Good morning, Monroe.

Monroe was named a winner for The Nicest Places in America 2025 by Reader’s Digest after Discover Monroe-West Monroe submitted a nomination that highlighted the city’s charm and the start of the Tarver Braddock Foundation—created in honor of a Neville High student who died in a 2024 deer camp fire in Mississippi—marking the first time Monroe has received this recognition.

KNOE Field Pass provides a roundup of local news with Friday Night Blitz sports action, legal support for domestic violence survivors at the Family Justice Center, partial Black Bayou closures amid a federal shutdown, resources from Ward 3 for mental health issues, AI risk warnings, and Monroe school finalists for a T-Mobile sports facility makeover — each update offers key local details.

Micheal Durr told her story of surviving domestic violence at the 20th anniversary event of the Family Justice Center of Ouachita Parish on October 2—she explained how safety planning and legal support helped her regain control of her life.

The University of Louisiana Monroe faces a $12 million budget shortfall and new President Dr. Carrie Castile has spent four months adjusting spending to avoid more cuts to faculty or staff—she cut only the women’s tennis team while growth in construction management and graduate programs offers hope for a stronger future. This approach aims to balance the budget without harming key academic roles.

The University of Louisiana System visited ULM to discuss its five-year plan that will boost operational efficiency, student access, research, and community support.

University leaders explained that the plan will work to reduce rising costs and grow the local economy (nearly $700 million impact) by improving workforce development.

ULM’s enrollment for Fall 2025 grew with the undergraduate Health Science program increasing 4.75%, graduate programs rising 9% to 11%, and the Honors Program expanding by 10% with its second-largest freshman class in history — campus residence halls are now at 93% capacity.

NBC 10’s Demetrious Gamble interviewed Education Curator Jody Nobles about a new animal at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo—featured in the Zoo to You series airing this week.

The segment gives viewers a closer look at the zoo’s newest exhibit.

On Oct. 2 the Family Justice Center celebrated its 20th anniversary by offering domestic violence survivors legal aid through a partnership with the District Attorney’s office.

The center has helped cut domestic violence cases by 47.3% in Ouachita Parish since 2004—work that continues to hold offenders accountable.

The government shutdown has forced the closure of both buildings at Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge—including the Conservation Learning Center and Visitor Center—while volunteers care for the animals inside; visitors can still walk, visit, and kayak the bayou until the refuge reopens when the shutdown ends.

Doctors warn that social media misinformation is causing some people to skip breast cancer screenings.

They said myths—like the false idea that men cannot get the disease and that mammogram radiation is unsafe—are putting health at risk.

On November 1st, The Living Gospel Church—West Monroe at 700 Montgomery Street will host a community health fair from 11 AM to 2 PM offering services in sleep apnea, mental wellness, health education, insurance support and financial counseling.

The event will feature keynote speaker Tracie M. Bellanger, MD.

Babe is 13 months old and Elsa is 19 weeks old.

Both are available for adoption—local shelters encourage families to consider giving them a home.

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.

World Ballet Company - Cinderella

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Monroe Civic Center — Experience the enchanting ballet adaptation of Cinderella featuring international dancers and stunning costumes.

Ainsley's Angels 10th Annual Rolling On The River 5K

10:30 PM – 12:30 AM — 501 Mane St, West Monroe, LA — Registration starting from $2.99 — Celebrate inclusivity with a fun 5K featuring in-person and virtual options.