Author: WAKA Action 8 News

Truck Stolen from Wetumpka Walmart Parking Lot, Authorities Searching for Suspect

The Wetumpka Police Department is searching for the location of two unknown males wanted in reference to an  Auto Theft investigation. On August 7, around 2:40pm, a 2010 White Explorer Sport Trac was stolen from Walmart parking lot in the 4500 Block of US Highway 231. Investigators described the auto theft suspect as a tall black male, wearing a red…

Troy University Experiences 40 COVID-19 Cases in Last 14 Days

On Wednesday, Aug. 12, Troy University officials were made aware of two confirmed cases involving students who are residents of on-campus residence halls – one from Newman Hall 100 and one from Rushing Hall. The students are currently in quarantine off campus. JUST IN: Here’s a list of @TROYUnews confirmed Coronavirus cases, via the university’s website. Anyone who tests positive…

Judge in Case Against Johnston Taylor Recuses Himself

Photo from Lee Co. Sheriff’s Office On Wednesday, August 12, we announced that a lawyer for Johnston Taylor, filed a motion asking for the judge in the case to recuse himself. Taylor charged with the death of Auburn announcer Rod Bramblett and his wife Paula, faces manslaughter charges. On Thursday, August 13, Circuit Judge Jacob Walker granted the motion to…

Officials: Backlogged Data Led to Spike in COVID-19 Cases

Alabama counties saw a large increase in coronavirus cases earlier this week because of backlogged data. Officials from the Alabama Department of Public Health as saying that the high one or two-day increases seen in some counties were due to new testing facilities not reporting information regularly to the agency. The agency says it has “long-term reporting relationships” with many…

Auburn Requiring Students Self-Screen Beginning August 17

Auburn has partnered with institutions across the state to implement the GuideSafeâ„¢ platform, one of many university efforts designed to facilitate a safe and healthy return to campus and reduce the transmission of COVID-19. An integral component of A Healthier U, Auburn’s plan for fall reentry, the GuideSafeâ„¢ platform includes entry testing for all students returning to college campuses, a daily…

Montgomery Investing $500,000 to Repair Three Long-Neglected Community Centers

Funding has been made available to begin extensive repair work at three long neglected Montgomery community centers. Under the leadership of Mayor Steven L. Reed, the City of Montgomery will invest more than half a million dollars into the three facilities with the most substantial longstanding issues, Capitol Heights, Houston Hill and McIntyre Community Centers, answering the call to shore…

Gov. Ivey Announces Mazda Toyota Manufacturing to Boost Alabama Investment by $830 Million

Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday announced that Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM), the joint venture between automakers Mazda Motor Corp. and Toyota Motor Corp., plans to make an additional $830 million investment to incorporate new cutting-edge manufacturing technologies to its production lines and provide enhanced training to its workforce of up to 4,000 employees. “Toyota’s presence in Alabama continues to build…

Gov. Ivey Awards $800,000 Grant to Increase State Trooper Presence on Alabama Highways

Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded an $800,000 grant to increase the presence of state troopers on Alabama’s highways and improve highway safety. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency will use the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program funds for year-round patrols to enforce traffic speeds and take dangerous drivers off the roads. “My desire is that all drivers on Alabama roads obey our…

WANTED: Police Say Three Men Scammed Millbrook Wal-Mart Out of Several Thousand Dollars Worth of Merchandise

The Millbrook Police Department released photos of unknown males wanted in reference to a Theft By Deception investigation. On June 24, three unknown males entered Wal-Mart in Millbrook and scammed the cashier out of several thousands of dollars’ worth of merchandise. They were possibly driving a new model (2019-2020) Toyota Camry, Silver in color. Investigators are hoping that someone will…

What the Tech? Shop for Cheap Tablets and Phones

Could a student use a tablet instead of a laptop for school? That’s a question I’m hearing frequently now that elementary, middle, and high school kids will be going to school from home and attending classes virtually. Buying every student in your house a new laptop will cost hundreds if not thousands of dollars (depending on how many kids you…