Good morning, Monroe.

The Ark-La-Miss Fair returns to the Ike Hamilton Expo today in West Monroe with rides, games, live music, food, and family-friendly events—visitors can enjoy this event until Saturday, Oct.

5.

The Louisiana Bar Foundation and the Justice Bus arrived in Monroe today to offer civil legal aid to those needing help with family law, domestic violence and housing issues — the foundation plans to award nearly $15 million in grants across nine regions.

The Justice Bus has visited 19 parishes since last year and now provides direct legal services and self-help forms to more people in Northeast Louisiana.

The United Way of NELA is asking local community members to volunteer for its READ.LEARN.SUCCEED initiative for 2025–2026 — the program will help improve reading and learning efforts across the area.

Chick-fil-A on Thomas Road and Glenwood Drive in West Monroe is hosting a drive-thru event on Tuesday, September 30 where every dog in a vehicle gets a free Pup Cup and bandana — supplies are limited.

Schools are asking local businesses to offer needed resources + form partnerships to meet growing classroom needs.

The move will help improve education programs and support students.

ULM School of Education received the Frank Murray Leadership Recognition for Continuous Improvement from CAEP, one of only 22 programs to earn the honor.

Representatives accepted the award in Washington, D.C. on September 18 plus the school renewed its accreditation through spring 2032.

The City of Monroe will host a dedication ceremony for the new Charlotte Bolton Tennis Center at Forsythe tennis courts on October 8 at 3 p.m.—the center is named for Charlotte Bolton, a local tennis pioneer who coached at Neville High and held free clinics for area youth.

Louisiana will hold its open primary on October 11 with parish and district races underway.

Secretary of State Nancy Landry reminded voters that early voting runs from Sept. 27 to Oct. 4 — excluding Sunday, Sept. 28 — and absentee ballots must be requested by Oct. 7 at 4:30 p.m. while polls open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day.

St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe has benefited from a raffle that funds hospital improvements through the St. Francis Foundation—tickets for the 2 Cars 2 Winners Raffle will close soon.

A new report from WilsonHousing.com says mid-October will be the best time for homebuyers due to more available homes, decreased competition, and softer mortgage rates—factors that could lower home prices significantly.

Buyers are advised to prepare their financial documents as sellers are expected to be more flexible ahead of the holiday season.

ULM's homecoming parade starts at 5:30 today on Northeast Dr and ends at Fant-Ewing Coliseum+ a pep rally follows immediately to boost game excitement+ the event features the football team, spirit squads, the Sound of Today Marching Band, and the homecoming court.

Last night, 13 local high school football teams played their week four games, with Ruston beating Midland Legacy 49 — 21 and Southern Lab defeating Delhi 46 — 8.

The teams competed on the field as scores showed clear wins.

The high school football season kicks off a new week of Friday Night Blitz with Sterlington facing West Ouachita, Neville traveling to St. Thomas, and 22 other matchups on the schedule.

KNOE will provide live coverage with a Field Pass at 5 and 6 p.m.—followed by highlights at 10 p.m.

Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Kiroli Park — Free entry — Celebrate Celtic culture with live music, activities for all ages, and unique artisan vendors.

Fall Celebration

10 AM – 1 PM — Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center — Free entry — Celebrate Fall with fun activities like birdhouse building and canoeing for kids of all ages.

Claiborne Christian Baseball Pickleball Tournament

9 a.m. — Claiborne Christian School — Fundraiser for the baseball team — All levels welcome to enjoy a fun day of pickleball.

Halloween Pub Crawl in Monroe

4:30-9 p.m. — Vibez Lounge — Tickets required — Get festive with spooky costumes and partake in exciting social media contests during this haunted night of fun.