Good morning, Monroe.

The River Cities Humane Society for Cats will host its annual Tails at Twilight fundraiser — a key event for local cat care — at ULM Bayou Pointe on Saturday, Oct.

10 from 6 to 10 p.m. Funds raised will support food, medical care, and Trap-Neuter-Return programs for local cats.

Celtic Fest will be held at Lazarre Park in West Monroe on Oct.

3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as proceeds benefit the Kiroli Foundation + local community projects.

AP test scores in the state jumped from a 37.4% passing rate in 2019 to 69.1% in 2026 (nearly double the national growth).

Despite the progress, Louisiana's rate still remains 2.2 points below the national average.

The Ouachita Parish School Board approved selling the remaining $25M of bonds today to support the construction of Richwood Upper Elementary School.

Bids for the project will begin next month.

The Lincoln Parish Sheriff's Office is offering a free hunting and firearm safety course from Monday, Oct.

19 to Thursday, Oct. 22 at its range in Simsboro. Participants must be at least nine years old and attend all four days to earn a certificate.

National EMS Academy is offering a $400 EMT training program in Monroe to help locals gain essential emergency skills.

The academy will share training dates + enrollment details soon.

Candidates for the 5th Congressional District held a forum on Sept.

29 to address community issues — Stewart Cathey, Misti Cordell, Michael Echols, Gabe Firment, Pat Moore, Dan McKay and Austin Magee shared their ideas — as voters look ahead to the upcoming election.

KNOE8 reported on Tuesday that Louisiana’s SNAP Program is undergoing changes to improve benefit distribution; Monroe offices will share more details once finalized (further update expected soon).

The Louisiana Department of Health announced that adult obesity dropped from 39.2% in 2024 to 35.6% in 2025 (the state moved from third highest to 19th in the nation) as officials continue programs to improve community health.

West Monroe exterminator Jacob Best outlined fall prevention tips today, advising residents to seal entry points (like gaps around doors, windows, and roofs) and keep indoor spaces clean to help reduce seasonal pests.

Ouachita Parish High School won a seven-point overtime thriller against Sterlington at Milhaven; the final play (a heavy-contact fade pass) sealed the victory during Week 4 high school football action.