Capitol Journal

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.

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 Rep. Neil Rafferty, Will Parker, General Counsel for Governor Kay Ivey, and Alabama Department of Education's Bonnie Short, Director of the Alabama Reading Initiative.

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