January 2026 – Page 8

Oceania Cruises moves to adults-only policy as demand grows for kid-free travel

January 20, 2026 Bouldin 0

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 […]

Cute, clever — and causing outages: Huntsville Utilities’ complicated relationship with squirrels

January 20, 2026 Bouldin 0

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 […]

‘We were just trying to get home’: Family hospitalized after tear gas fills SUV near ICE protest

January 20, 2026 Bouldin 0

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 […]

“A Mother’s Cry for Justice”: 19-Year-Old Killed While Working at Amazon in Bessemer

January 20, 2026 Bouldin 0

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 […]

Lawsuit alleges Huntsville doctor forced female staff to shave his legs, then fired them

January 20, 2026 Bouldin 0

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 […]

Five charged in killing of Pleasant Grove High School senior, wounding of best friend

January 20, 2026 Bouldin 0

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 […]

Gov. Ivey expands Alabama school choice through new federal tax credit program

January 20, 2026 Bouldin 0

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 […]

Opinion | There’s a better, more realistic way forward for Will Boyd

January 20, 2026 Bouldin 0

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 […]

Madison City Council approves annexation of Costco at Clift Farm

January 20, 2026 Bouldin 0

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 […]

Drake State President Patricia Sims reappointed to Alabama Port Authority board

January 20, 2026 Bouldin 0

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. […]