Jaworski Batton, 41, and Cody Gibson, 40, both of Heflin, Louisiana, have been found guilty by a federal jury in Shreveport of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute.

Volunteer Louisiana names 9 recipients for the 2025 Champions of Service Award.

Drs. Eric Siereveld & Pearson Cross bring jazz to the studios of 90.3 KEDM Public Radio. Dr. Siereveld is an Associate Professor of Music at the University of Louisiana Monroe. He also leads numerous ensembles at ULM. A veteran of the New York City music scene, his Broadway tour/credits include Young Frankenstein, two tours with Elf: The Musical, Addams Family (International). Dr. Pearson Cross is the Director of School of Behavioral & Social Sciences at ULM. Cross is a professional jazz piano player and has performed with the Monroe and Lafayette Symphonies. He is also a gifted music teacher bringing up young musicians in the jazz piano tradition.

Leon "Pee Wee" Whitaker will receive a marker from the Northeast Louisiana Music Trail. The marker will honor him as a musician, and the impact he had on northeast Louisiana.

The city of Monroe will host a Rivermarket in downtown Monroe. The community will have a chance to support local businesses, enjoy the scenery of the Ouachita River and learn about the city's culture.

As he prepares to enter the seclusion of a conclave to elect a new pope, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster, reflects on diversity and sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.

The legendary west African kingdom of Kaabu has long been memorialized in the songs and stories of griots. That's inspired archaeologists to excavate the kingdom's capital.

National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day is on April 30. To bring awareness to the day, the Up First newsletter is sharing some stories from readers about how their pet has impacted their lives.