Morning
Monroe
Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Good morning, Monroe. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Biedenharn Museum and Garden held a grand finale on Wednesday, Dec. 17, where local families gathered to snap photos with Santa Claus & the Coca Cola Bear and posed by the Coca Cola truck. KNOE
- ➤ Monroe’s Jewish community gathers for Hanukkah at B’nai Israel Synagogue on Friday, Dec. 19 with enhanced security in place; the event shows resilience as members celebrate tradition amid rising antisemitism. KNOE
- ➤ Hotel Monroe Culinary Director Karen Bennett shared a gluten-free praline recipe on Good Morning ArkLaMiss yesterday, offering local viewers a flavorful glimpse into the hotel's culinary innovation. KNOE
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ KEDM Public Radio is hosting its year-end fundraiser and will deliver books to second-grade students at local schools as a thank you to donors plus the project aims to benefit 1,100 students, adding to over 11,000 books distributed in nine years. KNOE
- ➤ The Ouachita Parish School Board approved spending $700,000 to upgrade security equipment at middle and high schools last week + the move aims to boost safety for students and staff. The Ouachita Citizen
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Ouachita Parish Fire Department announced Captain John Rabb's retirement (after 23 years of service) on Dec. 17. His departure marked the end of a long commitment to local safety. KNOE
- ➤ Commissioner Tim Temple approved requests from SureChoice Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange and Elevate Reciprocal Exchange for a 7.5 percent rate decrease covering over 73,000 homeowners and 17,000 dwelling policies. The move will lower costs for local residents — officials stated. The Ouachita Citizen
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ St. Francis earned an ‘A’ safety rating from The Leapfrog Group, showing its dedication to quality patient care in Monroe. Hospital President Thomas Gullatt said the grade reflects every team member’s commitment to keeping patients safe. KNOE
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The East All-Stars are in practice as they prepare for the 9th Annual I-20 Bowl and will seek their seventh straight win over the West. The team is working hard ahead of the upcoming game. KNOE
- ➤ Cooper Nelson broke Sterlington’s all-time career scoring record with 2,255 points while the Panthers defeated West Ouachita on Dec. 17 & surpassed Matt Allred’s mark. KNOE
- ➤ Practice is underway for the 9th Annual I-20 Bowl as the East All-Stars try for their seventh straight win over the West. KNOE
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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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