Author: WAKA Action 8 News

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…

Strong to Severe Storms Possible Today

Today, rain and storms will be impacting Alabama as a low tracks east, right across Central Alabama, following the placement of the warm front which is moving north. With this track, the more warm and unstable air mass would remain over southern sections of the state and this is where the greatest threat of strong to severe storms will be…

Three Coronavirus Testing Sites Open in Macon County

After weeks of concern about the lack of  coronavirus testing in Macon County, testing facilities are finally open. On Monday ADPH performed drive through testing for residents that were pre-screened and set up appointments. By noon on  Monday, at least a half dozen test had been performed. Macon County EMA Director Frank H. Lee says officials have been pleading for…