Author: WAKA Action 8 News

SEC Cancels 2020 Spring Meetings set for Late May

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey announced Tuesday that the 2020 SEC Spring Meetings have been canceled due to issues related to the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The SEC will determine alternate methods for holding meetings important to conference operations and explore opportunities to recognize award winners who are honored at the event, which is held annually during…

Alabama Department of Transportation Employee Tests Positive for COVID-19

The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has been notified that an ALDOT employee in Jefferson County tested positive for COVID-19. This is the first confirmed case within ALDOT. Due to federal health laws, ALDOT will not release the name of the individual or their specific work location. The individual who tested positive for COVID-19 is undergoing medical care. ALDOT has…

U.S. Coronavirus Death Toll Surpasses Number of Deaths in China

The U.S. death toll from the coronavirus has climbed past 3,500, eclipsing China’s official count. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo reported Tuesday that deaths in New York state had risen more than 300 from the day before, reaching about 1,550, mostly in New York City. That puts the U.S. ahead of China’s official death toll of about 3,300. Cuomo’s brother,…

Those Without Broadband Struggle in a Stay-at-home Nation

The shutdowns of schools, workplaces and public institutions in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic is worsening the problems of the millions of people in the U.S. who can’t easily get online. While more people have been connected in recent years, tens of millions still lack access to high-speed internet because phone and cable companies hesitate to invest in far-flung…

Greenville Woman Killed in Butler County Crash

Alabama State Troopers say a Greenville woman has been killed in a one-car crash in Butler County. State troopers say 37-year-old Capricia LeeAnn Jackson was killed when her car hit a tree off Alabama Highway 185, about five miles south of Greenville. The wreck happened just before 6:30 p.m. last night. Investigators say Jackson was taken to the hospital where…

Troy University Makes Summer Class Changes; Postpones Spring Commencement

Troy University has announced more changes as it works to protect students and others on campus from the coronavirus pandemic. In a statement, Troy University says in-class offerings for the summer semester will be suspended. All classes for summer will be offered online or via alternate delivery methods starting May 26.   Alternative-delivery classes for spring will continue for the rest…

Gov. Ivey Awards Grants Totaling Over $9.5 Million to Provide High-Speed Internet Access to Numerous Alabama Communities

Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded 20 grants totaling more than $9.5 million to provide high-speed internet access to numerous communities throughout Alabama.   The grants, part of the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund, were awarded to nine broadband providers to fund multiple projects in their coverage areas.   “Availability of high-speed internet has always been vital, but the events of the…

Parents Concerned COVID-19 Related School Shutdowns Leave Disabled Students Behind

Schools across the U.S. are scrambling to find new ways to provide remote instruction to students with disabilities as instruction moves online amid the coronavirus pandemic. Schools are creating online lessons and looking for ways to provide physical therapy over video conference. But some schools say parents ultimately will have to play a big part in their children’s schooling. The…

Local Storm Shelters Open for Severe Weather

Here is a list of storm shelters in the area.   Elmore County Shelters: Elmore County Courthouse – Downtown Tallassee City Hall Tallassee Police Department Deatsville Volunteer Fire Department Town of Elmore Fire Station 2 Town of Elmore – Penny Parkway Town of Elmore – 1245 AL Hwy 143 Millbrook Baptist First Baptist Church – Eclectic Eclectic Police Station St….

CONFIRMED: ADPH Investigation Reveals Montgomery County Resident Died of COVID-19

The Alabama Department of Public Health has now confirmed that a Montgomery County resident died from COVID-19. Monday,  Alabama News Network learned that a person in Montgomery County who contracted the virus had died, according to the Montgomery County EMA. An ADPH investigation now reveals that COVID-19 was the primary cause of death. Tuesday, the Alabama Department of Public Health…