In this episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, Whitney Scapecchi and Neeli Faulkner sit down with Latoya Garrett, an Alabama mom who has spent nearly a decade fighting to reunite her family after what she describes as a false child abuse allegation that spiraled into years of separation, turnover, and trauma.

Latoya also explains why her case became even more complicated after her children were placed with relatives out of state. She shares how she first learned about Alabama's McClendon standard in family court. She describes it as a high burden that can keep reunification out of reach even after a parent's circumstances improve, and even when a child is old enough to clearly voice where they want to live.

This conversation includes personal allegations and claims related to ongoing child welfare and family court issues. It is shared for public interest and discussion, and reflects the perspective and experiences of the guest.

Make It Make Sense, Alabama is a Murder Creek Media podcast focused on accountability, justice, and clarity around the issues that shape life in Alabama. Follow along and find listening links at murdercreekmedia.com/makeitmakesensealabama.

In this episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, Neeli Faulkner and Whitney Scapecchi sit down with Elijah Davidson, a candidate for Alabama House District 95, for a wide ranging conversation about what voters are dealing with right now. Cost of living. Taxes. Housing. Political accountability. And the frustrations people feel when elected officials are hard to reach once they’re in office.

Davidson shares how he got into politics through his high school Turning Point USA chapter, later working for former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, and how volunteering with local charities shaped his views on poverty, pregnancy support, and state level policy decisions. The conversation moves through his platform priorities. Ending the grocery tax, tightening state spending, pushing for term limits, and increasing transparency around how representatives vote and how accessible they are to constituents.

Neeli and Whitney also press on what accountability should look like in practice, what voters can do when they feel ignored, and why younger candidates say the “good old boy” system keeps people locked out. It’s a direct conversation about power. Who has it. Who doesn’t. And what it would take to change that in Alabama.

Learn more about the candidate: davidsonfordistrict95.com

This episode discusses political viewpoints and policy proposals shared by the guest. It is presented for public interest and civic discussion, and does not constitute an endorsement.

In this episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, Whitney Scapecchi sits down with Jimmy Fuson, a South Alabama parent advocate who has been fighting to reunite with his daughter, Billyana, after she was taken into custody by Alabama Department of Human Resources. Commonly referred to as DHR in Alabama, the agency functions as the state’s child welfare authority, similar to Child Protective Services, or CPS, in other states.

The conversation also explores Jimmy’s advocacy beyond his own case. He explains the idea behind “Billyana’s Bill,” a proposal aimed at creating third party oversight for complaints and increasing accountability in the system. He outlines additional reforms he believes Alabama should consider including due process protections, body cameras for DHR investigations, and expanding access to CASA support for families.

This episode discusses allegations and personal claims related to ongoing child welfare cases. It is shared for public interest and discussion, and reflects the perspectives and experiences of the individuals speaking.

Submit tips and story leads in Alabama. tips@murdercreekmedia.com.

What happens when a public agency can tell you “trust us,” while keeping the evidence locked away?

In the first episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, Neeli Faulkner and Whitney Scapecchi explain the Alabama Open Records Act through one of the most contested categories in the state: police body camera footage. They break down how open records requests are supposed to work, what exemptions agencies rely on, and how court decisions and recent legislative changes have tightened access over time.

Their guest, attorney C.C. Moreno, joins the show to discuss her federal lawsuit against the City of Orange Beach after the city refused to release body camera footage connected to a reported incident at a public building on Labor Day weekend 2024. The conversation digs into why transparency matters, especially in cases involving power, public safety, and accountability.

Guest C.C. Moreno is the Managing Partner of The Moreno Law Group, PLLC. Practicing since 2018, with a focus on real estate and personal litigation, C.C.’s recent work has increasingly centered on what happens when the official story doesn’t match the footage - because C.C. says that in Alabama and beyond, body cameras are supposed to protect the public, not the narrative.

Submit tips and story leads in Alabama. tips@murdercreekmedia.com.