NEWS FROM OUR PUBLISHERS

The post Afro e-edition 03_20_2026 appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Construction on Red Maple Place has been halted after state permit violations, as East Towson residents warn the project threatens historic wetlands, raises flooding concerns and continues a long pattern of development impacting the community.
The post Historic East Towson of Baltimore County residents fight to protect last remaining wetlands appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS  A growing number of doctors across the United States are warning about an alarming trend: colon cancer is increasingly affecting younger adults. Once considered a disease primarily diagnosed in people over […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Scientists are increasingly focusing on the human gut as one of the most important factors influencing overall health. The gut microbiome—a vast ecosystem of trillions of bacteria living in the digestive […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS A new class of medications is rapidly reshaping healthcare in the United States, as drugs originally designed to treat diabetes are now being widely used for weight loss. Medications such as […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Mental health experts warn the United States is facing a growing mental health crisis as rates of anxiety, depression, and stress continue to rise nationwide. Healthcare providers report increasing numbers of […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS THE HILL — The Alabama A&M men’s tennis team showed early dominance but ultimately fell 4-1 to North Alabama in a hard-fought non-conference matchup Sunday afternoon. The Bulldogs came out strong in […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS The Alabama A&M women’s basketball team is continuing its historic run, earning a spot on the national stage with a bid to the 2026 Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT). The Bulldogs, […]

BCSP Notes The Alabama A&M women’s basketball team, the regular season SWAC champion, has earned one of 16 bids to compete in the 2026Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT), marking another milestone in a historic season […]

Compiled by the Birmingham Times Black women in Alabama and across the nation have long been trailblazers. From breaking records in sports to leading in politics, science, arts, education and media, the women featured here made history as the first, but they were determined not to be the last. Some have passed on, leaving legacies […]

NICOLE SADE’ DANIEL, AUTHOR OF “LADIES, HOW DID WE GET HERE?” THE BIRMINGHAM TIMES, MARCH 19.

By Alexis LaRueAFRO Internalarue@afro.com Kiki Shepard, the long-time co-host of the variety show “Showtime at the Apollo,” died on March 16 after suffering a heart attack. She was 74. Shepard, a Texas native and a graduate of Howard University, launched her career as an ensemble dancer on Broadway in shows like “Reggae” and “Comin’ Uptown” […]
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bjcc.org The Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex remained a key economic engine for Birmingham in 2025, generating more than $463.5 million in impact in the seven-county metro area. “The BJCC remains downtown Birmingham’s top draw for visitors, and our events and venues continue to be a major part of keeping the downtown area vibrant and strong,” said […]

Zion Baptist Church, led by Dr. Marshall F. Prentice, will celebrate their new location at 1600 Harford Ave. in East Baltimore on March 21 and March 22.
The post Zion Baptist Church prepares for the ribbon cutting at new East Baltimore location appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

A recent OIG report says that the Baltimore Mayor’s Office failed to follow policies for 336 procurement card transactions totaling $167,455.06, including purchases for food, flowers and sporting events. The questioned spending represents less than 1 percent of the office’s $36 million in P-card use since June 2022.
The post Baltimore mayor responds to scrutiny over staffers’ use of procurement card appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Javacia Harris Bowser | The Birmingham Times Breast cancer awareness took center stage at a Women’s History Month event hosted on Wednesday by the Jefferson County Commission. Commissioner Sheila Tyson, with Commission President Jimmie Stephens and Commissioner Lashunda Scales, partnered with Brenda’s Brown Bosom Buddies to highlight cancer-related legislation, stress the importance of mammograms […]

By Jemeana Smothers-Roberson Managing Editor, SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS The modern parent faces challenges that previous generations could only imagine. While we diligently lock our physical doors at night, we often leave digital gateways wide open […]

By Dayvon Love The purpose of an inspector general (IG) is to provide a mechanism for the public to have the information it needs about what is happening within the government to hold political leaders accountable. This can be an important tool for protecting the interests of our community. But no tool is immune to […]
The post The politicization of Baltimore’s Inspector General  appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Steven Kappen Right now, almost nothing is getting cheaper – especially property taxes. Many Baltimore residents have been feeling the pressure of the city’s property tax rate for years. Recently, the mayor emphasized that the city is working to reduce the overall tax burden on residents. That announcement came as part of a broader […]
The post Baltimore’s tax sale: Who it impacts and how you can protect your home appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Katelynn WinebrennerCapital News Service As power costs surge across Maryland, the state’s congressional delegation is taking a bipartisan stance in support of legislation that would regulate energy use by AI companies. The Power for the People Act would require AI companies to bear the costs of increased power demand and any possible infrastructure changes […]
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By Chrissy M. Thornton There is a quiet calculus many Black people perform before we even walk into a store. We soften our tone. We monitor our posture. We keep receipts visible. We are mindful of where our hands are, how long we linger, whether we look “confused” or “confrontational.” This constant awareness is exhausting. […]
The post When calling the police becomes a corporate reflex appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

UCLA women’s basketball coach Cori Close has preached consistency all season — focusing on daily improvement and making the most of every practice.

Drug overdose deaths in Los Angeles County fell sharply last year, offering a rare sign of progress in a crisis that has devastated communities across the region. But health officials say the improvement has not reached everyone equally.

The Education Department office responsible for protecting the rights of marginalized and minority students in the nation’s K-12 public schools dismissed nearly every discrimination complaint it received last year, due to the Trump administration’s massive reduction in force, according to a new government watchdog report.

An investigation into cosmetic surgery chains by KFF Health News and NBC News has prompted consumer warnings from industry groups representing plastic surgeons and a call for more transparency around physician disciplinary actions in California.

SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS The Alabama House of Representatives has passed a historic $10.9 billion Education Trust Fund budget for fiscal year 2027, marking one of the largest investments in education in state history. Approved on […]

SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Democrat Terri Sewell and Republican Mike Rogers stand united behind new bipartisan legislation to address the rural wastewater crisis, highlighted against the backdrop of failing sewage systems that impact underserved communities. (Speakin’ […]

SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS The Alabama Supreme Court has ruled that law enforcement officers in the state may require individuals to provide identification during certain encounters, a decision that clarifies how existing law applies during investigative […]

SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS The City of Huntsville is taking a major step toward improving transportation safety and accessibility with a new study focused on Governors Drive and the Medical District. City officials have entered into […]

SPEAKIN’  OUT NEWS “While we celebrate our history, we’re equally focused on our future.” With those words, Dr. Karen Frith, dean of the University of Alabama in Huntsville College of Nursing, opened the second annual […]

By Attorney Raven Beach Now, it’s worth turning our attention to what’s happening at the federal level and how it affects our daily lives. Some key issues right now are the war in Iran, the […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS HUNTSVILLE — One of the city’s most anticipated cultural events is making its return as the Panoply Arts Festival brings three days of art, music, and family-friendly fun back to Big […]

NICOLE & DEFELLUS DUMAS By Mia Watkins | The Birmingham Times Live: Gardendale Married: June 19, 2003 Met: A chance encounter, a unique name and a dollar bill led to forever for Nicole and Defellus Dumas. The two met when they were in 10th and 11th grade, respectively, at one of the only two parties […]

NICOLE & DEFELLUS DUMAS By Mia Watkins | The Birmingham Times Live: Gardendale Married: June 19, 2003 Met: A chance encounter, a unique name and a dollar bill led to forever for Nicole and Defellus Dumas. The two met when they were in 10th and 11th grade, respectively, at one of the only two parties […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS GUNTERSVILLE — One of North Alabama’s longest-running spring traditions is set to return as the 65th annual Art on the Lake festival takes place April 18-19 along the scenic shores of Lake Guntersville. […]