Good morning, Monroe.

The University of Louisiana Monroe will host its annual Trunk or Treat on Monday, Oct.

26, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the parking lot in front of the Student Center on Mitchell Street (traffic will be restricted) where children and families can collect treats from student-decorated trunks.

On Tuesday, Oct. 20, community members met downtown to grieve a loss and demand safer streets, saying better measures are needed following recent events (local leaders urge officials to review policies).

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and Keep Louisiana Beautiful announced that the month-long Love Our Waterways cleanup removed 68 tons of trash and 177 tires from Louisiana waterways with help from over 4,300 volunteers in 51 parishes, and the effort secured $205,000 in private sponsorships.

The Louisiana Department of Health issued an emergency rule adding three substances linked to 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine to Schedule I to protect public health — the rule will remain in effect until a final decision is made.

Louisiana received $3 million in grants to support veterans’ mental health initiatives — funds that will help expand services for veterans statewide, including those in local communities like Monroe.

Local audiologist Deborah Cowan warns young headphone users that listening above 60% volume for over 60 minutes daily can permanently damage hearing (the 60/60 rule is recommended by experts).

She advises taking regular breaks and scheduling checkups to safeguard hearing.