As the 2026 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature moves toward its midway point, the halls of the State Capitol in Baton Rouge are, as usual, crowded with lobbyists, special interest groups, and partisan power players. In such an environment,…
Author: Free Press
Our Rich Black Heritage: Henry Demas
By Garry Blanson A Former Slave and One of the Founders of Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana During my regular research activity online, I came across an article about a lawsuit against the NASCAR association that included former NBA…
Tough as nails
By Rusty Potter Some people bend under pressure. Others break. But a few? They are tough as nails. Steel gets stronger in the fire. People get stronger in adversity. As Albert Einstein once said, “Adversity introduces a man to himself.”…
Our City, Our Community
By Marie Brown As residents of the City of Monroe, do you feel that our city is a good place to live? I’m sure there are a multitude of responses from some who have lived here their entire lives. The other…
When pastors step into the public arena, the shield is lifted
In church circles, ministers often enjoy a “biblical shield” from harsh criticism. This is rooted in 1 Timothy 5:19, which cautions against entertaining accusations without multiple witnesses. However, the contemporary leader must understand a hard truth: The criticism shield does not extend…
“That’s not how the story ends…Jesus is coming back again!”
By Lisa Wilmore Blessings, Dear Hearts, “Grace and peace be unto you from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 1:7 KJV). As believers, we rejoice each week in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, remembering the…
Death Notices for the week April 6th
Gloria Dean Turner, 86, of Monroe, Nurse Aide, died March 31, 2026. Funeral Service will be 11:00 am Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Friendship Baptist Church, Monroe, LA. Visitation is from 6:00 until 7:30 pm, Friday, April 10, 2026, at…