Good morning, Monroe.

KNOE hosted the inaugural First Responder of the Year banquet and awards ceremony at the West Monroe Convention Center on Oct.20 — the event recognized local first responders for their dedication to serving the community.

Ouachita Green's Family Fun Fest—set for Saturday from 2 to 6 p.m.—will take place at Kiroli Park in Monroe.

The event will feature performances, a costume contest for people and pets, and nearly 70 free booths—raising funds for local beautification efforts with support from Humana and Louisiana Pain Care.

On October 21, several women-owned businesses filled the lobby of the Jack Howard Auditorium to highlight their role in the local market — the event showcased local women entrepreneurs.

Local construction companies and educators are facing a shortage of skilled workers as brain drain causes many to leave in search of better pay.

Firms like DPR Construction are launching training programs—aiming to keep talent in Northeast Louisiana.

Sam Houston High School students hosted the 'Fields of Faith' event on Oct.

22—uniting community members in a celebration of faith at the school.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a nationwide nonprofit that supports early reading, expanded in Northeast Louisiana when Morehouse Parish Library partnered with local groups like the Center for Children and Families to offer free books to children from birth to five.

The library hosted a kickoff event on Oct 20 and the first books will arrive in homes later this fall.

AT&T donated $20,000 to Northeast Louisiana Children’s Museum to support digital literacy programs that teach kids safe online practices.

Museum officials say the new lessons—both computer-based and traditional—will help children navigate low internet access in some parishes.

West Monroe residents are urged to stay alert as severe weather threatens the area (meteorologist Sammy Petrocco advises caution when driving in heavy rain or hail) and local homeowners should check and secure risky trees or poles (to help protect their properties).

Doctors in Louisiana are starting a program to fight childhood obesity by training medical students at Our Lady of the Lake with a teaching kitchen—developed with Tulane Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine—to show patients how to eat healthy.

The effort aims to lower obesity rates and improve health in local communities.

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.

Ancestral Artistry Film Screening

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum — General Admission — Explore the influence of African and Creole architecture in Louisiana through a special film screening and Q&A session.

Dylan Scott Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Monroe Civic Center — Tickets required — Experience a night of country music with rising star Dylan Scott.

Barak Shriners' Circus

All day — Barak Shrine Temple — Pricing varies — Experience an enchanting circus with majestic elephants, daring trapeze acts, and whimsical clowns.

Football Match: South Alabama Jaguars vs. UL Monroe Warhawks

2:30-4:30 p.m. — Malone Stadium — Cost info not specified — Witness a thrilling matchup between South Alabama and UL Monroe in college football action.