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Wisconsin AG seeks to stop Elon Musk's $1M payments at rally giveaway; Rural advocates urge CA lawmakers to safeguard banking protections; Federal, state job cuts threaten FL workers' rights, services; Alabama counties lack high-speed internet and health access.

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President Trump says there are ways for him to take a third term. New tariffs are scheduled for this week, but economists say they'll hurt buying power. And advocates say the Trans Day of Visibility is made more important by state legislation.

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Rural folks face significant clean air and water risks due to EPA cutbacks, a group of policymakers is working to expand rural health care via mobile clinics, and a new study maps Montana's news landscape.

Ivey highlights education, gun violence, maternity leave in AL state address

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Thursday, February 6, 2025   

Gov. Kay Ivey delivered her 2025 State of the State address this week, focusing on education, public safety, and economic growth in Alabama. She pointed to improvements in math and reading scores and expanded school choice options. But beyond academics, she also called for tighter regulations on cell phone and social media use in classrooms, saying it's time to tackle this issue nationwide.

"Sen. Donnie Chesteen, R-Geneva, and Rep. Leigh Hulsey, R-Helena, will carry a bill to put a ban on cell phones in schools, she said. "This legislation will also require local boards to adopt internet safety policies and provide students with social media training."

Ivey also wants to strengthen support for teachers, particularly those looking to start families. One way, she says, is by improving maternity-leave policies. On the economy, Ivey outlined plans to turn the Department of Labor into the Department of Workforce, aiming to create more job opportunities across the state. She also emphasized supporting veterans by making their department part of her Cabinet.

Public safety was another priority in her address, particularly gun violence. Ivey pushed for a ban on Glock switches and stricter monitoring of high-risk youths, and called for expanding legal protections for police officers while backing second-chance legislation aimed at criminal justice reform.

"While we are moving forward in building two new men's prisons and graduating a number of corrections officers, we must also see that the DOC resources are reserved for the worst of the worst offenders," she continued. "That's why I'm supporting the Second Chance Act."

Ivey did not shy away from national issues either, reaffirming Alabama's commitment to border security and offering state resources - including the Alabama National Guard and ALEA - to assist where needed. Other topics on her agenda included water and sewer infrastructure, broadband expansion and policies related to gender and religion in classrooms.


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