Capitol Journal

Joining us in studio this week: former U.S. Senator and now Democratic candidate for governor Doug Jones talks about his campaign.   House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels tells us what we can expect from the upcoming session.  And Michael Lowry of the Alabama Poll shares some his latest data on voter opinions leading into 2026.

More movement on the political front for the 2026 elections. We'll go over who's in an who's out this week in the races for governor and lt. governor. There's progress on implementing the state's medical cannabis law. Randy Scott has those details. On Capitol Hill, Alex Angle reports on this week's action from Alabama's delegation in Washington on the issue of health care. Joining us in studio this week. Senate General Fund Budget Chairman Greg Albritton talks about the online sales tax issue and what budgets are looking like with the session approaching. And State Representative Susan Dubose joins us...

APT Executive Director Wayne Reid

County Commissions of Alabama Executive Director Sonny Brasfield

Chief Operating Officer of Feeding Alabama Kim Lawkis

We're covering how Alabama's delegation played a role in ending the government shutdown & the trickle down impacts.

Todd's guests:

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt

@SenKatieBritt

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox

@WaltMaddox

This week on Capitol Journal. As the government shutdown continues, Alex Angle reports from Washington on how the Alabama delegation is involved. A major milestone for broadband internet in Alabama this week. Jeff Sanders is with the governor in Camden. And Randy Scott reports on the latest with immunizations. As we get further into flu season. Joining us in studio this week, Veterans Affairs Commissioner Jeff Newton discusses the upcoming Veteran's Day holiday and veterans programs around the state.

Outgoing Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson reflects on his 12 years leading the port city and how far it has...

We're covering the latest on the potential SNAP funding lapses resulting from the government shutdown.

My guests:

@AlabamaDHR

Commissioner Nancy Buckner

Senior Education Reporter

@Trish_Crain

Daphne Johnston & Bishop Lawson Bryan of the Respite for All Foundation.

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed;   Alabama Weather Network founder James Spann

We report on the aftermath of a shooting in Downtown Montgomery on the evening of October 4.   Todd sits down with Congressman Barry Moore and Dr. Karen Anderson from the Alabama State Department of Education.

This week on Capitol Journal… We're covering the week that was in Alabama government and politics. JEFF SANDERS reports on a meeting of four state governors in Point Clear to talk energy. Randy Scott has an update on the electric vehicle industry in the state. And Alex Angle reports from Capitol Hill on the latest with the government shutdown and the Alabama delegation's response. And our guests this week. State Senator Donnie Chesteen, chairman of the Senate Education Policy Committee. Dr. Scott Harris, Alabama's Public Health Officer. And Ryan Hankins, Executive Director of the Public Affairs Research Council of...

Todd's guests: Alabama Department of Mental Health Commissioner Kim Boswell Alabama Trucking Association President Mark Colson

Our guests this week include State EMA Director Jeff Smitherman, political analyst Steve Flowers, and Secretary of the Alabama Department of Workforce Greg Reed.

From Washington to Montgomery, we're covering a busy week in Alabama government & politics.

Todd's guests:

Mental Health Commissioner Kim Boswell

Jane Adams of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network - ACS CAN & UAB pediatric cancer researcher Dr. Ankur Saxena.

Our guests include State Senator Arthur Orr, State Senator Greg Albritton, and Hal Nash, Chair of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Parole.

Also, visit our new Capitol Journal web page for stories on the Alabama Literacy Act, federal funding cuts to Alabama, and more here

https://aptv.org/capitol-journal/news/

From the Business Council of Alabama Governmental Affairs Conference at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama.

We're back in the studio this week covering a busy week in Alabama government & politics.

Todd's guests:

Rep. Matt Simpson & Sen. April Weaver

Chuck Holmes of the Alabama Humanities Alliance

Buckmasters Founder Jackie Bushman

A full show of coverage from Montgomery to Washington. Todd's guests: Secretary of State candidates

&

Newly-elected State Sen. Matt Woods APT's Wayne Reid & Jack Williams

We're back covering the week that was in Alabama politics & government. Todd's guests: House Education Budget Chairman Representative Danny Garrett Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Director Ken Boswell Alabama State

My guests are

, Sec. Of Early Childhood Education Ami Brooks and Todd Schmidt and Quin Gresham of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.

We're covering the week that was in Alabama government & politics. Todd's guests: - New Public Service Commission President Cynthia Almond - State Auditor candidate Josh Pendergrass - Historian Dr. Richard Bailey, who walks us through the history of Juneteenth.

Todd sits down w/ State Superintendent Dr Eric Mackey to discuss promising education scores. He then welcomes two candidates for Lt. Governor: Ag Commissioner Rick Pate & Secretary of State Wes Allen.

we have the latest on how the budget battle in DC could impact Alabama, plus an update on inner city crime and the first application of the Speedy Trial Act. Todd's guests: Wanda Miller of VOCAL Cpt. Jeremy Burkette of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency Girls State Governor & Chief of Staff  

The end of the legislative session brings the start of the 2026 election cycle, and there's plenty of movement there this week.

Alex Angle reports from Washington on the "Big Beautiful Bill" passing the House with Alabama's perspective.

Jeff Sanders got out on the water with law enforcement from Alabama, Georgia and Florida who are teaming up to crack down on driving and boating under the influence.

And Randy Scott has an informative story on what to do if you missed the STAR ID deadline.

Todd welcomes Attorney General Steve Marshall, State...

SINE DIE

We're previewing the final day of the 2025 legislative session — with over 50 bills still in limbo, possible cloture in play, and tensions rising in the Senate. Todd sits down with Vic Wilson, Executive Director of the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools.

It has been a week. Lots to cover. I'll also talk with

about the latest on Sen. Tuberville's potential run for governor and what we might see from Congress on cuts to Medicaid.

 We're covering a pretty slow penultimate day in the Legislature as we approach the finish line. My guests: Sen. Tim Melson Rep. Barbara Drummond

Major legislation saw its way to final passage today, and others close to it. We'll hit the high points on

.

joins me to discuss immigration legislation and his film industry bill.

Previewing the final week of the regular session.   Todd sit's down with Sen. Will Barfoot.

We are covering another busy week in the Legislature as the session winds down with only three days remaining.

Todd's guests:

Rep. Chris Pringle, Speaker Pro Tem

Sen. Rodger Smitherman

Rep. Terri Collins, (R) - Decatur

Rep. Jamie Kiel, (R) - Russellville and Rep. Laura Hall, (D) - Huntsville

Todd sits down with ADEM Director Lance LeFleur, who is retiring this week.

We're covering another busy week in the Alabama Legislature, plus other political news from Huntsville to the coast. Todd's guests: State Sen. Dan Roberts State Sen. Kirk Hatcher

Today was one of the last significant committee days of the session, as lawmakers try to get their bills in position for final passage with just six legislative days of the session.

Day 24 of the Alabama Legislature's 2025 Regular Session is in the books, and we'll get you caught up on what happened tonight on @CapitolJournal. Rep. Terri Sewell joins Todd to discuss her efforts to deal with Trump administration cuts in her district.  

Political columnist Steve Flowers

We are back for another week in the Alabama Legislature as the grind gets real. Join us for Capitol Journal tonight as we preview some of what's to come. Pleased to have Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs Commissioner Jeff Newton on the show tonight. I think you'll find our interview interesting.

We're covering an active week in the Legislature, from PBMs & farm bureau health plans to the cell phone ban & shark attacks. Plus @alexangle_'s dispatch from DC.

Todd's guests:

▶️ Senator Arthur Orr

▶️ Alabama Department of Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair

We are covering a consequential day in the State House, with the education budget and farm bureau health plan legislation moving.

breaks down the ETF and then I'm pleased to welcome APT's Young Heroes of 2025.

Another long day in the State House! We'll catch you up on the highlights on

. I'll also interview Rep. Phillip Rigsby, whose PBM legislation passed this week, and Derek Chen, who announced his run for State Auditor.

Long day in the State House. And they're only getting longer! We're covering the high points tonight on

. Plus Rep. Ed Oliver joins me in studio to talk about Military Day & the busy session his Military & Veterans Affairs Committee has had.

Bureau of Pardons & Parole Director Cam Ward; Alabama State Parks Director Matthew Capps.

Week In Review

We're diving into the farm bureau health plan issue with Preston Roberts of 

& Jane Adams of

. Good conversations from both perspectives!

Second half of the Alabama legislative session starts today.  Joining Jeff Sanders is Rep. Andy Whitt, (R) - Ardmore

Rep. Ginny Shaver, (R) - Leesburg

Randy Scott filling in for Todd Stacy. He sits down with Cam Ward, Director of the Bureau of Pardons & Paroles; Sen. Clyde Chambliss (R) - Prattville; Rep. Prince Chestnut, (D) - Selma; and Dr. Louis Lambiase, the Dean of UAB Heersink School of Medicine in Montgomery.

We're covering another busy week in the Legislature as the session eclipses the halfway point. Todd's guests: Senate Majority Leader

House Minority Leader

We'll wrap up a busy day in the State House: PBMs, paid parental leave, foreign campaign interference, targeted sales tax exemptions, etc. Pleased to welcome State Rep. Kelvin Datcher, the newest member of the Legislature.

Lawmakers are back in Montgomery as the legislative session resumes. We have the action from the State House on Capitol Journal. Todd welcomes John McMillan, director of the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission to talk about their licensing process moving forward.

We're covering an action-packed week in Alabama government & politics, from Montgomery to Washington to Selma.

Todd sits down with Rep. Danny Garrett to discuss his new tax cut proposals and what we can expect in the education budget.

We're covering an active day in the Legislature: veterans affairs, glock switches, police immunity and more.

Rep. Marilyn Lands joins me to discuss her Medicaid maternal care bill and other issues.

Rep. Brock Colvin, (R) - Albertville

We preview this week in the Alabama Legislature. And Todd sits down with State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris to discuss this year's flu season, and a recent outbreak in Measles.

We're covering another busy week in the Legislature and in Congress: budgets, crime, immigration, veterans affairs, cell phones in schools, medical marijuana, PBMs  & more.

Todd's guests:

Rep. Rex Reynolds

Rep. Neil Rafferty

John Driscoll of the Alabama Port Authority

Rep. Matt Woods, (R) - Jasper

Clay Scofield, Vice-President, Business Council of Alabama

Todd Stacy sits down with David Silverstein discusses Medicaid expansion.

Sen. Robert Stewart, (D) - Selma

We're covering an action-packed week in Alabama government & politics, from veterans & pharmacy bills in the Legislature to Britt & Tuberville urging the new FBI director to fill out the Redstone campus.

Todd's guests:

-Sen. Sam Givhan

-Rep Ontario Tillman

Rep. Jennifer Fidler with Rep. Ben Robbins

We're reviewing a fast-paced week in the world of Alabama politics, as the legislative session cruises along & our congressional delegation engages in a frenzied DC. Todd's guests: Sen Greg Albritton, Rep. Barbara Drummond, Rep Joe Lovvorn.

Sen. Andrew Jones discusses the Veterans Affairs legislation.    Also, Rep. Leigh Hulsey talks about her bill banning smart phones in schools and a push to require proper reading instruction.

State Finance Director Bill Poole

We are reviewing a busy first week of the legislative session, from State of the State to budget hearings & Senate floor action. Todd's guests: Lt. Gov

Chief Justice Sarah Stewart Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton

We're covering a busy second day of the legislative session, mostly in committee. I'll also sit down with State Sen. Andrew Jones to discuss the slate of veterans affairs bills that began moving today.

We are covering the lead up to the legislative session now just days away, plus the latest from the Alabama delegation in Washington. Todd's guests: House Speaker

We're covering

&

prominent roles in this week's confirmation hearings in Washington, plus news on blockchain, health care & recidivism here in Montgomery. Todd's guests:

Filmmaker Robert Clem

We're covering a busy week in politics, from Alabama to Washington. Alabama Congressman-Elect Shomari Figures talks about his plans for assuming office in less than two weeks. After that, State Senator Andrew Jones and State Representative Ed Oliver discuss the state's efforts to improve mental health outcomes for veterans. Just in time for the holidays, State Senator April Weaver will be in studio to talk about her bill cracking down on porch pirates. And finally we'll introduce the newest member of our team - APT Washington Correspondent Alex Angle, who will be covering our congressional delegation from Capitol Hill.<...

Dr. Amanda Williams;  Dr. Brittney Anderson;  Ebony Evans;  Sen. Robert Stewart, (D) - Selma

Senate Pro Tem Greg Reed

 State Treasurer Young Boozer

Lots of news on education, state prisons & mental health crisis care. My guests:

& Sen. Jabo Waggoner Todd Schmidt & Quin Greshem of

Photographer David Graves

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt

U.S. Rep.-Elect Shomari Figures

Secretary of State Wes Allen

Steve Flowers

Rep. Ed Oliver

Dr. Scott Harris

We will have sit down with candidates for Alabama's 2nd congressional district Shomari Figures and Caroleene Dobson

Jeff Smitherman, Director of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency Dr. Khalilah Brown, Vice President of Medical Affairs for Southern Research Alexander Willis, Government and Politics Reporter for Alabama Daily News

Rep. Anthony Daniels Frm. U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne Trish Crain, APT's Education Reporter Erin Beasley, Exec. VP of the Cattleman's Association

We're covering the week that was in Alabama government & politics. Todd's guests:

Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba Fairhope Mayor Sherry Sullivan

Todd's guests: Stephen Boyd from Washington w/ a Congressional update

President Jay Reed

President Mark Colson

We're covering a busy week in Alabama politics & government. Todd's guests: Montgomery DA Daryl Bailey & Trisha Cater of

Alabama Appleseed Research Director

LSA Director Othni Lathram

Alabama Board of Pardons and Parole Director Cam Ward;   Chris Blankenship;  Dr. Amanda Williams; Mike Oatridge