Morning
Monroe
Thursday, March 5th, 2026
Good morning, Monroe. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 5th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Discover Monroe-West Monroe invites community members to share what they love about the region — filming is set for today at Seventh Square Coffee in West Monroe from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and tomorrow at Standard Coffee Co in downtown. KEDM
- ➤ On Mar. 4, the Chamber held its 105th Annual Meeting and Banquet where the president and CEO discussed his new role and upcoming events. The LABI Luncheon is scheduled for Mar. 23 (with ambassadors set to perform random acts of kindness on 318 Day). KNOE
- ➤ On Mar. 4, four volunteers from ARCO's Community Ventures Program packed 175 boxes of food at the Northeast Louisiana Food Bank to help local families. The nonprofit—known for empowering people with developmental disabilities for over 70 years—continues its community outreach efforts. KNOE
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The El Dorado Film Festival wrapped up after five days of screenings and workshops at SAAC, honoring winners like 'American Comic' (directed by Daniel J. Clark) for Best of Fest and other awards in categories such as documentary and comedy; organizers praised the festival's community spirit. KNOE
- ➤ West Monroe and Ruston have received nominations in USA Today’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, with West Monroe in Best Southern Small Town and Ruston in Best Historic Small Town and Best Small College Town (votes are open once a day until Monday, Mar. 30). KNOE
- ➤ Strauss Youth Academy for the Arts visited KEDM Studios to perform 'Daddy Knows Best' from The SpongeBob Musical; shows were Feb. 28 at 2 p.m. + 7 p.m. and Mar. 1 at 3 p.m., and shows: Mar. 7 at 2 p.m. + 7 p.m. and Mar. 8 at 3 p.m. KEDM
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Entrepreneurship Pelican Cup finalist teams have been announced for the 2026 competition. Twelve teams (six undergraduate and six graduate) will compete at ULM with oral finals on March 25 and winners revealed at the Awards Luncheon on March 26. KNOE
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Jeff Landry and Louisiana Economic Development officials announced a $140M program that prepares industrial sites statewide with 19 projects in progress, including two in our area. The plan uses a revolving fund so investments return within five years for future development. KNOE
- ➤ The West Monroe Board of Aldermen set aside $700,000 (state funding) to rehabilitate homes for up to 35 residents as part of a housing improvement program. The project was approved earlier this week to support safe living conditions. The Ouachita Citizen
- ➤ State Treasurer John Fleming said Louisiana’s northeastern region is facing a large population decrease due to few job opportunities and high taxes. The Ouachita Citizen
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Louisiana Cancer Foundation leader Susie Runkle and support specialist Shannon Sale appeared on Good Morning ArkLaMiss to preview an upcoming dance and fashion event benefiting local cancer patients— the event will raise support and awareness for cancer care in the community. 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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Walk Around the Block for Autism
1-5 p.m. — Northeast Louisiana State Office Building (Back Parking Lot) — Registration required — Participate in a community walk to support autism awareness and enjoy a fun expo.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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