NEWS FROM OUR PUBLISHERS

SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS As more Americans focus on improving sleep quality and managing blood sugar levels, health experts say what you eat before bed can make a significant difference. Late-night snacking is common, particularly for […]

By Staff Writer As liver detox programs gain popularity on social media and wellness platforms, medical experts are cautioning the public against falling for what they describe as misleading and potentially harmful health trends. Marketed […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Chocolate lovers will once again have a reason to stroll through downtown Athens as Athens Main Street hosts its 13th Annual Chocolate Walk on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026. The popular, self-guided event […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS One week after a Mobile teenager was shot in front of Murphy High School, advocates are mobilizing the community to confront gun violence and promote healing. On Monday, Jan. 19, The […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS A popular luxury cruise brand is officially going adults-only. Oceania Cruises has implemented a new policy requiring all guests to be at least 18 years old, a change that took effect […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS As National Squirrel Appreciation Day is observed Jan. 21, Huntsville Utilities is reflecting on a relationship that is equal parts amusing and challenging. Nationwide, squirrels are responsible for an estimated 7,000 power […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS A Minneapolis mother says a routine drive home with her family turned into a medical emergency after tear gas filled their vehicle near an ICE-related protest, sending several of her children […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS A Birmingham mother is demanding answers after her only son was fatally shot while on the job at an Amazon warehouse in Bessemer. Tyler Neil Alexander, 19, a 2025 graduate of […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS A Madison County lawsuit is alleging a disturbing pattern of sexual harassment by a Huntsville physician, claiming two former female employees were subjected to ongoing inappropriate conduct, including being forced to […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Five people — including two adults and three teenagers — are facing charges in connection with the fatal shooting of an Alabama high school senior and the serious wounding of his […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Gov. Kay Ivey has taken another step to expand school choice in Alabama, signing an executive order committing the state to participate in a new federal education tax credit program aimed […]

Will Boyd was offered an opportunity to build a coalition of support and stop the endless cycle of losing elections. He should take it. ByJosh Moon Will Boyd has taken offense to people who have […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS The City of Madison has officially brought the Costco at Clift Farm within its city limits following action by the Madison City Council. At its meeting on Monday, Jan. 12, the […]

Members of Maryland’s business community gathered in Annapolis to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day while urging lawmakers to consider how legislative decisions affect local businesses. Chamber of Commerce leaders and state officials emphasized advocacy, collaboration and participation during the 2026 session.
The post Business leaders visit Annapolis for Chamber of Commerce Advocacy Day appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Gov. Kay Ivey has reappointed Dr. Patricia Sims, president of Drake State Community & Technical College, to the Alabama Port Authority Board of Directors, continuing her role as the Northern District representative. […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS Gov. Kay Ivey opened Alabama’s 2026 Legislative Session Tuesday evening by announcing the launch of a new statewide flood notification system, a move aimed at strengthening emergency preparedness and protecting families […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS The Alabama House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee reviewed a series of law enforcement and vehicle regulation measures during its first meeting of the 2026 legislative session, advancing several bills […]

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS U.S. Reps. Terri Sewell and Emilia Sykes are urging the Department of Homeland Security to exempt health care workers from a newly implemented H-1B visa fee that lawmakers say is already […]

The Trump administration has been accused of aggressive actions, such as threats to invade other countries, bombings, and the actions of ICE and Border Patrol officers, leading to concerns about Trump’s mental health and whether he is being manipulated by wealthy donors, as well as the potential for the US to be led towards autocracy.
The post Keeping it Real: Pushing Back Against a Philosophy of Violence and the Will to Kill appeared first on Black Voice News.

The Altadena community gathered to mark the first anniversary of the Eaton Fire, which destroyed homes and caused the loss of 19 lives, and called for an investigation into the lack of response from the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
The post California State Audit into Eaton Fire Begins as Community Demands Accountability appeared first on Black Voice News.

The CARE Project, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing financial and emotional support to breast cancer patients, including men, as well as end-of-life doula services, lymphedema care, and grants to children who lose a parent to breast cancer.
The post Anyone Can Develop Breast Cancer, Man or Woman appeared first on Black Voice News.

Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2026-27 budget includes a $2.9 billion budget shortfall, with increased revenue from AI and a strong stock market, but no new state funds for affordable housing and reductions to the IHSS program.
The post Local Leaders Weigh in on Governor’s Proposed 2026-27 Budget appeared first on Black Voice News.

Starting February 1, 2026, passengers without acceptable forms of identification will be required to pay a $45 fee to use TSA ConfirmID, a modernized alternative identity verification system, and travelers are urged to update their ID at their local DMV as soon as possible.
The post TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1 appeared first on Black Voice News.

For nearly three decades, the Rev. Wesley Crawford Sr., a longtime civil rights advocate and Kern County leader, has carried the torch of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy in Bakersfield, organizing annual MLK Day Breakfasts that serve as both celebration and call to action for the community.

By Brooke E. Lierman If you worked last year, you might be walking past hundreds—even thousands—of dollars that already have your name on them.  Nearly 20 percent of eligible Maryland residents didn’t claim the Earned Income Tax Credit in 2023. That’s roughly 100,000 people who left their money with our state rather than in their bank accounts. Most people lived in Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Montgomery County and Prince George’s […]
The post Commentary: Marylanders are leaving money on the table– here’s how to claim what’s yours appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times Birmingham on Monday hosted the 40th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast at New Rising Star Baptist Church, bringing together community members, educators, and students for a morning of reflection, dialogue, and inspiration. This year’s theme, “Putting It Back Into Perspective: Leading Transformation Through Education” centered on […]

By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times The Birmingham City Schools system is reviving a powerful tradition of student voice and critical thinking with the launch of the Birmingham Urban Debate League (BUDL), which held its first official tournament Thursday at A.H. Parker High School. The event marks the return of organized debate programming in […]

By Dr. Frances “Toni” Murphy DraperAFRO CEO and Publisher As the nation marks Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the real question is not how loudly we celebrate — but whether we are willing to live by the values Dr. King demanded. Each January, the nation knows how to celebrate. We mark the day. We replay […]
The post Protect the day, protect the truth appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Medi-Cal provides California adults with access to free or low-cost care, including preventive screenings, dental and vision services, mental health support, and prescription coverage, and members are encouraged to take advantage of these benefits before the changes in 2026.
The post Medi-Cal Helps You Stay Healthy: Use Your Medi-Cal Benefits appeared first on Black Voice News.

By Victoria Mejicanos AFRO Staff Writer vmejicanos@afro.com Nearly 60 years after the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and decades after a hard-fought campaign to make his birthday a federal holiday, organizers, city leaders and scholars are preparing to celebrate on Jan. 19. Though Martin Luther King Jr. Day events are festive, many are […]
The post Remembering the fight for Martin Luther King Jr. Day appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

By Emily Cundiff | WBMA Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin says the city’s future depends on rethinking how people move, and that means looking beyond traditional roads and parking lots. As part of his broader vision for mobility, Woodfin has launched the GO BHM Transportation Plan, an initiative aimed at making Birmingham more walkable, bikeable, and […]

Torrential rains and widespread flooding across southern Africa have killed more than 100 people in South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, prompting helicopter rescues, mass evacuations and emergency deployments. With hundreds of thousands affected—especially in Mozambique—authorities warn that more rain linked to the La Niña weather pattern could worsen the humanitarian crisis.
The post More than 100 dead in torrential rains and floods across southern Africa appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Communities nationwide continue to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through service, faith and advocacy. Today’s leaders and organizations are expanding his vision through action, equity and community-building.
The post AFRO spotlight on Black excellence: How Kaci Patterson advances Dr. King’s legacy through equity-driven change appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture opened a new exhibition, “At the Vanguard: Making and Saving History at HBCUs,” celebrating the cultural, intellectual and artistic legacy preserved by historically Black colleges and universities. Featuring collections from five HBCUs, the exhibition highlights rare artifacts, artwork and archival materials before embarking on a national tour through 2029.
The post National Museum of African American History and Culture opens exhibition featuring collections from five HBCUs appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.

Eddie Blackstone, Baltimore Organizer at the Community Development Network and Albert Turner, Human Right to Housing Attorney at the Public Justice Center, say despite a federal appeals court ruling that says Baltimore’s abandonment law is unconstitutional, the city fails to act more than a year later.
The post Opinion: When eviction means losing everything in Baltimore appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.