Good morning, Monroe.

Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office partners with Triad Martial Arts Academy for a women's self-defense class scheduled for tomorrow from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Lincoln Parish Safety Complex (registration is required and spots are limited).

The West Monroe and West Ouachita Chamber invites residents to nominate individuals and businesses for three awards at its 70th Annual Banquet — submissions are due by November 9 at 5:00 p.m.

The Monroe Chamber of Commerce has opened applications for the 2027 Leadership Ouachita program — designed to build emerging leaders with practical skills and community connections.

Applicants must submit a photo and three recommendation letters and attend every session to benefit.

Revival Pizza Co. in Sterlington will close after five years of service due to falling sales and customer traffic — owner Zack Howse said the decision will allow him more family time as regulars share heartfelt farewells.

Masur Museum of Art in Monroe is hosting Party 318 today from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on South Grand Street (riverside location) with games, a live DJ, food trucks, and local vendors for a free community art celebration.

The Twin Cities Krewe de Riviere is inviting artists to design its western-themed Mardi Gras poster with submissions due by Nov.

6 + the parade will roll on Jan. 30 and the Grand Ball is set for Jan. 9 along a route through downtown West Monroe.

Josh Madden Productions presents Richard O'Brien's The Rocky Horror Show at Cooter Bay Nightclub in Monroe from Oct.

22-24; tickets cost $40 to $50 for attendees aged 18 or older (valid ID required). Short Attention Span Theatre and A Christmas Story will follow later at Brown Auditorium.

A new economic report shows Meta’s data center project boosted sales tax revenue by at least 5% in 10 parishes and set the stage for Monroe to add 4,200 jobs over the next two years + a planned biomedical research center is expected to create around 400 higher-paying positions.

Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry announced on Oct.22 that applications for the 2026 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award are open for youth 25 or younger — submissions will be accepted until 4:30 p.m. on Nov.20, with nominees able to apply or be nominated online.

Between December 2023 and December 2025, broadband service in 26 north Louisiana parishes improved with over 44,000 homes & businesses added, boosting connectivity three times faster than the national average.

The ConnectLA GUMBO 2.0 program is extending service in rural areas.

The Monroe Fire Department will inspect fire hydrants from Monday, Oct.

26 to Monday, Nov. 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to ensure a proper water supply; residents may notice mild water pressure changes and discolored water and should call (318) 329-2385 if needed.

Yesterday, the Louisiana Department of Health transitioned its EarlySteps program (for children with developmental delays) from contracted vendors to regional offices.

The change aims to reduce system navigation time so families can quickly access early intervention services.