Good morning, Monroe.

The Center for Children and Families helped 90 trafficking victims in 2025 and now hosts free trainings in Monroe to help families & law enforcement spot signs of exploitation, with coordinators noting that increased education has led more children to report concerns.

Downtown Monroe Main Street released 2026 Mardi Gras parade routes.

On Feb. 7, the Krewe de Riviere parade starts at 3 p.m. from 1118 Natchitoches St. in West Monroe and ends at Oliver Rd., and the Krewe of Janus parade rolls at 6 p.m. (pet and children’s parades begin earlier).

Record-breaking recycling efforts ended 2025 at West Monroe Recycling Center with increased volunteer turnout from Ouachita Green.

Meanwhile, four Downtown Ferriday businesses will receive $80,000 in State funds for storefront renovations.

The Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office said 11-year-old Trevoy Nabors (about 5 feet tall and 95 pounds with a birthmark above his lip) was found safe yesterday after being reported missing, and they urged respect for his family’s privacy.

The Meta AI data center in Richland Parish drove a 20% jump in tax revenue and nearly 10% more real estate activity in Ouachita Parish this past October — Grow NELA will now market 50 to 60 industrial sites to attract additional businesses.

The University of Louisiana Monroe will host the 3rd annual KidWind Challenge on Thursday, Jan.

15 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Bayou Pointe Event Center—more than 150 middle school students will design and test wind turbines to explore renewable energy.

Recycling in West Monroe doubled in 2025, and officials are urging residents to recycle beads as Mardi Gras nears.

They emphasize proper bead disposal to boost community recycling efforts (details available at local centers).

Recycling efforts across Ouachita Parish broke records in 2025 at West Monroe Recycling Center, where new equipment boosted processing speed — volunteers with Ouachita Green removed over 130,000 pounds of litter and will host a Household Hazardous Waste Event on March 14 at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center.

The City of Monroe announced a free Financial Empowerment Summit during Good Morning ArkLaMiss, with Director Ellen Hill saying the event will offer money management tips for residents.

State funds have approved $80K to renovate storefronts downtown Ferriday for four local businesses.

The City of Monroe opened a warming center at Liller Marbles Community Center (2950 Renwick St) at 3 p.m. on Monday, Jan.

12 to offer MREs, cots, and water while cold weather persisted; it did not serve individuals with special medical needs or pets.

Night of Cakes 2026

5:30-9 p.m. — West Monroe Convention Center — Cost varies — Indulge in cakes and bid on enticing mystery bags for a good cause.

Jester Jog 2026 Color Celebration

9-10 a.m. — Alley Park — Registration fee applies — Run the vibrant Mardi Gras Parade Route in a colorful three-mile fun run.