Morning
Monroe
Friday, November 21st, 2025
Good morning, Monroe. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 21st of November.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Today, local teacher Jerika Abrams, a Lexington Elementary paraeducator, was chosen as the sole awardee from 60 applicants for the Monroe Home Build by Habitat for Humanity of Northeast Louisiana, which will give her family a new home after losing their previous one from a severe mold infestation. She will complete 250 hours of work on the build to help secure a stable future for her children. KNOE
- ➤ Realtor Harrison Lilly will host the Gather and Give fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at 0 Commerce Street in West Monroe. KNOE
- ➤ AAA expects more than one million extra travelers compared to last Thanksgiving and warns drivers to face heavy traffic on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons before Thanksgiving Day. Monroe Regional Airport said its flight schedule will remain unchanged despite earlier FAA staffing cuts to ease travel concerns. KNOE
- ➤ Feeding Louisiana received a $300,000 grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation to help local food banks serve families facing food insecurity. A significant share of the funds will go to the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana to buy emergency supplies for meals amid rising demand and higher food prices. MyArkLaMiss
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ ULM will present Kaleidoscope: A Global Holiday Celebration at Brown Theatre at 4001 DeSiard St. on December 2, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and the program starting at 7:00 p.m.+ General admission tickets cost $20, ULM staff pay $15 with ID, and students enter free while a post-program soiree featuring student art auctions will give guests a chance to meet faculty. KEDM
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University of Louisiana Monroe has formed a search committee — led by Dr. Michelle McEacharn — to select a new athletic director, and interim director Bryant Vincent will continue in his role as the review proceeds. The committee includes administrators and alumni who will work quickly to complete the search. MyArkLaMiss
- ➤ Monroe City Schools earned a district grade of B for the first time ever by using a new accountability program called Grow, Achieve, Thrive. Carver Elementary led the effort as teachers and students worked together to boost scores—superintendent Sam Moore III said focused growth will help all students reach their goals. MyArkLaMiss
- ➤ Carroll Junior High’s 4-H club used a national grant to open a health closet that gives students access to essential self-care items. Three 7th-grade students proposed the idea and the project received donations from Old Navy and school superintendent Sam Moore III. KNOE
- ➤ Louisiana high school graduates will receive diplomas with a special America 250 seal to honor nearly 250 years of our nation's independence. Governor Jeff Landry said the seal is a symbol of the students' link to America's founding — a reminder of the state's commitment to teaching civics. KNOE
- ➤ Lincoln Parish Schools earned an overall District Performance Score of 92.3 and an A rating when the Louisiana Department of Education released the 2025 School Performance Scores, ranking the district 10th statewide—Lincoln Parish tied for 8th with a score of 50.8 and Superintendent Ricky Durrett credited teachers, students, families, and community partners for the gains. MyArkLaMiss
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The City of Monroe honored retired Fire Chief Billy L Hampton today when he passed away at 86. He served 33 years with the Monroe Fire Department—rising from firefighter to Fire Chief while funeral arrangements are pending. MyArkLaMiss
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Nutritionist Jen Avis explained the nutritional facts of a typical holiday dinner and offered healthier alternatives for the season. Her advice — which focused on fresh ingredients — helped locals plan better holiday meals. KNOE
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ River Oaks Mustangs won the MAIS Championship on November 19 by beating Humphreys Academy 20 to 8 in a rare Wednesday night game. The win — the team's fourth overall title — marked a milestone in the school's football record. KNOE
- ➤ ULM Women's Basketball will play Lamar University at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 23 at Fant-Ewing Coliseum and will host a Charity Teddy Bear Toss to collect stuffed animals—the team will also celebrate 100 years of wow with the Harlem Globetrotters on February 5 at the same venue. KEDM
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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.
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Monroe Jingle Bell Run
7-11 a.m. — Forsythe Park — Registration fee applies — Celebrate the season with a festive 5K and Half-Marathon while promoting community fitness.
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Newsong Christmas Volunteer Event
3:30-7 p.m. — Ouachita Parish High School — Free entry — Spread some holiday cheer by volunteering at this community-driven Christmas event.
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The Nutcracker - World Ballet Company Performance
6-7:30 p.m. — WL Jack Howard Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Christmas with this enchanting ballet filled with beautifully choreographed performances and a whimsical storyline.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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