WBHM Named Most Outstanding News Operation
WBHM-FM has won a total of eight Alabama Associated Press awards, including Most Outstanding Radio News Operation and Best Web Journalism in the state.
For the third year in a row, the Alabama AP honored WBHM with the most awards of any radio station in the state. The WBHM news team took top honors in the Public Affairs/Documentary division with Considering Faith, a week-long series and call-in program exploring expressions of faith and non-faith and how various religions co-exist in Alabama. Contributors to the series included News Director Tanya Ott, Morning Edition Host Andrew Yeager, freelancers Les Lovoy, Gigi Douban and Donna Francavilla, commentators Dan Carsen and Marie Sutton, and Program Director Michael Krall.
WBHM News Director Tanya Ott was named Best Specialized Reporter for her coverage of state and local government. This included interviews and profiles of embattled Birmingham mayor Larry Langford.
Morning Edition Andrew Yeager was named Best Anchor and Best Reporter for his coverage of Hurricane Gustav evacuees, Volkswagen’s decision to build a plant in Tennessee rather than Alabama, and a prison meditation program.
Former Morning Edition host Steve Chiotakis was named Best Sports Reporter, and Chiotakis and Ott shared honors for Best General Sports for their reporting on a Paralympics sport called Goal Ball, the business behind college fight songs, and a proposal to expand the Appalachian Trail.
What was approved, and what failed, in the 2025 Alabama legislative session
Alabama lawmakers ended the 2025 legislative session on Wednesday. Here is a look at a few of the notable bills that passed, and some that failed, during the session.
Lawmakers pass bill to criminalize bringing immigrants in the US illegally across state lines
The legislation given final approval Wednesday protects “not only the citizens of Alabama but also the people that are immigrating here legally and doing everything the right way,” said the bill’s Republican sponsor.
Ivey signs a bill regulating the sale of hemp products
The law would allow gummies, drinks and other consumable products to continue to be sold, but limits the amount of psychoactive compounds in the products. It also puts restrictions on where the products can be sold.
Walmart says higher prices from tariffs coming as soon as this month
The world's largest retailer says it won't be able to absorb all the costs from higher tariffs on imported goods, particularly from China. Already in April, shoppers began tightening their budgets as retail spending did not grow much compared to March.
One woman’s fight to remove barriers for aspiring doctors with disabilities
After her dreams of becoming a doctor were denied, one California woman is working to make the profession more accessible to those with disabilities.
Trump touts ‘freedom zone’ plan for Gaza in Qatar as ceasefire talks stall
President Trump is visiting Qatar and the U.A.E. after inking big weapons and tech deals in Saudi Arabia. So far, his trip hasn't seemed to push forward chances for a ceasefire in Gaza.
