Government

Bentley Resigns Amid Scandal; Kay Ivey to Become Governor

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley has officially resigned from office and Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey will be sworn in to take his place at 6 p.m. The governor in a speech shortly after 5 p.m. said, “The time has come for me to look for new ways to serve the great people of our state. I’ve decided it’s time to step down as governor.” Bentley said that although he would be leaving his office today, his administration would be working with Kay Ivey’s administration to provide any assistance needed for a smooth transition. “Thank you, goodbye, and I love this state from the bottom of my heart,” Bentley concluded.

by BirminghamWatch

Guide to Bentley Impeachment Actions

Guide to Bentley Impeachment Actions Look here for a roundup of news coverage about Gov. Robert Bentley's impeachment hearings and resources related to the case. ALGOP Leadership Calls on Gov. Bentley to Resign Immediately (WSFA) Meet the Judiciary Committee (BirminghamWatch) Listen to audio of the Judiciary Committee meeting and impeachment hearings, which begin at 10 a.m. LINK TO EVIDENCE Alabama Governor Faces Impeachment Hearing in Scandal of Sex and Power Historic Impeachment Hearings Set to Begin Monday (Montgomery Advertiser) Accusations in Alabama Governor Impeachment Investigation (Associated Press) What to Know About the Bentley Investigations (Decatur Daily)

by BirminghamWatch

Meet the Judiciary Committee

Fifteen members of the House Judiciary Committee are set to begin hearing testimony Monday morning to determine whether to impeach Gov. Robert Bentley. If the committee votes for impeachment, the issue would go before the full House. If members there voted for impeachment, Bentley would be suspended from his job as governor and face trial by the state Senate. If two-third of senators voted to convict Bentley, he would be removed from office. It all starts with the Judiciary Committee. Read more.

by Virginia Martin

Bentley Impeachment

Look here for roundup of news coverage about Gov. Robert Bentley's impeachment hearings and related actions. Alabama Governor Faces Impeachment Hearings After Ruling (Associated Press) Impeachment Report Alleges Bentley Used Officers to Try to Hide Relationship (BirminghamWatch) See the full impeachment investigation and exhibits. The Salacious Affair Saga of Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley Is About to Get Really Serious (Washington Post) Alabama Supreme Court Lifts Bentley Impeachment Stay (Montgomery Advertiser) Bentley Impeachment Hearings to Proceed Monday After Court Ruling (Anniston Star) Economist: Bentley Investigation Stalling State Business (WAFF)

by BirminghamWatch

Impeachment Report Alleges Bentley Used Officers to Try to Hide Relationship

Gov. Robert Bentley used law enforcement personnel to benefit himself personally and to protect his reputation, according to conclusions of the House Judiciary Committee’s special counsel in a report released Friday. The 131-page report and about 3,000 pages of exhibits detail multiple incidents in which Bentley is alleged to have used officers to stifle rumors he was having an affair with a staffer. Read more.

by Virginia Martin

Report Released in the Bentley Impeachment Investigation

The special counsel to the state House Judiciary Committee today released his report in the impeachment investigation of Gov. Robert Bentley. Special counsel Jack Sharman concludes that Bentley did have an inappropriate relationship with an aide and then used state law enforcement officers in an effort to cover it up. The 131-page report can be read in full here..

by Virginia Martin

Operation Reveille: Sounding a New Day for Once-Homeless Veterans

Jimmy Moore’s hometown is Bessemer but for three years, the U.S. Air Force veteran’s home was his 2007 Ford Explorer. Moore, a 1974 McAdory High School grad, worried that his possessions might be stolen when he was homeless. He feared someone might stab him to take what he had. “You were always having to be awake, 24-7, sleep lightly,” the 61-year-old said, “trying to figure out where you’re going next.” But Moore can rest easy. He doesn’t fear for his safety or his possessions. He has a roof over his head, thanks to Operation Reveille, a one-day one-stop-shop that took chronically homeless veterans off the street and into their own homes. Read more.

by Virginia Martin

JeffCo Commission Agrees to Give Old Trinity Steel Land to Humane Society

A Jefferson County Commission member called the old Trinity Steel property in North Titusville "a hot potato." Thursday, the commission decided on a 3-2 vote to gift the property to the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. Read more.

by Virginia Martin

Bill for Railroad Park Leads to Questions About How Money is Spent for Some Parks Over Others

April 4, 2017 – The Birmingham City Council approved a $220,000 appropriation to pay for services associated with the management of Railroad Park after a prolonged discussion about a lack of invoices for the services. Some council members questioned the amounts the city pays for Railroad Park while it struggles to fund other parks in the city. Read more.

by Cody Owens, Weld: Birmingham's Newspaper

Jeffco Commissioners Favor Donating Titusville Property to Humane Society

Four of five commissioners seem set to give Jefferson County's share of the old Trinity Steel property to the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. But one commissioner wants to hear more before possibly voting on the move. Read more.

by Virginia Martin