Good morning, Monroe.

Friends of Black Bayou will host a butterfly workshop starting Friday with a session at the Conservation Learning Center & a field count Saturday morning at the Visitors' Center; a 2026 photo contest runs until Oct.

1 with winners announced at the fall celebration at 480 Richland Place.

The Monroe Chamber of Commerce was named the 2026 Large Chamber of the Year by the Louisiana Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (LACCE) on Wed., Sep.

2, affirming its strong support for local business.

KNOE's sports director Aaron Dietrich earned two regional Emmy nominations for his storm cleanup coverage and Christmas special, boosting his career total to 14 nominations.

Winners will be announced Oct. 24 in Overland Park (Kansas).

The US Air Force Band of the West will perform a free concert on Friday, Sept.

11 at 7 p.m. in Brown Auditorium at ULM — part of a series to honor 25 years after 9/11. The band comprises 61 professional musicians serving through music.

Kiroli Foundation will host its Third Annual Hasley Cemetery Tour on Saturday, Nov.

7 — a twilight tour where local actors and musicians revive community legacies at Hasley Cemetery. Attendees will meet 15 minutes before departure at West Monroe City Hall; tickets cost $25, with five tour times available.

Monroe-based Center for Children and Families will host a seven-hour trauma-informed TBRI training on Sept.

14 to teach educators and caregivers how to support children facing trauma (with tickets at $100 including free lunch and special rates for foster families and educators).

Louisiana DOT and Destination Zero Deaths launched the 'Buckle Up, Phone Down' contest for high school students to submit videos on safe driving — AAA will award cash prizes up to $5,000 to the top three entries, with Bolton High School noted as last year’s winner.

A new Louisiana law lets residents buy fireworks starting Tuesday before Labor Day until midnight on the holiday.

Local police and fire officials urge caution + recommend clear areas for use and avoiding alcohol to help keep celebrations safe.