Author: WAKA Action 8 News

Terrell Owens, Randy Moss join other ex-NFL and NBA stars in Charity Basketball Game

Alumni from Alex City and Central-Coosa High Schools were at the ASU Acadome today for the third annual Charity Basketball Game. Fans were able to get autographs, take pictures, and see some explosive basketball from a few ex NFL and NBA stars. Men and Women from both schools participated. The two are only a few miles apart, they know one…

Alabama Girl Honored For Role in Saving Grandmother

ATMORE, Ala. (AP) – An 8-year-old south Alabama girl is being honored for her role in helping save the life of her grandmother. Sheriff’s officials in Escambia County say second-grader Kenleigh Madison was with her grandmother in Atmore when the woman’s breathing machine stopped working. She has emphysema. WPMI-TV reports the girl called 911 to get emergency crews to the…

Alabama Utility Reaches Deal for $125M Solar Project

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – A Montgomery, Alabama-based electric authority has completed a deal to develop what it says will be one of the largest solar power arrays in the state. The Alabama Municipal Electric Authority announced the agreement with Lightsource BP on Wednesday. Lightsource will finance, build and own the $125 million solar facility and deliver energy to AMEA under…

Lawmakers Approve Medical Marijuana Study Commission

Alabama lawmakers have voted to create a medical marijuana commission to draft legislation that they might consider next year. Lawmakers approved the study commission Friday after an original medical marijuana bill hit opposition. The study commission bill now goes to Gov. Kay Ivey. Republican Sen. Tim Melson of Florence has said it would be a step forward toward the goal…

Lawmakers Approve Education Budget with 4% Pay Raise

Alabama lawmakers have given final approval to an education trust fund budget that includes a 4% pay increase for K-12 teachers and other public school employees. Lawmakers gave final approval to the spending plan for the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1. The bill now goes to Gov. Kay Ivey’s desk. Ivey released the following statement, following the Legislature’s action:…

Update: Fate of State School Board in the Hands of Alabama Voters

Alabama voters will decide next year whether they want to abolish the elected state school board and replace it with an appointed commission. The House of Representatives voted 78-21 today for the proposed constitutional amendment that will go before voters next year. Alabamians will vote on the proposal on March 3, 2020. The new nine-member education commission would be appointed…

State Rep. Jimmy Martin Dies

State Rep. Jimmy Martin (R-Clanton) died this morning, Alabama News Network has confirmed. Martin represented District 42, which includes parts of Chilton and Autauga counties. He was elected in 2014, but had served previously in the Legislature from 1998 to 2010. He was the co-owner of Martin Funeral Home in Clanton. Gov. Kay Ivey released this statement: “Early this morning,…

Rod and Paula Bramblett Remembered in Memorial Service at Auburn Arena

It’s been a heartbreaking day for the Auburn University family. Hundreds gathered at Auburn Arena this afternoon to remember the lives of the Voice of the Auburn Tigers Rod Bramblett and his wife Paula. They were both killed Saturday night in a wreck in Auburn. The service was full of laughter and tears as family, friends, colleagues, coaches and athletes…

Gov. Kay Ivey Signs Bills to Expand Broadband Service

Gov. Kay Ivey has signed two pieces of legislation aimed at improving and expanding broadband services across Alabama. The bills signed Thursday specifically target rural and small communities that are often underserved by high speed internet. Ivey says it’s imperative that the state provide students, hospitals and small businesses with the high speed broadband they need to “have success in…

Alabama Lawmakers Approve Equal Pay Legislation

Alabama lawmakers have approved a pay equity bill that would prohibit businesses from paying employees less because of their gender or race. The Alabama House of Representatives voted 99-0 to give the bill final passage. If signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey, it would end Alabama’s status as one of just two states without a pay equity law. The…