Good morning, Monroe.

The Center for Literacy & Learning donated blankets, cold-weather gear and bottled water to a pantry at the Children’s Coalition building to help Monroe families stay warm this winter.

The donation coincided with a two-day staff retreat held to plan for the 2026 school year.

BoneKrusher Mentoring discussed its upcoming Holiday Community Meal on Good Morning ArkLaMiss on Thursday, Dec.

18, with Executive Director Sammie Crawford & VP Joshua Madison noting more details will soon be available to bring neighbors together.

A new report from Grow NELA finds that ULM contributes $617.6 million a year to the regional economy & supports over 10,000 jobs through research, student spending, and more.

Alumni earnings add over $450 million to local incomes.

On Thursday, Dec. 18, Nutritionist Jen Avis appeared on Good Morning ArkLaMiss to discuss honey’s benefits during National I Love Honey Day.

She explained that raw local honey may help heal wounds and soothe coughs and cautioned diabetics to watch its sugar levels (she advised leaving out whiskey in her homemade cough syrup for children).

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries warned on Thursday that a deadly bird flu outbreak is affecting wild birds, mostly in southwest Louisiana, and advised people not to handle or eat sick birds.

Officials say the virus spreads quickly and could infect domestic poultry if care is not taken.

Officials at Northern Louisiana Medical Center announced Allegiance Health System signed a letter of intent with Ochsner Health to boost patient care coordination and clinical innovation in rural Louisiana.

The affiliation is not a merger (operations remain independent) and is expected to improve healthcare access.

Tulane University professor Dr. Quincy Brown (a Columbia native) was named a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors for his innovative cancer research that could change treatment methods.

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.