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.

Will COVID Cancel Halloween? Not Necessarily.

Public health leaders say Halloween celebrations can happen, but with adjustments.

What You Can Do About Election Disinformation

Disinformation this election is not just about Russia. But there are ways to be on guard.

Jones Hopes To Defy Political Odds Again

Democratic U.S. Sen. Doug Jones won a special election in deeply conservative Alabama in 2017. He maintains he can do it again in November.

Doug Jones: Supreme Court Nomination Is ‘A Political Power Play’

Debate over the future of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's seat is the latest political clash. The divide is reflected in Alabama too.

New Book From NPR’s Guy Raz Draws Lessons From Entrepreneurs

The podcast "How I Built This" follows entrepreneurs' ups and downs. In his new book, Guy Raz shares what he's gleaned from inspiring company founders and reflects on his own life.

Officials Urge Residents to Stay Away As Hurricane Sally Cleanup Begins

One person died from the storm as forecasters warn rivers will remain flooded into the weekend.

Poets Reflect On Six Months Of Pandemic

Several Alabama poets share their experiences and works inspired by the coronavirus pandemic.

Remembering An Alabamian Driven To Figure Out How Things Worked

Fred Bischoff worked hard and played hard. The devoted family man a died in June from COVID-19.

Ivey Extends Face Mask Order Through Oct. 2

State officials caution the downward trend in coronavirus infections might reverse itself if the mask order is lifted.

Alabama’s Census Leader Hopes For A “Second Wind” To Boost Census Participation

Time is running out on the census and Alabama is below the average among states for people who have filled out their forms.

A Year In The Life Of A Dying Alabama Mall

The Jasper Mall takes the spotlight in a documentary playing at the Sidewalk Film Festival later this month.

This Year’s Sidewalk Film Festival Becomes A Drive-In

The annual event will move from its home in downtown Birmingham to a drive-in theater in Leeds.

Local Districts Will Decide High School Sports Plans

Recommendations around high school sports this fall largely mirror public health guidelines, but the Alabama High School Athletic Association leaves the details to schools.

Alabama Secretary Of State: There Will Be No Delay In Reporting November Election Results

Demand for absentee ballots is expected to surge because of the pandemic. Secretary of State John Merrill is confident election officials can handle the increase.

Investigation Finds Most Judges Who Break Laws Or Ethics Rules Don’t Lose Their Jobs

A recent investigation by Reuters also finds Alabama's system for tackling judicial misconduct makes it harder to discipline judges than in most other states.

First Black American To Lead Birmingham Business Alliance

Kenneth Coleman starts Monday as the new president and CEO of the Birmingham Business Alliance.

Jones Expects Competitive Senate Race With Tuberville

The race for U.S. Senate is set between incumbent Democrat Doug Jones and Republican challenger Tommy Tuberville. Jones believes he can win despite Alabama's conservative leanings.

Analysis: Trump’s Endorsement Helped Tuberville Win Amid Low Turnout

Tommy Tuberville defeated Jeff Sessions to win the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in Tuesday's runoff election. Here's a recap of the race and a look at what to expect in the months ahead.

Alabama’s Budgets In Good Shape Despite Economic Hit From The Pandemic

Unemployment skyrocketed in Alabama and the economy sputtered after shutdowns prompted by the coronavirus pandemic. Still Alabama’s two budgets are on reasonably good footing.

It’s Sessions Vs. Tuberville In Tuesday’s Republican Runoff For Senate

Republican voters will decide Tuesday who will go up against Democrat Doug Jones in the race for U.S. Senate.

An Update On The Pandemic’s Effect On WBHM

We don’t often turn the spotlight on ourselves, but the last four months at WBHM have been unlike any other time in the station’s history thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. In advance of WBHM's one-day fund drive, we hear from station's executive director Chuck Holmes on how COVID-19 has affected WBHM.

Ivey Extends COVID-19 Health Order Through July

Gov. Ivey extended a public health order aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus. It would have expired Friday.

First Woman To Lead The Episcopal Diocese Of Alabama

The Episcopal Diocese of Alabama will consecrate Rev. Glenda Curry as a new bishop on Saturday. She's the first woman to hold the position.

Sessions Calls On Birmingham To Reinstate Agreements With Church Of The Highlands

U.S. Senate candidate Jeff Sessions says the Birmingham Board of Education and Birmingham Housing Authority's decision to end agreements with the church is unconstitutional.

Gov. Ivey Has Been Quiet On COVID-19. Does It Matter?

Unlike some other governors, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has kept a very low profile during the coronavirus pandemic, only rarely acknowledging it. But what difference does that make?

Former Governor Turns Attention to Criminal Justice System Following Release From Prison

Former Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman maintains he is innocent despite a federal bribery conviction. In a new book he says changes are needed to how prosecutors operate.

County Officials Hope New State Intake Procedures For Inmates Relieves Pandemic Pressure

Inmate transfers from county jails to the state prison system have been reduced because of the pandemic. Local officials say that needs to change or county jails will be in crisis.

Alabama COVID-19 Hospitalizations Hit Record High

There are more Alabamians hospitalized for the coronavirus than at any point during the pandemic. UAB's Dr. Rachael Lee explains why.

State Lawmaker Calls For New Leadership Of Troubled Prison System

The Alabama Department of Corrections faces a Friday deadline to outline a plan to meet court-ordered staffing goals. State Rep. Chris England says the prison system needs new leadership.

Finding A Way Forward In Birmingham After Violence And Destruction

A Confederate monument has been removed from downtown Birmingham. The city also suffered damage to downtown buildings after protests turned violent. Rev. Thomas Wilder, who leads the church once led by Birmingham civil rights figure Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, shares his perspective on these events and moving forward.

Birmingham’s Civil Rights History Front And Center At Rally For George Floyd

Speakers at a rally in downtown Birmingham referenced the city's history of nonviolent protest as they responded to the death of George Floyd, who died after being arrested by police in Minneapolis Monday.

Jefferson County Encourages More Coronavirus Testing As Cases Jump Statewide

The number of new coronavirus cases is rising in Alabama. Meanwhile, Jefferson County’s Health Department says some asymptomatic people should get checked.