Good morning, Monroe.

KNOE and United Way of Northeast Louisiana raised over $179K on Feb.

13 to support local families affected by the winter storm, and donations remain accepted for community relief.

The ULM child care program held a Mardi Gras parade in Monroe yesterday to benefit a local food bank.

City leaders and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser celebrated Ouachita RiverFest being named Festival of the Year (2026 Louey Tourism Award) on Wednesday at Alley Park in West Monroe.

The festival, launched in 2023, will take place this April and feature fan-favorite events like the Rubber Duck Drop and live music.

Louisiana Tech hosted its annual teacher recruitment event on Feb.

13 at the CRRC, where local school districts including Monroe City met teacher candidates preparing for residencies in the upcoming school year.

The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber is calling on local businesses to host high school juniors and seniors for Job Shadow Day on March 3+4.

Businesses will provide workplace tours, career insights plus a lunch to build future career pathways.

The University of Louisiana Monroe installed the SkySafe drone detection system yesterday to improve campus safety for students, faculty, and visitors.

Dr. Mark Johnson led the initiative with FEMA grant support to enhance real-time airspace security during large events.

Yesterday a winter storm caused severe damage to Kiroli Park and made it unsafe, officials said.

The park remains closed while city staff work to repair the hazardous conditions.

Residents in Monroe may face delays clearing winter storm debris from yards as rain is forecast for this upcoming weekend.

Officials advise moving limbs away from roads (to prevent vehicle damage and potential flooding) to ensure safe conditions.

Federal disaster loans are available for Louisiana small businesses and private nonprofits that lost revenue during the severe winter storm in January.

The SBA approved loan terms (up to $2 million) with low interest and a 12-month repayment deferral, and applications are due by Nov. 2.

Volunteer Louisiana and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser announced the 2026 AmeriCorps grant competition to fund programs in education, disaster response, and more — applications require a Notice of Interest by March 1 with final submissions due March 8.

Theodore may need time to warm up but he becomes a loving companion according to local shelter officials + families interested in adoption can call for details.

Pat Collins is remembered for leading NLU's football team to its best season in 1987 (when the Indians won the 1-AA National Championship).

His legacy continues to motivate local sports fans.

Eddie Gay Robinson was born Feb.

13, 1919, in Jackson (LA) and led Grambling State University’s football team for 56 years, mentoring over 200 players who reached pro levels; his storied legacy is celebrated at the Eddie Robinson Museum at GSU.

Fashion Fusion 2026

7-10 p.m. — Monroe Civic Center — Benefit entry — Fashion meets dance in a runway show supporting local cancer patients.