Good morning, Monroe.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana, Healthy Blue Louisiana & Entergy Louisiana will host a Million Meals for MLK pack party at Monroe Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan.

21 to pack red beans and rice meal kits that help families facing food insecurity; Miss Louisiana will volunteer.

Monroe doggy daycare Wags To Whiskers, in operation for four years, announced on Facebook (Jan.

8) that it will close on Jan. 30.

Officials in Monroe and West Monroe hosted a Mardi Gras kickoff event in Antique Alley on Jan.

8 with both Krewe de Riviere + Krewe of Janus joining the celebration.

Mardi Gras season kicked off in the Twin Cities with king cake at nine spots and three parades planned for Feb.

7. The kickoff at Alley Park and the Grand Ball on Jan. 17 give locals a chance to enjoy traditions — downtown shoppers can find parade gear.

Discover Monroe-West Monroe has released a new Mardi Gras guide that offers an itinerary for Parade Day and Fat Tuesday while sharing Mardi Gras history and details on royal selections.

The digital guide features a quiz and local food recommendations.

Businesses offering internship + apprenticeship programs can save up to $2,500 per employee per year if the worker meets a 100-hour minimum.

Applications must be submitted via the Louisiana Taxpayer Access Portal by Feb. 28 as the law, sponsored by State Rep. Adrian Fisher, aims to keep local talent here.

Two Progressive insurance companies joined (over 20 others) in filing for lower rates, so Louisiana drivers may soon see reduced monthly payments as claims drop and new state rules take effect.

Richardson Medical Center opened a new infusion center in October that offers private chairs and personalized care for conditions including asthma, kidney disease, anemia, immune disorders and osteoporosis.

It will add chemotherapy services later this year — easing travel for patients in Richland Parish.

Shannon Sales and Susie Runkle with the Louisiana Cancer Foundation discussed upcoming free breast cancer screenings on Good Morning ArkLaMiss yesterday.

Details on screening dates and locations will be released soon & local residents are encouraged to watch for updates.

Night of Cakes 2026

5:30-9 p.m. — West Monroe Convention Center — Cost varies — Indulge in cakes and bid on enticing mystery bags for a good cause.

Jester Jog 2026 Color Celebration

9-10 a.m. — Alley Park — Registration fee applies — Run the vibrant Mardi Gras Parade Route in a colorful three-mile fun run.