Andrew Yeager
WBHM Managing Editor
It was probably inevitable that Andrew Yeager would end up working in public radio. The son of two teachers, NPR News programs often formed the backdrop to car rides growing up. And it was probably inevitable that Andrew would end up in news after discovering the record button on his tape recorder. He still remembers his first attempted interview - his uncooperative 2-year-old sister.
Originally from east central Indiana, Andrew earned degrees in broadcasting and political science from Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio. While there he spent more than his fair share of time at WOBN, the student-run radio station. After college Andrew worked for an educational non-profit and volunteered at WMUB in Oxford, Ohio. He ventured into public radio full-time as a reporter for WNIN in Evansville, Ind. Besides covering an array of local stories, Andrew's work has been heard on many public radio programs.
Andrew lives with his wife and two children in Birmingham. When not consumed by public radio work, he's often picking up items strewn about the house by said children, reading or heading out on a bike ride when not enveloped by the Alabama heat.
How a Small Alabama Town Pioneered the First 9-1-1 Call
In January 1968, the FCC and AT&T announced a plan for an emergency telephone number. But the Alabama Telephone Company decided to get out ahead of the feds and set up its own system.
More Alabama Women Putting their Names on the Ballot
At least 90 women are running for Congressional or state-level offices this year. That mirrors a rise in female candidates nationally.
WBHM Politics: Women Running for Office
The ballot for state elections this fall is shaping up after Friday’s deadline for candidates to qualify. There are a notable number of women running for office this year. Alabama’s governor and chief justice are both women and they're are running to keep their jobs. The #MeToo movement appears to have encouraged some women to jump into the fray as well.
Voters and Experts Don’t Always See the Same Priorities for Alabama
A new initiative from the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama aims to help state leaders understand what issues voters think are most important. It also shows experts and voters don't always see issues the same way.
WBHM Politics: Working in Alabama’s Prisons
As policy makers debate how to address the numerous issues facing Alabama's prison system, the experiences of the men and women who work at prisons can sometimes be hidden.
Birmingham Recycling Center Temporarily Stops Taking Glass
The Alabama Environmental Council has temporarily stopped taking glass at its recycling center in Birmingham's Avondale neighborhood.
BJCC Stadium Far From a Done Deal
Proponents of a stadium at the BJCC in downtown Birmingham got a boost earlier this month when the Jefferson County Commission agreed to set aside 30 million dollars toward the facility. While it may be a significant step, a stadium is far from a done deal.
WBHM Politics: A Downtown Birmingham Stadium
The Jefferson County Commission has approved setting aside money toward a downtown stadium in Birmingham. That's given new momentum for a project that's been talked about for decades.
Closings and Delays for Thursday, January 18
School closing and delay information for January 18, 2018
WBHM Politics: 2018 Legislative Session Preview
A preview of the 2018 regular legislative session in Alabama.
WBHM Politics: A Look Back at 2017
Alabama politics was on overload this year with a new governor, new senator and new mayor for Birmingham.
A Winning Season Puts UAB Football on Strong Footing
The UAB Football team is going to a bowl game for only the second time in school history. It's a strong position as the team looks beyond its first season back on the field.
School Closures and Delays Due to Winter Weather
Many schools across Alabama have announced delays because of snow expected to fall Friday.
WBHM Politics: The U.S. Senate Election
In the latest edition of WBHM Politics we discuss the U.S. Senate race in Alabama pitting Republican Roy Moore against Democrat Doug Jones.
WBHM Politics: Family, the Holidays and Politics
Take a few family members, mix in some strong political opinions and plop them into a holiday gathering. It’s a perfect recipe for clashes, fraught emotions and maybe some mashed potatoes thrown against the wall. And that’s the feast we’re serving up on this edition of WBHM Politics.
Democratic Senate Candidate Doug Jones talks Roy Moore, Campaign Issues and Abortion
Doug Jones finds himself in a position an Alabama Democrat has not been in for a generation. He has a reasonable chance of being elected to the U.S. Senate. Jones faces Republican Roy Moore December 12th in a race to fill the Senate seat vacated by Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
Talk Radio Buzzing Over Roy Moore Allegations
The Senate Race in Alabama is a huge topic of conversation after allegations of sexual assault against Republican candidate Roy Moore. That conversation is flowing through talk radio where some listeners remain solidly behind Moore.
Is it Game Over for Moore?
Political consultant David Mowery offers analysis of Thursday's report from the Washington Post that Alabama Republican Senate candidate Roy Moore initiated a sexual encounter with a 14-year-old girl when he was 32.
WBHM Politics: Regional Cooperation
Regional cooperation around Birmingham is something that gets talked about but never seems to go much beyond that. A study released this summer is trying to give new life to the issue. In this episode of WBHM Politics we’ll hear about the study and examine the status of regional cooperation around Birmingham
U.S. Senate Race has Alabama Democrats Hoping for a Turnaround
Republicans have steadily eaten away at Democrats’ historic dominance of Alabama politics over the last generation and now hold firm control of all three branches of government. But there’s excitement among Alabama Democrats about the upcoming Senate and gubernatorial elections. Is this a turning point?
WBHM Politics: Crackdown on Airbnb
Cities, including some in Alabama, are putting restrictions on short-term rental sites such as Airbnb. And they're taking many different approaches.
Birmingham Doesn’t Need a Headquarters to Take a Bite Out of Amazon
Birmingham is among dozens of cities fighting for Amazon's second headquarters. But another type of Amazon facility is more likely for the Magic City.
WBHM Politics: A New Mayor for Birmingham
WBHM reporter Sherrel Wheeler Stewart and Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald discuss the results of Tuesday's election that make Randall Woodfin Birmingham's next mayor.
A Generational Change as Woodfin Wins Birmingham Mayoral Race
City attorney Randall Woodfin is set to become Birmingham's next mayor after defeating incumbent Mayor William Bell in a municipal runoff election Tuesday.
Birmingham Attorneys and Coal Company Executive Indicted in Bribery Scheme
Federal prosecutors have indicted two attorneys with a prominent Birmingham law firm and a coal company executive for their alleged involvement in a bribery scheme related to efforts to clean up pollution around north Birmingham.
WBHM Politics: Gentrification
In this episode of WBHM Politics, we hear about the rising discussion of gentrification around Birmingham.
Moore’s Win Wasn’t About Trump
Political consultant David Mowery offers analysis of Tuesday's Republican runoff for U.S. Senate which put Roy Moore on top over Luther Strange.
A New Chapter for S-Town Fans
A resident of Woodstock, Alabama developed a project that allows fans of the S-Town podcast to connect the place its set while raising awareness for suicide prevent.
WBHM Politics: Mayor/Council Friction
In this episode of WBHM Politics, we discuss the fractured relationship between Birmingham Mayor William Bell and the City Council and how upcoming elections may affect that.
It’s Just a Letter, but It Matters
It was a normal Friday afternoon for WBHM’s Andrew Yeager when an email popped up in his inbox. It was from Camila Domonoske, a reporter with NPR in Washington. She was working on an obituary and had a quick question for Andrew. She explained her story was related to a piece he did a few years ago. […]
Why I Support WBHM: Jacob Long
Birmingham resident Jacob Long started listening to WBHM for one simple reason: he wanted to learn more about the 2016 presidential primary. “I wanted to know what was going on and have a basis for my opinion and just wanted to become a more informed citizen,” says Long. Long says he fell in love with […]
Blazer Fans Eager for the Return of UAB Football
UAB Football fans are eager for the season to start, the first since the program was revived two years ago.
