The internet was supposed to be our great equalizer — a place where everyone, no matter who they are or where they come from, could speak freely and connect without limits. But somewhere between the hashtags and the highlight reels, it became something darker. Today, online spaces have turned into breeding grounds for cruelty — a digital arena where people tear each other apart for likes, retweets, and viral moments. From fat-shaming and classism to the mocking of mental ill

When a Black child goes missing, the world often stays silent. Their stories rarely make national headlines, their faces don’t go viral, and too often, law enforcement labels them as “runaways” rather than victims in danger. That’s the painful reality that led to the creation of the Ebony Alert, a first-of-its-kind system launched in California to bring urgency and awareness to missing Black youth and young women.

The U.S. job market just showed its softest side in years. Private employers cut 32,000 jobs in September, according to the ADP National Employment Report, the steepest decline in more than two years. It may not sound like a tidal wave, but make no mistake—this number is a red flag. For months, America’s labor market has been the star of the economic story, consistently powering growth even as inflation and interest rates spooked households. Now, for the first time in a lo

In a bold, headline-grabbing move, President Donald Trump is reportedly considering issuing stimulus or “rebate” checks of up to $2,000 per taxpayer, funded by tariff revenue collected from foreign imports. The idea is gaining traction behind closed doors, though critics, economists, and even Republicans are raising red flags. This could become one of the most audacious economic proposals of his term — and possibly one of the most polarizing.

Starting a business sounds glamorous on Instagram—launch parties, laptop-by-the-beach vibes, and the promise of “financial freedom.” But let’s keep it real: behind every glossy Canva flyer and motivational post, there are sleepless nights, spiraling thoughts, and a whole lot of anxiety. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at your laptop at 3 AM, wondering if you’re built for this entrepreneur life, trust me—you’re not alone.

Perfect! Let’s expand this into a **true long-form piece for Shalena Speaks**—with more depth, data, and real resources readers can use. I’ll keep it informative but still conversational and tea-worthy so people stay engaged. --- # 🎓 The Importance of Higher Education: Why It Still Matters in 2025 When we talk about *higher education*, the room usually gets divided. Some people swear by the power of a degree—how it opens doors and builds generational wealth—while others p

Cold season always creeps in like that one uninvited guest who overstays their welcome. Whether you’re battling the sniffles, a sore throat, or that heavy-headed fog that makes you feel like a zombie, having a toolkit of remedies can save your sanity. On Shalena Speaks, we’re spilling the tea (literally) on how to fight back against seasonal colds and keep your body strong all winter long.

But let’s be real — this isn’t just about money. It’s about power, politics, and prestige, with a cast of players straight out of a global drama: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), private equity giant Silver Lake, and Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners. Why Saudi Arabia Wants EA: Vision 2030 and the Gaming Gold Rush Saudi Arabia’s role in this blockbuster deal is no surprise. Through its Public Investment Fund (PIF), the kingdom has been on a shopping spree, pouri

Coaching and entrepreneurship are more than careers—they’re lifestyles that demand resilience, focus, and consistency. But here’s the truth: if your health isn’t in check, your business will suffer. Your body and mind are the engines that drive your brand, your income, and your impact. That’s why prioritizing health isn’t just a personal choice—it’s a professional strategy. Let’s break it down with the data to back it up.

When Solange Knowles moves, it’s never just music. It’s art, it’s statement, it’s legacy. And now, she’s stepping into the world of archives and preservation with a project that has the potential to change how we access Black history, literature, and creativity. In September 2025, Solange officially launched the Saint Heron Community Library — a free, honor-based library and digital archive dedicated to rare, out-of-print, and first-edition works by Black and Brown authors,

When I saw the headline about MacKenzie Scott donating $70 million to HBCUs, I had to clutch my coffee cup, y’all. Like—wow. This isn’t just a random big check, this is a move that could literally shift futures.

Let’s be honest—life is a lot. Every single day we’re juggling a million little things: answering texts, clocking into work, making sure bills get paid, showing up for family, trying to stay healthy, and maybe, just maybe, carving out a little time for ourselves. By the end of the day, most of us are running on fumes and wondering why we feel so drained. But here’s the tea: it’s not always about working harder or grinding longer. Sometimes it’s the small shifts—the little tw

Confession! Every September, I feel my whole soul shift. The air gets crisper, the leaves start whispering their golden secrets, and suddenly—I’m that girl clutching a pumpkin spice latte like it’s liquid gold. And I’m not ashamed to admit it: I love pumpkin-flavored season

In our hyper-connected world, data centers—often called data farms—are the backbone of everything from Netflix binges to powering AI tools like ChatGPT. These sprawling facilities hold thousands of servers that store, process, and transmit the endless stream of information our digital lives depend on. And with the boom in generative AI and cloud computing, the number of data centers is exploding across the U.S. and abroad. But let’s keep it real: behind the shiny promise of

Starting November 1, 2025, New Mexico will officially make history as the first U.S. state to provide free universal child care to all families—no income restrictions, no copays, no complicated hoops to jump through. Every child, from infants to preschoolers, will now have access to state-supported care.

We live in a time where an “influencer” can change your mind faster than your mama or your pastor ever could. One post, one TikTok, one viral video—and suddenly you’re buying a $70 face cream, voting differently, or feeling like your life is trash compared to someone else’s highlight reel.

The Monthly Self-Growth Curriculum: How to Level Up Your Life in 30 Days (Without Losing Your Mind) Let’s Be Real… If you’re like me, every January you sit down with your cute journal, three different pens, maybe even a vision board, and you tell yourself: This is my year! 🙌 Then life happens, stress happens, McDonald’s drive-thru happens… and by February, you don’t even remember what the goal was.

We Need to Talk About Trends… Every time you open Instagram or TikTok, there’s a new “must-have” style, skincare hack, or aesthetic. One week it’s “Coastal Cowgirl,” the next it’s “Tomato Girl Summer,” and by the time you’ve ordered the outfit, the trend’s already dead. It’s exhausting. And expensive. And honestly? It’s starting to feel a little fake. That’s why in 2025, people—especially in fashion and lifestyle spaces—are saying bye-bye to micro-trends and leaning hard i

When it comes to beauty, rap, and culture, JT of the City Girls has always been that girl. She’s bold, she’s unfiltered, and she knows how to own a moment. So when M·A·C Cosmetics announced their new Lip Combo by JT, the internet did exactly what you’d expect: it lost its mind.

Billie Eilish Partners with UNO: A New Deck That’s Anything But Ordinary