Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Randy Kelley zooms in to discuss proposed bylaws changes, an ongoing power struggle and whites with goodwill.

Better Before (Guest: Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Randy Kelley)

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Josh and David open with a discussion of Gov. Kay Ivey's controversial response to a single mother's plea for help, which went viral on TikTok. They explore the miscommunication and the need for more compassionate governance.
Debbie Smith, campaign director of Cover Alabama at Alabama Arise, zooms in to discuss the formation and growth of Cover Alabama, now with 130 organizations advocating for Medicaid expansion. They cover the economic benefits of Medicaid expansion, the political resistance to it, and a call to action.
In the close, Josh and David delve into the rise of gun violence in Alabama, discussing the systemic issues and historical context leading to the current crisis. They also call out local politicians supporting former President Trump during his legal troubles, emphasizing the moral inconsistencies and urgent need for genuine reform.
About Our Sponsor:
Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality. Gaming is the heart of Wind Creek Hospitality, but they offer so much more. Wind Creek's 10 distinct properties in the U.S. and Caribbean — including four in Alabama — provide world-class entertainment, dining, hotel stays, amenities and activities. As the principal gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Wind Creek continues to grow and offer guests luxurious destinations and opportunities for escape.
Send us a question:
We take a bit of time each week to answer questions from our audience about Alabama politics — or Alabama in general. If you have a question about a politician, a policy, or a trend — really anything — you can shoot us an email at apwproducer@gmail.com or with this form.

You can also send it to us on Facebook and Twitter. Or by emailing us a voice recording to our email with your question, and we may play it on air.
Either way, make sure you include your name (first name is fine) and the city or county where you live.
About APW:
APW is a weekly Alabama political podcast hosted by Josh Moon and David Person, two longtime Alabama political journalists. More information is available on our website. Listen anywhere you get your podcasts. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Music credits:
Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive. Visit Mr. Smith's page here.

TikTok Controversy and the Push for Medicaid Reform

This week, David revisits an inspiring interview with Jerrick Lewis, nephew of the late Congressman John Lewis and leader of the John R. Lewis Legacy Institute. Jerrick discusses the Institute's mission to advance equity, promote community engagement, and preserve his uncle's legacy through various initiatives like literacy programs and health awareness campaigns. He also shares personal reflections on John Lewis's character and the powerful impact of his work.
We'll be back with a regular episode next week.
About Our Sponsor:
Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality. Gaming is the heart of Wind Creek Hospitality, but they offer so much more. Wind Creek's 10 distinct properties in the U.S. and Caribbean — including four in Alabama — provide world-class entertainment, dining, hotel stays, amenities and activities. As the principal gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Wind Creek continues to grow and offer guests luxurious destinations and opportunities for escape.
Send us a question:
We take a bit of time each week to answer questions from our audience about Alabama politics — or Alabama in general. If you have a question about a politician, a policy, or a trend — really anything — you can shoot us an email at apwproducer@gmail.com or with this form.

You can also send it to us on Facebook and Twitter. Or by emailing us a voice recording to our email with your question, and we may play it on air.
Either way, make sure you include your name (first name is fine) and the city or county where you live.
About APW:
APW is a weekly Alabama political podcast hosted by Josh Moon and David Person, two longtime Alabama political journalists. More information is available on our website. Listen anywhere you get your podcasts. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Music credits:
Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive. Visit Mr. Smith's page here.

Honoring John Lewis: An Interview With Jerrick Lewis

This week’s episode kicks off with a spirited discussion on a proposed bill called the ”No Bailouts for Campus Criminals Act.”

Maternal Health, Middle East, and Casino Debacles

Josh and David discuss the ongoing debate and legislative efforts around legalizing gambling in Alabama, including the compromise bill that included a state lottery, electronic casinos in seven locations, and full casinos for the Poarch Creek Indians. They lament Alabama's continued inability to legalize gambling and tap into the associated revenue sources, despite residents already engaging in illegal gambling activities and patronizing nearby states.
Margaret Huang, CEO of the Southern Poverty Law Center, zooms in to discuss the SPLC's new campaign aimed at increasing voter participation among young people, especially youth of color, in the South. A poll they conducted found two main barriers - young people don't believe their vote makes a difference, and they don't see change happening even after voting. The campaign seeks to empower and mobilize the growing youth electorate in the South by making a clear case for why their votes matter and facilitating their participation.
In the close, David and Josh discuss several troubling cases in Alabama's criminal justice system, and the callous indifference of prosecutors unwilling to admit wrongful convictions. And they name this week's Right Wing Nut(s) of the Week.
About Our Sponsor:
Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality. Gaming is the heart of Wind Creek Hospitality, but they offer so much more. Wind Creek's 10 distinct properties in the U.S. and Caribbean — including four in Alabama — provide world-class entertainment, dining, hotel stays, amenities and activities. As the principal gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Wind Creek continues to grow and offer guests luxurious destinations and opportunities for escape.
Send us a question:
We take a bit of time each week to answer questions from our audience about Alabama politics — or Alabama in general. If you have a question about a politician, a policy, or a trend — really anything — you can shoot us an email at apwproducer@gmail.com or with this form.

You can also send it to us on Facebook and Twitter. Or by emailing us a voice recording to our email with your question, and we may play it on air.
Either way, make sure you include your name (first name is fine) and the city or county where you live.
About APW:
APW is a weekly Alabama political podcast hosted by Josh Moon and David Person, two longtime Alabama political journalists. More information is available on our website. Listen anywhere you get your podcasts. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
Music credits:
Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive. Visit Mr. Smith's page here.

Betting, Ballots, and Bad Judgments in the Heart of Dixie

Josh and David discuss the unionization campaign at the Mercedes plant in Vance.

Better Before (Guest: Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Randy Kelley)

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