Good morning, Monroe.

Local organizers announced the first-ever NELA Next conference that will take place in Monroe soon.

The event will feature sessions on regional innovation and community development (details to be released).

Monroe Fire Department hosted its annual Fire Safety Extravaganza, where hundreds from six schools learned how to escape a fire and dial 911 + Fire Chief Timothy Williams and teachers say the event teaches life-saving skills.

The Center for Children and Families (local nonprofit) began its annual Christmas project on Oct.8 to support families preparing for the holidays.

The project will offer festive activities and assistance to children.

The West Monroe–West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce will host an industrial hiring fair on Thursday, Oct.

15 from 4 to 7 p.m. at 112 Professional Drive in West Monroe, connecting job seekers with employers offering full time, part time, seasonal and occasional work; all must pass a drug test.

Monroe City Schools full-time employees will receive stipends today as scheduled; the payments support the district's commitment to its staff.

United Way of Northeast Louisiana is running its READ.

LEARN. SUCCEED. program for second and third grade students and inviting local volunteers to support early literacy in the community — opportunities are available now.

The Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and the National Weather Service set up Severe Weather Awareness Week from Monday, Oct.

12 to Saturday, Oct. 17 to help residents prepare for the upcoming storm season. Topics include tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flash flooding, and winter weather safety.

LA Cancer Foundation will offer a free prostate cancer screening event (details including time and location coming soon) as Director of Operations Jennifer Zimmerman announced on Good Morning ArkLaMiss.

An FDA survey found that fewer Louisiana youth used tobacco products from 2024 to 2025, with nicotine pouches now more common than cigarettes.

Health advocates (including Philip Morris officials and local experts) say education, checking IDs, and parent help played a key role in the drop.

The Caldwell Spartans were named Team of the Week after starting their season 4-1 and celebrated the honor with pizza during a team gathering; Cleo Head said the recognition shows the players' hard work and growing confidence.

Louisiana Tech head football coach Sonny Cumbie joined Aaron and Jake on Morning Drive as Beat the Ace Week 6 commenced this week, and Tech and Grambling celebrated wins over the weekend — Grambling edged Alcorn 63-59 in Saturday Night Blitz and Friday Night Blitz.