The Voice of Alabama Politics

Thousands across Alabama join “No Kings” protests, demanding democracy over demagoguery. Truth and freedom face new tests as voting rights return to the Supreme Court and gerrymandering threatens fair representation once again. Plus, lessons from abroad remind us that courage—not comfort—keeps democracy alive.

Alabama’s leaders face a moral test as the Nobel Committee honors Venezuelan freedom fighter María Corina Machado. Senator Tuberville sinks even lower after a reckless interview with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, and the state’s hemp industry braces for new ABC rules. Plus, from Athens, Bill and Susan reflect on what Greece still teaches us about democracy and courage.

Montgomery’s deadly weekend shooting sparks political finger-pointing while exposing decades of neglect. Lawmakers ignore long-standing warnings as Alabama’s gambling chaos deepens. Plus, state officials shut down an illegal fight ring, and from Greece, a lesson in tolerance Alabama’s leaders could learn from. We also mourn the loss of our longtime closed captioner and friend, Gerald Hetrick.

This week on The Voice of Alabama Politics: Americans fear political violence is rising, Alabama A&M stands strong after a racist threat, lawmakers push loyalty-and-prayer laws, Trump backs CBD while Alabama bans it, and builders warn ICE raids are gutting the workforce.

Bruce Pearl is out — stepping away from basketball and speculation about a U.S. Senate run. From Greece, Bill and Susan draw striking parallels between Athens and Montgomery, showing how centralized power silences local voices. Back home, Alabama’s attorney general race is heating up with a feud over gambling money and political influence. Plus: looming federal health cuts threaten Alabama’s rural communities, and sports star AJ McCarron hints at a 2026 run for statewide office.

Bill and Susan report from Athens, Greece — the birthplace of democracy — with a stark warning about how fragile it truly is. Back home, the shooting of Charlie Kirk puts Alabama in the national spotlight, raising alarms about political violence. We look back at America’s long history of deadly politics and ask if we’re repeating it today. And with threats growing, Alabama’s leaders face a test: condemn hate speech or stay silent.

RFK Jr.’s chaos at Health and Human Services threatens public health and vaccine programs. Alabama pauses to remember Carole Robertson on the anniversary of the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing. With Tuberville leaving the Senate, could John Merrill mount a dark horse comeback? Plus, lawmakers stall while gambling dollars flow out of Alabama, leaving the state broke.

President Trump announces Space Command is returning to Huntsville, restoring Rocket City’s role in America’s military space future. Alabama Republicans get boxed in by court rulings that expose racist gerrymandering. Dark money from Leonard Leo’s empire flows into the attorney general’s race, raising big questions about influence and accountability. And in Walker County, a candidate’s redemption story collides with records of illegal opioid sales. All this and much more—coming up next on The V.

Courage in the face of hate: Christina Woerner McInnis speaks out after her stalker pleads guilty, and Tanveer Patel refuses to be silenced by death threats in Hoover. Plus, Alabama’s mayoral races bring both change and continuity, book-ban candidates lose big at the polls, and new SNAP rules could cost the state more than $200 million a year. Congressman Barry Moore also faces a rowdy crowd at a town hall but stays to listen.

Hate and violent threats rattle a Hoover City Council race. Alabama Republicans face fallout from Ponzi-linked campaign cash. Book bans and censorship efforts spark legal questions, and the hemp industry fights for survival under crushing new laws.