Good morning, Monroe.

The West Monroe-West Ouachita Chamber of Commerce hosted its 69th annual banquet on Dec.

10, honoring scholarship recipients, first responders & community leaders, with Executive Director Kristopher Kelley speaking on Good Morning ArkLaMiss. More events will be announced soon.

The Center for Children and Families in Monroe is calling for local sponsors to fulfill 175 children’s Christmas wish lists by shopping for items or donating money and toys.

More than 1,200 children are served by the center as it works to ensure no child is left without a gift, so sponsors are needed soon.

Pine Hills Children’s Advocacy Center is bringing back its Homes for Hope Holiday Tour on Sunday, Dec.

14 from 2-5 p.m. to raise funds for children affected by abuse in North Louisiana — supporting services in Lincoln, Jackson, Union, Bienville, and Claiborne parishes.

Randy Travis will join his band for the More Life Tour at Monroe Civics Center on Mar 26, 2026.

The country music star will perform on stage for the first time with his band since 2013 (after his stroke).

Travelers heading to New Orleans for the High School Football Championships can expect sunny skies and mild temperatures from today through Saturday; the forecast shows lows in the 60s at ArkLaMiss and low 70s in New Orleans, easing travel concerns.

The clear weather should help athletes and fans plan their trips.

The Monroe Fire Department introduced Rescue 2 — a fire truck with unique tools — yesterday, Dec.

10 to improve emergency response in Northeast Louisiana.

Five Northeast Louisiana teams traveled to New Orleans on Dec.

10 to compete for state championships while overcoming potholes on their journey. KNOE offered a behind-the-scenes look during the Friday Night Blitz streaming special.

Monroe will host an arena football team in 2026 with the season running from June through August + the team will play at the Monroe Civic Center Arena while a contest is underway to choose its name.

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.