Good morning, Monroe.

Presley Kate Chance, an eight-year-old at Claiborne Elementary in West Monroe, was selected from over 2,700 entries for NDSS’s Times Square Video Presentation on Saturday, Sept.

12 to promote inclusion for those with Down syndrome.

Monroe residents debate the $5.12 million annual budget for Green Oaks Juvenile Detention Center and urge local investment in community centers to guide youth before they enter the justice system.

The discussion calls for positive role models to curb juvenile crime.

Whataburger will open its newest West Monroe restaurant on Monday and offer prizes to the first drive-thru, dining room, and curbside customers, company officials said.

The first 100 guests will also receive tote bags (year-of-food giveaway).

Meta launched an update to its AI system on Wednesday, Aug.

19 in West Monroe to help local small business owners streamline tasks by connecting Instagram insights, ad campaigns, and Google Workspace — with users maintaining full control of their shared data.

Meta launched new AI tools to help Louisiana small business owners automate tasks and track competitors, sparking local interest and expert advice to protect sensitive business data.

The update was released earlier today and is expected to streamline operations for local entrepreneurs.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife interns and ACE volunteers will host a Pollinator BioBlitz on Saturday from 9:00–11:00 a.m. at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge Conservation Learning Center — community members will help spot and identify butterflies, bees, wasps, and more.

St. Francis Medical Center’s NICU remodel finished Phase I and will add five rooming in rooms by Fall, funded by the 2 Cars 2 Winners Raffle.

Creed & Creed Law Firm raised the Early Bird Drawing prize as sales close Sep. 25 with winners drawn Oct. 1.

ULM has received a $2.1 million state grant to combat rural medical shortages by boosting nursing enrollment, launching a sonography concentration (regional residency hub planned) and expanding clinical opportunities.

Health experts recommend washing hands and using hand sanitizer (which kills 99% of germs) as part of back-to-school hygiene in Monroe.

Instructors advise students with fever or vomiting to stay home to keep classrooms safe.

ULM and Louisiana Tech introduced the Radiance Technologies I-20 Showdown Rivalry Series to boost athletic competition in 12 sports and engage community pride.

The series awards points for wins from head-to-head matches, season series, and conference standings, with the football game outcome serving as a tiebreaker (if tied).