Good morning, Monroe.

Hundreds of local volunteers have joined a weekend community service push organized by Send Relief and Baptist groups in Monroe and West Monroe.

They built Blessing Boxes at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church and repainted the Boys and Girls Club as more than sixty projects support local food security and improvements.

Meta launched an AI update on Aug.

20 that is designed to help Louisiana small businesses boost their social media marketing with tailored insights. Local business owners can now access the tool through their Meta accounts.

Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Michael Strain urged lawmakers to expand ports and pass a comprehensive farm bill that supports local farmers and strengthens the state's economy.

He noted that improved shipping routes will help bring harvests to market faster.

ULM received $2.1 million from the Louisiana Department of Health to boost its College of Health Sciences by adding nursing spots, starting a new Diagnostic Medical Sonography concentration in Spring 2028, and opening a Nurse Residency Hub for rural hospitals in Region 8 — all to increase local healthcare workers.

Local experts from the Center for Children and Families and Dr. Marina Jeffery shared social media tips for children returning to school today; they advise parents to monitor contacts online and set screen times to help kids get enough sleep.

The advice aims to support healthy routines for better learning.