Good morning, Monroe.

On September 16th, about 3,000 residents in Ouachita Parish lost power—no official cause was confirmed.

Utility companies have not provided a restoration time and residents will receive further updates soon.

Voith broke ground on a multi-million-dollar project to expand its roll service center in West Monroe — the expansion will add more than 20 new jobs and enlarge the facility almost 50% with a new training center.

The work began on Sept. 10 — the center remains fully open while construction continues through mid-2026.

Monroe-Ouachita Parish NAACP President Cliff Thomas said ruling out foul play may be premature after 21-year-old Demartravion 'Trey' Reed was found hanging at Delta State University near the pickleball courts on Sept.15—while in Vicksburg a white man was found hanging near Ameristar Casino and officials await autopsy results.

KTVE/KARD welcomed Tammi Arender back to Ark-La-Miss as the experienced Tallulah native who began her career in Monroe at KNOE and KTVE hosts 'Stories That Matter with Tammi' and will soon appear on 88.7 FM The Cross as well as release her cookbook (Dishes and Devotions: Make Everyday Delicious) this Fall.

Boley Elementary students took part in Constitution Week at the Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum and learned about the Constitution while practicing voting in mock elections with machines provided by the Louisiana Secretary of State's Office.

State Supreme Court Justice Jay McCallum attended the event to stress the importance of active voting.

Students at New Vision Learning Academy learned about democracy and the three branches of government during Celebrate Freedom Week as they studied the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and Bill of Rights.

State Representative Pat Moore visited to stress early citizenship—some finalists will advance to a statewide contest at the Reagan Presidential Library.

On Monday, September 15, Kiroli Elementary School ended classes early because of a flea infestation—officials said they worked with Ouachita Parish School Superintendent Todd Guice to fix the problem.

The Federal Reserve is meeting today to discuss a potential cut to interest rates—experts say the move might lower costs for loans on credit cards, car loans and homes.

It will try to balance slowing rising prices with keeping the economy steady.

Beginning today, the intersection of Oak Street and South 11th Street near the railroad tracks behind the Monroe Civic Center is permanently closed—city officials warn that bypassing barricades is illegal.

Louisiana became a hub for ICE detention and held about 7,500 detainees, the second highest count in the nation behind Texas.

The state operated nine detention facilities — including the Richwood Correctional Center in Monroe and the new Louisiana Lockup inside Angola State Penitentiary — while local residents expressed mixed views on the policy.

September is Suicide Prevention Month and new data shows suicide is the third leading cause of death among youth in the ArkLaMiss region—health experts stress that early intervention and family support are key to protecting young lives.

St. Francis Medical Center has officially opened a new convention center and auditorium to house medical education and a residency training program with Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine — President Thomas Gullatt said the project will help recruit more doctors for Monroe and Northeast Louisiana.

The Hilarity House Showcase

6-11:59 p.m. — Enoch's Irish Pub — $15 General Admission, $125 VIP Table — Enjoy a night of laughter with a lineup of talented comedians.

Northeast Louisiana Celtic Festival

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Kiroli Park — Free entry — Celebrate Celtic culture with live music, activities for all ages, and unique artisan vendors.

Fall Celebration

10 AM – 1 PM — Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center — Free entry — Celebrate Fall with fun activities like birdhouse building and canoeing for kids of all ages.