Marie Brown, Damian Coleman and Ambrose Douzart discuss issues surrounding the violence and living conditions in the Parkview Apartments in Monroe, La.

Police Murder of William "Mark" Henderson in Monroe, La.

Jun 13th, 2020 50m 12s

William "Mark" Henderson was murdered by five Monroe, La. Louisiana police officers in August 2004. The officers shot him with over 20 rounds of Pepper Spray, over 15 bean bag shots and they fired 29 shots at him at close range from the front a

A living wage for city workers

Feb 28th, 2020 15m 44s

The Free Press is issuing 22 challenges for candidates for Mayor and city council of Monroe on April 4, 2020. They force candidates to deal with bread and butter issues that impact the lives of the poor, working people and minorities. This pod

Impact of John White Resignation on Public Education

Jan 10th, 2020 25m 31s

John White has announced his resignation as State Superintendent of Education. That will prompt a serious discussion about changing the direction of public education in the state with its heavy emphasis on accountability standards, Common Core

Rolland Edwards - Lonnie Hudson leadership viewpoints

Nov 8th, 2019 34m 39s

On November 16, 2019, Rolland Edwards and Lonnie Hudson will face off in a general election to elect a Police Juror for District F. Hudson was the front runner in the primary finishing first in a field of six. However, all of his opponents hav

Violence resolution requires more than photo sessions

Oct 28th, 2019 17m 54s

The October 19, 2019 headline in the Monroe Free Press read, "Attacking crime problem needs more than photo sessions." This podcast looks at the crime problem in the parish and makes suggestions about long term solutions. Listen and share.

Ideas of Anna Reed and Micheal Thompson

Oct 3rd, 2019 15m 16s

At a recent candidate's forum sponsored by KEDM Radio Anna Reed and Micheal Thompson gave their ideas about the police jury, if elected to the District D. seat on the Ouachita Parish Police Jury. This podcast compares the two candidates side by

Davis pay promise prompts a $20,000 question

Sep 22nd, 2019 25m 40s

The September 21, 2019, Monroe Free Press Headline read "School Board tables $20,000 bonus for Eric Davis." This podcast shows school board members standing firm that Eric Davis should get anything he was promised by Superintendent Vidrine, but

What Eric Davis needs at Carroll

Sep 1st, 2019 10m 56s

The August 31, 2019, Editorial Headline in the Monroe Free Press was, "Gallot is "Prez2" will Eric Davis be "Bossman2?" This podcast discusses the level of community support Davis will need to succeed as Carroll High School's newest principal.

West Parkview Homeowners sue city schools

Aug 17th, 2019 8m 12s

The August 17, 2019 headline read, "Arguments end on homeowner's school board suit." The suit was argued in 4th District Court this week with hopes to change the district's policy of placing roadblocks in the way of citizens who want to speak

Can Kay Katz represent blacks and Trump too?

Aug 9th, 2019 19m 49s

The August 10, 2019 Free Press Headline read, "Kay Katz named to fill vacancy in Black Police Jury District." Mrs. Katz, a former State Representative and city councilwoman has a reputation as a "people person", but she is also an unapologetic

Impact of Fred Jones Candidacy for Representative

Jul 26th, 2019 6m 1s

The headline reads, "Fred Jones to run for District 16 Representative seat." This podcast looks at the race that is shaping up between the next member of the legendary Jones Family to seek election and two others bidding for election in the 20

Four Principals at the same school

Jul 12th, 2019 10m 40s

Headline: "Four principals assigned to the "Principal's Graveyard." A front-page editorial in the July 13, 2019, Free Press called for the school board to start looking for a new superintendent in the aftermath of his fourth assignment of princ

Jefferson forced to give life sentence to suspect

Jun 28th, 2019 9m 35s

The state Supreme Court ordered Judge Jefferson to give a life sentence to a man over Jefferson's objection. This podcast looks at the details of the headline "Supreme Court forces Jefferson to give suspect life sentence." June 29, 2019

Ike Byrd joins the Monroe Mayor's race

Jun 28th, 2019 6m 45s

Rev. Ike Byrd announced that he will be a candidate for Monroe Mayor in 2020. That raised eyebrows because Rev. Byrd has been a supporter of Mayor Jamie Mayo for many years. This podcast looks at the backstory about the upcoming 2020 Mayor's r

Louisiana Heartbeat Abortion Law vote explained

Jun 10th, 2019 10m 2s

In the June 8, 2019 issue of the Free Press the headline read, "Anti-Abortion fight in Louisiana includes area female legislators." Rep. Katrina Jackson (D-16) and Rep. Pat Moore (D-17) were among women who voted for this law. In this podcast

Should the Mayor of Monroe serve for life?

Jun 2nd, 2019 6m 45s

Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo will be seeking another term as Monroe Mayor in the spring of 2020. The question that some are asking is whether or not it's a good idea for anyone, no matter how well they have served to serve for life. The May 18, 2019

Is Carroll High School still a magnet school?

May 24th, 2019 10m 25s

In the May 11, 2019 Edition of the Monroe Free Press, there was a story about community concerns about public education. A subheading read "Magnet Components should be emphasized." Alumni of Carroll want to know what programs at Carroll make

How to flip a Black Board member -101

May 18th, 2019 8m 3s

The May 18, 2019 headline read, "School Board approves charter, Willson, Vidrine working to flip a black board member." After approving the J.W. Brown Laboratory School's charter application, Monroe City School Superintendent Brent Vidrine and

Leadership groups angry at school failures, tempers flare

May 11th, 2019 13m 51s

The headline in the May 11, 2019 Free Press was, "Tempers flare as leaders focus on school system deficiencies." The story details the frustrations of six different community groups about the direction of the city school system which is boastin

Two Delta Chapters spark reflection on area splits

May 6th, 2019 5m 53s

The headline of a two-page photo spread in the May 4, 2019 edition read, "The new members of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority." It was a simple headline we thought, but it brought to light that there are two Delta Chapters, two Alpha Kappa Chapte

Delta Photo prompts reflection on area splits

May 5th, 2019 5m 53s

School board meets less, shouldn't pay cut follow?

Apr 26th, 2019 29m 34s

The 2019 Monroe City School Board has reduced its number of meetings from twice per month on average, to once each month. Only two of its seven committees have met this year. Its personnel committee has not been appointed for the last four year

Are city school bus drivers being ripped off?

Apr 18th, 2019 29m 34s

A headline in the April 20, 2019 edition of the Free Press was captioned, "Tucker: City school bus drivers lose money on field trips; long hours unsafe." Lonnie Tucker, head of the bus drivers association, shows how city drivers who carry stude

Immigrant Detainees issue in Richwood

Apr 11th, 2019 29m 34s

The Town of Richwood voted to allow Richwood Correctional Center to house up to 1,100 illegal immigrants. The owners of RCC will make $52,000 or more a day from the Trump and Administration, and the Town of Richwood will receive $1,275 or mo