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.
Voters Could Change How Education Leaders Are Picked In Alabama
When Alabama voters go the polls on March 3rd, they’ll be voting on a constitutional amendment that changes the state board of education. Currently board members are elected. If Amendment One is approved, the governor would appoint school board members.
New Exhibit Features Artwork From Alabama Inmates
The issues around Alabama's troubled prison system are complex, but a new exhibit featuring artwork by Alabama inmates hopes to generate a different conversation.
Payday Lending, Transgender Athlete Bills Go Nowhere in Alabama Legislature
A number of bills had difficulty moving forward in the second week of this year's Alabama legislative session.
Firehouse Ministries Opens New Homeless Shelter
For almost 40 years, Firehouse Ministries has offered shelter at its downtown Birmingham building. Thursday the non-profit cut the ribbon on a new facility.
How One Climate Scientist Reconciles Her Faith with Global Warming
Some might consider Katharine Hayhoe a walking paradox. She’s an atmospheric scientist who believes in human-caused climate change and an evangelical Christian. And to her, neither of those facets are at odds.
Gov. Ivey to Touch on the Census, Prisons and Education in State of the State Address
Ivey offered the preview during a speech Friday at the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama’s annual meeting in Birmingham. She says this year’s federal census is “make or break” for Alabama, in part because the state is at risk of losing a congressional seat.
Medical Marijuana Bill Expected in Upcoming Alabama Legislative Session
Alabama lawmakers start this year’s legislative session Tuesday and one item expected to come up is legalizing medical marijuana.
Report Says Better Collaboration Needed to Produce Enough Qualified Workers for Alabama
A report released this week says education and business needs to collaborate better to ensure Alabama has enough qualified workers for employers.
Opera Birmingham’s ‘Independence Eve’ Tackles Racial Themes
Conversations about race are often fraught and complicated. A production this weekend in Birmingham tackles that topic through opera. "Independence Eve" is a contemporary work staged by Opera Birmingham.
Doug Jones Weighs in on Trump Impeachment
When the U.S. Senate returns from the holiday break, there will be one overriding issue: impeachment. Democratic U.S. Senator Doug Jones shares his thoughts on this and other actions on Capitol Hill.
Church Fundraiser Forgives Millions in Medical Debt
A Mountain Brook church raised enough money to help pay off medical debt for thousands of Alabama families.
Aniah Blanchard Remembered for Smiles, Laughter and Encouragement
Friends and family remembered Aniah Blanchard Saturday, a Homewood native who was abducted and killed this fall. Speakers at the funeral told of her caring nature and her faith.
Proposed Center for Birmingham’s Civil Rights District Draws Skepticism
A proposed $40 million development in Birmingham's civil rights district is being received with caution in some parts of the community.
Schools Cancel After-School Activities due to Expected Severe Weather
As severe weather moves toward Alabama, several school districts are closing early.
John Archibald says Former Birmingham Water Works Board President’s Sentence a Slap on the Wrist
Sherry Lewis, the former chair of the Birmingham Water Works Board, will not go to prison despite being convicted of two felony ethics charges. A judge sentenced Lewis Thursday.
Sloss Furnaces Marks Alabama’s Bicentennial with the Children’s Bell
Industrialization is a major part of Alabama’s history and perhaps the most visible reminder of that in Birmingham is Sloss Furnaces. The historic site is marking the bicentennial with an object in line with that past of iron and steel: the Alabama Bicentennial Children’s Bell.
Buttigieg Calls for Pay Equity During Visit to Birmingham
Democratic presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg spoke about economic and racial inequality at a community leaders meeting in Birmingham Wednesday. It was part of a multi-day campaign swing through the South.
Bradford Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit
The family of Emantic “EJ” Bradford Jr., a young black man killed by a Hoover police officer a year ago, filed a federal civil rights lawsuit Friday over his death. Attorneys for the family allege the officer did not follow proper procedure.
New UAB Initiative Seeks to Improve Health Statewide
Alabama often ends up at the bottom in health rankings on indicators such as obesity and high blood pressure. A new initiative launching Tuesday aims to pull Alabama out of the bottom ten among states over the next decade.
Crime Down in Birmingham So Far in 2019
Birmingham is getting safer according to Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. He says the latest statistics show many crimes are down compared to a year ago.
What Climate Change Could Mean for Alabama’s Coast
Climate change has far reaching effects. A new series from Birmingham Watch looks at what climate change could mean for Alabama's coast.
What to Expect at the Alabama-LSU Game with Trump in Attendance
The Alabama Crimson Tide and the LSU Tigers, the top two teams in college football, will clash at Bryant-Denny Stadium. On top of that, President Donald Trump will be there.
How Trump Factors into Jeff Sessions’ Senate Run
Former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions is expected to join a long list of Republicans who want to be Alabama's next U.S. Senator.
Federal Judge Blocks Alabama Abortion Law
A federal judge has blocked Alabama’s near-total abortion ban, which was set to go into effect next month. The preliminary injunction will remain in effect until the “court resolves the case in full.”
Randi Pink’s Latest Novel Tackles Teen Pregnancy
Randi Pink's latest young adult novel “Girls Like Us” follows four teenage girls, three of whom are pregnant. The story’s set in 1972, a year before the Roe v. Wade U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide.
UAB Sees Opportunity with Precision Medicine
Many observers say UAB is well-positioned to lead a new front called precision medicine, especially in the area of cancer care.
New Park Opens in Birmingham Area Ravaged by Tornado Eight Years Ago
Birmingham’s newest park opened Friday in an area devastated by a tornado eight years ago. The new "One Pratt Park” is a six acre, $8 million park in the Pratt City community.
Talladega Superspeedway Turns 50
Tens of thousands of fans are expected to pour into the Talladega Superspeedway for the big stock car race this weekend. It will also be a celebration of the iconic track’s 50th anniversary.
Alabama, Business and Brexit
There’s a lot of unrest around politics in Washington right now, and it’s the same in the United Kingdom as the clock is ticking on a Brexit deal. Andrew Staunton in the UK’s representative in the American South and he visited Birmingham recently.
What’s the Future of Legion Field?
It won’t be long before construction starts on the planned Protective Stadium at the BJCC in downtown Birmingham. It’s expected to be finished in 2021. That brings up a big question: what happens to Birmingham’s current stadium, Legion Field?
New Book Chronicles History of Ruffner Mountain
Birmingham owes its existence to mining. But as coal and iron faded in importance, some of those old mines have gone “back to nature.” The new book "Back to Nature: A History of Birmingham’s Ruffner Mountain" chronicles the history of the vast nature preserve.
Doug Jones Says He’s Not Attacking the State Democratic Party, He’s Rebuilding It
U.S. Senator Doug Jones says he is trying to rebuild the Alabama Democratic Party, not destroy it. That’s in response to criticism leveled at him by state party chairwoman Nancy Worley. It’s also the latest turn in a leadership fight that’s embroiled Alabama Democrats.
