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.
Alabama coal company sued for a home explosion is delinquent on dozens of penalties
Crimson Oak Grove Resources has been cited for 204 safety violations since the March 8 blast, many involving “significant and substantial” safety violations.
The United Auto Workers faces a key test in the South with upcoming vote at Alabama Mercedes plant
The United Auto Workers is aiming for a key victory at Mercedes-Benz in Alabama. More than 5,000 workers at the facility in Vance and nearby battery plant will vote this week on whether to join the UAW.
Gambling, ethics bills fall short as legislative session ends
Alabama lawmakers closed the books on this year’s regular legislative session Thursday. While Republican leaders passed many of their priority bills, perhaps the most talked about issue – gambling – died.
A look at what passed and failed in the 2024 legislative session
Alabama lawmakers have ended a 2024 legislative session that saw the Republican majority win approval for a number of their top priorities.
Q&A: Bobby Carter on leading Tiny Desk, his time at Jackson State, early career advice
Carter, a Jackson State alumnus, took over as the new series host and producer for NPR’s “Tiny Desk Concerts” series in April.
Alabama to begin working with a consulting company that’s under criminal investigation
McKinsey & Company, an international consulting business, will help the state of Alabama develop a new strategic economic growth plan. The company is undertaking that project, while also dealing with a probe into whether it engaged in a criminal conspiracy.
