Good morning, Monroe.

Jo Ann Deal from the Better Business Bureau explained cybersecurity resources to help local businesses and consumers protect themselves during her appearance on Good Morning ArkLaMiss on Jul.

6. The program highlighted online safety tools for the community (BBB of Monroe).

The DAR will host a community reading at West Monroe City Hall on Wednesday, July 8 at 6 p.m. to mark the 250th anniversary of the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence — Legacy Strings will provide musical selections; the event is free.

The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce is accepting enrollment for its Fall Mentoring Program for high school students—designed to build career skills and connect them with local business leaders—and will hold sessions in career exploration, leadership development and workforce readiness; interested students should apply soon due to limited space.

Ouachita Parish Schools opened registration for new students from July 6 to Aug.

28 and families are encouraged to begin early. Enrollment requires two utility bills (or a notarized affidavit) and valid IDs at the Child Welfare and Attendance Office, open Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Louisiana students achieved a historic 36% Mastery+ rate across grades 3-12 in the 2026 LEAP test; the Louisiana Department of Education released the data on July 6 showing improvements in subjects like math and social studies that guide future efforts.

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center released initial data from its RURAL Heart and Lung study in Franklin Parish that began in 2024 — results showed 82% of the 373 adult volunteers were overweight and that higher income linked with lower high blood pressure rates.

The study will continue with further evaluations planned through 2029.

NELA Legacy Color Run

8 a.m. — Forsythe Park — Registration required — Enjoy a vibrant day of running with options for all ages in the heart of Monroe.