Author: WAKA Action 8 News

Former Jailer Pleads Guilty to Lacing Prisoners’ Cigarettes

DECATUR, Ala. (AP) – A one-time Alabama jailer accused of sickening inmates by lacing their cigarettes with self-defense spray has pleaded guilty to assault charges. News outlets report former Morgan County corrections officer Jaylend Edward Handley pleaded guilty Wednesday to four counts of third-degree assault. Handley was ordered to pay $2,000 in fines and sentenced to 180 days in jail,…

Hubbard Defense Reiterates Apology by Former Alabama Speaker

OPELIKA, Ala. (AP) – Former Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard is again asking a judge for an early release from prison. Attorneys for the former Republican leader say he really is sorry for what he did and isn’t a danger to society. They made the argument in a court document seeking Hubbard’s early release after serving more than a year…

Billions in Environmental Justice Funds Hang in the Balance

Tens of billions of dollars for U.S. environmental justice initiatives originally proposed by Democratic leaders in a $3.5 trillion domestic spending package now hang in the balance as they decide how to trim the bill to $2 trillion. Investments in the Build Back Better plan included expanding access to solar power in low-income communities, lead pipe replacement and cleanup of…

Alabama Man Convicted in 2018 Slaying of Friend

CULLMAN, Ala. (AP) – An Alabama jury has convicted a man in the gunshot killing of a friend whose 2018 slaying was covered up for weeks before relatives and authorities realized he was dead. News outlets report 23-year-old Andrew Jacob Maresh was convicted of murder Thursday in the death of Daniel Ray Osborn II of Hartselle. A prosecutor says he…

Alabama Native Charged in Jan. 6 Insurrection Denied Release

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – An Alabama native whom a judge alleged was “leading the charge” during the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol was denied release Thursday in an Alaska courtroom while his case proceeds. Christian Matthew Manley then waived his right to preliminary trial and asked that he be immediately transferred to the U.S. District Court for the…