As the federal government works this week to avoid a shutdown, federal wildland firefighters are waiting to see if their recent pay increase will survive.

The 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law increased pay for wildland firefighters employed by the federal government by either $20,000 or 50% of their base salary. This year's government spending package, which includes the additional pay, expires Saturday.

Jonathan Golden, legislative director for the advocacy group Grassroots Wildland Firefighters, said they appreciated the pay bump and legislative action is needed to ensure it is retained.

"What we're hoping for is a permanent pay fix, in the form of something past an FY '25 budget that allows us to get off this merry-go-round of relying on CRs and, you know, nail-biting finishes," Golden explained.

A "CR" or continuing resolution, currently in the works would extend federal funding until March 14. Republican lawmakers said yesterday it includes an additional $100 billion in disaster aid, including for hurricanes and wildfires.

Fire seasons are getting longer and more intense, making the job of firefighting more dangerous. Multiple government agencies employ wildland firefighters and Golden pointed out states often pay higher rates than the federal government.

"It's causing a lot of retention woes within the federal fire service," Golden noted. "Having a permanent pay fix, or the loss of the supplemental potentially, could swing the pendulum one way or the other as far as whether people stay or people move on."

Golden called the Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act the "best bet" for a permanent fix, since it has bipartisan support. The bill, cosponsored by Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., would establish a specialized pay schedule for federally employed firefighters, including certain benefits for working long shifts.


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In an effort to make up for President Donald Trump moving his inauguration indoors to the Capitol Rotunda, leaving many ticket holders to watch from an overflow arena, Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla., offered his constituents a unique gesture: a guided tour of the Capitol for those affected by the change in venue.

Just after leading the tour, Soto sat in his office and reacted to breaking news of Trump's sweeping pardons for more than 1,500 individuals charged in connection with the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

"It is extremely disappointing and sets the wrong tone for his new incoming administration," Soto contended. "When you side with criminals over police officers on the first day, it sends the wrong message. I was in the chamber on January 6. The Capitol police saved my life."

The vast majority of Jan. 6 cases have already been resolved in court, resulting in guilty pleas or trial convictions. However, the final section of Trump's proclamation ordered the dismissal of approximately 300 pending cases. Among those pardoned was Robert Palmer, a Florida man who assaulted police officers with a fire extinguisher, a wooden plank and a pole.

Trump's proclamation commuted the sentences of 14 far-right extremists, including members of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers. Among them was Kelly Meggs, leader of the Oath Keepers' Florida chapter, who had been sentenced to a decade in prison for seditious conspiracy. While Soto acknowledged leniency for nonviolent offenders who have served significant time, he emphasized others must fully serve their sentences.

"Those who violently attacked police officers should be forced to serve their whole sentence just like any other American who did such a heinous crime would expect," Soto argued.

Michael Fanone is a former D.C. police officer who was attacked by people now pardoned by Trump. He told CNN he feels deeply betrayed by the decision.


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Mississippi is embracing the future of artificial intelligence with Gov. Tate Reeves' executive order establishing a framework for its responsible use across state agencies.

The order tasks the Department of Information Technology Services with inventorying AI technologies and working with stakeholders to develop ethical policies. While seen as a step forward, it raises questions about implementation and oversight.

Kollin Napier, director of the Mississippi Artificial Intelligence Network, said his organization is helping to boost the state's role in AI education and innovation.

"We're already leading on that forefront and with involvement from the governor, with involvement from ITS and bringing even more people into the fold," Napier explained. "We're just continuing that momentum and even amplifying it on a greater scale."

Mississippi joins other states in adopting AI policies following previous failed legislative efforts, including Senate Bill 2062, which aimed to create a task force to explore AI's role in government. Attempts to regulate AI in political advertising also stalled last year, raising concerns about the pace of progress.

Napier emphasizes AI is hardly a new concept but it is now taking center stage and he encourages viewing it as an opportunity for job creation and economic growth, rather than a threat to employment.

"I like to say AI, in and of itself, will not displace you, but the people who are taking the time to learn and integrate that into their day-to-day lives -- their professional lives -- can and will take your job," Napier emphasized. "Because as we're seeing, that's where the future going."

Reeves' executive order has ignited discussions about balancing innovation with regulation, as advocates express hope the initiative will drive economic growth while mitigating potential risks.



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Gov. Brian Kemp delivered his 2025 State of the State address Thursday, emphasizing tax cuts and tort reform as key priorities for Georgia.

Kemp also highlighted the state's resilience following Hurricane Helene and praised its economic strength. He is convinced one of the best ways to continue growing Georgia's economy is by "putting more money in the pockets of Georgians." He announced plans to reduce the state income tax rate by 20 basis points, bringing it down to 5.19%.

"Because at the end of the day, that's your money, not the government's," Kemp stated. "And here in Georgia, we believe you should keep more of it."

The governor said his proposed tax cut would save residents about $7.5 billion over the next decade. During the last legislative session, the state income tax rate was already reduced to 5.39%, a total decrease of 36 basis points since 2022.

Another major priority outlined by Kemp is tort reform, which are changes to the judicial system to discourage what some see as "frivolous" lawsuits or large settlements. He noted while Georgia has maintained its title as the "best state to do business," many industries struggle with high business insurance premiums and the cost of legal actions. Kemp argued the challenges hinder their ability to operate, hire employees and expand. He mentioned the effects on health care around the state.

"We heard firsthand the challenges our legal environment poses to critical services, our health care workforce and the ability for hospitals and clinics to operate," Kemp outlined.

Kemp also addressed expanding funding for law enforcement units to prosecute gangs and human traffickers, and to increase access to health care. And he promoted state programs like Georgia Access and Georgia Pathways as alternatives to traditional Medicaid expansion, saying they provide better health coverage for more than 200,000 Georgians.


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