State Rep. Kelvin Lawrence, a Democrat from Lowndes County, zooms in to discuss efforts to improve the quality of life in the Black Belt, including improving wastewater and sewer systems.

Improving Quality of Life in the Black Belt (Guest: State Rep. Kelvin Lawrence)

Tired of the screaming rightwing maniacs on talk radio? You’ve found the right spot. APW will recap the top stories with the people who cover the news, offering unique insight and commentary you won’t find elsewhere, and providing interviews with newsmakers from both sides of the aisle.

News

Politics

News Commentary

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.

Our Politicians Are Selling Us As Cheap Labor

This week's episode begins with the shift in Alabama's political landscape with Shomari Figures' win in the 2nd Congressional District Democratic primary. They also reflect on the loss of their friend Anthony Daniels in the race.
In the guest segment, we're learning more about the Southern Poverty Law Center's (SPLC) Alabama Advocacy Institute, an initiative aimed at training community advocates. Josh and David interview community organizers Makhayla DesRosiers and Jack Slate from SPLC about the program, its goals, and the types of people they hope to attract.
We're also recognizing this month's Shero of the Month, a local community hero, from Monroe County, who has been organizing around the issue of access to clean drinking water. They discuss the challenges faced by her community and the lack of support from local officials.
In the close, David commends Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg for addressing neglected issues in Alabama, including the flooding problems in the predominantly black community of Shiloh due to state road expansion. And they discuss the parole of former Limestone County Sheriff Mike Blakely and the broader implications of the parole system, questioning the fairness and equity of the process.
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.

Shomari Figures Is the Democratic Nominee in the 2nd District

Hi listeners! Do you have a question about Alabama politics? Consider emailing us a voice recording asking your question to our email, apwproducer@gmail.com, and we may play it on air!
Josh and David open with a discussion of the upcoming runoff in the 2nd Congressional District: the back and forth between Shomari Figures and Anthony Daniels, and an unhinged Republican debate between Caroleene Dobson and Dick Brewbaker.
Sheila McNeil, the chair of the Madison County Democratic Executive Committee, zooms in to discuss what's going on there, where Democrats have had a pretty good couple of months.
And in the close, Josh and David discuss a paternal leave proposal and this week's Rightwing Nut 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.

A Delusional Republican Debate in the 2nd District

Hi listeners! Do you have a question about Alabama politics? Consider emailing us a voice recording asking your question to our email, apwproducer@gmail.com, and we may play it on air!
The 2024 Legislative Session is sort of nearing an end, and lawmakers are finally starting to focus on doing their actual job after spending months wasting time fighting DEI. Josh and David discuss what’s happening, including a questionable attempt to fix the problems with Alabama’s medical cannabis licensing system.
The guest of the pod this week is House District 52 Democratic candidate Kelvin Datcher, who’s running to replace former Rep. John Rogers. They discuss whether Kelvin has lost his mind in wanting to be in the Legislature.
We close with the tug of war between 2nd Congressional District Democratic candidates Anthony Daniels and Shomari Figures over their residency in the district. The 2nd Congressional District is by no means a done deal for Democrats. Finally, a bit of right-wing nuttery concerning Alabama’s ethics laws.
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.

Improving Quality of Life in the Black Belt (Guest: State Rep. Kelvin Lawrence)

Download our free app to listen on your phone