Morning
Monroe
Saturday, April 18th, 2026
Good morning, Monroe. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 18th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Steve Harris turned his life around after hitting rock bottom on April 17 — his community provided the support that sparked his fresh start. His story shows how neighborly help can make all the difference. KNOE
- ➤ The Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana is hosting its annual Dragon Boat Festival today at 1 Warhawk Way on the bayou from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Families can race & spectate while enjoying food from local vendors to support programs for children. KEDM
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The University of Louisiana Monroe Jazz Ensemble will present Jazz 4 Kidz on Wednesday, Apr. 22 at 12:00 p.m. at Brown Auditorium — this 50-minute concert introduces children to jazz through big-band arrangements of Disney, Broadway and classic tunes; admission is free. KNOE
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Riser Middle School in West Monroe held a pep rally featuring games, music and a 3-on-3 basketball tournament to boost morale ahead of LEAP testing on April 29. School officials said the event eased stress and rallied community support — a key step in preparing students for their exams. KNOE
- ➤ Due to a water leak that left the campus without running water or air conditioning, Neville High School canceled Thursday classes and held virtual learning on Friday, April 17. KNOE
- ➤ ULM Honors Program students attended the Southern Regional Honors Council meeting in Montgomery, Ala. on March 26-28, 2026 (presenting research and leadership projects). Their work will guide future academic and community efforts at ULM. KEDM
- ➤ ULM School of Education earned a $30,000 grant from the Regions Foundation — the donation boosts its Elevate Education program designed to build a teaching pipeline for local high school students. The grant was presented during the campus visit day on Apr. 1 in Monroe. KEDM
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Lawmakers debated a bill that would require Medicaid to cover FDA-approved weight-loss drugs; about 145,000 Medicaid adults could qualify while the state examines costs and long-term savings from lowering obesity rates. The proposal will go to a full committee review and may take effect Jan. 1, 2027. KNOE
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Paws of NELA introduced Stewart, a shy 3-4 month-old pet who needs a patient adopter on Apr. 17. Locals in Monroe interested in giving him a warm home can reach out to the group for more details. KNOE
- ➤ Humane Society Adoption Center director Terri Matthews said that Winnie and Wyatt (8-week-old pets) are available for adoption, and interested residents can visit the center for more details. KNOE
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Open Pottery Studio for Experienced Potters
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Clay & Canvas Art Studio — Cost varies — Refine your pottery skills in a supportive and creative environment.
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Justin Moore: One Moore Night
7-11 p.m. — Fant-Ewing Coliseum — Beneficiary event — Experience an exclusive acoustic show supporting ULM student-athletes' success.
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Do The Crawl de Mayo Pub Crawl
4:30-9 p.m. — Vibez Lounge — Tickets required — Celebrate Cinco de Mayo early with festive drinks, contests, and lively pub crawling in Downtown Monroe.
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1st Sundays at The Zoo
3-9 p.m. — Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo — Free parking — Experience a vibrant evening with live performances, great food, and backyard fun.
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Troy Trojans vs. Louisiana Monroe Warhawks Baseball
1-3 p.m. — University of Louisiana Monroe — Free entry — Watch exciting college baseball action between Troy and ULM Warhawks.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.
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Reveal the authorAbout Morning Monroe
Welcome to the Morning Monroe, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Monroe, Louisiana community. If you like the Morning Monroe, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Monroe.
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