULM The Grove — Registration fee required — Participate in a vibrant color run organized by the Physical Therapy Student Association.

West Monroe Gar Rodeo

5 PM — Downtown West Monroe La — Registration fees apply — Experience the thrill of fishing for Louisiana's ancient gar in a lively community competition.

Recovery Movie Screening: 28 Days

1-3:30 p.m. — Ouachita Parish Public Library - Main Branch — Free admission — Experience a powerful film about addiction, healing, and resilience.

Open House at 2504 Pargoud Landing

7-9 p.m. — 2504 Pargoud Landing — Free entry — Explore a beautifully maintained home featuring spacious living areas and outdoor charm.

Water Sweep 2025

8-10 a.m. — University of Louisiana Monroe — Free — Participate in a community cleanup followed by paddling and local activities.