Author: WAKA Action 8 News

Department of Labor Responding to New Legislation Extending Unemployment Compensation Benefits

The Alabama Department of Labor is currently reviewing the CARES Act unemployment extension provisions contained in H.R. 133. The resolution has been passed by both houses of Congress and now awaits the president’s signature. “These provisions will bring additional unemployment compensation to tens of thousands of Alabamians,” said Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington. “This much needed relief will…

Find Out What What Tips ALEA is Offering for Driving in Winter Weather

Alabama may not have a white Christmas, but its bridges and roadways could become icy later this holiday week, with forecasts calling for freezing precipitation, particularly Thursday, December 24, and into Friday, December 25. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) urges motorists planning to travel this week to be prepared for hazardous road conditions, in addition to the typical heavier-than-normal…

More Than 300,000 Alabamians Fall into Category to Receive First Phase of COVID-19 Vaccine

The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) follows the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) guidance regarding administration of COVID-19 vaccine.   In this first phase of vaccination, Phase 1A, the critical infrastructure workforce is identified as frontline health workers, including clinical and nonclinical workers in hospitals, nursing homes or those providing in-home or mental health care directly, and emergency…

Aubrey Blackwell Accepts Job at Benjamin Russell, Montgomery Catholic Searches for New Coach

The Class 3A state champion runner-up, the Montgomery Catholic Knights, are searching for a new head football coach. Montgomery Catholic announced that head coach Aubrey Blackwell is leaving the program to accept another coaching job. Montgomery Catholic announced on their Facebook page that Blackwell has accepted the head coach at Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City. Blackwell began his…

Montgomery Fire/Rescue Donates Gifts to Family of Nine Kids with Missing Mother

A Montgomery woman has taken in her missing sister’s eight children and the youngest child of another sister battling drug addiction. Kawonna Abner now has nine nieces and nephews in her custody. On Tuesday, December 21, the Montgomery Fire Department decided to pitch in a help her out this holiday season. Firefighters delivered gifts to the nine kids and set…

Selma Police Investigating Sunday Morning Murder-Suicide

Selma police are investigating a murder-suicide following a weekend shooting in the city. Sergeant Ray Blanks says the incident happened in the 200 block of Water Avenue early Sunday, December 20. Police found a man and woman both at the house with fatal gunshot wounds. Police identified the man as 27-year-old DaMarious Towns, and the woman as 25-year-old Shakeria Johnson….

Congress Approves $900B COVID Relief Bill, Sending to Trump

WASHINGTON (AP) – Congress has easily passed a $900 billion pandemic relief package. It promises to deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths. Lawmakers tacked on a $1.4 trillion catchall spending bill and thousands of pages of other end-of-session business to create a massive bundle…

Mild Days Ahead; Rain/Storms Christmas Eve

Today and tomorrow the weather will be dry, with more sun than clouds, and temperatures in the low to mid 60s today with upper 60s tomorrow. CHRISTMAS EVE FRONT: Through the day tomorrow, clouds will begin to increase ahead of an approaching cold front that will come blasting through the state early Christmas Eve. Rain and storms are expected very…

Gov. Kay Ivey Gets COVID Vaccine, Calls It “A Safe Thing to Do”

Photo from Office of Gov. Kay Ivey/Hal Yeager Gov. Kay Ivey has become one of the first governors to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. She received the first of the two-shot Pfizer vaccine at a Montgomery hospital on Monday, a move aimed at building public confidence in the vaccines. State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris also received the vaccine. Two top…