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Alabama Youth in Government

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2026 Youth Legislature officers sworn in at awards ceremony

The governor and officers for the 2026 Alabama YMCA Youth Legislature were sworn into office Sunday, March 2, 2025. These elected officials will work for the next year to plan and lead the 2026 session. Gov. Carter Holloway, Spain Park High School, Hoover Lt. Gov. Addison Pledger, Spain Park High School, Hoover Speaker of the … [Read More]

First Year Bill #36: “McDonald’s Is Giving Us Cancer”

By Aashvi Patel, Saint James Academy Tomorrow-TODAY Staff Writer Sims Goodrich, author of first year bill #36: “McDonald’s Is Giving Us Cancer,” proposes a 1% tax on under-researched food colorings, artificial flavors, and preservatives that have been proven harmful to human health. Additionally, she argues that all foods containing these chemicals should carry a warning label … [Read More]

“One Nation Under God:” The Debate Over Senate Bill #55

By Aashvi Patel, Saint James Academy Tomorrow-TODAY Staff Writer Senate bill #55 by Lily Landers sparked controversy by proposing the requirement of the Bible as a reference when teaching the historical background of constitutional decisions made by key figures in U.S. history. Furthermore, Landers proposes the mandated incorporation of the Bible into the AP Government … [Read More]

Forming Future Leaders Through ALYIG Lobbyists

By Palmer Cerniglia and Clara McShane, Spain Park High School Tomorrow-TODAY Staff Writers The ALYIG lobbyists have an important role at Youth Leg. Lobbyists work tirelessly behind the scenes to develop arguments either for or against specific bills. ALYIG’s lobbyists evaluate bills on the dockets in depth to decide on bills they find interesting or … [Read More]

First-Year Delegates Debate Special Order Bills

By Palmer Cerniglia, Spain Park High School Tomorrow-TODAY Staff Writer Alabama’s Youth Legislature has seen an active start from its newest members, with first-year delegates’ bills aimed at taking on diverse issues. From addressing mental health and energy production to promoting healthier lifestyles and decreasing nicotine use among students, these freshman debaters bring fresh perspectives … [Read More]

The ALYIG Supreme Court Challenges the Constitutionality of Three Bills

By Ella Gant, Spain Park High School Tomorrow-TODAY Staff Writer Many Youth Legislature delegates eagerly prepare to debate the bills they wrote with their peers in the First Year Chamber, the House, and the Senate. Occasionally, the bills as written walk the edge of constitutionally. When that happens, delegates are summoned to debate their bill … [Read More]

Q & A with the 2026 gubernatorial candidates

By Gracie Everly and Clara McShane, Spain Park High School Tomorrow-TODAY Staff Writers The Tomorrow-TODAY staff asked each of the 2026 gubernatorial candidates the same three questions. Their responses follow: How can lawmakers address the challenges of immigration reform in a way that balances national security concerns with the humane treatment of refugees and undocumented … [Read More]