Recap: First Week of the 2018 Legislative Session
Alabama state lawmakers went back into session this week. The session is expected to be a shorter one to allow those running in the 2018 elections time to get back to their districts and campaign. We’re recapping the week in Montgomery with Don Dailey, host of Alabama Public Television’s Capitol Journal. He began with Governor Kay Ivey’s proposal to give state employees and educators a 2 to 3 percent raise.
There’s more solid budget news: the General Fund budget, including Medicaid, and the Education Trust Fund budget are healthy this year. Hear how lawmakers feel about President Trump’s proposal to allow states to impose work requirements on able-bodied Medicaid recipients. And learn more about the tax cut proposed by Alabama Senate Republicans.
Trump issues new travel ban covering a dozen countries
The White House said the action was needed to protect the United States from terrorist attacks and other national security threats, and said the countries lacked screening and vetting capabilities.
In hearings, McMahon faces questions about the shrinking federal role in schools and colleges
In separate hearings on Capitol Hill this week, the Education Secretary answered questions about a range of issues, from student loans to mental health programs.
Judge blocks deportation of Boulder attacker’s family
A federal judge on Wednesday ordered the government to immediately halt deportation proceedings against the wife and five children of a man charged in the firebombing attack in Boulder, Colorado, responding to what the judge called an urgent situation to ensure the protection of the family's constitutional rights.
The Trump administration is working on a plan for time limits on rental aid
A housing agency rule would also allow work requirements. Supporters say a time limit would help spread limited funds to more people, but critics warn it would leave some homeless.
President Trump is attending the musical ‘Les Mis’ – why is this a big deal?
Since Trump abruptly ousted Kennedy Center leadership and became its board chair, artists have canceled shows and subscription sales are down.
A new satellite TV channel allows Alexei Navalny’s videos to reach Russian audiences
The Russia's Future channel, launched by Navalny's widow Yulia Navalnaya and Reporters Without Borders, began broadcasting Wednesday, on what would have been the late Russian activist's 49th birthday.
