Morning
Monroe
Thursday, February 19th, 2026
Good morning, Monroe. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis raised thousands for local non-profits by selling over 700 t-shirts bearing 'It's Friday's Fault' — the fundraiser followed a severe winter storm in ArkLaMiss. KNOE
- ➤ The Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana distributed food to residents in need amid winter storm relief at the West Monroe Sports Complex (Tuesday, Feb. 17) in Ouachita Parish. KNOE
- ➤ The 9th annual Poor Man’s Run is set for Saturday, Feb. 28 at 8:00 a.m. at ULM College of Pharmacy in Monroe to raise funds for St. Vincent de Paul Community Pharmacy; it includes a 1-mile fun run, 5K, car show, and awards ceremony (runner packets are available Feb. 27). KEDM
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ On Feb. 18, Jackie Williams reported on Good Morning ArkLaMiss that the Small Business Administration offered relief to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by the winter storm — the program aims to help local enterprises recover. KNOE
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Franklin Parish families are invited to share uniforms, medals and artifacts with the Old Post Office Museum for a tribute exhibit celebrating America’s 250th. The museum accepts items until October (business hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and will launch the exhibit next Thursday, Feb. 26. KNOE
- ➤ Ouachita RiverFest was named Festival of the Year after Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and Mayor Staci Mitchell announced the 2026 Louey Tourism Award in West Monroe last week. The honor is expected to boost attendance at the annual festival. The Ouachita Citizen
- ➤ Mark Twain’s sequel to Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, was first published in the U.S. on Feb. 18 with its release delayed by a printing error that allowed earlier distribution in the United Kingdom and Canada. KNOE
- ➤ Ash Wednesday kicks off both Lent and crawfish season today at Tony's Seafood in Monroe where prices have dropped from over $16 to under $7.50 per pound + co-owner Bill Pizzolato expects supply to increase with demand despite a recent cold spell. KNOE
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ CVS Health has launched a $5 million scholarship program for aspiring pharmacists at ULM and Xavier University, with applications available for students starting the 2026-2027 academic year to build Louisiana’s pharmacy workforce. KNOE
- ➤ University of Louisiana Monroe partnered with SkySafe to roll out a new drone detection system that will boost campus safety for students + staff. The Ouachita Citizen
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Monroe Water System confirmed that all required tests have been completed and the water is safe after a winter storm caused a temporary violation during a citywide boil water advisory, which was lifted on Jan. 29. The system is now fully operational. KEDM
- ➤ The northbound lane on North Grand Street is closed due to repairs by Amethyst Construction from February 17 until March 3. Drivers are advised to use Walnut Street as a detour (flagman assistance is provided) and drive with caution. KEDM
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Fashion Fusion 2026
7-10 p.m. — Monroe Civic Center — Benefit entry — Fashion meets dance in a runway show supporting local cancer patients.
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