Good morning, Monroe.

Residents are invited to a free breakfast at Kiroli Park Lodge on Thursday, Sept.

3 at 8 a.m. — organizers from the City of West Monroe, the Kiroli Foundation and the West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce encourage registration via a QR code as the park looks ahead to its next 100 years.

Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo introduced a new Patagonia cavy that is now on display for visitors to learn about this unique species.

The addition boosts the zoo’s educational exhibits and offers a fresh attraction for the community.

ULM signed an agreement with Monroe-based VCOM to put qualified students on a preferred admission list.

The pact aims to ease rural doctor shortages by ensuring students who meet a 3.7 GPA and complete required prerequisites have an easier path to medical school.

The Children’s Coalition launched Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Monroe a few months ago (offering direct book shipments) to boost literacy among local children.

The program honors the late singer’s legacy (over 300 million books donated since 2008), including more than 42,000 books given in Louisiana.

The second annual Mad Dash 5K Race and 1 Mile Fun Run is set for September and will draw local runners — a fun community event — where neighbors can come together for a lively day of exercise.