Good morning, Monroe.

Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo in Monroe now features Ponchito, a cape buffalo known for his gentle behavior with keepers—he stays near water like in the wild.

The Louisiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force reported a sharp rise in online crimes as cybercrime tips increased from 809 in 2013 to over 13,600 in 2023 with 437 arrests made since last year—officials advised parents to monitor screen time and privacy settings to help protect children.

Officers responded at 5:32 a.m. on May 22 to a shooting at Church Street and Sherrouse Avenue in Monroe, where a 14-year-old male was injured and later died on May 24, and 20-year-old Tyrese D.

Brown was arrested on September 2 and is set to appear in court today—he faces charges of First-Degree Murder, Second-Degree Cruelty to Juveniles, Illegal Use of Weapons, and Carrying a Firearm in a Firearm-free Zone.

One lane will be closed at Desiard Street and North Grand and run east to N.

6th Street to allow painting of traffic signal poles. City officials say the work will take 10 days—weather permitting, and drivers should plan alternate routes.

Registration for the Fortify Homes Program grants opens today at 8 a.m. in Monroe, offering homeowners up to $10,000 to strengthen their roofs.

The program has 500 grants available (including in Ouachita Parish) and new applicants must register by (September 12).

The West Monroe Board of Aldermen named Daniel Overturf as the new fire chief following Mayor Staci Albritton Mitchell’s recommendation at their Sept.

2nd meeting, and he will begin serving in mid-September—Overturf brings over 25 years of fire service experience from Monroe and the Navy.

Louisiana recorded the highest chlamydia rates and continues to rank high for gonorrhea and syphilis according to CDC data.

Dr. Victoria Bourgeois from Baton Rouge General urged residents aged 15 to 24 to use condoms and get free STD screenings available in every parish—measures that could help reduce the spread.

KNOE’s Friday Night Blitz 2025 begins with Beat the Ace — a game that lets fans make picks and upload photos to support sports director Aaron Dietrich.

Participants can pick up game modules at 1400 Oliver Road and watch every Friday on KNOE’s streaming platforms during high school football season.

ULM defensive back D’Arco Perkins-McAllister was named Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Week after a media panel vote on August 31.

He led the Warhawks to their first shutout in a decade with two sacks, five solo tackles, and three assists — and ULM will face No. 8 Alabama on Saturday at 6:45 p.m. in Tuscaloosa.

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.

The Hilarity House Showcase

6-11:59 p.m. — Enoch's Irish Pub — $15 General Admission, $125 VIP Table — Enjoy a night of laughter with a lineup of talented comedians.

Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Kiroli Park — Free entry — Celebrate Celtic culture with live music, activities for all ages, and unique artisan vendors.