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Hello Monroe! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: $80 million manufacturing facility, National Bowling Day circus celebration, and SMART Club + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Today’s sponsor, Goldco, is helping folks around Monroe help protect their savings after a remarkable few years for gold and silver. Their free guide explains what's behind the run… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Industry support for students: AT&T donated $25,000 to ULM’s Workforce Scholarship Program, backing students with financial need in business, CIS, computer science, and construction management, as ULM stressed industry partnerships that support student success -- see the scholarship impact.
Regional industry expansion: Faith Technologies Incorporated broke ground on an $80 million Excellerate manufacturing facility in Ouachita Parish, signaling a major expansion and over 200 manufacturing jobs for Northeast Louisiana -- see the manufacturing plans.
New deer season rules: After a northeast Louisiana CWD detection, the state changed CWD zone boundaries ahead of deer season. Deer Area 1 hunters face a restructured possession limit, and LDWF posted its calendar -- read the full details.
The bill everyone over 50 should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $1,500 this year. Case in point: Shopping around could cut your premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy*
Watch your credit card balance drop. Here's a rare one: this card lets you skip interest charges until nearly 2028, and you won't pay a cent in annual fees to do it. On top of that, every purchase earns at least 1.5% cash back, with some categories as high as 5%. Spend a little early on and there's up to a $200 bonus waiting too -- take a look.*
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Gold posted one of its strongest runs in decades...Silver has been right there with it, and after a few remarkable years both metals have become some of the most talked-about assets for those looking to stay ahead of market volatility. While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning. If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, Goldco has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how people are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
A fairytale in Monroe: Need a quick escape that still feels local? Layton Castle lets you wander historic grounds, pack a picnic, or hop on a tour to actually learn something cool about our city. You can even book a photo session or snag a short-term suite for a close-to-home reset.
Big game energy: Craving a burger that actually earns the jersey? Fieldhouse Bar & Grill is your go-to for mouth-watering Fieldhouse Burgers, cold drinks, and wall-to-wall sports in HD on a ton of screens, including giant projectors. Perfect spot to cheer, decompress, and argue over calls with friends this week.
Your midweek art plan: Masur Museum of Art is wrapping up Trismegistus: In the Garden on August 8, so catch it while you can. Also on the radar this week, The Crawl hits August 6, and their Summer Membership Drive rolls through August 31 for anyone ready to make it official.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial walk-in-the-door fee to x-rays, surgery, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade →
Home insurance premiums jumped 12% last year alone: That's on top of years of increases that have outpaced inflation. Before you blindly renew with your current insurer, a free comparison tool matches your home with top-rated insurers so you can see quotes side by side, in about two minutes. Some homeowners find hundreds in savings, and if you don't find a better policy, you stay put knowing you checked. *See your options →
The fitness trend that doesn't require leaving your living room: Chair yoga is having a moment, and for good reason. It's low-impact, easy on the knees and back, and you do the whole thing seated. No floor, no equipment, no studio. A quick quiz turns it into a personalized plan built around your body and goals, then adjusts as you build the habit. *See your plan →
One plug-in drives bugs out of your home, no spray required: For every bug you see along the baseboards, more are nesting out of sight, and traps and poison only reach so far. This one works differently: patented pulse technology runs through your home's wiring to make the whole place uncomfortable for insects and mice, so they clear out on their own. No fumes, nothing on the floor near the kids or pets, just plug it in. Over 3.5 million sold, it's silent, and there is a money-back guarantee. *Get yours 40% off →
The real retirement risk isn't a bad year. It's a long life: 40 years of saving, and the hard part is making it stretch across 30 more. SmartAsset's free quiz matches you with vetted fiduciary advisors who serve your area and are legally required to act in your best interests. The plan is built around you, not their commission. No obligation to hire anyone. *Start the quiz → |
Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🌶 Jalapeño Summer Series @ West Monroe MX and Family Fun Park | Saturday (8/8) at 8:00 AM – West Monroe MX is firing up the Jalapeño Summer Series, with Saturday practice and Sunday races that are spicier than the concession stand salsa. Think roaring engines, flying roost, and an easy excuse to sit in the sun, swap stories, and feel 22 again.
🎳 National Bowling Day Circus Celebration @ Bayou Bowl | Saturday (8/8) at 11:00 AM – If your crew likes a little spectacle with their strikes, Bayou Bowl is going full big top for National Bowling Day. Expect $2 games, carnival games, face paint, prizes, zoo critters, and crafts, then blissfully quiet half-price bowling once the circus clears.
🩺 8th Annual Community Health & Wellness Expo @ Monroe Civic Center | Saturday (8/15) at 10:00 AM – Think your step count is impressive because you chased the dog? The Community Health & Wellness Expo at Monroe Civic Center Conference Hall is free and useful, with screenings, resources, activities, giveaways, and The Guru of Abs leading an all-ages workout that respects your knees.
🧪 Back To School STEM Festival @ Monroe Civic Center | Saturday (8/15) at 12:00 PM – Back to school in Monroe means skipping supply lists for a minute and letting the kids dive into robots, rockets, and goo. It is all science, tech, and hands-on tinkering, with chaos they clean up, and bragging rights you can dine out on.
🧠 SMART Club @ MoJoy Studios (West Monroe) | Thursday (8/27) at 1:00 PM – Mojoy rolls out SMART Club, a new class for young adults with special needs focused on growth, real-life learning, and friendship. Whether your kid loves projects or just needs a place to find their people, expect patient mentors, fewer worksheets, more wins, and zero judgment.
🎣 North Louisiana Sportsman’s Expo @ West Monroe Sports & Events | Friday (8/28) at 2:00 PM – West Monroe turns into a hunter’s candy store as the North Louisiana Sportsman’s Expo brings deer, ducks, and bass under one roof. Backed by Reaper Boats, Duck Commander, and Buck Commander, expect camo, campfire lies, and that feeling you suddenly need a bigger boat.
🛍 Munchkin Market Fall 2026-Monroe's Original Kid's Consignment Event @ Mt. Zion Baptist Church | Tuesday (9/22) at 10:00 AM – Northeast Louisiana’s biggest kids’ consignment sale is back, the one locals wait for when closets explode and budgets behave. Think 300+ families, thousands of barely used finds, and clothes, toys, and gear at 50 to 90 percent off, because kids here grow like kudzu.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
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07 — Monroe report Weather forecastToday — High: 98°F — Low: 77°F — Precip: 18%
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 4pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 98. Heat index values as high as 105. Southwest wind around 0 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 77. South wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tomorrow — High: 97°F — Low: 76°F — Precip: 18%
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 97. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 76. Chance of precipitation is 20%. This house is wildThis well-kept Acadian in Frenchman’s Bend offers 2,996 heated square feet on a spacious golf course lot. Vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, and a granite kitchen with stainless appliances set the tone, while the keeping room fireplace and dramatic dining room add charm. The primary suite, bonus room, three-car garage, and fenced fairway views round it out.
Take a peek inside → |
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