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It’s Friday, Monroe! Let’s finish this week strong.
In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: Randy Travis with James Dupré, red, white & blue airshow, and CVS $5M pharmacy scholarships + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.
Today’s sponsor, American Hartford Gold, is helping folks around Monroe protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.
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đź“° In the news
Turning loss into light: Monroe’s Jim Taylor Buick GMC recently donated proceeds from its annual sales event to the Tarver Braddock Foundation, honoring a 16-year-old lost in a deer camp fire two years ago — read the full story.
Celebrations sweep Northeast Louisiana: Spring in Monroe-West Monroe will bring live music at Landry Vineyards, Ouachita RiverFest duck races, and the Red, White & Blue Airshow May 1 to 3 at Monroe Regional Airport — check out the full lineup.
Opportunity for aspiring pharmacists: CVS Health announced in February a $5 million scholarship program for Louisiana pharmacy students, including in Monroe, with awards starting for the 2026-27 academic year at PharmD programs — see participating universities and timeline.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Highlights this week:
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đź’Ž Local business spotlight
Restock the art bin: Teacher-owned and stocked with paint, markers, paper, easels, stencils, and more, The Chalk Board & Gifts makes last-minute school projects and weekend craft ideas come together. When inspiration (or a kid’s assignment) hits, you’ll find real supplies without big-box chaos.
Backyard upgrade, fast: LA Dex builds custom decks and porches with quality materials, clear pricing, and a built-in-a-day mindset, so you can enjoy the patio this week instead of babysitting a job site. Fast, clean, and sturdy… backyard upgrades without the drama.
Bayou-side seafood vibes: Midweek dinner becomes a mini escape at Waterfront Grill, where Catfish DeSiard meets that addictive Rahkee sauce and bayou views that slow your pulse. Settle into this laid-back Monroe classic, linger over plates that feel familiar yet special, and let the river breeze reset the week.
These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.
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đź«¶ We got your back
Your data is for sale right now: There are over 400 websites selling your info to marketers, political campaigns, and scammers. They’ve got your phone number, home address, relatives’ names… you name it. That’s how robocallers seem to know everything about you before you pick up. You can remove your info one site at a time, or pay a service to do it for you. Here’s what we recommend →
Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared three programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →
Thinning hair? Don’t treat the wrong thing: When my ponytail started thinning, I tried the usual stuff (biotin, shampoo, sprays, etc.) and not one of them lasted. Turns out, most products target the strand, not the follicle… and that’s the whole problem. Once follicles go dormant, they need targeted help to come back. The good news? You can get treatment that actually works with no office visits or trips to the pharmacy. Learn about my favorites here →
Six figures you can’t spend: Most homeowners over 50 have spent years dutifully paying their mortgage, assuming the only time it’ll pay off is when they sell. I thought the same thing until I discovered you can tap into the equity you’ve earned whenever you want (without leaving your home). Overdue for a new roof? Want to build your dream bathroom? There are two ways to turn equity into usable cash →
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
👨 Daddy Daughter Dance @ Monroe, LA | Friday (3/13) at 7:00 PM – Skip the inbox and shine your shoes. The Daddy Daughter Dance is your chance to dust off that wedding tie, twirl your princess, and bank memories that outlast bedtime, glitter, and those legendary dad moves everyone pretends not to film.
⚠Household Hazardous Waste @ Ike Hamilton Expo Center (West Monroe) | Saturday (3/14) at 9:00 AM – Over at the Ike Hamilton Expo Center, ditch the mystery jugs, crusty paint cans, and bug killers the right way. It is for Ouachita Parish households only, so leave your Ruston cousin at home, and check ouachitagreen.org for accepted items before you roll up.
🛶 Paddle to the Eagle’s Nest @ Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge Boat Ramp | Saturday (3/14) at 9:00 AM – Grab your kayak and glide out on Black Bayou Lake NWR to go eagle-watching with Ouachita Paddling Trails. It’s free, bring binoculars, and if your boat’s retired, rent one from Ouachita Paddle & Provisions for $40, call ahead. Quiet paddles, big views, proud birds.
🏡 Northeast Louisiana Home Show 2026 @ Monroe Civic Center | Saturday (3/14) at 9:00 AM – Thinking about fixing the kitchen, the deck, or your decision-making? Hit the Northeast Louisiana Home Show to meet local contractors, remodelers, and home pros, all under one roof, no pressure. Grab ideas, show specials, and maybe a custom firepit if you buy online.
💪 4th Annual Blue Collar Throwdown @ The Hub Music Hall | Saturday (3/14) at 5:30 PM – Whether you’ve been here since year one or you’re just in it for free snacks, Blue Collar Throwdown at The Hub in Monroe packs a night of live music benefiting St. Jude. Twenty bucks gets you in, plus free food, free drinks, and zero pretense.
⚾ Texas State Bobcats at Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks Baseball @ Lou St. Amant Field | Saturday (3/14) at 6:00 PM – Warhawk Field is serving classic college baseball as ULM hosts the Texas State Bobcats, peak Monroe entertainment. Expect sharp pitching, stubborn defense, and neighborly chirping, plus concessions that beat your pantry. Bring a seat cushion, a cap, and your inside voice turned outside.
🤠Cowboy Mouth @ Mustang Sally | Saturday (3/14) at 8:30 PM – If you’ve been meaning to shout-sing with strangers and feel twenty-five again, Cowboy Mouth is rolling into Monroe with their New Orleans swagger. Expect big choruses, bigger drums, and that joyful chaos only they do. Wear comfy shoes, bring your outside voice.
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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đź“» Monroe report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 72°F – Low: 47°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 72. South wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 47. South wind 0 to 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 76°F – Low: 57°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 76. South wind 0 to 10 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 57.
This house is wild
The FALKNER III A in Magnolia Pointe is a 4-bed, 3-bath open layout. The primary suite has a garden tub, separate shower, double vanity, and walk-in closet. Bedroom 4 features an en suite. A kitchen island, walk-in pantry, and covered rear porch pair with a smart Wi-Fi thermostat plus a tankless water heater and low E windows.
Take a peek inside →
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