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.
Republican State Supreme Court Chief Justice Candidate Roy Moore
Voters will choose a new Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice next Tuesday. On the Republican side is a well-known name in Alabama. Roy Moore served as chief justice from 2001 to 2003. But he was ousted from that position when he refused to remove a Ten Commandments monument from the Alabama judicial building. Moore talks to WBHM’s Andrew Yeager.
Vance Responds to Allegations of Elections Violations
Democratic State Supreme Court Chief Justice candidate Bob Vance says allegations of elections violations are a distraction and a desperate effort by Republicans. Alabama Republican Party Chairman Bill Armistead held a press conference Thursday accusing Vance of failing to disclose a donation to then Senator Barack Obama’s presidential campaign in 2008.
Democratic State Supreme Court Chief Justice Candidate Bob Vance
Alabama isn’t much of a factor in the presidential election, but the race for state Supreme Court Chief Justice is shaping up to be an intriguing contest. For Democrats, Jefferson County circuit court judge Bob Vance is a late addition to the race. He spoke to WBHM's Andrew Yeager.
Cooper Green and UAB Reach Agreement on Inpatient Care
UAB Health Systems has agreed to help Cooper Green Mercy Hospital now that the county-owned facility is ending inpatient care. Jefferson County manager Tony Petelos announced at a press conference Thursday the county came to an agreement with UAB. That hospital will expand to take patients who need inpatient care.
Effort to Save Girl Scout Camp now a Legal Fight
The fight over the future of several Girl Scout camps around Alabama is entering the legal arena. WBHM has learned a former Girl Scout council president has filed a pre-suit discovery petition against the Girl Scouts of North Central Alabama. The move comes in response to the Girl Scouts’ announcement this summer that it plans to sell four of six camps, including the 87-year-old Camp Coleman near Trussville.
After Home Brewing Seizure, Confusion and Unease
Making your own beer in Alabama has always been an uneasy hobby. That’s because Alabama is one of only two states where it’s illegal to home brew. But a recent enforcement action by the state Alcohol Beverage Control Board is drawing attention to the apparent inconsistent application of the law.
NY Times Profiles Morning Edition
The New York Times has a behind the scene look at public radio's premiere program and the most-listened-to news program on the radio.
Bentley says No to Affordable Care Act
Governor Robert Bentley said Monday he won't implement part of the federal Affordable Health Care Act in Alabama. Bentley's aides announced he has sent a letter to the Obama administration saying he's an opponent of the act.
Wayne Flynt on Selma Monument Controversy
Protesters backed by several civil rights groups will march in Selma Tuesday afternoon, protesting a planned monument to Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest. The project is supposed to replace a bust of Forrest which was stolen earlier this year. While supporters say he was a military genius, Forrest was also an early Ku Klux Klan leader, making him a symbol of hate according to opponents. Alabama is no stranger to these types of conflict, so we asked for some perspective from former Auburn University history professor Wayne Flynt.
Norman Rockwell’s America
Few painters have created images as popular and as intertwined with American culture as Norman Rockwell. For decades, Rockwell produced magazine covers for the Saturday Evening Post – illustrations which are folksy, nostalgic and idealized versions of the county. And even if you don’t know anything about Rockwell, there’s a good chance you’d recognize his work. Those covers and other items go on display Sunday at the Birmingham Museum of Art. We sent WBHM’s Andrew Yeager there to get a preview.
September 18th Referendum
Voters in Alabama will go to the polls next Tuesday to vote on a referendum state leaders say is vital to the financial health of the state. The vote would authorize moving money from the Alabama Trust Fund to shore up the state’s general fund budget. That budget supports many services from child protection to prisons. But if the referendum does not pass, one of the biggest programs to feel the effects is Medicaid, as WBHM’s Andrew Yeager reports.
August 6 Morning Newscast
A former Jefferson County commissioner is transferred from federal prison and a new study says the Alabama county circuit clerks retirement plan is underfunded.
Petitions Call on APT to not air Controversial Documentary
About a dozen people including religious leaders, Alabama Public Television employees and community members delivered two petitions to the APT headquarters in Birmingham Thursday, calling on the Alabama Educational Television Commission to not air a controversial documentary series and to reinstate two top executives.
Birmingham Board Turns Down State Financial Plan, Bice Overrides
The Birmingham Board of Education voted against a state-backed plan of cuts Tuesday. But with the Birmingham City Schools under state control, State Superintendent Tommy Bice simply overrode the board. WBHM will update this unfolding story.
Tuscaloosa Shooting Updates
Tuscaloosa police have charged Nathan Van Wilkins with attempted murder in Tuesday's early morning shooting at a bar in downtown Tuscaloosa. Wilkins reportedly walked into a Jasper store and confessed. Police then took him into custody WBHM will update the story as more information is available.
Selling Camp Coleman
For many children, summer vacation means the chance to go to camp. For Girl Scouts around Birmingham that tradition is about to change. Last month, the Girl Scouts of North Central Alabama announced it would sell four of its six camps, including the 87-year old Camp Coleman. The facility in Trussville is among the oldest continually operating Girl Scout camps in the country. As WBHM’s Andrew Yeager reports, one group is trying to prevent that closure from happening.
The Labor Force Puzzle
The latest monthly unemployment numbers for Alabama are due out Friday. The state’s unemployment rate is down about 2% over the last year. While that seems like good news, there was something in the numbers which caught the attention of WBHM’s Andrew Yeager. And he went looking for an explanation.
Tornado Mental Health Update
A year ago today, deadly tornados plowed through the state of Alabama. The storms tore down buildings and took lives. More than 250 people died statewide. In hard hit Tuscaloosa County, six University of Alabama students were killed. Today’s anniversary conjures up many strong feelings for survivors. And while debris has been cleared and rebuilding continues, the emotional scars linger. But as WBHM’s Andrew Yeager reports, mental health professionals are still working on that part of recovery.
Witherspoon Keeps His Job, for now
Birmingham City Schools Superintendent Craig Witherspoon still has a job, for now. The board of education discussed the superintendent's contract at a meeting Tuesday. And while five board members have expressed opposition to Witherspoon, the board was not able properly bring the issue of terminating his contract up for a vote. Southern Education Desk reporter Dan Carson was at the meeting. He spoke with WBHM's Andrew Yeager
Cash Mobs
If you’re out shopping this weekend and the store is suddenly inundated with customers, don’t be surprised. Birmingham is the latest city to experience a phenomenon called a “cash mob” As WBHM’s Andrew Yeager reports, supporters of the concept hope it’ll have people buying local.
Alabama’s Prison Problem
Alabama faces a potential $400 million shortfall in the general fund budget this year. And that could leave the state’s already-strapped prison system at a tipping point -- so overcrowded Alabama could face the possibility of a federal lawsuit. As WBHM’s Andrew Yeager reports lawmakers are searching for ways to fix a system bursting at the seams.
The January 2012 Tornado
Residents along the north side of Birmingham are digging out after a line of storms rumbled across the state early Monday morning. A tornado killed at least two people in Jefferson County. And as WBHM’s Andrew Yeager reports, the damage is a reminder of the killer tornados which struck the state just last spring.
Remembering UAB Legend Gene Bartow
The man referred to as the father of UAB athletics has died. Gene Bartow passed away Tuesday after a two-year battle with stomach cancer. He was 81. The hall of fame coach lead teams at six universities, but it was at UAB where he really made his mark as the first mens basketball coach and first athletic director. WBHM’s Andrew Yeager has this remembrance.
Farm Guest Workers
Alabama farmers are wondering where they'll find workers for next year's growing season. They say the state’s tough immigration law has driven away much of the migrant labor they rely on. One option is for farmers to hire foreign guest workers. And as WBHM’s Andrew Yeager reports, a number of private companies stand to benefit.
Bring Your Own Parts
AAA estimates more than 42 million people will travel this Thanksgiving holiday, with most of them taking cars. Of course before you hit the road, you'll want to make sure the car's working properly. A new shop in Birmingham is offering an unusual way to fix your vehicle. You bring your own parts. WBHM’s Andrew Yeager takes a look at the potential for this business model.
What’s to Come Under Bankruptcy
Jefferson County is wading through new legal territory now that the county has filed the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history. Municipal bankruptcy is fairly rare and there's not a lot of precedent. So WBHM's Andrew Yeager sat down with Samford University law professor Mike Floyd to figure out just what's to come.
Reaction to Jefferson County Bankruptcy
Jefferson County residents are trying to figure out what's next, now that county leaders have filed the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history. The county's $4.1 billion filing is seen as closure by some. Others say the bankruptcy is an economic black eye for the entire state.
Remembering Fred Shuttlesworth
Flags are at half staff across Alabama in memory of Birmingham civil rights leader Fred Shuttlesworth. Shuttlesworth died Wednesday. He was 89. Shuttlesworth fought for integration in schools and on buses in the 1950s. He also was arrested many times. Mobs attacked him. Ku Klux Klansmen bombed his home and church. WBHM’s Andrew Yeager reflected on Shuttleworth's legacy with biographer Andrew Manis.
Deciphering Alabama’s Immigration Law
Now that a federal judge has allowed most of Alabama's tough new immigration law to go into effect, lawyers, police and immigrants themselves are trying to figure out just how the law is applied. WBHM's Andrew Yeager spoke about what some parts of the law mean with Zayne Smith. She's the immigration policy director with Alabama Appleseed.
Jefferson County’s New Health Officer
Doctor Mark Wilson says he wasn't looking for a new job, but on October first he'll take the helm of the Jefferson County Health Department as the new county health officer. Wilson has been chief of staff at Cooper Green Mercy Hospital. He says the county health department has a great track record. But Wilson takes over at a time when Jefferson County's finances are shaky. And while the department is funded through a variety of sources, Wilson tells WBHM's Andrew Yeager local tax money is in the mix.
The Sewer and the Legislature
Jefferson County Commissioners have two weeks left to reach a settlement with creditors over the county's more than three billion dollar sewer debt. Commissioners have been negotiating directly with Wall Street banks in hopes of avoiding what would be the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history. While approving a settlement is an important part of resolving the sewer debt crisis, that's not the end. As WBHM's Andrew Yeager reports, it just means a trip to Montgomery.
FEMA Payments Delayed
As the east coast dries out following Hurricane Irene, the storm is causing financial snags for Alabma. The Federal Emergency Management Agency will delay certain payments for existing disaster operations, such as rebuiling after April's tornados or the twister in Joplin, Missouri. Instead money will be directed to Hurricane Irene response. Alabama Emergency Management Director Art Faulkner says this restriction does not affect individual payments or debris clean up. It will affect longer term projects.
