Good morning, Monroe.

The 54th Annual Kiwanis Christmas Parade will roll through Downtown West Monroe and Downtown Monroe on December 6 under the theme 'Back to Bethlehem.' The parade begins at 3:30 p.m. and local groups are invited to join+ registration is still open for businesses, schools and civic organizations+.

On Nov. 25, United Way, AT&T, and Asurion donated 50 bags of food to families facing financial hardships due to delayed federal funding—supporting local needs ahead of Thanksgiving.

The University of Louisiana Monroe Campus Activities Board will kick off the holiday season with a tree lighting ceremony at Scott Plaza on Dec.

1 at 5:30 p.m.—Miss ULM Katherine McCullars, Mr. ULM Braden Tucker, and ULM President Dr. Carrie Castille will host the event. Guests can also donate locally to support the Warhawks for Hope Christmas Project drive.

The City of Monroe is launching a series of holiday events beginning December 1 at 6 PM with a Christmas tree lighting and movie at the Civic Center—residents can also enjoy a gallery crawl on December 4, holiday shopping and ice skating on December 5, and a parade with fireworks on December 6.

AT&T and Asurion sponsored a donation of 50 bags of turkey and canned goods for pre-selected families facing financial hardship due to delayed federal funds—United Way said aid applications doubled during the government shutdown and efforts will continue to support families before Thanksgiving.

The University of Louisiana Monroe announced its yearly Kaleidoscope: A Global Holiday Celebration—an event that will feature vocal and instrumental music, dance and visual art to celebrate global traditions.

St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe will start a new family medicine residency program in July that will train 24 doctors over three years in areas like caring for children, mothers, the elderly and mental health—after earning full approval from the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.

Lincoln Parish schools launched the third phase of a reading skills initiative to boost literacy for young students in the region.

The program, funded by Louisiana Tech and Dr. Dan Schillinger's donation of 85 sound walls, uses science of reading methods plus multisensory activities to improve skills in kindergarten through second grade.

Officials say an abandoned camp near Ouiska Chitto Creek has been found to threaten water quality—local authorities plan to inspect the site and remove possible pollutants.

They will decide next steps based on the inspection results.

West Monroe will host its annual Tree Lighting on Dec.

1 at 6 p.m. at City Hall parking lot at 2305 N. 7th Street where locals will see the official lighting of the City Hall Christmas Tree and live trees decorated by local schools and organizations. Local choirs and musicians will sing Christmas carols while visitors drop off letters to Santa and donate new unwrapped toys for needy families via the Fire Department.

Wydell Clark of Ouachita Parish and Jude Turner of Ouachita Christian School shined in the second round of football playoffs and were named this week’s Aaron’s Aces—highlighting their key roles in the postseason.

Their standout play helped propel their teams forward in the playoff run.

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.