Happy weekend, Monroe! In today’s happening-today edition: Downtown redesign trial, a $50,000 tourism grant, and Juneteenth parade and picnic + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
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01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Downtown redesign trial: West Monroe will pilot a downtown streetscape later this summer to test traffic and walkability, from Commerce to Cotton and Bridge to Wood. Small businesses could see improved flow -- see the streetscape plans.
Community pharmacy support: A 27-year-old nonprofit pharmacy helps Northeast Louisiana residents get prescriptions, equipment, and hygiene supplies in 16 parishes. Eligibility requires ID and income at or below 200% of federal poverty level -- read how it helps.
Funding for local visitor projects: Discover Monroe-West Monroe launched a $50,000 tourism grant June 18 to boost experiences. Nonprofits, businesses, governments, educational institutions, and community groups could get funding for tourism projects in Ouachita Parish -- apply for tourism funding.
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Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Your midweek upgrade: Members get tree-lined fairways, tennis that actually makes cardio tolerable, a summer-worthy pool, and dining rooms that turn Tuesday into “treat yourself.” If you’ve been meaning to plug into Monroe a little more, Bayou Desiard Country Club is worth a look this week.
Quick nature reset: Whether you're up for a low-key campout close to home or just want a quiet place to sip coffee and hear yourself think, Cheniere Lake Park keeps it easy with mellow, stay-local vibes. Pack the basics, claim your chill, and let the weekend breathe a little.
River views, Cajun vibes: Let the Ouachita handle the ambience this week. Trapp's keeps it simple with po'boys, gumbo, big seafood platters, and river views that do half the heavy lifting... perfect for when you want an easy local win without overthinking where to go.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎉 Juneteenth 21st Parade and Picnic @ Wossman High School | Saturday (6/20) at 8:00 AM – Celebrate Juneteenth with a hometown parade starting at Wossman High and a laid-back picnic at the pavilion behind the zoo. Think marching bands, familiar faces, and a vibe of new beginnings and togetherness, plus a small entry fee that keeps the potato salad honest.
🧵 Patriotic Sew Day @ Fat Tuesday Fabrics | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Got a neglected sewing machine? Put it to work with your favorite Louisiana gals at a patriotic sew day, then stitch up red, white, and blue projects, swap stories, and leave with the included pattern, all for $30. Cheaper than therapy, with thread.
👑 Crowned With Purpose Youth Pageant & Backpack Fundraiser @ The Loui Event Center | Saturday (6/20) at 12:00 PM – Monroe’s getting a little sparkle with substance as a youth pageant and backpack fundraiser spotlights local kids' confidence, personality, and style. Expect proud families, tiny struts, and big hearts, raising funds to fill 500 backpacks with supplies, because preparation beats last-minute Target runs.
🎨 Family Day! Paint Your Fave Boba Squishy! @ Painting with a Twist | Saturday (6/20) at 1:00 PM – Bring the kids or grandkids, your inner art critic, and come paint your favorite boba squishy. Ages six and up, zero talent required, all supplies provided, and the mess is adorable, screen-free chaos that smells like tapioca but comes with no caffeine, or sticky tables.
👗 In the Klassiest Fashion @ Monroe Civic Center | Saturday (6/20) at 4:00 PM – If you’ve been waiting for an excuse to wear Tiffany Blue or actually dust off the tux, here it is. A glam runway show channeling Breakfast at Tiffany’s, all grace, sparkle, and grown-up swagger. Priced like a matinee, VIP if you’re feeling fancy.
🎶 Live at Tailgators on the River @ Tailgators On The River | Saturday (6/20) at 8:00 PM – Tailgators on the River in Monroe is turning into a time machine, with a band making their Monroe debut, serving up 50s and 60s rock and roll. Expect toe-tapping, harmonies, and knee creaking. Nostalgia is free, river breeze included, and dance partners are encouraged.
🏃 USATF Southern Association Junior Olympics @ University of Louisiana Monroe | Sunday (6/21) – Monroe gets its laps in when the USATF Southern Association Junior Olympics roll into town, a showcase of tiny sprinters, lanky jumpers, and proud parents with lawn chairs. Expect personal bests, sunscreen, and the kind of wholesome chaos that pairs well with a snow cone. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Monroe report Weather forecastToday — High: 90°F — Low: 76°F — Precip: 69%
Patchy fog and showers and thunderstorms likely before 10am, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 90. Heat index values as high as 105. South wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 1am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 76. Heat index values as high as 102. Southeast wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Tomorrow — High: 93°F — Low: 79°F — Precip: 38%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 93. South wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7pm. Mostly clear, with a low around 79. Chance of precipitation is 40%. This house is wildThis 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in Frenchman’s Bend blends everyday comfort with easy entertaining. A formal dining room sets the stage for gatherings, while the spacious eat-in kitchen and oversized pantry keep things practical. Recent upgrades include a 2023 roof, 2024 HVAC, and both water heaters replaced, adding fresh peace of mind.
Take a peek inside → |
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