Veterans Affairs
Trump’s VA strands thousands of veterans by ending a key mortgage program
The VA Servicing Purchase program has helped about 20,000 veterans avoid foreclosure. But Republicans in Congress have been critical of the program, saying it puts too much taxpayer money at risk.
VA research brought CT scans and pacemakers into the world. Now it’s at risk of cuts
Researchers at the Department of Veterans Affairs warn that crucial medical research is in jeopardy unless the Trump administration reverses course on cuts.
VA officials acknowledge the need for privacy for telehealth therapy
The VA looks like it is changing course on a plan that would have threatened the privacy of veterans receiving mental health care via telehealth, according to documents obtained by NPR.
Trump’s back-to-office order will hurt veterans, VA docs and therapists say
The Department of Veterans Affairs embraced telehealth, especially for mental health care, in recent years. Now, staffers hired to give therapy and other health care remotely are ordered to do it from offices lacking privacy, VA clinicians told NPR.
Alabama House passes $192 million in tax cuts
Many lawmakers like tax cuts and evidence of that came this week when a package of $192 million in tax cuts flew through the Alabama House. We take a look at what's in that package, alongside other action in Montgomery this week, with Todd Stacey, host of Capital Journal and Alabama Public Television.
The VA will deny gender dysphoria treatment to new patients
While the VA never offered gender-affirming surgery, it did offer treatments like hormone therapy. The agency says less than than 0.1% of the 9 million veterans it provides care for identify as trans.
Transgender veterans’ health services in question as VA rescinds guidance on care
In an internal VA memo seen by NPR, the VA says it's rescinding a directive that contains detailed guidance on the kind of care transgender veterans can receive at VA facilities.
Trump’s policies are destabilizing mental health care for veterans, sources say
The Department of Veterans Affairs is one of the largest providers of mental health care in the U.S. Its integrated care model means patients are already feeling the cuts and changes that are underway.
Birmingham VA worker caught in the crosshairs of federal funding cuts
Brandy Lee was in the middle of her work day with the Birmingham VA Medical Center in February when she got a memo from the federal Office of Personnel Management. After four months in her dream job, she was fired along with thousands of other federal employees across the country.
Crime bills go before the Alabama legislature
Gov. Kay Ivey has said public safety would be her top priority this legislative session. Ivey put that into action this week as she and several mayors from around the state took to the Capitol to promote what's been called the "Safe Alabama" package of bills. We talk about that and other happenings in Montgomery with week with Todd Stacey, host of Capital Journal and Alabama Public Television.
U.S. veterans work to make sense of New Year’s Day incidents: It’s ‘doubly tragic’
U.S. veterans are worried that two deadly incidents involving current and former service members could increase stigma, or paint veterans as somehow damaged.
