APR News Reports

Ala. Midwives Look To Be Included As A Birthing Option

bcain@apr.org — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The Alabama legislature is facing issues like the budget, charter schools, and a new ethics policy. But lawmakers are also being asked to legalize the work of the state's midwives. For thirty years it's been illegal for an expectant mother to get this kind of care. Now one group is speaking out. Alabama Public Radio's Daniel Cherry reports

Monday Legislative Check: Bob Martin (2/8/10)

bcain@apr.org — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Each week we talk with an Alabama journalist who covers the Alabama Legislature. This week (2/8/10), Alabama Public Radio's Brett Tannehill talks with Montgomery Independent publisher Bob Martin ...

Ala. Considers Charter Schools

bcain@apr.org — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Lawmakers are wrestling with a number of school related issues as the education budget remains uncertain. One issue is whether or not to allow charter schools in Alabama. Alabama Public Radio's Ryan Vasquez reports this could mean more federal stimulus dollars for the state.

Monday Legislative Check: Bob Martin

bcain@apr.org — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Each Monday morning during the 2010 Legislature, we like to find out what your elected representatives are talking about. Today, Morning Edition host Brandon Hollingsworth speaks with Bob Martin, editor of the Montgomery Independent.

Legend of the Bottle Tree - commentary Kathryn Tucker Windham

bcain@apr.org — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

This month we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of storyteller Kathryn Tucker Windham's Friday morning commentaries here on Alabama Public Radio. Today, we'll hear one her most well-known stories, which has helped spread the legend of bottle trees ...<

25 Years of Stories - commentary Kathryn Tucker Windham

bcain@apr.org — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

It was 25 years ago this month that commentator storyteller Kathryn Tucker Windham joined our Morning Edition program, adding her unique take on Alabama's people, places and culture. Her stories are unscripted and straight from the heart ... and so are her thoughts this morning on her Silver Anniversary ...

PCOS rates higher in Alabama

bcain@apr.org — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

One of the most common causes of infertility is a disease that doctors say occurs more often here in Alabama. The illness is called Polycystic Ovarian syndrome or P-C-O-S. It affects as many as 10 percent of American women. Alabama Public Radio reporter, Alisa Beckwith-Ayilliath takes a look at this illness.

Proposed Federal Shield Law Draws Local Opposition

bcain@apr.org — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Congress is considering a bill that would establish federal protections for journalists from being forced to reveal confidential sources. That 'qualified privilege' is considered critical to maintaining the media's ability to cover controversial stories the public needs to hear. But there are concerns, and an Alabama lawmaker is at the forefront of the opposition. Alabama Public Radio's Brett Tannehill reports ...

Alabama: The Immigrant Experience, Part III

bcain@apr.org — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

A 2007 Census Dept. update puts the state's immigrant population at 137-thousand. This week, producer Pamela Tran takes us back through the journey of three immigrants to Alabama. In the year 2000 the top immigrant populations in both Alabama and Mississippi were Mexicans, at nearly 28 percent. In the third and final installment of "Alabama: The Immigrant Experience," we'll hear from one of those immigrants from Mexico.

Alabama: The Immigrant Experience, Part II

bcain@apr.org — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

A 2007 Census Dept. update puts the state's immigrant population at 137-thousand. This week, producer Pamela Tran takes us back through the journey of three immigrants to Alabama. In the second part of our series, you'll meet Trung Trieu, who came on one of those boats with about 200 refugees from Vietnam.

Alabama: The Immigrant Experience, Part I

bcain@apr.org — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

A 2007 Census Dept. update puts the state's immigrant population at 137-thousand. This week, producer Pamela Tran takes us back through the journey of three immigrants to Alabama. The first part of our series will introduce you to Lothar Nafz, a German who originally came to Alabama with Mercedes.

Univ. of Alabama Seizes 13th National Football Title

bcain@apr.org — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The Alabama won its 13th college football national championship yesterday in grand fashion. The Crimson Tide defeated the Texas Longhorns 37-21 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Alabama Public Radio's Brett Tannehill reports.

Alabama Baseball Cap Factory Awaits Its Fate

bcain@apr.org — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

If you watched the B-C-S Championship game on television last night, the sea of crimson red hats likely contained more than a few made by New Era. Same goes for any Major League Baseball game. The Alabama plant that makes those caps is wondering if it will be around for another season. Morning Edition host Brandon Hollingsworth found out why.

Ala. Post Cards From California

bcain@apr.org — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

Southern California took on a Southern flavor this week as fans of Alabama and Texas football gathered from across the country for college football's National Championship game. Alabama Public Radio's Brett Tannehill reports.

Concussions in Youth Sports Pt. 3

bcain@apr.org — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The Crimson Tide takes on the Texas Longhorns tonight in the Rose Bowl for the BCS College football championship. Alabama Public Radio is in Pasadena for the event looking at a number of stories facing today's athletes including concussions. Yesterday, we looked at what it costs to protect athletes from concussions. Today, Alabama Public Radio's Ryan Vasquez looks at what's being done to make concussion safety "second nature" among coaches and players

Concussions In Youth Sports Pt. 2

bcain@apr.org — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The Crimson Tide heads to the Rose Bowl this week to face the Texas Longhorns for the BCS College football championship. Alabama Public Radio will be in Pasadena for the event. Yesterday, we looked at the heightened awareness of concussions at the college and professional levels of football. Today, Alabama Public Radio's Ryan Vasquez looks at what it costs to protect athletes from concussions.

Concussions In Youth Sports Pt.1

bcain@apr.org — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT

The Crimson Tide heads to the Rose Bowl this week to face the Texas Longhorns for the BCS College football championship. Alabama Public Radio will be in Pasadena for the event. One topic that's hot among college and pro football teams is concussions. Players at both levels have missed time due to this type of injury. Alabama Public Radio's Ryan Vasquez takes a look at how the heightened awareness of concussions has trickled down to the high school and youth levels of football.

The Race to Replace Lee Fite

bcain@apr.org — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Early next year, a special election will be held in an east Alabama state House district. Five Republicans, one Democrat and an Independent are running for a seat that could help Democrats hold on to power in Montgomery, or help Republicans gain more solid footing. APR Morning Edition host Brandon Hollingsworth reports.

Selma Makes Education History

bcain@apr.org — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

There's a new Selma City School Board in town and it's got some tough issues to tackle. The recent runoff election was a sign of that. Local educators hope to find a way to live with an old history that is tied to a new reality. Alabama Public Radio's Brett Tannehill reports ...

Tri State Water Talks To Include Legislatures

bcain@apr.org — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Formal negotiations over the last 12 years of the Tri State Water Dispute have some very high and low points. The Governors of Alabama, Florida and Georgia are expressing renewed optimism a water sharing deal was in sight ... but now there's a new twist to the talks. Alabama Public Radio's Brett Tannehill reports ...

Carl Kasell's Life in Broadcasting

bcain@apr.org — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

NPR Newscaster Carl Kasell speaks with Morning Edition host Brandon Hollingsworth about his six decades in radio, what NPR was like in the early days and what he plans to do now that he can sleep a little later in the day.

Math and Science Program Changes How Students Learn

bcain@apr.org — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

An educational program is revolutionizing the way students are learning math and science across the state. Alabama Public Radio reporter Alisa Beckwith-Ayilliath takes a look at how the AMSTI program is changing how students feel about math and science.

Northrop Could Drop Air Tanker Bid

bcain@apr.org — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The battle over a 35-billion dollar contract to build the Air Force's next generation of air refueling tankers could soon be coming to an abrupt close, and that would be bad news for economic development in Mobile and the Gulf Coast. Alabama Public Radio's Brett Tannehill reports ...

Children Are Not Goats - commentary by Karthryn Tucker Windham

bcain@apr.org — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Commentator Kathryn Tucker Windham rarely takes to the soapbox, but occasionally says she's been inspired to speak out on important issues ... no sugar in the cornbread ... the importance of naps ... and the impact of comparing children to baby goats ....

Holiday Season Renews H1N1 Vaccination Debate

bcain@apr.org — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Beginning this week the majority of Alabama schools will have clinics to distribute the H1N1 vaccine. Parents throughout the state will have to make the decision to get their child vaccinated. Alabama Public Radio's Ryan Vasquez has a report on why getting vaccinated is not just considered good for you but everyone else as well.

Old Sayings Forgotten - commentary Kathryn Tucker Windham

bcain@apr.org — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Many of you will spend some time this Thanksgiving weekend in the company of family and friends you haven't seen in a while. Commentator Kathryn Tucker Windham says it's the perfect time to brush up on your knowledge of "Old Sayings Forgotten" ...

'Splendid Table' Crew Feasts on 'Turkey Confidential'

bcain@apr.org — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Lynne Rosetto Kasper is the host of American Public Media's The Splendid Table. Sally Swift is the show's executive producer. For the fifth year, they're teaming up to answer cooks' last-minute questions on Turkey Confidential. Swift and Kasper joined Morning Edition host Brandon Hollingsworth from APM studios in St. Paul.

Fighting Cancer With Charity

bcain@apr.org — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

As lawmakers in Washington continue to battle of health care reform, some people face life threatening illnesses with no way to pay for medical treatment. For them, survival sometimes comes depends on charity from doctors and hospitals. Alabama Public Radio's Brett Tannehill reports ...

Electronic Prescriptions Ahead for Medicare Part D Patients

bcain@apr.org — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Alabama doctors may soon be giving out prescriptions with a computer instead of a prescription pad. The change affects patients covered by Medicare Part D. The federal government has given doctor's offices to 2012 to make the change. Even though the plan is expected to save Medicare millions of dollars each year, there are concerns over privacy and set up costs. Reporter Alisa Beckwith-Ayilliath has more.

Old Timey Health Insurance - commentary Kathryn Tucker Windham

bcain@apr.org — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Many of you have been following the debate and discussion over efforts to make changes to the nation's health care system. Commentator Kathryn Tucker Windham has been paying attention and remembers a radically different method used to pay for medical treatment ...

Improving Quality of Life for Injured Vets

bcain@apr.org — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

The Quality of Life Plus Program is a charity that helps injured military and first responders improve the quality of their lives. Alabama Public Radio's Ryan Vasquez had a chance to speak with director of advancement Phil Kiver about the benefits and challenges of such a charity.

Obama Day Strives For Change

bcain@apr.org — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Perry County wrapped up its first Barack Obama holiday this week. The celebration was marked by several events, including a parade through downtown Marion. Alabama Public Radio's Brett Tannehill was at Monday's (11/09/09) parade, talking with people in the crowd about the past and the future. He files this story ...

Preparing For Tropical Storm Ida

bcain@apr.org — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Tropical Storm Ida was downgraded from a Hurricane earlier today (11-09-09) but the storm continues to churn in the Gulf of Mexico. I had a chance to speak with National Weather Service meteorologist Jason Beaman in Mobile about what to expect when Ida makes landfall.

Alabama Nursing Home Changes the Face of Long Term Elderly Care

bcain@apr.org — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

These days the debate about healthcare reform goes much farther than health insurance coverage or premiums. The future of long term health care for the elderly has also been a big part of the discussion. In Birmingham, a new facility is on the path of setting an example of how quality long term healthcare reform can take place without a huge price tag. Reporter Alisa Beckwith-Ayilliath has more.

Happy Birthday, "Morning Edition"!

bcain@apr.org — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Thirty years ago today, Morning Edition debuted on National Public Radio. Brandon Hollingsworth is only the latest member of the dawn patrol, and he put together a special audio birthday card for the show. Help celebrate our birthday with historic clips and memories from Bob Edwards, Sam Hendren and Dale Owen. When you're done, check out our slideshow chronicling Morning Edition at APR through the years.

Twittering the Larry Langford Trial

bcain@apr.org — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

One unusual component of recent Larry Langford corruption trial was the presence of the online phenomena, Twitter. Tweets, or messages, flew from inside the courtroom to the outside world by the thousands. But do the blips and blurbs accurately tell the story? Twitter was allowed inside the courtroom, but recorders are not, so Alabama Public Radio's Brett Tannehill went outside to gather thoughts on the matter. He files this report ...

The Tale of David Lang - commentary Kathryn Tucker Windham

bcain@apr.org — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Halloween is upon and what would this time of year be without a ghost tale from our favorite storyteller Kathryn Tucker Windham. Brace yourself for the 'true' tale of David Lang ...

Larry Langford Guilty On All Counts

bcain@apr.org — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Jury deliberations lasted less than two hours in the corruption case of former Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford. Langford was convicted on 60 counts of using his position as Jefferson County Commission president to steer county banking business to friends. In return, he received more than 230-thousand dollars in cash, jewelry, expensive clothes and other items. Alabama Public Radio's Brett Tannehill reports ...

Swine Flu Vaccine Gets Mixed Reactions In Ala.

bcain@apr.org — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Last Friday (10-23-09), President Obama declared a national emergency to deal with the H-1-N-1 flu virus. The virus is different from seasonal flu in that it seems to affect younger age groups at disproportionately high rates. As the nasal vaccine for H-1-N-1 begins to arrive in the state, the question remains if college-aged Alabamians are getting vaccinated. Alabama Public Radio's Ryan Vasquez has this report.

"Old Timey Cooking" commentary Kathryn Tucker Windham

bcain@apr.org — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

It's probably a safe bet most of us have never tried to cook anything using a wood stove. But commentator and master storyteller Kathryn Tucker Windham says she remembers those days quite well ...