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.
Showdown Over Birmingham’s Minimum Wage
The Birmingham City Council and the state legislature are in a showdown over the minimum wage. The Birmingham City Council passed an ordinance on Tuesday to raise the city's minimum wage to $10.10 an hour and make it effective Wednesday. It was an attempt to get ahead of a bill in the legislature which would prevent local governments from setting their own minimum wages. That bill has passed the House and is being considered by the Senate Thursday. We talk about the situation with Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald. He also remembers To Kill a Mocking Bird author Harper Lee, who died last week at age 89.
Business Community Watching Bills in the Alabama Legislature
With the Alabama legislative session in full swing, the business community has a number of bills they’re watching closely. These bills could have a significant effect on companies around Birmingham. We highlight a few of them in this week's Magic City Marketplace.
This Week in Montgomery: Minimum Wage, Guns in Cars and Earmarks
With the third week of the Alabama legislative session through, lawmakers have managed to pass some high-profile bills out of either the House or Senate. It's a key step if these measures are to become law. But the legislative progress doesn't debate wasn't heated. To help review the week's action is Don Dailey. He's host of Capitol Journal on Alabama Public Television. He tells WBHM's Andrew Yeager about a bill that passed the House which would prevent cities from setting their own minimum wages, a bill allowing those with concealed carry permits to keep loaded guns in the cars and a bill to un-earmark millions in state revenue.
Hoover Could Use Zoning to Block Apartments
Zoning hearings can often be the white noise of local government, but zoning decisions do have a great effect on how cities develop. The Hoover Planning and Zoning Commission made a recommendation last week to rezone 273 acres along Interstate 459 from apartment use to commercial. The Hoover City Council could consider the change next month. It's a change that represents more than a simple government reclassification. Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald talks about the Hoover situation and about perceptions of rising crime around Birmingham.
Why this Coal Industry Downturn may be Different
Alabama’s coal industry has faced its ups and downs through the decades. It’s clearly down now. Walter Energy, for instance, is embroiled in bankruptcy. While the industry has bounced back before, this time might be different. That’s where we start this week’s Magic City Marketplace.
Statewide Amendment One
Primary voters going to the polls March 1 will see one statewide ballot measure to amend the Alabama Constitution. Amendment One deals with retirement for future district attorneys and circuit […]
Keeping up with South Carolina and a Political “What if”
Whether it's grades in school or keeping up with the Joneses, it's hard not to compare yourself to others. States aren't immune from that tendency either. For years, Alabama found itself ahead of South Carolina on measures such as jobs and population. That's no longer the case. We talk about what to take away from that comparison with Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald. He also talks about a political "what if" that happened 50 years ago this week.
Governor Talks Poverty Reduction, Prisons in Birmingham Speech
Governor Robert Bentley spoke about reducing poverty, improving rural healthcare and consolidating prisons in a speech Friday afternoon in Birmingham at the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama’s annual meeting. The remarks were largely a recap of his State of the State Address on Tuesday.
Governor’s Speech Creates Budget Confusion
Montgomery is buzzing now that the Alabama legislature is back in session. Governor Robert Bentley entered the fray Tuesday night with his State of the State Address. The governor offered a long list of proposals including tearing down and building new prisons, free community college tuition for low-income students, increased broadband access and incentives to improve healthcare for rural areas. The question of how to pay for all of this is mostly unanswered. Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald says this just creates confusion around the state's budget.
Birmingham City Council Split Over I-20/59 Bridge Replacement Project
Birmingham City Council President Jonathan Austin withdrew a resolution today expressing opposition to a plan from the state transportation department to rebuild and expand Interstate 20-59 through downtown Birmingham. Critics of the plan say it cuts off neighborhoods from the city center, blunts economic development and that alternatives should be explored.
Join WBHM for State of the State Address
WBHM in partnership with Alabama Public Television will broadcast Governor Robert Bentley's State of the State Address this evening. The governor is scheduled to speak at 6:30 p.m. in the Old House Chamber of the State Capitol. The governor will outline his agenda for the legislative session which starts today. WBHM will also carry the Democratic response from Rep. Darrio Melton of Selma.
Majority of Alabamians Willing to Pay More for Education and Healthcare
A majority of Alabamians believe key state services are not adequately funded and would be willing to pay more in taxes to avoid cuts in education and healthcare for the poor and elderly. That’s among the findings of an annual public opinion survey conducted by the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama.
Election Fear…Over the Candidates
Surveys show voters are anxious this election cycle. NPR’s Mara Liasson reported earlier this week that issues such as stalled economic progress, terrorism and demographic shifts have people on edge. Seems the candidates themselves could be added to the list.
State Job Cuts and Reflections on Witnessing an Execution
Alabama lawmakers start the 2016 regular legislative session next week. They'll be talking about money and budgets and they'll be looking at a state payroll down nine percent since 2010. As state coffers took a hit post-recession, many agencies let people go. But most of the pain has not come from the top. Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald talks about the job cuts. He also reflects on witnessing executions as the state executes its first inmate in more than two years.
Self-taught Alabama Artist Thornton Dial has Died
The self-taught, African-American artist Thornton Dial has died at his home in Bessemer. He was 87.
We Want to Hear from You about the Election!
We want you…to help with a political reporting project. Here’s what it’s about. As the election season heats up, surveys report voters across party lines are feeling anxious and angry. Issues such as stalled economic progress, terrorism and demographic shifts have people on edge.
Alabama’s Aging Infrastructure
Many economic development groups in Alabama consider infrastructure such as roads, bridges and railways essential for spurring growth and jobs. But when it comes to assessments of the state’s infrastructure, Alabama scores poorly. That’s where we start the conversation in this week’s Magic City Marketplace.
Alabama’s Death Penalty System Faces New Scrutiny
Alabama executed a death row inmate Thursday evening for the first time in more than two years.Christopher Brooks died by lethal injection for the 1992 rape and murder of a Homewood woman. But Alabama’s death penalty system is facing new scrutiny after a U.S. Supreme Court decision this month overturning Florida’s process.
Jefferson County Groups Engaging in Unseemly Endorsement Process
Republican presidential contender Donald Trump grabbed headlines this week with the endorsement of former vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin. Alabama-based organizations are rolling out their endorsements too. But one Birmingham group is going about endorsing candidates in a way that very clearly reveals the ugly underbelly of politics. To explain is Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald.
Calls for Hubbard to Step Aside Show Split Within Alabama GOP
Alabama lawmakers are set to being their 2016 regular session in less than three weeks. Presumably leading the House will be Speaker Mike Hubbard. That's despite the fact Hubbard faces trial in March on corruption charges. But this past weekend a Republican Party committee approved a resolution calling on Hubbard to suspend his leadership position. We talk about the move with Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald. He also offers some hope sparked by the reopening of the Lyric Theatre in downtown Birmingham.
Birmingham Mayor Delivers State of the City Address
Birmingham Mayor William Bell says the city is experiencing a renaissance. That’s the message Bell offered Tuesday in his State of the City address given to the Kiwanis Club of Birmingham.
Alabama Republican Committee Calls on House Speaker to Suspend Leadership Position
The Alabama Republican Party Steering Committee passed a resolution Sunday calling on House Speaker Mike Hubbard, who is awaiting trial on 23 felony ethics charges, to suspend his leadership position.
A College Football Edition of Magic City Marketplace
University of Alabama fans are pulling for a win in tonight’s national college football championship game in Phoenix. Meanwhile, Auburn University finished its season much closer to home in the Birmingham Bowl last month. This year’s bowl game drew almost 60,000 to Legion Field. That’s something city leaders cheered, but they also put a lot of money into the game. We talk about that this week’s Magic City Marketplace.
Probate Judges Caught Between Competing Orders on Gay Marriage
Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore says probate judges should not be issuing marriage licenses to gay couples despite a U.S. Supreme Court decision last year legalizing same-sex marriage. Moore's order released yesterday says an earlier state-level directive is still in effect and suggests the U.S. Supreme Court decision only applies to the states specifically mentioned in the case. A few probate judges have stopped issuing marriage licenses pending advice from attorneys. Jefferson and Montgomery counties' probate judges say they'll continue to grant licenses to all couples. Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald talks about the situation.
Bentley Calls on Congressional Delegation to Fight Obama Order on Guns
Alabama Governor Robert Bentley is calling on the state’s congressional delegation to fight President Obama’s executive order on guns. Bentley released a statement Monday evening.
What to Watch for in 2016 Birmingham Business
With 2015 in the books, a new year lies ahead with hopes and possibilities. To kick off another year of Magic City Marketplace, Birmingham Business Journal editor Cindy Fisher Crawford explains what to watch for in 2016 as it relates to Alabama’s business community.
What Will 2017 Bring for Birmingham’s Economy?
We talk about what is expected in the Birmingham area economy in this week's Magic City Marketplace.
A Year-end Political Review with Columnist John Archibald
Alabama politics had a busy 2015. It's a year that saw the return of UAB's football program, the legalization of gay marriage and the end of Governor Robert Bentley's marriage. The year provided a steady stream of fodder for Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald. He looks back over those key stories.
Those Economic Impact Studies Don’t Always Add Up
We hear politicians touting economic impact numbers for football games, proposed stadiums or a new factory. But those numbers may not match what happens in reality.
Birmingham Council President Racks Up $18,000 in Cell Phone Fees
Birmingham City Council President Johnathan Austin has taken many trips to conventions and meetings on the taxpayers' dime, but city coffers haven't just paid for his hotel rooms. Austin has racked up more than $18,000 in international roaming fees on his cell phone and other electronic devices. Alabama Media Group columnist John Archibald talks about the situation.
Severe Weather Expected Wednesday Across Alabama
National Weather Service forecasters say strong storms will pop up across Alabama today bringing heavy rain, the potential for golf ball-sized hail and possibly tornados. The greatest risk is north of Interstate 59 but severe weather could still affect portions of the state to the south.
Birmingham’s Forgotten Innovation District
Drive along First Avenue North, just on the other side of the railroad tracks from Regions Field downtown, and you might notice Innovation Depot. This is a business incubator that’s done a lot in recent years to spur entrepreneurship in Birmingham. But it’s actually part of a larger innovation district. Most people haven't heard of Birmingham's innovation district, but some city boosters say it is finally ready to take off. We talk about that in this week’s Magic City Marketplace.
