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.