Good morning, Monroe.

United Way of Northeast Louisiana and the Northeast Louisiana Bar Foundation announced free 2025-26 Heirship Project Workshops at its Monroe office at 1201 Hudson Lane—sessions on November 13, January 15 and April 16 will offer educational presentations, heirship forms, parish guidelines and legal consultations.

The Ouachita Council on Aging will host its annual Fall Festival on Saturday, Nov.

1 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2407 Ferrand Street in Monroe, and the event will feature arts and crafts, over 50 vendors, door prizes, a quilt raffle, Catfish Charlie’s, gumbo and a sweet shop — all to support aging services.

NELA is hosting family Halloween events this week.

ULM’s Trunk or Treat took place Monday from 5 to 7 on Mitchell Street—upcoming events include ULM College of Pharmacy’s Pharm-Tober Fest on Thursday at 5:30 p.m., Southern Stables’ Halloween Bash in West Monroe on Thursday from 6:30 to 9, and Krewe of Janus’s Boo event on Friday from 6 to 7:30 at the Krewe of Janus Float Den.

ARCO announced that long-time executive director Roma Kidd will retire after 44 years of service during which she grew programs for people with developmental disabilities — the board is now looking for her successor to lead the organization by year's end.

Two J’s restaurant in Monroe has built a reputation in just three months by serving a mix of steak, seafood, and home-style sandwiches — the menu draws on family recipes like crab meat salad and spaghetti and meatballs.

Toby Traylor — a Monroe blues musician with the band Four on the Floor — won the Solo/Duo category at the Ouachita Parish Blues Society Blues Challenge and will represent the area at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis.

ULM's College of Business and Social Sciences is holding its annual CBSS Symposium Oct.

27–30 with free sessions on many topics. Today an Elevator Pitch Competition runs from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. in The Hangar and Jim Davidson will give a keynote on resilience on Oct. 29 at 11:00 a.m. at Bayou Point Event Center.

On October 27, the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana gave a $7,000 check to the Children’s Museum to boost education through School Readiness Tax Credit funds—expanding programming for 122 childcare centers and refreshing the baby Bayou exhibit.

Two childcare centers were recognized for their participation in the initiative.

Carbon Horizon—a student team from ULM—won the DevDays ClimateTech Challenge by developing an AI-powered web tool that manages carbon capture data; they received a $5,000 prize after competing with 10 other teams from local universities in a contest sponsored by Nexus Louisiana, FUEL, and Baker Hughes. The next DevDay, focused on sports medicine, will take place November 14.

Federal funds for SNAP, Head Start and WIC may run dry on Saturday and early November if Congress does not reach a deal—leaving millions at risk—and Louisiana lawmakers are considering a $150 million state measure to protect benefits for nearly 800,000 residents.

The West Monroe Lady Rebels swept Haughton in their home finale with a strong win.

Coach Mickey Joseph gave an update on GSU quarterback C’zavian Teasett & looked ahead to the upcoming SWAC matchup.

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.