Good morning, Monroe.

Supporters and volunteers will gather at Monroe Regional Airport Thursday, Aug.

27 at 11:30 a.m. to send off Miss Louisiana 2026 Shelby Bordelon—who boards a 12:58 p.m. flight to West Palm Beach for Miss America 2027.

ULM’s Student Success Center helps freshmen adjust during week two by offering free tutoring + academic advising to ease academic challenges in Monroe.

Local experts say controlled burns can clear fuel and help stop big wildfires; the Piney Hills Prescribed Burn Association has burned 2,080 acres with state help since 2021, but officials warn that burns in busy areas may not be safe (timber lands often do not use them).

West Monroe began a four- to six-week downtown streetscape test run on Aug.

24 (using ideas from online surveys) that changes traffic patterns on Trenton, Commerce, and nearby streets and adds 20 parking spots; police helped direct vehicles with no tickets issued.

Gov. Jeff Landry will announce today that SpaceX plans to build a multibillion-dollar spaceport near Pecan Island, a project covering 130,000 acres.

Some coastal residents question the limited public review (NDAs in place) and worry about impacts to undeveloped marshland essential for migratory birds.

The City of Monroe is closing Mississippi Street at its Alabama Street intersection today at 7 a.m. for a new force main installation by Pulley Construction Inc., and officials expect the road to reopen by 6 p.m. weather permitting.

Ochsner doctor advises that kids need enough sleep, a balanced breakfast, water and 60 minutes of exercise daily to boost brain power and help focus in school.

Parents are encouraged to set a screen-time curfew one hour before bed.

Bayou Jamb 2026 kicked off Monday, Aug.

24 at St. Francis Stadium at ULM — sixteen teams are set to compete in a weekend of football.