Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill this week increasing access to Medicaid coverage for expectant mothers in Alabama. The Alabama Reflector reports the bill would provide “presumptive eligibility” for pregnant women by allowing health care providers to determine eligibility for Medicaid based on preliminary information. The process is aimed at expediting access to prenatal care by allowing eligible women to receive Medicaid coverage and necessary medical services within the first trimester.
An Alabama Senate committee approved a House bill this week to ban cellphones in schools. The bill requires public school boards to adopt a policy banning cellphone use during instructional time. The Senate Education Policy Committee unanimously approved the legislation at its last meeting of the 2025 Legislative Session. The Alabama House of Representatives approved the measure on April 4. The Alabama Reflector reports the legislation also provides three exceptions for students to use their cell phones: if they study under an Individualized Education Plan that allows it; for teacher-approved instruction and for medical purposes.
The Senate Education Policy Committee has approved a bill that significantly broadens existing restrictions on classroom instruction related to gender identity and sexual orientation. House Bill 244, introduced by Rep. Mack Butler, R-Rainbow City, is commonly known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The measure aims to extend current limitations, which previously only applied to elementary grades, to all grade levels in public schools. The bill also bans the display of pride flags and related symbols in classrooms. The Alabama Political Reporter notes that a proposed provision that would have barred teachers from using students’ preferred gender pronouns was removed before the bill was considered by this committee.
The State of Alabama has filed a lawsuit against social media company TikTok, and its parent company, ByteDance. The lawsuit, filed in Montgomery County Circuit Court, seeks to hold TikTok accountable for fueling a mental health crisis among Alabama’s youth. A news item from the Attorney General’s office says the lawsuit explains how TikTok’s algorithm is engineered to keep minors endlessly scrolling and exposing them to content that promotes depression, eating disorders, self-harm, and drug use, as well as dangerous viral challenges.
The Huntsville Police Department will hold traffic safety checkpoints this weekend. Officials with the department tell WAFF TV the DUI Task Force will conduct checkpoints around the city to reduce impaired driving and promote safety on the roadways. Police officials say if you get stopped at a checkpoint, be prepared to present your driver’s license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration. If you suspect someone is driving under the influence, contact the HPD’s non-emergency line at 256-722-7100 and provide the location, vehicle and driver description and direction of travel. If there is an immediate threat to public safety, call 911.
HudsonAlpha scientists and other collaborators are launching a new study they hope will make strides in Alzheimer’s disease research. This study will help figure out how genetic and lifestyle factors impact the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and determine if changes in lifestyle can help lower that risk. Enrollment is now taking place at the Smith Family Clinic for Genomic Medicine at HudsonAlpha. Participants must be between the ages of 65 to 75 and not have a current cognitive or neurological impairment. You can participate if you have a parent, child or sibling with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. More information is available here.
Huntsville Animal Services is marking National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, celebrated April 30, by waiving adoption fees for most adult pets through May 14. If you are unable to adopt a pet, there are other ways to support Huntsville Animal Services, including fostering, volunteering and donating supplies to those in the foster-to-rehome program. For more information, call 256-883-3782, visit HuntsvilleAL.gov/Animal or visit their Facebook page to learn more.