Andrew Yeager
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.
Andrew wants to know what's on your mind. Let him know what issues you'd like to see the WBHM newsroom covering.
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.
How To Handle A Summer With COVID-19
The Memorial Day weekend is here, but the coronavirus hasn't gone away. What to consider when thinking about the summer ahead.
Pandemic Complicates Preparations for Hurricane Season
Hurricane season in the Deep South is nothing new. But hurricane season with a pandemic? That is different.
Pepper Place Farmers Market Becomes A Drive-thru For The Pandemic
The crowds of the Market at Pepper Place have given way to a line of cars for safety's sake during the pandemic.
Alabama General Fund Budget Heads To Governor
Alabama lawmakers passed the General Fund budget Thursday. It now heads to Gov. Kay Ivey.
Some Sheriffs Say They Won’t Enforce Alabama’s Coronavirus Order
Alabama has allowed many retailers to reopen at limited capacity, but businesses such as gyms, nail salons and barbershops remain closed to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Some sheriffs said they won’t enforce the statewide order.
Alabama Lawmakers Return To Pass Budgets After Extended Coronavirus Break
Alabama lawmakers return to Montgomery Monday after an extended break because of the coronavirus pandemic. Republicans want to pass the budgets quickly. Democrats want to wait.
Retailers And Beaches Allowed Conditional Reopening As Ivey Eases Stay-At-Home Order
Gov. Kay Ivey says retailers and public beaches can reopen under certain conditions as she relaxes a stay-at-home order issued to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
COVID-19 Restrictions Not Slowing Work For Divorce Lawyers
Courtrooms are quieter because of the coronavirus. But divorce lawyers have found ways to keep working.
Is Stay-in-Place Currently A Wise Policy For Alabama?
There's a tension between the social distancing measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and the economic cost that's causing. The Harvard Club of Birmingham took up that issue in a formal debate this week.
Frustration And Anxiety While Waiting for Unemployment Benefits To Arrive
More than 285,000 Alabamians have filed for unemployment benefits in the last month as the coronavirus outbreak has forced layoffs and furloughs. Many applicants have yet to receive any money.
Parenting Hotline Shows The Rising Stress Of Coronavirus At Home
Parenting is hard enough as it is, much less during the coronavirus crisis. A parental hotline offers help for those stressing out over their kids.
Alabama Labor Department Urges Patience For Unemployment Claims
Alabama has seen a record number of unemployment claims because of the coronavirus. The state Department of Labor is trying to keep up.
Birmingham Extends Shelter-In-Place Order Through April
“People need to remember that people are dying, that this has the potential to continue to spread,” Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin says. “If you can’t take this serious[ly] and police yourself, then we will gladly assist and help you.”
Three Mini Stories To Make You Smile During The COVID-19 Crisis
There's so much news about the coronavirus it can be overwhelming. So here are three bright moments in the midst of the pandemic.
Birmingham Could Be Two Weeks Away From NYC COVID-19 Rates
The coronavirus pandemic in Alabama is not as bad as hot spots elsewhere in the country, but public health officials expect that to change.
Making Sense Of Alabama’s Coronavirus Numbers
Alabama's coronavirus numbers don't always seem to line up. What's going on?
Alabama Orders Nonessential Businesses Closed Due To Coronavirus
The Alabama Department of Public Health has ordered nonessential businesses closed in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Alabama Schools Chief Explores Ways To Teach Students During An ‘Incomplete Year’
State education leaders are trying to figure out how to teach students in an era of coronavirus.
Sunday Church Drive-In Style In The Coronavirus Age
Large gatherings are banned due to coronavirus, so churches can't meet as usual. One Alabama church tried a drive-in service.
UAB Infectious Disease Expert With COVID-19 Says “Stay Home”
University of Alabama at Birmingham AIDS researcher Dr. Michael Saag says he's tested positive for coronavirus. He made his diagnosis public in an effort to raise awareness of how to fight the disease.
Doug Jones: ‘We Don’t Want To Overrun This System.’
U.S. Sen. Doug Jones says everyone has to do their part to fight the spread of the coronavirus. Congress is working on relief packages to support the medical community and address the economic fallout.
Uncertainty Around Coronavirus Hits The Travel Industry Hard
Usually this time of year, families are gearing up for spring break trips. But coronavirus has people canceling plans, putting significant pressure on the travel industry.
Alabama Lawmakers Approve $5 Million For Coronavirus Response
Coronavirus grabbed the attention of state lawmakers this week. And bills related to the prison system and medical marijuana advanced.
Alabama Republican Senate Contest Headed To A Runoff
The race for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate is headed to a runoff. Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions and former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville will face off March 31st.
Officials Say Anniston Facility Not Designed To Hold Coronavirus Patients
State and local leaders say they were justified in pushing back against a plan to bring Americans infected with the coronavirus disease to a facility in Anniston. They say there weren't enough details known.
