Bentley Scandal: In Pursuit of Wanda’s Desk
The 2016 legislative session came to a close last night, but much of the action of the last few months was overshadowed by the ongoing scandal involving Governor Robert Bentley and his alleged affair with a former adviser, Rebekah Mason. Bentley has admitted making inappropriate comments to Mason, but continues to deny the two had a physical affair. Republican Rep. Ed Henry, of Hartselle, is spearheading an effort to impeach the governor.
Recordings leaked to the press capture Bentley allegedly having a sexually charged conversation with Mason, saying “if we‘re going to do what we did the other day” they’d need to move Wanda’s desk. Wanda Kelly was Governor Bentley’s executive assistant, who has since retired.
This week, Rep. Ed Henry and Red Bay Democratic Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow tried to get inside the governor’s office and find Wanda’s infamous desk. John Archibald, columnist for al.com and The Birmingham News, was there, and he tells WBHM’s Rachel Osier Lindley what happened.
Mentally ill people are stuck in jail because they can’t get treatment. Here’s what’s to know
Hundreds of people across Alabama await a spot in the state’s increasingly limited facilities, despite a consent decree requiring the state to address delays in providing care for people who are charged with crimes but deemed too mentally ill to stand trial. But seven years since the federal agreement, the problem has only worsened.
Ivey appoints Will Parker to Alabama Supreme Court
Parker fills the court seat vacated by Bill Lewis who was tapped by President Donald Trump for a federal judgeship. The U.S. Senate last month confirmed Lewis as a U.S. district judge.
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.
