Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Monroe. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 22nd of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Residents in West Monroe will meet mayoral candidates on Monday, April 27 at West Monroe High School’s Edgewood Multipurpose Facility at 6:00 p.m. Hosted by KEDM Public Radio and the Chamber of Commerce (with local media support), candidates will share plans for economic growth, infrastructure, and quality of life. KEDM
- ➤ Emma Wilkes of Sterlington High School and Jaiden Woodard of Richwood High School won Ouachita Green’s inaugural Heart for Service Awards Monday, April 20 — honors that reflect the nonprofit’s focus on litter abatement, environmental education, and community beautification. KNOE
- ➤ Keep Louisiana Beautiful launched a new beautification project for Love the Boot Week to celebrate America's 250th birthday. In Ouachita Parish, interns are painting fire hydrants red, white & blue until Sunday, April 26. KNOE
- ➤ Enter to win tickets for the Red, White & Blue Airshow, a celebration featuring historic warbirds and military aircraft in honor of America’s 250th Anniversary. The event will run May 1 through 3 at the Monroe Regional Airport. KNOE
- ➤ The 25th annual Memorial Golf Tournament benefits The Wellspring and will take place May 22-24 at the Country Club at Frenchman’s Bend (1484 Frenchman’s Bend Road). The event includes a social hour with a seafood buffet, silent auction and raffle at 6 p.m., followed by a Calcutta at 7:30 p.m. KEDM
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ South Arkansas Arts Center revealed the cast for its Youth Theatre production of Doctor Doolittle, Jr. The play will be shown on Apr. 30 and May 2 at 7 p.m. (a matinee will be on May 2 at 2 p.m.). KNOE
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A new bill before the state capitol would require students to begin AI literacy in 6th grade and complete the lessons before graduation, a change that may soon affect local schools. Lawmakers are still debating the proposal to update curriculums across the state. KNOE
- ➤ Voters will decide on Amendment Three in the May election, which aims to raise teacher pay by up to $2,250 (for certified) and $1,125 (for uncertified) staff. The measure seeks to improve public school support in the local community. KNOE
- ➤ Dr. Gina Craft has been named the new Dean of ULM College of Pharmacy pending approval by the Board of Supervisors. A 28-year veteran at the university, she was chosen after a months-long search to lead the college in Monroe. KEDM
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The USDA designated 25 Louisiana parishes as Natural Disaster Areas due to a drought that began Dec. 30, 2025. The designation may help residents and farmers receive support during ongoing dry conditions. 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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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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