Good morning, Monroe.

With Fourth of July travel underway, West Monroe officials offer simple tips to reduce road hazards—motorists are encouraged to review the video for more guidance.

A West Monroe woman was arrested on July 2 by the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation for allegedly defrauding an elderly victim of more than half a million dollars—she faces charges of illegal transmission of monetary funds, theft, and exploitation of persons with infirmities.

Monroe police arrested a man last week on suspicion of sending threatening text messages — the case is still under investigation.

On July 2, 2025, Louisiana Bureau of Investigation agents arrested Meghan Lenehan O’Boyle of Dean Chapel Road in West Monroe for allegedly misusing her power of attorney to withdraw nearly $610k from an elderly victim's account — she is booked on charges including illegal transmission of monetary funds, theft over $25k, and exploitation of persons with infirmities with a $250k bond as the investigation continues.

ULM's Precision Ag and UAS Research Center has been awarded a FEMA ASSUREd subaward to offer free two-day drone training for first responders at Hemphill Hall on campus.

The courses, scheduled for July 29 and 30 and August 5 and 6, will cover basic UAS flight operations and data collection under FAA rules and require pre-registration.

Today, Waste Management, Inc. advises extra caution on the Fourth of July by urging residents to cool hot coals before disposing of them and to keep hazardous items like paint, pool chemicals, batteries and fireworks debris out of trash containers.

The company also recommends using reusable tableware to help protect local workers and first responders.

LDWF agents in West Monroe will patrol state waterways for impaired boaters from today until July 6 as part of NASBLA's Operation Dry Water weekend.

Boaters caught impaired may face fines from $300 to $1,000, jail time and loss of boating privileges.