Medicaid Funding Struggles Could Send Alabama Legislature into Special Session
Alabama is once again heading for a budget standoff. This week, the house committee approved a General Fund budget. The state’s Medicaid commissioner says it would cause severe cuts to the program. The $1.8 billion budget steers an additional $15 million to Medicaid, but that’s short of the $100 million the agency says is needed to maintain services.
“I hope that they’re able to solve this without a special session,” says Governor Robert Bentley. “Obviously I would veto a budget that is $100 million short in Medicaid. They probably would override my veto but that does not preclude special sessions though.”
Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard says he wouldn’t be surprised if there’s a special legislative session to deal with the the issue.
“I personally think it would be a mistake to call us right back into session until we have an agreement and we work through to figure out what the solution is. And you know I think some of it you need to wait until after November the 8th,” says Hubbard.
Don Dailey, host of Alabama Public Television’s Capitol Journal, told WBHM’s Rachel Osier Lindley more about the budget and the rest of this week’s news from Montgomery.
‘Sorry, Baby’ is a story about pain and healing you haven’t heard before
Eva Victor wrote, directed and stars in this tender film about a woman trying to make sense of life after sexual assault. Although very much a drama, Sorry, Baby showcases Victor's comic smarts.
Greetings from New Delhi, India, where performing monkeys spark delight — and ambivalence
Far-Flung Postcards is a weekly series in which NPR's international team shares moments from their lives and work around the world.
Israel strikes Syria’s capital Damascus
The Israel military said targets included a Syrian military compound in Damascus as well as a target near the Syrian presidential palace. Israel's defense minister said "painful strikes have begun."
The best games of 2025 so far, picked by NPR’s staff
From indies like Blue Prince to big console exclusives like Donkey Kong Bananza, NPR staff and contributors round up their favorite games of the year so far.
Israel strikes in Damascus as Syrian forces clash with Druze groups
The strike came as clashes continued in the southern Syrian city of Sweida after a ceasefire between government forces and Druze armed groups collapsed.
Even healthy brains decline with age. Here’s what you can do
Scientists are finding ways to minimize the effects of aging on the brain. Here are some ways to keep it healthy.
