Good morning, Monroe.

Minnie and Dalai are llamas at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo in Monroe and come from the Andes—though they are not wild.

Visitors enjoy taking selfies with them at the petting zoo.

United Way Northeast Louisiana announced a continued partnership with Royal Family Kids NELA and the Louisiana Foster Care Support Organization to help brighten the holidays for foster families— the effort will bring extra support during the festive season.

Thomas Road and Cypress Street in West Monroe are blocked as drivers cannot travel from Cypress Street to Louisville Avenue in Monroe—officials advise motorists to follow detour signs.

The University of Louisiana Monroe College of Business and Social Sciences will host the 2025 Business Outlook Summit on November 14 at Bayou Pointe Event Center, 1 Warhawk Way in Monroe from 8:30 a.m. to noon—tickets are $50 and $15 for students.

John Stoltzfus, a national outlook expert, will give the keynote address to present economic forecasts for the nation, region, and state to help guide local business and community leaders as they prepare for 2026.

Hiwatha Coleman from Watha’s Wonderful World LLC presented a special Veterans Day meal on Tuesday in Monroe—she served a Chinese tea—infused New York strip steak, turkey bacon green bean wraps and a baked potato while noting veterans deserve the best.

She also offered Thanksgiving meal alternatives and featured a seven-layer banana split cake to show creative holiday options.

The Chennault Museum celebrated Veterans Day with retired Air Force veteran Mike Wooley giving a keynote address—he said the honor he felt ran in his blood.

Dr. Carrie Castille, President of ULM, met with Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer Colon to discuss strengthening academic ties with the University of Puerto Rico—focusing on innovation, agriculture, technology, and workforce development to boost economic growth and education on the island.

Fighting stopped at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918, ending World War I.

One year later, Congress named the day Armistice Day and it was renamed Veteran’s Day in 1954 to honor all who served—each year a presidential wreath is laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

West Monroe Mayor Staci Mitchell announced that the city will use state discretionary funds for improvements to streets, drainage, sewer and water systems and will build new cabins near Lake Latigo to meet lodging demand from sports tourism at the West Monroe Sports Event Center—which has drawn over 600,000 visitors. Residents are advised to check local Facebook pages for details on upcoming holiday events including a champagne stroll on November 18, Small Shop Saturday and Christmas-themed lights and concerts.

Delta Paint Co. and Bayou Veterans Advocacy launched a silent battle campaign to support veterans' mental health and unite local businesses with residents.

The raffle began in November and will end with a live drawing on Feb 24 at 7:30 p.m.—streamed on Facebook Live and Bayou Veterans' Happy Hour.

Patrick Hill and Owen Layton led Oaks Grove to a win over the previously undefeated OCS Eagles on Nov.

11 — their strong plays ended the Eagles' winning streak.

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.