Good morning, Monroe.

Jo-El’s restaurant serves hearty Southern classics and comfort meals while offering a family-friendly space (with a warm community feel).

This Thanksgiving, the restaurant will host a meal giveaway (requesting donations) to help local families share a warm meal.

Louisiana attorney Gordon McKernan is hosting his annual Gordon Gives Bike Giveaway — which will distribute 600 bicycles and helmets to children across Louisiana including Monroe — to bring holiday cheer.

Registration opened November 10 for Monroe and will close December 1 as winners are chosen at random and receive helmets donated by local physicians.

The Salvation Army of Monroe has launched its annual Red Kettle and Angel Tree campaigns after falling $68,000 short of last year’s goal and is asking locals to support shelter, food assistance, and outreach programs.

The campaign will run through Christmas Eve and the organization is preparing for colder weather by stocking up on supplies and recruiting volunteers at its Monroe location (105 Hart St.).

Jo-El’s restaurant offers hearty meals and hometown comfort to local diners.

Food lovers in Northeast Louisiana are quickly making it their favorite spot—its warm service and tasty dishes set it apart.

Jo Ann Deal from the Monroe Better Business Bureau warned consumers that retailers may charge higher prices during November and December by offering false deals — shoppers should review offers carefully to avoid overspending.

The Neville Charter Association has applied to change Neville High School into a Type 3 charter school.

The process will require a vote from the Monroe City School Board along with approval from the school’s faculty, staff, and a majority of parents — if the board does not approve, the group can appeal to the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Over the weekend, ULM students competed for the titles by showing leadership, talent and campus involvement, with Katherine McCullars winning Miss ULM 2026 and Braden Tucker earning Mister ULM 2026.

The university announced the winners on social media—congratulating all contestants.

On November 10, the City of West Monroe honored local veterans at the Blue Star Memorial near the First West Thrift Store — the event recognized the men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces.

Amy Moore led a resistance band workout on Monday morning in Monroe where participants practiced exercises to improve strength and flexibility—she demonstrated lap pull-downs, bicep curls, and chest presses with proper form.

A Facebook post from a local patient led to an unexpected kidney match on Nov.

10, health officials said. They noted the discovery may speed up the transplant process—social media is now a key tool for connecting donors and patients.

On Monday, Athletics director Trayvean Scott and head coach Mickey Joseph said the team will move past a halftime brawl in a game that ended 31 to 23 against Bethune-Cookman.

Grambling was fined $40,000 with 18 players suspended while Bethune-Cookman got a $25,000 fine with 9 players suspended — the penalties add to the incident's fallout as the team prepares for its next contest.

Barak Shriners' Circus

All day — Barak Shrine Temple — Pricing varies — Experience an enchanting circus with majestic elephants, daring trapeze acts, and whimsical clowns.

Football Match: South Alabama Jaguars vs. UL Monroe Warhawks

2:30-4:30 p.m. — Malone Stadium — Cost info not specified — Witness a thrilling matchup between South Alabama and UL Monroe in college football action.

TCB Nutcracker Tea & Matinee

9:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Monroe Civic Center — Children 2 and under are free — Enjoy breakfast with Clara and the Nutcracker cast followed by a delightful matinee performance.