Good morning, Monroe.

New owners Magruder and Alex Kirkland from Jackson reopened the hardwood saw mill and are hiring with plans to add 10 jobs with an on-site industrial mat plant.

Local leaders noted Monroe's 1.3% job growth in the second quarter, crediting strong investments and job expansion.

The West Monroe–West Ouachita Chamber promoted Kristopher Kelley to chief executive officer effective immediately after his leadership success since 2022, and he will work to expand workforce and education initiatives with local partners.

Monroe ranked second statewide in job growth for Q2 2026 after Meta announced a $50 billion investment set to create thousands of jobs.

Local leaders say the new opportunities — reflecting a 1.3% growth rate and rising confidence — underline a stable economic outlook.

Louisiana colleges and universities will soon offer a digital student ID via LA Wallet, making it easier for students to access campus services.

Colleges in Louisiana will soon offer digital student IDs via LA Wallet, an app that stores official documents (such as driver’s licenses and vaccination cards) starting Aug.

1. Officials are evaluating vendor options, and implementation may not occur before the fall semester.

ULM Communication Program hosts its second annual Movie Making 101 summer film camp for students starting Monday, July 20 at Warhawk Innovation Studios + Walker Hall.

The camp runs half days from 9 a.m. to noon through Friday, July 31 and teaches the full filmmaking process.

Ouachita Parish Schools outperformed Monroe City Schools on LEAP tests, according to data released last week by LDOE (the state Department of Education).

Louisiana Works now manages the youth employment certificate process as it shifts permit responsibility from schools to employers.

School access will end Wednesday, July 24.

Monroe-based Pilots for Patients is breaking ground today at Monroe Regional Airport on a $1.93 million expansion that will add a 10,000 sqft hangar and a 2,500 sqft office to boost free flights for patients needing specialty care.

Dixie Baseball’s 70th Anniversary World Series continues in Sterlington from July 15 to 22 at the Sterlington Sports Complex and ULM University Parks, as 62 teams from 11 states compete in six divisions to win the title (boosting local hotels, stores, and restaurants).

NELA Legacy Color Run

8 a.m. — Forsythe Park — Registration required — Enjoy a vibrant day of running with options for all ages in the heart of Monroe.