Alabama Politics This Week

Josh Moon and David Person break down Tommy Tuberville’s newly released data center plan and what it says about the increasingly competitive political environment in Alabama.

Representatives Thomas Jackson and Kelvin Lawrence join the show to discuss struggling farmers, rising prices, rural health care, clean water and infrastructure.

The episode also examines gambling revenue, journalism’s responsibility in confronting bigotry and the debate over military benefits and taxes.

Timestamps

• 0:00 Intro
• 7:35 Tuberville’s data center plan and the governor’s race
• 23:20 Representative Thomas Jackson on farmers and rural Alabama
• 43:30 Representative Kelvin Lawrence on affordability, clean water and gambling
• 1:03:35 Journalism, military benefits and taxing the wealthy

Josh Moon and David Person examine the growing fight between Tommy Tuberville and Doug Jones over Social Security, affordability and the direction of Alabama’s governor’s race.

State Representative Marilyn Lands discusses maternal health, contraception and mental health initiatives, while Madison County tax collector candidate Jeff Taylor explains property tax exemptions and his campaign.

The show also talks with SPLC and ACLU of Alabama organizers about the “We Decide” voter engagement campaign before closing with bipartisan work by Senator Katie Britt and the week’s political oddities.

Alabama Politics This Week examines the leadership shakeup inside the Alabama Democratic Party following Bobby Singleton’s election as chair and Caroline Self’s election as vice chair.

Self joins Josh Moon and David Person to discuss rebuilding party infrastructure, improving messaging, reaching younger voters and turning Democratic enthusiasm into electoral gains.

Later, SPLC Intelligence Project Deputy Director Rachel Carroll Rivas breaks down the organization’s latest Year in Hate and Extremism report and the changing landscape of hate and anti-government groups.

The hosts also discuss Joe Reed’s legacy and Alabama State University’s decision to restore his name to the Acadome.

A new poll shows Tommy Tuberville leading Doug Jones by just eight points, raising new questions about whether Alabama’s governor’s race could become genuinely competitive.

Josh Moon and David Person break down Tuberville’s vulnerabilities on Social Security, data centers and his campaign strategy before talking with congressional candidate Lee McInnis and Alabama Arise’s Adam Keller.

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed also joins the show for an extensive conversation about the city’s proposed bond issue, the future of Jackson Hospital and Montgomery’s economic development.

Senator Bobby Singleton explains why he is running to lead the Alabama Democratic Party and responds directly to critics who claim he would serve as someone else’s puppet. Lieutenant governor candidate Phillip Ensler discusses opposition to data centers, Medicaid expansion, gambling legislation and what he is hearing across Alabama. Josh Moon and David Person also examine the party’s internal divisions, its need for stronger candidate support and the consequences of declining vaccination rates.

Tommy Tuberville’s residency challenge is racing against Alabama’s election calendar—and the outcome could reshape how candidate eligibility is decided. Josh Moon and David Person discuss the legal paths ahead, Alabama’s prison crisis, and Democratic Party infighting ahead of a crucial election. Alabama Political Reporter editor-in-chief Bill Britt joins to unpack the constitutional stakes, ballot deadlines, and what could happen next.

Josh Moon and David Person break down the latest developments in the lawsuit challenging Tommy Tuberville’s eligibility to run for governor, including motions to dismiss and questions about who gets to enforce Alabama’s constitutional requirements.

Montgomery Mayor Stephen Reed joins the show to discuss the Jackson Hospital crisis, the future of health care in central Alabama and the city’s broader image problem.

Attorney Barry Ragsdale also joins to explain the quo warranto lawsuit against Tuberville and why he says the courts should decide whether Tuberville meets the residency requirement.

Josh Moon and David Person break down the new legal challenge questioning Tommy Tuberville’s eligibility to run for governor and what it could mean politically. Doug Jones joins the show to talk about his campaign, voter enthusiasm, data centers and his plan for Alabama. Michaela DeRosier of the Southern Poverty Law Center discusses voting rights, voter turnout, disenfranchisement and the work needed to build lasting civic engagement.

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Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities.

Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Josh Moon and David Person break down a chaotic week in Alabama politics, from Tommy Tuberville’s tax return controversy to questions about his residency and campaign credibility. They also discuss Barry Moore’s threats against media outlets over reporting on his military service record. Later, AL.com columnist Kyle Whitmire joins the show to talk about campaign “lawfare,” the Alabama GOP hearing on Tuberville’s ballot challenge and what transparency should look like in politics. The episode closes with a debate over Nick Saban’s NIL testimony and Alabama’s push to execute Jeffrey Lee.

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Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Josh Moon and David Person break down the Supreme Court’s decision allowing Alabama to use its contested congressional map and what it means for voters, election officials and voting rights.

They also speak with Theresa Lau and Gina Azito Thompson of the Southern Poverty Law Center about rural hospitals, Medicaid cuts and the future of health care access in Alabama and across the Deep South.

Later, they dig into Tommy Tuberville’s residency fight, newly produced tax records and the questions those documents raise. The episode wraps with a look at CBS, 60 Minutes and the broader attack on independent journalism.

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Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Josh Moon and David Person break down the latest court fight over Alabama’s congressional maps and what it could mean for voters, representation and the 2026 elections. Jerome Dees of the Southern Poverty Law Center joins the show to explain what happened in court, why the judges appeared skeptical of the state’s arguments and what the Supreme Court could do next.

Later, Democratic congressional candidate Andrew Sneed discusses his runoff campaign, his “Take Back Congress” pledge and why he says Dale Strong has failed North Alabama voters.

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Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Josh Moon and David Person break down Alabama’s 2026 primary results, including Doug Jones’ decisive Democratic win, key Republican races and major local upsets across the state.

They’re joined by Jerome Dees of the Southern Poverty Law Center to discuss the “All Roads Lead to the South” voting rights rally in Montgomery, redistricting and the stakes for democracy.

The episode closes with a disturbing Right Wing Nut of the Week segment on institutional failures surrounding former coach Anthony Clark.

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Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Josh Moon and David Person break down the Supreme Court’s shadow docket action on Alabama’s congressional maps and what it could mean for Black voting power in the state. Congressman Shomari Figures joins the show to discuss the legal fight, voter turnout, and his work representing Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District. The episode also covers the state GOP’s response, and Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter’s controversial remarks about the 14th Amendment.

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Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Josh Moon and David Person break down Alabama’s latest redistricting fight and the political push to weaken Black voting power. SPLC’s Makhayla DesRosiers and Arthur Ago explain what the Supreme Court’s Louisiana voting rights decision means for Alabama and future litigation. Later, author Mike Marshall discusses his book No Place for Pilgrims and the unsolved civil rights-era murder of activist William Moore. The episode closes with a sharp critique of Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall’s comments on representation and voting rights.

• 0:00 Intro
• 3:05 Alabama’s redistricting fight and GOP gerrymandering
• 23:31 SPLC on the Supreme Court’s voting rights ruling
• 49:49 Mike Marshall on No Place for Pilgrims and William Moore
• 1:20:00 Steve Marshall, representation, and voting rights

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Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities.

Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Josh Moon and David Person react to a major Supreme Court decision that could weaken key protections in the Voting Rights Act and reshape representation in Alabama and across the South. They discuss the potential impact on Black voters, congressional districts, and the legacy of the Roberts Court. Former Alabama NAACP President Benard Simelton joins the show to explain what the ruling means and what civil rights advocates can do next.

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Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Josh Moon and David Person dive into Alabama’s culture of political groupthink and why it may be keeping the state at the bottom of nearly every meaningful ranking. They’re joined by Phillip Ensler to talk hospitals, public schools and public safety, plus guests from the Southern Poverty Law Center on the Emmett Till exhibit and Days of Democracy.

The episode also features candidate Hanu Karlapalem on immigrant political rights and closes with the absurd Fairhope “penis costume” arrest.

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Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

This week we break down the hypocrisy of coaches like Nick Saban who fought NIL deals while making millions off unpaid labor, interview Montgomery Mayor Stephen Reed about recent shootings and failed state gun legislation, and hear from Rep. Mary Moore on why the 2026 session accomplished nothing for working Alabamians. Plus: why Republicans' "let them play" crusade is really about defending segregation in schools.

CHAPTERS

• 0:00 - Intro
• 8:34 - NCAA Exploitation & Nick Saban's NIL Hypocrisy
• 31:42 - Mayor Stephen Reed on Montgomery Crime & Gun Violence
• 1:10:24 - Rep. Mary Moore: Legislature Failed Workers & Democracy
• 1:33:00 - Right Wing Nutslash: Private Schools & Segregation

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Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities.

Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Josh Moon and David Person break down the Alabama attorney general race, including sharp criticism of Jay Mitchell’s campaign rhetoric and his defense of controversial police prosecutions. Later, Rep. Patrick Sellers joins the show to talk about the legislative session, education funding, healthcare, and what lawmakers got wrong. The episode also dives into Alabama’s new abstinence-focused sex ed bill and closes with a look at Trump’s latest inflammatory foreign policy rhetoric.

Timestamps

• 0:00 Into
• 5:20 Jay Mitchell, Steve Marshall, and Alabama’s AG race
• 30:11 Rep. Patrick Sellers on the legislative session
• 53:15 Alabama’s new sex education bill
• 1:00:53 Right-Wing Nut of the Week: Trump and “ending a civilization”

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Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities.

Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Josh Moon and David Person dig into new polling that suggests Alabama Republicans may be losing their grip on voters who care more about affordability than culture-war politics. They talk with Representative Adline Clark about voting rights, early voting, and barriers that still make it harder for Alabamians to cast a ballot. Later, congressional candidate Shane Weaver joins the show for a spirited conversation about Democrats, working-class voters, and the future of Alabama politics. The episode wraps with a sharp look at Katherine Robertson and why her comments on school desegregation sparked outrage.

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Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities.

Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Josh Moon and David Person break down the first lawsuit challenging Tommy Tuberville’s residency and what it could mean for the governor’s race.

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed joins the show to push back on misleading narratives about his city, talk public safety, and call out dangerous political rhetoric.

Later, guests from the Southern Poverty Law Center discuss the SAVE Act’s threat to voting rights and a new lawsuit against the University of Alabama over student magazines shut down under anti-DEI policies.

Finally, Josh and David discuss Donald Trump's reaction to Bob Mueller's death. Plus, Wes Allen is our Rightwing Nut (yes, we're going back to "nut") of the Week.

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Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities.

Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Josh and David react to The Alabama Solution documentary missing out on an Oscar, then dive into Attorney General Steve Marshall’s remarks attacking the film. They break down why violence, rape, and extortion inside Alabama prisons are still crimes, no matter who the victims are. The conversation turns to rehabilitation, parole, and why Alabama’s prison system keeps making a bad problem worse.

Then, Congressional candidate Amanda Pusczek joins the show to talk about running as a Democrat in Alabama’s 4th District, the reddest district in the country. She explains why low turnout, voter apathy, and a lack of competition have left so many people disconnected from politics. The conversation also focuses on rural hospitals, affordability, and what voters in the district actually care about.

Representative Pebblin Warren joins the show to discuss the legislative session, rural healthcare, mental health, gambling revenue, and the state’s ongoing failure to address its biggest needs. She also talks about HBCU funding, Tuskegee University, and why Alabama keeps leaving money and opportunity on the table. The episode closes with a warning about proposed voting changes that could limit voter choice.

Finally, Josh and David call out Tommy Tuberville’s rhetoric targeting Muslims and questioning what kind of politics he’s embracing. They discuss the double standards around religion, the way bias shows up in schools and healthcare, and why fear-based politics still works. It’s a blunt conversation about prejudice, political opportunism, and the danger of treating religious freedom like it only applies to some people.

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Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

In this episode of Alabama Politics This Week, Josh Moon and David Person break down Gov. Kay Ivey’s decision to commute the death sentence of Charles Lee Burton and the furious response from Attorney General Steve Marshall, then dive into a major fight inside the Alabama Democratic Party over straight-ticket voting. They’re also joined by USA Today investigative reporter Gina Barton to discuss her powerful reporting on the Walker County Jail death of Tony Mitchell, Sheriff Nick Smith’s leadership, and the culture that allowed such abuse to happen. To close things out, Josh and David react to the political fallout in Walker County and take on Pete Hegseth, Christian nationalism, and the increasingly dangerous mix of MAGA politics, war rhetoric, and extremism.

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Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Josh Moon and David Person break down Alabama’s school choice debate and the financial impact on public schools, plus the truth about gambling policy in the state. The episode also features interviews with state house candidates Austin Smith and Jesse Barcala, along with Rep. Thomas Jackson discussing efforts to support Alabama farmers.

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Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

This episode tackles the political fight over public safety in Montgomery, with Mayor Steven Reed pushing back on what he describes as performative fearmongering and a proposed state “takeover” of city policing. Reed argues the rhetoric doesn’t match the data, says Montgomery has already been collaborating with other agencies, and calls for practical support—funding, recruitment help, cameras, and common-sense gun policy—rather than power plays.

The Southern Poverty Law Center’s Tafeni English-Relf joins to preview Affordable Alabama Advocacy Day and lays out the affordability pressures hitting residents—from utilities and childcare to housing, healthcare access, and the criminalization of unpaid garbage fees—framing the state budget as a moral document with real consequences.

The hosts close with the “bonehead” segment aimed at Kash Patel and what they call the ongoing reality-show style of national politics bleeding into everything.

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Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Josh and David cover a wide-ranging week in Alabama politics—mourning Rev. Jesse Jackson’s legacy, blasting a “chemtrails” bill as unserious policymaking, and venting about environmental rollbacks they say trade Alabama’s waterways and wildlife for corporate profit.

SPLC attorney Micah West joins to discuss Fayette’s practice of prosecuting (and sometimes jailing) people over unpaid garbage bills, why SPLC says it’s unlawful/ unconstitutional, and what reforms could stop it statewide. The episode closes with Jeff Bezos as “bonehead,” focusing on the Washington Post’s gutting and what the decline of local journalism means for public oversight and accountability.

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Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

This week on Alabama Politics This Week, we hit the culture-war noise and the power politics underneath it — from the right’s meltdown over Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show to a fast-tracked Alabama bill that would change the Alabama Public Service Commission from elected to appointed, even as the PSC directly shapes what you pay in utilities.

Then we’re joined by Tabitha Isner, Alabama Democratic Party vice chair and a candidate for Alabama Senate District 26, to talk turnout, disengaged voters, and what it takes to build a full statewide Democratic ticket. SPLC Chief Strategy Officer Seth Levi also joins to explain why reported edits at civil rights-related national park sites (including language tied to Medgar Evers’ murder) fit a broader push to whitewash racism and slavery from public history — and what people can do to push back.

We wrap with Bonehead of the Week: Pam Bondi’s DOJ, repeated grand jury refusals, and the absurdity of calling it “treason” to remind service members not to follow illegal orders — plus a quick look at why that moment could boost Sen. Mark Kelly’s 2028 prospects.

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The episode centers on the residency firestorm around Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s run for governor, with Josh and David arguing that state tax returns and related records are the simplest way to prove (or disprove) Alabama residency — and warning that voting and tax questions could create serious legal exposure if the fight goes to court.

Guest AshLeigh Dunham, a candidate for Alabama Supreme Court, says she’s running to bring balance to a court she views as increasingly ideological, discussing constitutional rights, the IVF decision, protest-mask proposals, and book/library censorship battles.

Rep. Neil Rafferty joins to outline Democrats’ affordability focus — healthcare, premiums, and high utility bills — and to assess whether GOP infighting creates openings. The show closes with Josh distinguishing John Wahl's residency challenge from Tuberville’s and a “Right Wing Bonehead” segment criticizing Secretary of State Wes Allen’s voter-fraud messaging and restrictive absentee voting rules.

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Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

This episode opens with a discussion of alleged retaliation inside Alabama’s prison system, following reporter Beth Shelburne’s updates about key whistleblowers from The Alabama Solution documentary. The hosts debate the moral, practical, and financial failures of Alabama’s corrections approach, including solitary confinement concerns and broader prison “racket” incentives.

Former Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks joins to explain why he’s running again, emphasizing consumer protection and the rollback of key enforcement functions like gasoline testing and fraud investigations. Sparks also highlights past accomplishments, including upgraded animal diagnostic labs across the state and rural development work such as expanding telemedicine.

The episode closes with the hosts’ “bonehead” segment criticizing legislative efforts to politicize the AHSAA and warning that school voucher policy dynamics are bleeding into high school athletics.

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Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Josh Moon and David Person dissect the fatal ICE shooting of Renee Good in Minnesota, examining the dangerous expansion of federal law enforcement powers and constitutional violations. They're joined by Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels, who shares health updates, reveals the surprisingly productive working relationship between Democratic leadership and Governor Kay Ivey, and outlines the party's affordability-focused agenda for the 2026 legislative session.

The conversation turns to election strategy as Daniels emphasizes the need for Democratic discipline and unity heading into what could be a pivotal election year. The episode concludes with Trump earning the "Right-Wing Bonehead of the Week" award for his absurd claim that white people have been treated poorly since the Civil Rights Act.

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Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Hosts Josh Moon and David Person examine the Trump administration's controversial military intervention in Venezuela, questioning the true motives behind the operation and drawing parallels to failed foreign policy decisions in Iraq and Afghanistan.

They discuss the lack of congressional oversight, the timing relative to the unsealed Epstein files, and the hypocrisy of Republicans who oppose foreign wars while supporting military action abroad.

The episode features an interview with Philip Ensler, the only Democratic candidate officially running for Alabama lieutenant governor. Ensler discusses his decision to remain in Alabama after initially planning to return to New York, his background as a Teach for America educator, and his four key campaign priorities: healthcare expansion, public school funding, public safety, and economic opportunity.

The hosts conclude with analysis of the 2026 election season, celebrating renewed Democratic energy and noting encouraging signs among Christian conservatives and moderate Republicans questioning their party's direction.

In this final episode of 2025, Josh and David sit down with former U.S. Senator Doug Jones to discuss his newly announced campaign for governor of Alabama. Jones opens up about the "electricity" of his campaign launch, his plans to break the supermajority in Montgomery, and why he believes Tommy Tuberville’s record as a "divider" makes him vulnerable in 2026.

We also grill the candidate on the tough issues: Can he overcome the straight-ticket voting habits in a deep red state? What is the path to finally passing a lottery? And, perhaps most importantly, has he truly "cleared the air" with Joe Reed, Randy Kelley, and the Alabama Democratic Conference leadership?

Later in the show, the hosts do a deep dive into the racial dynamics of the Alabama Democratic Party, the critical issue of voter turnout in the Black Belt. Finally, we crown our "Bonehead of the Year" — Donald Trump, for his classless comments regarding the passing of Rob Reiner.

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Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

"It costs more money to run unconstitutional prisons."This week, Josh and David cover the entire political spectrum — from the hypocrisy of American healthcare arguments to the deep-seated corruption within the Alabama Department of Corrections.

The show begins with a breakdown of Josh’s latest column on the "Socialism" label. Why do Americans denounce socialism while relying on Medicare, Medicaid, and farm subsidies?

Later, investigative journalist Beth Shelburne joins the show to discuss the HBO documentary "The Alabama Solution." She exposes the systemic abuse in Alabama prisons, highlighting the case of Lt. Roderick Gadsden and the culture that promotes abusive officers.

Finally, Jerome Dees from the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) stops by to discuss the "Big Beautiful Bill" causing insurance premiums to skyrocket for the middle class and how the SPLC is shifting focus to "kitchen table" poverty issues like food security and waste management fees.

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Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities.

Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Josh and David kick off the show by recapping their Thanksgiving holidays, which featured very different experiences. While Josh enjoyed a smooth break, David shares the harrowing tale of losing his home heating system right before the cold snap, forcing him to rely on space heaters for a week.

The CHOOSE Act and Public Education

The hosts dissect the Alabama CHOOSE Act, criticizing the use of public tax dollars to fund private and homeschool curriculums that teach non-scientific concepts, such as dinosaurs living alongside humans.

Interview: Andrew Sneed for Congress

Democrat Andrew Sneed joins the show to discuss his campaign for Alabama’s 5th Congressional District, highlighting his background as a tradesman and small business owner. Sneed explains his goal to reconnect the party with the working class and criticizes incumbent Dale Strong for being inaccessible to constituents.

Bonehead of the Week

The hosts address the recent zoning controversy in Hoover involving a Muslim school, calling out the anti-Muslim rhetoric used by opponents during the hearings.

Senator Katie Britt is named "Bonehead of the Week" for co-sponsoring legislation that would change abortion training for medical students from an opt-out to an opt-in requirement.

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Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities.

Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

This week, Josh and David dive into the sudden GOP pivot on releasing the Epstein files and break down the "white victimhood" narrative driving modern political discourse.

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed joins the show to discuss the city's recent mass shooting and the data linking permitless carry to a 23 percent spike in gun violence.

Finally, the hosts debate the hypothetical 2026 gubernatorial matchup between Doug Jones, Will Boyd, and Tommy Tuberville — and crown a new "Bonehead of the Week" for attempting to remove PBS programming from Alabama public television.

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Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Josh Moon and David Person dig into a wild week in politics, starting with newly released Jeffrey Epstein emails that appear to further implicate Donald Trump and expose GOP efforts to stall the full release of the “Epstein files.” They break down how eight Senate Democrats caved in the shutdown fight, allowing devastating cuts to Affordable Care Act subsidies that will spike premiums for millions and gut SNAP, and why party leadership misplayed its hand.

Bill Britt of Alabama Political Reporter joins to talk about Republican unrest over Tommy Tuberville’s expected “coronation” as governor, ongoing questions about whether he even meets Alabama’s residency requirements, and who might realistically challenge him.

Then Congresswoman Terri Sewell returns to deliver a fiery, must-hear segment on the shutdown deal, the ACA “cliff,” SNAP funding, DOJ’s retreat on Lowndes County’s water and sewage crisis, and the looming House vote to force release of the Epstein documents.

The show wraps with a look at Sen. Katie Britt’s mixed record, Democratic messaging failures, and why Tuberville still earns “Bonehead of the Week.”

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Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

Josh Moon and David Person break down the stunning Democratic victories in Tuesday's elections across Virginia, New Jersey, and New York, examining what the massive blue shift means for upcoming races. They discuss how the government shutdown, SNAP benefit cuts, and skyrocketing healthcare costs are reshaping voter sentiment nationwide and in Alabama.

The hosts interview Jeremy Devito, Democratic candidate for Alabama's 5th Congressional District, who discusses his working-class background, military service, and platform focused on healthcare access and economic justice. Devito explains why he believes incumbent Dale Strong is vulnerable and how his grassroots campaign is resonating with voters frustrated by GOP priorities.

The episode also tackles Governor Kay Ivey's response to the SNAP crisis, the stark contrast between Republican rhetoric and reality on social programs, and a controversial statement from Rep. Clay Higgins about benefit recipients. Plus: why churches are failing the vulnerable, what the youngest mayor in New York City history means for progressive politics, and how Trump's opulence is backfiring with working-class voters.

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Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities.Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

This week, Josh and David open with daylight saving time dread and kid sleep schedules, then shift to health care costs on the ACA exchanges amid a protracted government shutdown. They unpack immigrant health care myths, why universal access lowers costs, and how coverage gaps drive ER “socialism” we’re already paying for.

Dr. Jim Vickery joins the show to discuss his new book about growing up in Jim Crow Alabama, “recovering racism,” and what really fuels white supremacy (envy, power, and politics).

The crew closes with Alabama headlines: SNAP politics, farmers vs. tariffs, Tuberville hinting at skirting the Constitution for a third Trump term, and Secretary of State Wes Allen’s nativist push to ban naturalized citizens from state office.

This week, Josh and David explore lessons from Europe on labor, tipping, and public health, then pivot to Alabama's criminal justice system through ProPublica journalist Amy Yurkanin's investigation into the Jorge Ruiz case—a legal immigrant sentenced to 99 years (later reduced to 50) for a fatal car crash, raising hard questions about immigrant bias in courts, media framing, and judicial overreach.

They also dig into Alabama's 2026 gubernatorial race: Charles Barkley flirting with an independent run, and Tommy Tuberville's residency problems.

The show closes with the bail reform fiasco and Right Wing Knucklehead of the Week: Tommy Tuberville and Laura Loomer's Islamophobic theater in the Senate.

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Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities.Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

In this episode of Alabama Politics This Week, hosts David Pearson and Josh Moon sit down with Mark Wheeler, a Democratic candidate for Alabama's U.S. Senate seat left open by Tommy Tuberville. Wheeler, a lifelong Heflin resident, chemist, and former factory worker, discusses his unconventional path to politics — working 60-84 hour weeks in wire mills while earning a degree in chemistry from Jacksonville State University. The conversation centers on his core campaign message: making the American Dream attainable through labor rights, congressional reform, healthcare access, and focusing voter attention on "kitchen table" economic issues rather than divisive cultural hot buttons.RESOURCES & SOCIALS🔵 Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/alpoliticsthisweek.com⚫ X/Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/alathisweek🔵 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alathisweek

SUPPORT THE SHOW👍 Like this video and SUBSCRIBE!⭐ Rate us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.📧 Email questions/voice notes to apwproducer@gmail.com with your name and city/county.ABOUT OUR SPONSORAlabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities.Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.

This week, Josh and David open with Montgomery’s tragic downtown mass shooting and push back on knee-jerk fixes. They argue multiple truths can coexist: guns, culture, policing levels, education inequities, and media erosion all matter. Josh recounts prior eras of violence to counter shallow blame of Mayor Steven Reed, and both hosts press for front-end investments — after-school programs, mentoring, mental health, and fair school funding — over “lock ’em up” theatrics.

Mayor Steven Reed joins to detail the incident response, why permitless carry hinders policing, and what real partnership with the state should look like: repeal bad gun laws, fund two-officer patrols, and expand youth programs. He calls out political posturing that blocks resources and then blames cities, and stresses holistic prevention over performative crackdowns.

In the second half, SPLC interim CEO Bryan Fair and German historian Professor Andreas Etges discuss “critical memory” work across Germany and the U.S. — from Stone Mountain and 16th Street Baptist Church to EJI’s Legacy Museum. They examine why honest history matters, how backlash follows progress, and the risks of whitewashing museums and curricula. The conversation draws clear through-lines from slavery to Jim Crow to mass incarceration, and compares contemporary authoritarian trends without false equivalence.

They close with Right Wing Bonehead of the Week: Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch, for the racist ICE-versus-sombrero Halloween display — an emblem of cruelty-as-politics amid Alabama’s immigrant scapegoating.

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Alabama Politics This Week is sponsored by Wind Creek Hospitality, the gaming and hospitality entity for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, with 10 properties across the U.S. and Caribbean — including four in Alabama — offering entertainment, dining, hotels, and amenities.

Music courtesy of Mr. Smith via the Free Music Archive.