Good morning, Monroe.

A lightning strike caused a tank fire at the CITGO refinery on July 10th—firefighters extinguished the blaze by 5 p.m.—and emergency crews secured the site.

AT&T held a groundbreaking event in Monroe on July 10 — marking the start of the high-speed fiber internet installation throughout the area — as the company prepares to boost local connectivity.

On July 10, Congresswoman Julia Letlow announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation designated the Ouachita River as a U.S. Marine Highway—making it eligible for federal grants to boost infrastructure and job creation in North Louisiana.

Local officials say the move will help ease highway congestion and spur commerce along the river.

The University of Louisiana Monroe is on track to boost enrollment for Fall 2025 as early PREP sessions show a rise in full-time and first-time students, and officials expect numbers to adjust until classes start on August 18—university leaders remain optimistic about the growth.

The University of Louisiana Monroe College of Pharmacy received $2 million from the state legislature during the 2025 session—Governor Jeff Landry signed the law on June 23 to support its operations.

The funding will help the college run its programs and train pharmacists for our state.

Home Buyer Workshop in Monroe, LA

11 a.m. – 2 p.m. — Hilton Garden Inn West Monroe — Free resources available — Discover how to build your dream home in Monroe's new subdivision with expert guidance and assistance.