Good morning, Monroe.

The Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana is seeking volunteers to help sort food, pack food, and build boxes to feed those in need across the Ark-La-Miss region.

Volunteers can sign up online for available slots—those who cannot help in person may support through community food drives or donations that turn every dollar into three meals.

The City of Monroe is mourning Retired Fire Chief Billy L.

Hampton, who served the fire department for 33 years and retired in 1998. Funeral arrangements are pending as the city honors his lasting legacy in public service.

Fair Park Baptist in West Monroe is finishing its Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes as volunteers pack boxes with small toys and toiletries—excluding liquids—until 5 p.m. Monday, November 24.

The effort unites local church members to give many overseas children a very special first gift at Christmas.

The Salvation Army in Northeast Louisiana is fighting food insecurity today by feeding 50 clients daily, giving food boxes every 90 days, and hosting a holiday giveaway at 1309 Louisville—offering 300 turkeys and 150 pies.

It also runs a bell ringing campaign to raise $100,000 and will soon start a clothing voucher class to help more residents.

The Monroe Symphony Orchestra will host a holiday-themed chamber concert with the Lagniappe Brass Quintet—made up mainly of ULM faculty and guest artists—on December 9 at Grace Episcopal Church, where the program will include classic carols, sacred works and an audience sing-along.

ULM TRIO Programs held their sixth National First-Generation Day event on November 11 to honor first-generation students, faculty, staff, and alumni for their achievements and resilience—attendees included both TRIO and non-TRIO participants, and a virtual panel featured alumni sharing tips on job searches and school transitions. Support from Aramark and the ULM Graduate School underscored the event’s commitment to helping students thrive.

Berg Jones Elementary School supports over 125 students with its Backpack Club that partners with the Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana to provide healthy snacks—teachers select the students who need the program most.

The program has grown under Principal Allie’s leadership and will soon include a donation of 100 holiday meals for families.

Entergy will close Park Avenue and North 10th Street in front of Genusa’s Restaurant today at 7 a.m. to replace a light pole; motorists and pedestrians must follow posted traffic controls—workers are on site and caution is urged—until the work is complete.

City of Monroe announced that its facilities will close at noon on November 26 and remain closed on November 27 and 28 for Thanksgiving—trash pickup, zoo hours, courts, and transit schedules will be adjusted accordingly—with offices reopening on December 1.

Three teams—Neville, Ruston and Ouachita—advanced into the state quarters after week two postseason games, with the Neville Tigers set to play the Mandeville Skippers, Ouachita scheduled for Destrehan, and Ruston facing Westgate.

The contests continue as teams work toward a spot in the state finals.

Last night, Lutcher ended Franklin Parish’s season in the Friday Night Blitz playoffs in a surprising upset—area teams also experienced shocking matchups as Barbe stunned West Monroe while others advanced in close games.

Barbe stunned West Monroe in the second round of Friday Night Blitz playoffs last night + the upset win bolstered their postseason hopes.

After seven teams received first-round byes in the Friday Night Blitz playoffs, area teams played intense games last night.

Matchups included the Nevile Tigers against the Mandeville Skippers, Ouachita facing Destrehan, and Westgate playing Ruston & others in hard-fought contests.

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.

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.

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.

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.