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.
From Birmingham to Israel
Margaret Duvdevani lives in an area grabbing headlines currently, but not for positive reasons. The Birmingham native graduated from college, hopped around Europe, married an Israeli and settled in Israel 30 years ago. A medical technician by training she lives in a farming community in southern Israel, three miles from the Gaza Strip. Duvdevani is visiting Birmingham this month to share her perspective on the latest clash between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. She told WBHM's Andrew Yeager this conflict is different than previous ones.
Councilman Johnathan Austin
The newest member of the Birmingham City Council is young, just 29, and a newcomer to politics. He says he's eager to bring positive change to the city. But in his first few weeks on the council, Johnathan Austin has faced a number of questions -- most notably questions surrounding a 2003 guilty plea for a misdemeanor marijuana charge. That fact didn't emerge until after Austin was appointed to the council. He says the council never asked him about it, but WBHM's Andrew Yeager asked Austin why he didn't volunteer the information.
Magic City Marketplace
The Birmingham marketplace is connected by people who have to grapple with numbers and projections and spin. We try and slice through the psychobabble that can be business news with our occasional segment featuring the editor of the Birmingham Business Journal.
Anniston Update
Every month we'll hear from the staff of The Anniston Star about an issue of importance to the community around Anniston and Calhoun County. Join WBHM's Andrew Yeager for these engaging conversations.
John Archibald: Plugged
Our weekly segment features The Birmingham News columnist John Archibald, discussing the city politic (and county and state politic too). Instead of being unplugged as he is in the newspaper, we offer him a bullhorn. Sort of.
Considering Faith: Emuna
Religion has inspired art in the western world for centuries. Da Vinci's 'The Last Supper' or Michelangelo's 'David' are just two examples. In Birmingham, one group of artists is also drawing on religion, but not so much for inspiration - rather as a platform for discussion. WBHM's Andrew Yeager introduces us to Emuna
Considering Faith: Pulpit Politics
One principle which has shaped American democracy is the separation of church and state. Thomas Jefferson used the phrase a "wall of separation" and through the years courts and legislatures have shaped what that wall looks like. Now one group has made a specific challenge to that boundary, saying the federal government is preventing pastors from speaking their minds on politics. One part of that battle is in an Alabama church as we hear in the first installment of our series Considering Faith. WBHM's Andrew Yeager reports
Election Day Tips
It almost seems like it would never come. We're finally just a day away from the 2008 election. Record turnout and long lines are expected in Alabama. So before you go to cast your ballot, WBHM's Andrew Yeager has a few things to keep in mind for the occasion.
2008 Constitutional Amendments
When voters go to the polls tomorrow, they'll get to choose who will be in the White House for the next four years, as well as congressional, local government and judicial seats. In Alabama, there are also a number of constitutional amendments to consider. We have an overview from WBHM's Andrew Yeager and Tanya Ott.
Electing Judges?
Alabama has a history of expensive and nasty races for the state supreme court. This election cycle has done nothing to change that reputation. But Alabamians will select other judges on this year's ballot too, leaving some to wonder if these men and women personifying fairness and impartiality should even be elected. WBHM's Andrew Yeager reports.
Stock Market Perspective
If there's a singular image of the American economy in action, it's perhaps the frenzied floor of the New York Stock Exchange. The opening bell rings, traders shout and stock prices rise and fall. It's familiar territory for William Johnston. Johnston is the former head of the exchange. He spoke at Samford University Thursday. As Johnston finished his tenure at the exchange in late 2001, the financial world was rocked by accounting scandals at Enron and Worldcom. WBHM's Andrew Yeager asked if there are any similarities between that market turmoil and what we're seeing today.
My City Was Gone
Have an unexplained phenomenon, unusual behavior or an unexpected baby boom? You can always declare, "There must be something in the water." But for the Anniston community, this is not simply an innocuous cliche. Dumping decades ago by the Monsanto corporation has left Anniston with elevated levels of PCBs, a chemical banned since the 70s, but blamed for high rates of cancer and birth defects in the east Alabama town. Public outrage culminated in a legal settlement about 5 years ago which approached $800 million. Journalist Dennis Love followed the case in his book "My City Was Gone." The Anniston native spoke with WBHM's Andrew Yeager.
Alabama Economy: Regions Bank
This September is a month economists will remember like it or not. Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Lehman Brothers, Washington Mutual, Wachovia - it seems financial giant after giant just kept falling. Then yesterday, Birmingham-based Regions' stock plunged more than 40%. So what does this mean for our corner of the banking system? As we continue our series on the Alabama Economy, WBHM's Andrew Yeager looks at how Regions Bank is weathering the storm.
Vipassana Behind Bars
Just outside of Birmingham lies what's arguably Alabama's toughest prison. The maximum security Donaldson Correctional Facility holds death row inmates, murderers, rapists...the worst of the worst some might say. But in the midst of this environment, and in the Bible belt of Dixie, some inmates are practicing an incredibly intense eastern meditation from the Buddhist tradition. And it's winning fans from prisoners and prison officials alike. WBHM's Andrew Yeager reports.
Pump Prices
Drive by many gas stations around Birmingham and it's unmistakable - the cost to fill up is much higher than just a few days ago. It's little surprise then that more than 1,500 complaints about rising gas prices have flooded the Alabama Attorney General's Office since Friday. With the governor's emergency declaration prompted by Hurricane Ike, the state can now prosecute price gouging. But as Attorney General spokesman Chris Bence told WBHM's Andrew Yeager, even after weeding out cases which don't constitute price gouging, it's a long investigative process.
Bunking in Bartow
More than 12,000 people are making Alabama their temporary home today, fleeing the destruction of Hurricane Gustav. That doesn't count those who may be staying with relatives or in hotels, outside the official numbers of the state's shelters. One of those shelters is UAB's Bartow Arena. WBHM's Andrew Yeager spoke to evacuees bunking at Bartow. He heard plenty of frustration, anxiety, and anger. As well as plenty of talk about a hurricane other than Gutav.
Sewer Split
When it comes to Jefferson County's sewer debt crisis, there's a well-documented split among county commissioners. They've clashed over how to solve the problem, and now they're divided over how to even gather public input about it. WBHM's Andrew Yeager reports.
Volkswagen Goes to Tennessee
Alabama economic develop officials are understandably glum after news Volkswagen is driving past Alabama as a location for its new U.S. assembly plant. A site in Limestone County had been in the running. But the German automaker announced Tuesday Chattanooga, Tennessee, will get the $1 billion plant and the estimated 2,000 jobs that come with it. It's a rare miss for the state which already has investment from foreign car manufacturers Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Toyota and Honda. WBHM's Andrew Yeager spoke with Neil Wade, the head of Alabama's Development Office, to gauge his reaction to the announcement.
Stopping Spam
Believe it or not, those unsolicited e-mail messages called spam turn 30 this year. That first e-mail sent over a government computer network opened a floodgate, with spam now accounting for 85% of all e-mail traffic by some estimates. It's annoying, sure; but there are real costs. Which is why researchers at UAB are developing a new tool...a tool they say will help stop spam at the source. WBHM's Andrew Yeager reports.
Air Quality: Health
Nearly half of Americans breathe air which falls short of the federal government’s standards for acceptable air quality. But what does polluted air mean for our health? Continuing our weeklong […]
It’s Elementary
For filmmaker Debra Chasnoff, her work goes back to her son. It was the mid-90s, he was about to enter kindergarten and she was concerned about the teasing he'd receive because he happens to have two mothers for parents. From her concern developed, It's Elementary , a film Chasnoff produced and directed designed to combat negative stereotypes of gay and lesbian people through education. The film has generated controversy, with some public television stations not airing the program. Some of that controversy in documented in an updated version of the film, It's Still Elementary which plays Wednesday in Birmingham. WBHM's Andrew Yeager spoke with Debra Chasnoff.
Alabama Sales Tax on Food
Alabama lawmakers are on overdrive to wrap up this year's legislative session. Despite a May 19th deadline, many bills remain unresolved including one which could mean some extra cash at the grocery store. Alabama is one of just two states which charge the full state sales tax on groceries without some kind of offset for low-income families. A bill that could eliminate the state sales tax on food is stalled in the senate. WBHM's Andrew Yeager reports.
Free Bus Rides
The price of oil topped $121 a barrel, suggesting the price we pay at the pump will continue to climb as well. That's part of the reason behind Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford's proposal to eliminate fares on city buses this summer. So with gasoline prices on the rise, would free buses make a difference?
Marriage and Immigration
In Alabama, there's a new battle brewing in the immigration debate. Some counties have begun enforcing a decade-old law which requires a social security number before a marriage license can be issued. WBHM's Andrew Yeager reports.
Childcare in Birmingham
For families with young children in the Birmingham area, a report released Monday may present an already familiar reality. The survey by the non-profit Childcare Resources found the number of childcare programs in the area dropping while costs are on the rise. WBHM's Andrew Yeager spoke with Executive Director Joan Wright about this snapshot of childcare from 2003 to 2007. He began by asking what's behind that drop in the number of childcare programs.
Sister Helen Prejean
If you recognize the name Sister Helen Prejean, it's likely from the book or film "Dead Man Walking." This Roman Catholic nun's correspondence with a death row inmate inspired those works and also led her to become a leading advocate against capital punishment. Prejean is in Birmingham this evening, with a viewpoint she says has deepened through her more than two decades of advocacy. She spoke with WBHM's Andrew Yeager.
Sizwe’s Test
Federal officials announced a major overhaul Tuesday of the government's efforts to develop an AIDS vaccine. The move comes after a promising vaccine didn't work and may have put people at risk of infection. Despite the setback, AIDS research conducted across the county, including at UAB, has turned a disease of death into a chronic disease that's managed. But in sub-Saharan Africa where infection rates are highest, the image of the AIDS epidemic is much different. Journalist Jonny Steinberg traveled to a village in his native South Africa to gauge AIDS treatment away from western medical institutions. He followed Dr. Hermann Reuter of Doctors Without Borders, and Sizwe Magadla. He's a successful, healthy, charismatic young man, who despite risky behavior in his past, refuses to test for AIDS. WBHM's Andrew Yeager spoke with Jonny Steinberg.
ASO Bankruptcy Lessons
For many people, there's just something distinctive about taking in an orchestra concert. Maybe it's the feel of the auditorium or seeing the array of instruments on stage. For a time though, this orchestral thrill was not something Birmingham could offer. Fifteen years ago the Alabama Symphony Orchestra filed for bankruptcy and stayed silent for four years. While the ASO's rebirth represents hard work and dedication by many, it also contains lessons for any organization in turmoil. WBHM's Andrew Yeager continues our weeklong series on arts funding.
Kenyan Student Reaction
Talks in Kenya were temporarily suspended Thursday following the murder of Kenyan lawmaker David Too. It's just the latest act of violence in more than a month of civil unrest in that country. Demonstrations and fighting broke out following December's disputed election between President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga. For many Americans, the news is unfortunate, but not much more than a blip in a global landscape dotted with conflict. However, for Kenyans living in Birmingham the violence is very real. WBHM's Andrew Yeager spoke with several UAB students from Kenya. He found them deeply troubled but remaining hopeful.
SFS: Police Ride-along
Turn on the TV during primetime and it probably won't be long before a police officer pops up on the screen. From high tech forensic equipment on CSI to reports of shootings on the nightly news, police work seems populated with high speed car chases and "heat packing" confrontations. But is that the way it really is for someone on patrol in Birmingham? WBHM's Andrew Yeager rode along with a police officer and has this glimpse of the day-to-day routine.
