Author: WAKA Action 8 News

21 Tornadoes Hit Alabama Easter Sunday, More Expected Sunday

The National Weather Service says more than 100 tornadoes struck the South in a two-day outbreak that killed more than 30 people. Forecast teams checking for damage found 105 storm tracks that totaled more than 770 miles in all. The worst storm was a EF-4 tornado that was on the ground for nearly 68 miles and claimed seven lives in…

Picture Perfect Thursday; Storm Threat Sunday

Today is another sun-filled day, and after the chilly start, highs will should surge into the mid 70s. Tonight will be clear and chilly again, with lows in the upper 40s. FRIDAY/SATURDAY: The high pressure will slide east of the state by the end of the week, which will allow our winds to switch from the south, which will allow…

UPDATE: Fire That Killed 8 at Alabama Marina Ruled Accidental

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP)- UPDATE: Investigators have determined that a fire that killed eight people at an Alabama marina earlier this year was an accident. Scottsboro Fire Chief Gene Necklaus said in an email Wednesday that the blaze originated on one boat at Jackson County Park Marina. Necklaus says it was an accident, but state investigators couldn’t determine an exact cause….

Congresswoman Sewell Announces $21 Million Funding for Alabama Airports

Congresswoman Terry Sewell announced today that more than $21 million will go to funding airports in Alabama’s 7th congressional district, this comes as part of the CARES Act which is Congress’third COVID-19 response bill. The CARES Act, allocated $10 billion to airports across the country, with no local match required, to help mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis….

Gold’s Gym to Permanently Close about 30 Gyms, Including All in Alabama

Gold’s Gym has announced that it will be permanently closing about 30 gyms, including all locations in Alabama. The gyms had already been closed because of COVID-19. The company said on Facebook: “While the COVID-19-related closures have caused us to reassess the viability of some company-owned locations and make the difficult decision to permanently close about 30 gyms, we know…

What the Tech? Some Zoom Usernames and Passwords Have Been Stolen

Zoom is one of the big tech stories of the coronavirus pandemic. Over 2 million have people signed up since January. It’s being used by teachers for schoolwork, for business meetings, and families staying in touch. But trolls are bombing many of those meetings, using foul language and displaying pornographic images. How are these trolls gaining access to Zoom meetings…

What the Tech? Apple and Google Plan to Track People with COVID-19

Apple and Google have a plan to help flatten the curve of the spread of the Coronavirus, but it is raising issues about privacy and security. This plan uses the Bluetooth on your phone and everyone else’s device. If you, or more specifically your phone comes in close proximity with someone tests positive for Covid-19, you’ll be notified. Here’s how…

Re-Opening Alabama’s Economy

The latest models suggest that Alabama will reach the peak of Coronavirus infections sometime near April 22nd. With that in mind many people are already asking the question when will restrictions be lifted and the economy re-opened. With the peak of the virus comes a peak in the need for PPE equipment for medical professionals. Between April 2nd and 14th,…