Former U.S. Senator and Democratic candidate for governor of Alabama Doug Jones returns to The Real Truth for a wide-ranging conversation about the issues shaping Alabama’s 2026 governor’s race.

Jones joins Tommy to discuss the growing debate over data centers in Alabama, his call for a temporary moratorium on new projects, and his approach to the state’s troubled prison system. They also discuss SNAP benefits and Social Security, the future of Alabama Public Television and PBS, recent polling in the governor’s race, and how Jones plans to make his case to voters in the final months before Election Day.

This week on The Real Truth, Democratic nominee for Alabama Attorney General Jeff McLaughlin joins Tommy to discuss his campaign and his vision for the Attorney General’s Office.

McLaughlin talks about his effort to put consumer protection and the rule of law at the center of the office, his approach to campaign fundraising and his concerns about the influence of special interests in Montgomery. He also weighs in on Alabama’s prison crisis, criminal justice and mental health reform, the growth of data centers across the state and the role the Attorney General can play in representing Alabama consumers.

This week on The Real Truth, longtime political analyst and former Birmingham-Southern College professor Natalie Davis joins Tommy to examine Alabama’s 2026 governor’s race.

Drawing on decades of experience studying public opinion and Alabama politics, Davis discusses how polling and the state’s electorate have changed, what recent polling may and may not tell us about the race between Doug Jones and Tommy Tuberville, and the issues that could ultimately shape the outcome in November. She also breaks down the voters Jones would need to reach to overcome Alabama’s Republican advantage and what it would take to build a winning coalition.

This week on The Real Truth, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist John Archibald joins Tommy for a closer look at the controversy surrounding Alabama Public Television and its future relationship with PBS.

Archibald recounts what he witnessed firsthand at a meeting of the Alabama Educational Television Commission and shares his concerns about how the commission is operating. He and Tommy discuss the selection of a firm to survey public opinion, questions surrounding the commission's decision-making process, the potential consequences of ending APT's longtime affiliation with PBS, and what Alabamians can do ahead of the commission's next meeting.

The next AETC meeting is September 29th, 2026 at 10am in Huntsville at the Space and Rocket Center.

This week on The Real Truth, former Birmingham Post-Herald Assistant Metro Editor Elaine Witt joins Tommy to discuss the growing controversy surrounding Alabama Public Television (APT).

As a longtime APT supporter, Witt explains its history and long-standing partnership with PBS, the impact of recent federal funding cuts, and why she believes decisions now being considered by the Alabama Educational Television Commission could have lasting consequences for educational programming across the state. She also discusses the role of public input, government oversight, and why she believes Alabamians should pay attention to what's happening behind the scenes.

This week on The Real Truth, Tommy sits down with longtime friend, retired pharmacist, and grassroots organizer Charlie Maple for a personal conversation about the experiences that shaped his views on politics, voting, and public service.

Maple shares stories from growing up in Birmingham during the civil rights era, serving communities through his pharmacies, and why he believes respect, compassion, and civic engagement remain essential today. He also discusses Medicaid expansion, the importance of voting, young voters, and why he believes Alabama's 2026 governor's race is about leadership and the future of the state.

This week on The Real Truth, former Alabama Attorney General and Lieutenant Governor Bill Baxley joins Tommy to discuss Alabama's 2026 race for governor.

Baxley weighs in on the legal challenge to Tommy Tuberville's residency, the qualifications he believes Alabama voters should consider when choosing their next governor, and why experience in governing matters. He also reflects on his work prosecuting the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, Doug Jones' role in bringing the remaining bombers to justice, and the importance of leadership in state government.

Former Alabama Governor Jim Folsom Jr. joins The Real Truth to discuss Alabama's political evolution, the state's role in national politics, and whether Democrats can once again compete for statewide office. He also reflects on his own time as governor and shares his thoughts on the 2026 race for governor.