WUAL NewsRoom

Electronic Prescriptions Ahead for Medicare Part D Patients

Tuscaloosa, Alabama (2009-11-19) 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

Selma AL (2009-11-13) 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

Tuscaloosa, AL (2009-11-12) 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

Marion, AL (2009-11-10) 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

Tuscaloosa, AL (2009-11-09) 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

Tuscaloosa, Alabama (2009-11-05) 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"!

Tuscaloosa, AL (2009-11-05) 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

Tuscaloosa AL (2009-10-29) 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

Selma AL (2009-10-29) 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

Tuscaloosa AL (2009-10-29) 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.

Tuscaloosa, AL (2009-10-27) 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.

"Soup Weather" commentary by Kathryn Tucker Windham

Selma AL (2009-10-09) The weather is getting cooler as Alabama moves deeper in the Fall season. Storyteller Kathryn Tucker Windham says that has her taste buds tingling ...

"Old Timey Cooking" commentary Kathryn Tucker Windham

Selma AL (2009-10-02) 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

Selma AL (2009-09-30) 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

Tuscaloosa, Alabama (2009-09-29) 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

Tuscaloosa AL (2009-09-23) 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?

Tuscaloosa, AL (2009-09-18) 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

Tuscaloosa, AL (2009-09-15) 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

Tuscaloosa, AL (2009-09-10) 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

Tuscaloosa, AL (2009-09-10) 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.