By Lisa Wilmore My Dear Friends, Life has a way of testing us in ways we never imagined. Unexpected storms come, plans fall apart, and we are left trying to make sense of it all. In these moments, we realize…
Author: Free Press
Supreme Court sides with Reggie Brown
The Louisiana Supreme Court on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 upheld a civil service board’s decision to reduce the punishment for former Monroe interim police chief Reginald Brown from termination to a 90-day suspension without pay, clarifying the roles of administrative…
September 13th Service planned for Mildred James
Funeral services for Mildred James will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church. Visitations will be on Friday, September 12, 2025, from 1 to 4 p.m., and “Family Hour” will be from…
District 3 residents: Fix garbage problem, don’t sell
In a resounding show of community unity, residents of Monroe’s District 3 overwhelmingly rejected the proposed privatization of the city’s garbage and trash collection services during a public meeting held Tuesday night at the Powell Community Center. The meeting, one…
City Schools ends Sherrouse alternative for troubled High School students
Incorrigible high school students in the Monroe City School System will no longer attend the Sherrouse Alternative School. Instead, they will study from home under the supervision of their parents, who will serve as Learning Coaches. The new policy, approved…
Sarah Smith named Hearing Judge for local court
Monroe attorney Sarah Smith has been appointed to serve as a Hearing Officer Judge for the 4th District Court, where she will preside over cases involving child support, domestic abuse, protective order enforcement, and juvenile traffic matters. Smith, the daughter…
Ross announces new Chamber website
The Northeast Louisiana African-American Chamber of Commerce (NELA Chamber) has officially launched its website and social media presence, a move President Attorney James Ross says will connect today’s business leaders to a legacy nearly a century old. The new website,…