President Donald Trump is pausing federal grants and loans as part of his sweeping review of government spending.
The decision could cause disruption in healthcare research, education programs and other initiatives.
Medicare and Social Security will not be affected, according to the memo.
There was no explanation on whether the pause would affect Medicaid, food stamps, disaster assistance, healthcare research, education programs and more.
States on average receive about 30% of their revenues from the federal government, according to Federal Funds Information for States. The largest grant program is Medicaid, which provides health care for lower-income children and adults. It’s unclear whether the Trump administration’s pause will interrupt the flow of Medicaid reimbursement funds to states.
The Education Department said the pause doesn’t apply to grants received by individuals, including the 40 million Americans with federal student loans and 7 million with Pell Grants.
A Dale County judge is set to decide this week whether to give bond to a Dothan former Marine accused of fatally shooting his girlfriend.
Dustin Rigsbee is charged with the murder of Harleigh Dills, a mother of three, after Rigsbee’s mother called law enforcement to tell them he shot his partner.
At an Aniah’s Law hearing Monday, Dothan Police investigator Scott Spivey said Rigsbee shot Dills with a high-powered rifle early Friday morning before fleeing to Jack in Coffee County to his mother’s home.
The investigator said Rigsbee confessed the murder to his mother, who called 911 and told authorities he’d shot his girlfriend.
Dills was most likely shot at close-range in the face before she was dragged into the master bedroom and covered with a blanket, according to the investigator.
The investigator said three of Rigsbee’s children and two of Dills’s children were in the trailer at the time of the murder. Rigsbee allegedly took the children to his mother’s house.
Once police arrived, Rigsbee fled into the woods wearing a bulletproof vest, armed with an AR-15 and a knife. It took several hours of negotiation to get him to surrender.
Rigsbee was honorably discharged from the Marines and recently treated for PTSD.
Defense attorneys said there was “credible evidence” the shooting was accidental, but prosecutors pushed back, saying since Rigsbee fled and engaged in a standoff he was a flight risk.
Judge Stanley Garner is expected to rule on bond this week.
Gordon Keith Etheridge was the Ashford Police Chief in the 1980s.
Keith Etheridge, a beloved resident of Marianna, FL, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 25th, 2025, at the age of 69. Born on Thursday, April 7th, 1955, Keith lived a life marked by service, dedication, and love for his family and community.
Keith proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army, where he developed a strong sense of duty and honor that he carried throughout his life. Following his military service, Keith dedicated many years to law enforcement as a police officer, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues and the community. His commitment to safety and security extended beyond his police work, as he later established his own private security company, providing protection and peace of mind to many. He was also a member of Bethel Baptist Church, Fort Gaines.
Keith is survived by his loving sisters, Merlene Donley (Mack) and Betty Tittle (Daryl) of Dothan, Claranel Vandevender (Bobby) of Blue Grass, VA, and Sherry Lewis of Fort Gaines, GA. He is also survived by his son-in-law, Michael Wright of Marianna, FL, and several cherished nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved daughters, Stephanie Wright, and an infant daughter, his parents, James Gordon and Frances Merlene Etheridge, also his siblings, Barbara Mertis, Marjorie Gaylord, Martha Paulk, and Larry Etheridge.
Funeral services will be held at Bethel Baptist Church on Tuesday, January 28th, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with Rev. Danny Lewis officiating. Friends and family are invited to gather for a visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 PM prior to the service to pay their respects and share memories of a life well-lived.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Manry-Jordan-Hodges Funeral Home.
The Alabama House Republican caucus Monday released what it calls the “Alabama Values” agenda for the legislative session, which starts next week.
A release said the caucus, which dominates the House with a three-fourths majority, espouses “conservative beliefs” through the “Alabama Values” agenda. These are the points they intend to focus on:
Work ethic and job creation: Republicans aim to increase Alabama’s labor force participation, the percentage of working-age people who are employed or seeking jobs. Alabama’s labor force participation was at 57.6% in November, lower than the national rate of 62.5% and among the lowest in the country.
Border protection: Republicans say they want to discourage illegal migrants from coming to Alabama and called open border policies “irresponsible.”
Honest elections: They want to block efforts to repeal what they call election protection laws and add measures to “keep elections honest.”
Public safety: Bolstering law enforcement support is a priority. Republicans also say they want to fight crime while retaining gun rights.
Public education: Public education programs that earned desired results may get more funding. They plan to address programs that fall short.
Military and veterans: Republicans aim to ease the transition of military families coming to Alabama, provide support while they’re here and encourage them to stay once their service ends.
Innocent life and families: Republicans say they’re committed to pro-life policies.
Common sense: Republicans say they aim to push back against “woke” policies and retain “morals.”
House Democrats will release their agenda Tuesday.
Gov. Kay Ivey will announce her legislative priorities during the State of the State address on Feb. 4, the first day of the session.
