Good morning, Monroe.

West Monroe PD will host Coffee with a Cop on August 1 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at Corner Coffee + Provisions, located at 222 Bell Lane #8 in West Monroe.

The City of Monroe and the Monroe Fire Department will host the 2025 Back-to-School Extravaganza on August 2 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Public Safety Center Parking Lot; the event will offer a backpack giveaway with school supplies, car-seat safety checks, and a sno-cone truck for families + supplies will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.

Former West Monroe High School teacher Tatum Hatch—accused of sexual touching a student and sending graphic images—had her trial postponed on Monday, July 28th.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has opened a lottery for 25 permits for the 2025 black bear hunting season, requiring Louisiana residents with a black bear license to pay a $50 fee.

Applicants must register online by August 28 and will be notified by email on August 29—this controlled hunt is designed to protect the bear population.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow hosted a luncheon at Ulm’s Bayou Pointe on July 29 to highlight community initiatives and discuss the Big Beautiful Bill, which would cut Medicaid and reduce SNAP benefits for about 5.3 million families.

She said she will work with the administration to secure FEMA grants for hurricane relief and restore ULM programs—efforts planned to protect local residents—.

The City of West Monroe is seeking applicants for the 2025-2026 Mayor’s Youth Council—an opportunity for students to gain leadership skills and learn about local government through volunteer service.

Eligible students in grades 10-12 from West Monroe or West Ouachita Parish can pick up applications at City Hall from 8 AM to 4 PM or find them online, with submissions due by August 22.

Northeast Delta Human Services Authority will host its 2025 Opioid Summit on August 5 from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at ULM’s Bayou Pointe Event Center.

The summit—titled 'From Service to Support: Healing Veterans and Communities from the Opioid Crisis'—will feature experts sharing insights, a vendor fair, free massages, continental breakfast, lunch, and a performance by Josh Love.

Home Buyer Workshop in Monroe, LA

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Hilton Garden Inn West Monroe — Free resources available — Discover how to build your dream home in Monroe's new subdivision with expert guidance and assistance.

The Atomic Two Miler

7:30-9 p.m. — Forsythe Park Boat Launch — Check website for registration fees — Experience a unique night run behind the levee across from Forsythe Park.

Miles for Motion 5K Color Run 2025

1-6 p.m. — ULM The Grove — Registration fee required — Participate in a vibrant color run organized by the Physical Therapy Student Association.

West Monroe Gar Rodeo

5 PM — Downtown West Monroe La — Registration fees apply — Experience the thrill of fishing for Louisiana's ancient gar in a lively community competition.