Monroe

Metro Detroit experienced dry conditions allowing the Woodward Dream Cruise to begin today. However, increasing moisture is expected late Saturday, raising a concern for showers and thunderstorms and potential localized flooding near I-94. Conditions are projected to improve early next week when less humid weather with sunshine returns.

A strong storm cell knocked down trees in power lines in the Monroe area, causing power outages for more than 4,100 customers on Thursday night. The resulting damage was primarily near Newtown Road and Clarence Secrest Road west of the city, leading to road closures.

Monroe City Council members are not planning to replace the seat held by Gary Anderson. An ethics investigation found evidence that Anderson violated the city's code of ethics after allegedly having inappropriate contact with a teen. Anderson resigned from his position on July 31st.

An ethics report detailed incidents involving a Monroe city councilman who resigned last month. In June, Mayor Robert Burns and another councilman requested the investigation.

Edgar Silvey has led the Baton Rouge Clinic for 39 years, driving growth through mergers and expanding to 18 locations. His leadership prioritizes physician autonomy and collaborative decision-making, resulting in high retention rates for doctors and patients.

Cornelius town leaders have reversed their stance to support the I-77 South toll lane project due to financial penalties from the state budget, which could cost the town up to $3.5 million. Mayor Denis Bilodeau, initially opposed to toll lanes, cited the risk of significant taxpayer costs as the reason for the decision, with the town planning to change its vote at the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization meeting in September.

On July 31, deputies attempted a traffic stop in Union County, but the driver fled and crashed into a ditch within a soybean field south of Monroe. The incident was reported by the sheriff.

A Monroe councilman resigned after his colleagues opened an ethics investigation. The investigation followed a May incident where a teen expressed concern about the councilman at a Charlotte barbershop, though police found insufficient evidence for charges.

Renewed support for the I-77 south toll lane project in Charlotte emerges as municipalities like Huntersville, Cornelius, and Monroe reverse opposition due to a state budget mandate requiring reimbursement. The Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) will vote on reinstating the project in late September, with Waxhaw and some officials advocating for traffic relief, while Mecklenburg County, Matthews, and Davidson are expected to oppose it.

Monroe has eased drought restrictions to Stage 1, making water conservation voluntary after recent rain and pumping efforts filled Lake Twitty and nearly filled Lake Lee. The city will continue pumping water from a rock quarry to support Lake Lee, but mandatory restrictions are no longer in place.

The city of Monroe has issued a scam warning for business owners, alerting them to fake invoices sent by scammers impersonating the Planning Commission. These emails target businesses that recently had public hearings or applied for permits, demanding over $2,000. Authorities advise against responding and recommend reporting the scam to the police.

A man is accused of trafficking 11.5 pounds of fentanyl through Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Daniel Farfan was arrested in Union County and charged with trafficking opium or heroin and maintaining a dwelling for controlled substances. Deputies seized the drugs destined for Monroe.

The Monroe Police Department is assisting in the search for a lost parrot last seen near Main Street. The public is urged to contact the department if they spot the bird.

Daniel Farfan was arrested in Monroe after 11.5 pounds of fentanyl were seized by a joint investigation involving the Union County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Farfan was charged with trafficking and maintaining a dwelling for drug distribution, with a $1 million secured bond set.

A Union County business is relocating to Monroe with a 350,000-square-foot facility. The company specializes in manufacturing canopy systems, structural steel components, and design engineering services.

A reward is being offered for the arrest of Bennett, a Union County teen wanted for attempted murder. Officials say Bennett, considered armed and dangerous, is believed to be in Monroe or Wingate.

A Union County teenager, Xemetryes Bennett Jr., is wanted for attempted murder, armed robbery, and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. Authorities warn he is armed and dangerous and offer a $2,500 reward for his arrest.

A mansion in Orange County was damaged after a party promoted online. Marcus Solis reported the incident from Monroe, New York.

Anson County residents remain under a boil water advisory as officials collect and test water samples to ensure system safety. Over 200 pallets of bottled water have been distributed, and multiple agencies, including Charlotte Water and the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, are assisting with testing. The advisory could be lifted by Friday if results are favorable.

Monroe city council voted to restore support for the I-77 South Express Lanes project, despite opposition from the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization. The decision reaffirms the council's backing for the toll lane initiative.

A precision manufacturing company may build a $40 million facility in Monroe, creating 35 jobs and retaining 164 with an average salary of $62,000. Monroe City Council will consider a $748,000 Level IV grant for the project, named Project Canopy, on July 14.

Huntington Bank is closing 13 branches in Michigan by the end of next month due to a distribution network review. Customers will retain access through nearby branches, ATMs, and digital banking, with most closures occurring by late August except Traverse City, which will close in mid-November.

Louisiana’s economy reached 2.01 million nonfarm jobs in May 2026, driven by a construction boom that added 9,300 jobs over the past year. Baton Rouge, Monroe, and Lake Charles led job growth, while the state ranked fourth in the South for job and GDP growth, though challenges like lagging new business formation and high insurance costs remain.

Cyclosporiasis cases in Michigan have risen to 2,640 as of July 13, with 44 hospitalizations reported. State health officials are investigating the source of the outbreak, which is highest in Monroe, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Wayne, Shiawassee, Jackson, Oakland, and Livingston counties.

Two suspects broke into a cannabis shop in Monroe, Michigan, set it on fire using an accelerant, and were later arrested after hiding in a nearby tree line. The suspects, aged 24 and 25 from Detroit, were taken into custody without incident.

The Louisiana Office of Juvenile Justice canceled visitation at the Swanson Center for Youth’s Monroe campus due to an active facility lockdown following an escape incident. All scheduled visitations from July 11 to July 12, 2026, are suspended, and facility officials are collaborating with local law enforcement to address the situation.

A man and a dog died in a fire near Monroe. Fire crews responded to smoke coming from a mobile home outside Monroe.

A South Carolina man is accused of breaking into Monroe Tobacco and Stuff on W. Roosevelt Blvd. around 12:30 a.m. on July 6. Officers responded to the location.

Monroe has entered stage two drought conditions, making water restrictions mandatory, including prohibitions on home car washing and pool filling. The city previously pumped water from Rock Quarry Lake to mitigate the drought, but lake levels remain insufficient to meet demand.

DTE Energy customers in Metro Detroit face prolonged outages entering the fourth day, with shifting restoration estimates causing frustration. Residents report spoiled food, disrupted care for aging family members, and reliance on limited cooling methods. DTE has established community resource stations offering ice, water, and emergency kits in locations including Detroit, Monroe, Dearborn, and Taylor.

Jason Lottman, the former owner of Champagne Manor in Union County, pleaded guilty to wire fraud after defrauding customers and investors of over $1 million. He falsely promised ownership interests and guaranteed returns while the venue faced financial distress leading to foreclosure.

A portion of Lancaster Avenue in Monroe will be closed for several weeks due to sewer main installation between Branch and Parker streets. Local traffic is permitted, but other traffic will be detoured, with the road expected to reopen on Aug. 24.

A man has been identified in connection with an alleged snatch-and-grab incident at Kay Jewelers on the 3000 block of W. Highway 74 in Monroe on June 24. The store was reported as the victim of the theft.

Monroe Police Department is investigating two separate shooting incidents that occurred on June 27 in Monroe. No injuries were reported, and no suspects are currently in custody. The department is seeking public assistance to solve the cases.

A Pennsylvania tractor-trailer driver fell asleep before a fatal collision in Monroe, resulting in the death of a woman. The driver has been charged in connection with the crash.

Two suspects, Rashaad Wilson and Tomas Wesley, linked to over 100 pharmacy break-ins across multiple states, were arrested in Monroe, North Carolina, following a vehicle pursuit. Police used drones and K9 units during the search that led to their capture.

Nonprofits in Monroe face a budget shortfall after the city withheld funds typically allocated for community services. The city cited a policy cap issue, but council later raised the cap, leaving funding in limbo due to a conflict of interest involving Mayor pro tem Surluta Anthony. Crisis Assistance Ministry and Turning Point are among the impacted organizations, with risks to housing programs and services for vulnerable residents.

Two men, Rashaad Wilson and Tomas Wesley, were arrested in Monroe for allegedly being connected to hundreds of pharmacy break-ins. Both are from Bishopville, South Carolina.

The weather pattern in South Florida remains unchanged, with scattered showers and thunderstorms expected, particularly inland in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe counties. Heat and humidity will increase, leading to heat index values in the low 100s, prompting advisories for hydration and caution during outdoor activities.

A North Carolina state lawmaker is keeping a plan to reclaim tens of millions of dollars from the I-77 South widening project active despite it not being tied to a transportation bill. The decision follows a reversal on the toll plan due to a threat of repaying funds to NCDOT.