WBHM Politics: 2018 Legislative Session Preview
We’re just a few days into the new year, but political junkies don’t have to wait long before having something to sink their teeth into. The Alabama Legislature will serve up a feast as lawmakers start the 2018 regular session Tuesday. It’s the first full session for Governor Kay Ivey. Lawmakers will have the usual budget wrangling. Of course there are many bills that hope to avoid being eaten up in legislative death. And perhaps the biggest underlying factor is It’s an election year.
We talk about what’s to come in this year’s session with two longtime journalists in Montgomery, Associated Press statehouse reporter Kim Chandler and Montgomery Advertiser state government reporter Brian Lyman.
Special thanks to Troy Public Radio for the use of their Montgomery studio to record this episode.
Listen here or subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play, or NPR One.
Dozens of states sue to block the sale of 23andMe personal genetic data
States argue that biological samples, DNA data, health-related traits and medical records are too sensitive to be sold without each person's express, informed consent.
Smithsonian board to keep institution ‘free from political or partisan influence’
The Smithsonian has issued a statement supporting Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch following President Trump's claim that he fired the director of the National Portrait Gallery.
Drug deaths plummet among young Americans as fentanyl carnage eases
U.S. drug deaths dropped by roughly 40% last year among people under the age of 35. It's a welcome pivot for families and communities devastated by fentanyl.
Witness testifies about Sean Combs’ ‘hotel nights’: ‘I was repulsed’
The woman, who dated Combs, testified that she repeatedly told him she did not want to participate in the drug-fueled encounters with escorts he requested, but felt pressured to comply.
What happened when Lyndon Johnson federalized the National Guard
President Lyndon B. Johnson federalized the National Guard in 1965, calling on troops to protect civil rights advocates who were marching from Selma, Ala., to Montgomery.
Trump mobilizes Marines for duty in Los Angeles
U.S. Northern Command says the infantry battalion would be supporting the National Guard troops "who are protecting federal personnel and federal property in the greater Los Angeles area."
