Bob Riley: The Exit Interview
This time next week, we’ll know whether Ron Sparks or Robert Bentley will be Alabama’s next Governor. Current Governor Bob Riley is barred from running again. The Clay County native served three terms in Congress before he was elected Governor in 2002. Riley has touted his success economic development and education reform. But, the Governor has also seen setbacks over his eight years in office, as lawmakers have been reluctant to enact tougher ethics laws. It’s an issue that’s now front and center, with the indictment of 11 people in a vote-buying scheme related to bingo. Riley sat down with WBHM’s Bradley George to talk about his time in the Governor’s Mansion. On ethics, the Governor says he’s done a lot to bring transparency to state government.
Bob Riley talks more about his time in office in this extended interview.
How Alabama Power kept bills up and opposition out to become one of the most powerful utilities in the country
In one of the poorest states in America, the local utility earns massive profits producing dirty energy with almost no pushback from state regulators.
No more Elmo? APT could cut ties with PBS
The board that oversees Alabama Public Television is considering disaffiliating from PBS, ending a 55-year relationship.
Nonprofit erases millions in medical debt across Gulf South, says it’s ‘Band-Aid’ for real issue
Undue Medical Debt has paid off more than $299 million in medical debts in Alabama. Now, the nonprofit warns that the issue could soon get worse.
Roy Wood Jr. on his father, his son and his new book
Actor, comedian and writer Roy Wood Jr. is out with a new book -- "The Man of Many Fathers: Life Lessons Disguised as a Memoir." He writes about his experience growing up in Birmingham, losing his dad as a teenager and all the lessons he learned from various father figures throughout his career.
Auburn fires coach Hugh Freeze following 12th loss in his last 15 SEC games
The 56-year-old Freeze failed to fix Auburn’s offensive issues in three years on the Plains, scoring 24 or fewer points in 17 of his 22 league games. He also ended up on the wrong end of too many close matchups, including twice this season thanks partly to questionable calls.
In a ‘disheartening’ era, the nation’s former top mining regulator speaks out
Joe Pizarchik, who led the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement from 2009 to 2017, says Alabama’s move in the wake of a fatal 2024 home explosion increases risks to residents living atop “gassy” coal mines.
