Good morning, Monroe.

Affinity Health Group offered free eye exams, hearing tests, backpacks and school supplies at its first back-to-school fair on Friday, July 31.

Christ the King Catholic Campus Ministry is hosting an Art and Gift Vendor Market today (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) to support student ministries.

Duck Commander will host its first Drive-In Movie Night on Friday, Aug.

7 in West Monroe. The event at Duck Commander Warehouse Store and Museum (117 Kings Lane) begins at 8:15 p.m., with games, food and tickets from $10 to $25 for a screening of the film 'The Blind.'

Faith Technologies Incorporated broke ground Thursday on a new ($80 million) manufacturing facility in Ouachita Parish, which is expected to create more than 200 manufacturing jobs as work began immediately on the Monroe site to boost local industry.

The Louisiana Department of Health warned residents on Saturday, August 1 that Midwest Poultry Services recalled 1,589,577 dozen shell eggs for possible salmonella risk sold at Kroger and Brookshire Grocery stores.

Affected eggs (those with specific codes and production dates) should be discarded or returned.

Louisiana health officials reported a spike in COVID-19 cases in July as doctors urged symptomatic residents to isolate.

Experts advised high-risk individuals to stay current on vaccines (to reduce severe illness).

Acadian Ambulance’s five-year contract was extended by the Ouachita Council of Governments, ensuring continued service in Ouachita Parish.

The provider will add fleet units + launch a mobile health division in January while using its EMS school to boost training for West Monroe fire troops.