Good morning, Monroe.

Calhoun Sonic donated $3,900 to The Center for Children & Families as part of a Sonic Foundation initiative that raised funds from Sonic Drive-In locations across Northeast Louisiana — the gift will support outreach efforts including trauma-informed counseling, abuse prevention training, CASA volunteer recruitment and family safety education.

Zhuri Goins — a five-year-old who spent six months in the NICU after being born at 24 weeks — was recently crowned the 2026 World’s Miss LaPetite, which her family credits to the care at St. Francis.

The community now supports the NICU’s remodel through the 2 Cars 2 Winners raffle, with ticket sales running until midnight September 26.

The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested eight people linked to Labor Day shooting incidents, including 18-year-olds Landon Hughes, Corey Moses Jr, Derrick Ross, Christoven Sanders, Daniel Turner and Roderick Donald, and is still searching for 17-year-old J’Marion Glasper after a shooting at Double K Estates and Magnolia Drive left one person critically injured.

Authorities in West Monroe committed Anthony Holland, Jr. to the Department of Health and Hospitals on August 21 after he was charged with second-degree murder for allegedly dismembering a New Iberia woman during a sexual encounter—investigators report he disposed of her remains near the Ouachita River.

Today the University of Louisiana Monroe released its updated Brand Guide—its first major change since 2018—that links the school’s look to its Warhawk history from the Flying Tigers and P-40 aircraft; the guide shows new images like a shark mouth logo and a custom roundel made after ten years of research with university partners and the U.S. military.

Keep ULM Beautiful is hosting a Water Sweep 2025 cleanup event in collaboration with Ouachita Green on Saturday, September 13 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Library Overhang near Scott Plaza—150 participants who sign up will help remove litter from the banks of Bayou Desiard and nearby roads.

Secretary of State Nancy Landry will reveal findings from a month-long investigation into illegal voter registrations today that aim to ensure ballots come only from eligible voters—this move is part of an effort to boost election security throughout the state.

ULM will host a free Suicide Prevention Month Wellness Walk on September 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.—the walk will begin at the Liew International Student Center and finish at The Grove.

The event will offer mental health resources and support for students, faculty, staff, and local community members.

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.