APR News 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 ...

Selma's First African-American Fireman Retires

bcain@apr.org — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Selma fire chief Henry Allen is retiring from his post today after 37 years on the job. Back in 1972, Allen became the city's first African-American firefighter before working his way to the top of the ranks. Alabama Public Radio's Brett Tannehill reports ...

Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Hosts National Exhibit

bcain@apr.org — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The Birmingham Civil Rights Institute is hosting the Freedom Sisters Exhibit which features the stories of 20 African American women who have made an impact on American history. The exhibit is part of the Smithsonian Institutes Traveling Exhibition Services. Alabama Public Radio's Alisa Beckwith Ayilliath reports.

Literacy Groups Hope To Expand

bcain@apr.org — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

It may seem hard to believe ... but one in four Alabamians function at the lowest level of literacy. An annual conference in Tuscaloosa celebrating International Literacy Day is trying to change that by encouraging people to team up. Alabama Public Radio's Brett Tannehill reports ...

Is Alabama an Example of What's Wrong with Health Insurance?

bcain@apr.org — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

In his address to Congress last week. President Obama singled out Alabama as a state where health insurance reform is needed. It was the only state he mentioned by name. Is Alabama the poster child of health insurance market problems? APR's news staff runs a fact-check on the president's claims.

Feral Pigs In Alabama

bcain@apr.org — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

About five hundred years ago, European explorers brought the first pigs to North America as a steady food source. Few could have imagined how well they would adapt. Now, after many years of silence, one of the most destructive vertebrates in North America is taking center stage in Alabama. APR's Daniel Cherry has this report.

American Heroes Memorial In Tuscaloosa

bcain@apr.org — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Captain Ron Luce, Sergeant Jerry Evans Jr., Staff Sergeant Joshua Rath these are just three of the soldiers from Alabama killed in action in Afghanistan and Iraq in the past year. The tragedy that sparked America's involvement in these wars observes its 8th anniversary tomorrow. Alabama Public Radio's Ryan Vasquez had a chance to speak to the organizers of an event that remembers September 11th and Alabamians serving overseas.

Birmingham Barons Headed to Minor League Playoffs

bcain@apr.org — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Ever Magallanes, the manager of the Birmingham Barons, talks with Morning Edition host Brandon Hollingsworth about the team's season, a history-making win record and the team's outlook on Southern League playoffs.

Alabama Disaster Response Team Helps California Firefighters

bcain@apr.org — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Firefighters are slowly gaining ground in Southern California, where massive blazes continue just north of Los Angeles. A team of seven disaster response officials from Alabama is preparing to head home after spending a week assisting local firefighters and learning new ways to combat wildfires in the Deep South.

Tri State Showdown pt 4 - A Warning from Orme

bcain@apr.org — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

We've been taking an in-depth look at the water dispute between Alabama, Florida, and Georgia. Our series concludes with a warning from the tiny town of Orme (Orm), Tennessee, just across from the North Eastern Alabama border. The town ran out of water two years ago. And as Georgia Public Broadcasting's John Sepulvado reports, the residents say it's a sign of bigger water problems for the Southeast ...

Tri State Showdown pt 3 - Lake Lanier

bcain@apr.org — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The state of Georgia has three years to get congressional approval to use Lake Lanier as a drinking water source for metro Atlanta. Recently, some politicians and environmentalists have suggested metro Atlanta turn to sources other than the Chattahoochee River for water. But as Georgia Public Broadcasting's John Sepulvado reports, there are four reasons why Lake Lanier is the only answer for metro Atlanta's water woes ...

Presidential Math And Science Winner: Melinda Storey

bcain@apr.org — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

One of the most prestigious teaching awards in the field of math and science is the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. Two Alabama teachers were recently named as 2008 winners. Reporter Alisa Beckwith-Ayilliath recently spoke with honoree Melinda Storey, a teacher at Mountain Brook Elementary School.

Tri State Showdown pt 2 - Eufaula

bcain@apr.org — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

In part one of this series, we met a Florida oysterman who wants to protect the future of Apalachichola Bay. A little ways upstream, the state of Alabama is also looking to the future and hopes the middle section of the A-C-F basin can fulfill one of its original intended functions as a commercial shipping channel. Alabama Public Radio's Brett Tannehill reports ...

Tri State Showdown pt 1 - Apalachicola

bcain@apr.org — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The 19-year court battle among Florida, Georgia and Alabama over the river system they share has flared up again. Last month, a federal judge gave Georgia three years to get Congressional approval or lose Atlanta's main water source. But Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue vows to fight the ruling, and for those at the other end of the river system, the judge's deadline may come too late. In the first of a four part series on this issue, Florida Public Radio's Margie Menzel reports ...

University Of Alabama Prepares For Flu Season

bcain@apr.org — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Schools and universities alike are gearing up to fight regular and swine flu. Reports have surfaced of a case of swine flu on the campus of the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Pat Sanders from our University of North Alabama Bureau spoke with a U-A media relations spokesperson Shane Dorrill.

Old-Timey Flowers Remembered - commentary Kathryn Tucker Windham

bcain@apr.org — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Can you remember the flowers of your childhood? Storyteller Kathryn Tucker Windham can, and wonders what happened to some of her favorites ...

UNA's "Green Campus" Initiative

bcain@apr.org — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

As part of a federal initative, a number of organizations and communities have set goals to become more energy efficient. One Alabama university campus has been given funding to help it achieve that goal. APR's University of North Alabama bureau chief Pat Sanders reports.

NASA's Chandra Observatory Marks a Decade in Orbit

bcain@apr.org — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

You're probably familiar with spectacular images from the Hubble Space Telescope. But it's not the only set of eyes patrolling the heavens. The Chandra X-Ray Observatory has been sending back pictures just as colorful and informative as those from Hubble, and this week, it celebrated its tenth anniversary in orbit. Morning Edition host Brandon Hollingsworth speaks with an astronomer who works on the Chandra project.

"Taylor's Law" Places New Rules on License Eligibility

bcain@apr.org — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

A new state law means a teen's behavior in school could determine when they can apply for a learner's permit or driver's license. University of North Alabama bureau chief Pat Sanders has the story.

A Conversation With Congressman Spencer Bachus About Health Care

bcain@apr.org — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Many Congressmen have returned to their respective states to discuss health care reform in town hall meetings and have been met with a mix of questions and anger. Alabama Public Radio's Ryan Vasquez spoke with Congressman Spencer Bachus, who held a town hall meeting last night (08/17/09) in Birmingham, about how the meeting went and where he stands on health care.

Promethean Boards Change The Face of Learning

bcain@apr.org — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Students at Arcadia Elementary held an end of the year kickball contest that pitted the teachers against the outgoing fifth graders. The game was just about more than friendly competition. It was also a fundraiser to buy a piece of technology that is changing the way students learn. Alabama Public Radio's Alisa Beckwith-Ayilliath reports

Governor Bob Riley Talks Tri State - interview

bcain@apr.org — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

A recent court ruling struck down Georgia's use of Lake Lanier as the drinking water supply for metro-Atlanta ... and that has triggered a number of spirited remarks from Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue regarding the Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint river basin. The three states are heading back to the negotiating table with a three year deadline of putting this long running dispute to rest. Alabama Public Radio's Brett Tannehill sat down recently with Governor Bob Riley ...

The Capital Case of Bridget Lee - part 4

bcain@apr.org — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

We've been investigating the capital murder case of Pickens County resident Bridget Lee - a troubled mother wrongly accused of killing her unborn baby based on what the court later ruled was a faulty autopsy. Our series concludes as we hear what's changed for Ms. Lee, and for the state of Alabama. Alabama Public Radio's Brett Tannehill reports ...

The Capital Case of Bridget Lee - part 3

bcain@apr.org — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

In a 4-part series, we've been investigating the capital murder case of Pickens County resident Bridget Lee. In that case, a controversial autopsy accused Lee of smothering her newborn baby. In part 2, we focused on what went wrong with the case. Next, we'll hear what went right, and how the Lee case highlights a critical need for poor defendants. Alabama Public Radio's Brett Tannehill reports ...

The Capital Case of Bridget Lee - part 2

bcain@apr.org — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Pickens County resident Bridget Lee was facing a capital murder charge and spent nearly three years in confinement following a critical mistake made with the autopsy of her stillborn child. We're exploring her case in a four-part series. In part two, we'll take a closer look at what went wrong. Alabama Public Radio's Brett Tannehill reports ...

The Capital Case of Bridget Lee - part 1

bcain@apr.org — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The capital murder case of a Pickens County resident made a major impact on Alabama's legal landscape earlier this year. A controversial autopsy conducted on Bridget Lee's newborn baby landed her on the verge of a capital murder conviction. In this 4-part series, we'll take a closer look at what happened, why and how the case changed the way homicides are handled in Alabama. Alabama Public Radio's Brett Tannehill has the story ..

Alabama Public Radio Goes To Camp Seale Harris

bcain@apr.org — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The State Department of Public Health says ten percent of Alabama's diabetics have Type 1. Whereas Type 2 diabetics produce insulin and aren't able to utilize it properly, a Type 1 diabetics pancreas does not make insulin at all. This disease can be hard to deal with physically and emotionally, and there is no cure. However, there is a place, right here in Alabama, where healing begins. APR's Susan Jones has the story.

Coal Ash Raises Concern in Perry County

bcain@apr.org — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The Tennessee Valley Authority has begun to ship millions of pounds of toxic coal ash to a landfill in Alabama. But it's not without controversy. The 1-point-2 billion dollar clean-up effort began after the big spill last December in Kingston, Tennessee. Now, claims of environmental racism have cropped up in the predominantly African-American community in Alabama where the coal ash is headed. Brett Tannehill of Alabama Public Radio reports ...

Florence Program Tackles Drop Out Rate

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

The dropout rate in school is always an issue. But a new program in Florence called 12 For Life hopes to slow the dropout rate, but also prevent it all together. From our University of North Alabama bureau, Pat Sanders reports ...