Morning
Monroe
Friday, May 8th, 2026
Good morning, Monroe. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Community members gathered on May 7 for the National Day of Prayer at a West Monroe breakfast and Monroe City Hall service, where speakers stressed faith, unity, and guidance for local leaders. KNOE
- ➤ The Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home teams up with Cross 88.7 to host a Diapers and Wipes Drive for Mother's Day that will collect 100,000 diapers and unopened wipes to help families in need across northeast Louisiana, with drop-off sites including local partners (like Cara’s Boutique in West Monroe). KNOE
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Biedenharn Museum and Gardens will host a new exhibit on May 14 (details were shared by executive director Ralph Calhoun on Good Morning ArkLaMiss). KNOE
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Madison Middle School student Gregory Smith III placed third in a national prepared speaking competition after winning at the state level in Salt Lake City + school officials praised his accomplishment and noted his plans to compete as a high schooler. KNOE
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ USDA designated 12 parishes as natural disaster areas due to a drought that began April 14 — farmers in these regions can apply for FSA emergency loans until Jan. 4. KEDM
- ➤ Louisiana lawmakers passed a bill to launch a psychedelic-assisted therapy program for clinical research into mental health and substance use disorders, and it now heads to the governor. The measure would let hospitals and universities plan trials when the law takes effect Aug. 1 (with potential opioid settlement funds). KNOE
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Nutritionist Jen Avis shares how to use fresh and dried herbs during National Herb Week, running May 7-13, 2026. She offered tips for boosting immunity with garlic, basil and rosemary plus a recipe for pesto roasted tomatoes on Good Morning ArkLaMiss. KNOE
- ➤ The Mosquito Abatement District in Ouachita Parish reported 10 mosquito pools tested positive for West Nile virus, raising public health concerns. Officials urge residents to use EPA-approved insect repellent and remove standing water to lower the risk. KNOE
- ➤ Nutritionist Jen Avis shared herb tips and a recipe for National Herb Week, May 7-13, during her appearance on Good Morning ArkLaMiss. Her segment explained how different herbs can boost healthy meals for families. KNOE
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Kohan Retail Investment Group from New York purchased Pecanland Mall this week after more than 40-year service as a community hub, and city official Scotty Robinson said he hopes the new owner will boost local commerce as residents recall the mall’s better days. KNOE
-
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.
-
Kitten Yoga Session
1:30-4:30 p.m. — Half Moon Studio — Proceeds benefit River Cities Humane Society — Unwind with yoga while cute kittens play around you.
-
K-POP WARRIORS Live Show
3-7 p.m. — West Monroe Sports & Events — Family-friendly fun — Enjoy a high-energy K-Pop-inspired show with music, dance, and colorful characters.
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
Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
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.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Monroe and across Louisiana. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Morning Monroe
A free Monroe community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://morningmonroe.com/sitemap