Morning
Monroe
Thursday, February 26th, 2026
Good morning, Monroe. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 26th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ More than 2,000 volunteers from local organizations packed over 500,000 red beans and rice meals to help restock food banks statewide as part of the Million Meals for MLK campaign. The meals will be distributed to families after the busy holiday season and winter weather challenges. KEDM
- ➤ Jim Taylor Buick GMC has announced its month-long sales event will donate proceeds to the Tarver Braddock Foundation to honor 16-year-old Tarver Braddock, who died in a deer camp fire. The 12-year tradition began in memory of founder Jim Taylor and supports local projects across Monroe. KNOE
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts will perform Bikini Bottom Boogie from The SpongeBob Musical at KEDM Studios with showtimes on Feb. 28 at 2 and 7 p.m., March 1 at 3 p.m., March 7 at 2 and 7 p.m., and March 8 at 3 p.m.+ KEDM
- ➤ The Chennault Aviation & Military Museum reopened Wednesday, Feb. 25 after a six-month renovation that updated its floors, fire suppression system, and displays. The revamped museum now offers visitors an enhanced experience. KNOE
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana Delta Community College hosted a high school day that introduced local students to academic and workforce programs—faculty led hands-on demonstrations to boost enrollment and reveal new course offerings. KNOE
- ➤ Louisiana Christian University announced today that Dr. Beth Palmer is its new Vice President for institutional advancement. Palmer—previously at LSU Alexandria—will lead efforts in alumni engagement, philanthropic development and strategic partnerships to support student success. KNOE
- ➤ Louisiana’s Education Flexibility Program was approved by the U.S. Department of Education, allowing LDOE (Louisiana Department of Education) to grant federal waivers directly to local schools to speed up decision-making; the change supports more strategic use of Title I and Title IV funds through the 2029 to 2030 school year. KEDM
- ➤ Acadian Ambulance is launching a 12-week EMT course in Ouachita Parish on Mar. 10, 2026 (CPR training is on Mar. 5) with a fee reduced to $200 from $1900 for easier entry. Students who pass the national test can start work right away or get tuition help for other health roles. KNOE
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana’s Insurance Department reported that private auto rates dropped nearly six percent in 2025 while homeowners premiums rose slightly and commercial auto rates increased nearly six percent. Commissioner Tim Temple said fewer accidents and last year’s tort reform helped lead the auto rate decrease. KEDM
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Tytan Johnson was named Louisiana’s indoor 800m track champion after recording a winning time (1:55.87) at a meet in Monroe yesterday. KNOE
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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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