Northeast LA. experienced one of the worst ice storms in modern history this past week. Ouachita Parish was hit extremely hard. In fact, over 90% of the storm damage has been here. By Tuesday of last week, 45,000 residents in…
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Our Rich Black Heritage: John K. Haynes, distinguished biologist and sickle-cell researcher born in Monroe, Louisiana
By Garry Blanson In the last five years or so, more and more information that had long been hidden from Black citizens in Monroe, Louisiana, has come to the surface. Among those revelations is how city, state, and federal governments…
Thanks due to hundreds who pitched in to help during ice storm
In the wake of last week’s devastating winter storm, our community has been tested—and has answered with courage, competence, and compassion. As more than 90,000 residents sat in the cold and dark, an army of first responders, city crews, utility…
Monroe has had three Black mayors, one black sheriff, and one black clerk of court
As we salute Black History month, we salute three black men who, between them have made history in unique ways as mayors, Ouachita Parish Sheriff, or Ouachita Parish Clerk of Court As Monroe reflects on its history and looks to…
Black Cemetery in Morehouse Parish returned to relatives
A landmark effort is underway to revive the historically Black Whispering Pines Memorial Cemetery. Ronnie Edwards, President of the cemetery’s Restoration & Operations Board, announced that local residents are officially taking control of the once-abandoned site to restore its dignity…
Harriet Foster was first Black registered nurse in area; fought polio, taught hundreds of LPN’s
Black History: Harriet Foster fought racial discrimination to bring health care for Black polio victims to Morehouse and Ouachita Parish. She trained hundreds of young Blacks to become LPN’s and inspired dozens to become registered nurses. Harriet G. Foster spent…
FBI snapshots show crime is trending down, but area still has problems
As 2026 begins, law enforcement agencies across the “Twin Cities” and greater Ouachita Parish are releasing their final data snapshots for 2025. The latest figures show a sharp divide between crime in Monroe, West Monroe, and the unincorporated areas of…